The Spring Wellness Fair, held on April 24 in Bowman Park, presented tabling from various student organizations to promote resources available on DePauw campus and raise awareness about holistic wellness. The fair marks the third consecutive year of this annual event, organized by DePauw's Counseling Services.
The fair featured representatives from many health-related organizations, including DePauw’s Hendricks Health Center, Counseling Services, Mental Health Peer Educators, and Mental Health America of Putnam County. These organizations provided valuable information about services available to students, including counseling and mental health support groups. Clubs such as the Minority Association of PreMed/Health Students (MAPS) and DePauw Future Medical Professionals (FuMP) joined to share helpful insights into pre-medical and pre-health professions, while the Diverse Athletes Association (DAA) and DePauw Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) advocated for athletes' mental well-being amidst the chaos of school, sports, and social life.
Arts organizations, including B4U Dance Group and DePauw Arts and Crafts Club (DACC), offered different mindfulness activities such as positive affirmations and painting. Feminista and Women's Center highlighted resources for women at DePauw. International Students Affairs tabled for diversity, equity, and inclusion. DePauw Civic Fellows and the Hartman Center for Civic Engagement also made a significant presence to highlight the importance of community service in finding a sense of community on campus and in wider Greencastle.
Social Promise DePauw was also in attendance, marking the organization’s shift towards community health. As part of the Social Promise project that aims to aid children in Uganda, Social Promise DePauw seeks to highlight local health, focusing on campaigns that directly impact the campus and surrounding community. By engaging with students and raising awareness about pressing health issues, Social Promise DePauw aims to inspire collective action and empower individuals to make a difference in their communities. The club has its next interest meeting in May, and everyone should look out for further information on their Instagram account.
In addition to exploring resources, participants enjoyed treats from Shaved Ice Truck and had popsicles, cookies, and chai lattes from different booths. Greek houses such as MSU and Zeta tabled for their philanthropies and joined many student organizations in wearing denim altogether to celebrate Denim Day, standing in solidarity with victims of sexual assault. As finals approach, this small but impactful de-stressor provided much-needed relief to students during a stressful time.
The fair was representative of the efforts that DePauw invests in the betterment of students’ well-being. Students, regardless of their interests, races, sexual orientations, or career aspirations, were able to find a community that can provide them with a sense of belonging, which constitutes their wellness in physical, emotional, spiritual, and social aspects. With each passing year, the festival has grown in both participation and impact, becoming a staple in the campus community. By providing a platform for students to access valuable resources and engage with various wellness initiatives, the festival plays an indispensable role in nurturing a culture of holistic well-being on campus.