麻豆传媒视频

By Mary Daily

Wellness at Mount Saint Mary’s University is a way of being — shaped by a century-old commitment to educating the whole person and carried forward through a campuswide movement rooted in care, belonging and purpose.

The new Michael A. Enright Wellness Pavilion stands as the most visible expression of that commitment. Opened last fall on the Chalon Campus, the Pavilion brings together physical activity, learning, support and community in one bright, welcoming hub. But its significance reaches beyond its walls. It reflects a broader vision: a campus where students feel supported, inspired and equipped to reach their highest potential.

A holistic vision, a century in the making

The University’s founders, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, believed deeply in nurturing mind, body and spirit, creating an environment where well-being was shared and everyone could thrive.

That philosophy continues to guide the University today. “Caring for our students’ well-being is part of our mission,” says President Ann McElaney-Johnson. “It is our responsibility to help students build healthy habits that sustain them through college and throughout their lives. Mount graduates need a strong foundation of well-being to lead and succeed in their chosen fields.”

Research reinforces that connection. Studies from the National Institutes of Health show that student well-being is directly tied to academic engagement and achievement. When students are supported physically, mentally and emotionally, they are better positioned to succeed academically and beyond. At the Mount, wellness is understood as a catalyst for growth and success.

Listening to students, building a movement

That understanding took on renewed urgency a decade ago, when a campuswide wellness assessment revealed that nearly two-thirds of Mount students identified themselves as “unhealthy.” University leaders responded by listening closely and taking action.

What followed was the launch of a comprehensive Wellness Movement, one that expanded access to education, resources and opportunities for growth. Farmers markets, new physical activity offerings and wellness programming began to reshape daily life on campus. At the same time, the University laid the groundwork for a long-term investment that would anchor this movement for generations to come.

A state-of-the-art facility

Planning soon began for a transformational addition to the Chalon Campus: a 32,000-square-foot center that would physically embody and invigorate the University’s commitment to wellness.

Realizing that vision required extraordinary generosity. Nearly $40 million was raised through the support of alumnae, donors and friends of the University, including a $15 million challenge grant from the Thomas and Dorothy Leavey Foundation in honor of Trustee Emeritus Michael A. Enright. Their investment reflects confidence not only in Mount students, but in the University’s belief that wellness shapes healthier professionals and strengthens communities. Because of this generosity, students now have daily access to spaces and programming that promotes health, belonging and the capacity to succeed academically.

The first new construction at Chalon in more than four decades, the Wellness Pavilion completes the campus’ holistic approach to well-being, offering students the resources they need to live healthy, active lives. More than a fitness facility, it is a space intentionally designed to foster movement, connection, reflection and care.

Wellness in daily practice

Students already feel the benefit. Third-year mathematics major Jennifer Gonzalez shared that her health habits “have improved 100%” since the Pavilion opened. Whether swimming laps, joining a fitness class or studying between workouts, time in the facility has become essential to her routine. “It helps me focus not just in class, but in everything I do,” she says.

That sentiment is echoed across campus. Amelia Mathis, director of sports, recreation and wellness, who oversees the Pavilion’s programming, has observed a noticeable shift in student energy and outlook. “Students are inspired by this space. They show up with energy, encourage each other and create a sense of community around wellness,” Mathis says.

Fourth-year business administration major Giselle Skjervem often spends time at the Wellness Pavilion between classes. With a three-hour break in her schedule, she studies in the Pavilion’s study pods, completes assignments and fits in a workout before heading back to class. “The Pavilion has become my go-to spot during breaks,” she says. “I can get my homework done, work out and de-stress during the day. It really feels designed with students’ needs in mind — somewhere you can study, relax and take care of yourself all in one space.”

More than movement

In addition to team sports, exercise classes, cardio and weight training equipment, the facility offers meditation, yoga, Pilates, boxing, cycling and self-defense. “Students can explore what wellness means for them and set a foundation they will carry long after graduation,” Mathis says, emphasizing the breadth of options available.

The Pavilion provides much more than physical fitness. It is a place to interact, build community, and feel a sense of belonging. Flexible social areas invite students to gather, collaborate and connect, while quiet study pods facilitate focus and reflection. Every detail, from the open layout to vending machines stocked with healthy snack options, reflects the University’s intention to care for the whole student. “This is where students come to reset,” Mathis explains. “It is where wellness becomes part of everyday life.”

For third-year business major Ruby Geronimo, a commuter student, the Pavilion has become her anchor between classes. She swims, studies and often socializes with classmates and meets new friends. “Coming here helps me feel like I am really part of campus life,” she says.

Mathis envisions the Pavilion as an integral part of students’ daily lives — a place to find purpose, joy and fun, and to celebrate wellness. “The Pavilion is the new heartbeat of campus,” she says. “This is the vision of what wellness looks like, a truly supportive environment.”

A network of support

That sense of care is reinforced by the people who bring the Wellness Movement to life. Alongside professional staff and instructors, trained student mentors support peers as they pursue their wellness goals. Peer Wellness Advocates, certified through the National Association for Student Affairs, focus on key areas including food insecurity, body image, substance awareness, healthy relationships and personal safety. When additional support is needed, they connect students with health professionals, counseling services or academic success coaches.

“The message is that no one has to pursue their wellness journey alone,” says Linda McMurdock, PhD, vice president of student affairs. “When students’ basic needs are met, they are better positioned to succeed academically, professionally and personally.”

An academic and community asset

The Pavilion also strengthens the Mount’s academic mission. It houses part of the Doctor of Physical Therapy program and its advanced training lab, and it will support the launch of a new bachelor’s degree in exercise science in fall 2026.

For students pursuing careers in healthcare and related fields, the Pavilion offers daily opportunities to observe and engage in wellness. For Jennifer Gonzalez, who plans to become a doctor, time at the Pavilion deepens her understanding of how to establish well-being. “Watching how people choose to move and care for themselves shapes how I hope to one day guide my own patients toward sustainable, meaningful routines,” says Jennifer.

A living vision

Designed for adaptability, the Wellness Pavilion supports educational programming, community gatherings and campus events, expanding what is possible at the Mount. More importantly, it gives the University’s Wellness Movement a physical home.

Rooted in shared values of community, inclusion, leadership, joy and purpose, wellness at the Mount is lived and celebrated every day. The Pavilion honors the vision of the University’s founders while opening new pathways for the future.

A new chapter in wellness begins at Mount Saint Mary’s, grounded in a century of care and commitment.

Alumnae Usage Policy

Alumnae who have been granted a degree from 麻豆传媒视频 are eligible to have a complimentary sports, recreation and wellness membership. Membership includes access to the Michael A. Enright Wellness Pavilion at Chalon, the Doheny Wellness Center and most Sports, Recreation and Wellness programs and services (additional fees apply for group fitness and/or personal training).

Complimentary membership is available only to the alum, and guest passes may be purchased onsite for guests. Alums can visit either wellness center to sign up for a membership. Note that some alumnae may not have their records reflected in the software available to wellness center staff and may need additional verification through the Office of Alumnae Relations.

For more information, contact Sports, Recreation and Wellness staff at srwmemberships@msmu.edu.