Loyola held its second annual WellFest in McGuire Hall on Sept.17, giving students the opportunity to define the meaning of wellness in their lives as college students.
Students and staff bustled through the event, which was filled with tables of various on campus resources, therapy dogs, and games. Visitors were encouraged to check out each resource to learn about all the services Loyola offers.
WellFest aims to support students in their journey of balancing wellbeing with academics. The event aims to embody the Jesuit idea of Cura Personalis, or care for the whole person.
The wellness event was created by Assistant Vice President of Student Well Being Jason Parcover to help students unwind and embrace a healthy lifestyle.
“College life can be stressful, with exams, social pressures, and the general hustle of academic life. Starting Wellfest could provide students with an opportunity to learn about the various support services that are available on campus as well as slow down, practice self-care, and engage with others in a fun, low-pressure way,” Parcover said.
Administrative Assistant for the McCauley Women’s Center and the Office of Student Support and Wellness Promotion Grace McCarty shared her opinion of the value of wellness in students’ lives.
“Wellness is really important because, as a college student, you are pulled in so many directions. It is essential to remember that you are a person outside of a student. Events like these allow you to take time for yourself and hear about the resources on campus that can help you feel better about yourself,” McCarty said.
The Women’s Center hosted a variety of activities such as a prayer labyrinth, cornhole, and hopscotch to give students a break from their hectic schedules.
Therapy dogs, which are proven to reduce stress and anxiety, performed tricks and brought smiles to students.
Sydney Logozzo ‘26, who attended WellFest, shared that she enjoys the plethora of wellness resources that Loyola offers.
“It [helps] a lot to have resources, even if it’s super low-commitment like going to the counseling-center, going on a hike, and fostering a sense of wellness for yourself. Because, wherever you are, it is good to recognize there’s always room to grow and so many resources to help you,” Logozzo said.
Not only did Wellfest have resources from departments that specialize in physical wellness, such as the Health Center and Outdoor Adventure Experience, but it also provided resources from departments that cater to students’ spiritual and mental health.
Mary Jo Baetzold ‘27 shared that her relationship to spirituality has had an impact on her wellness.
“I try my best to balance wellness while being a student, making sure I have time to be alone and to reflect. I like to take time to journal, read my Bible, and to take time for myself to be quiet so that I’m always caring for my well-being,” Baetzold said.
WellFest gave students the chance to explore wellness on campus, highlighting the importance of balancing student life with cultivating everyday wellness habits.