Wellness Through Every Season: How The University of Scranton Champions Year-Round Employee Well-Being

In today’s fast-paced and high-stress world, wellness is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. For university faculty and staff who juggle a wide range of responsibilities from teaching and research to administration and mentorship, maintaining physical and mental well-being is essential for long-term success and life satisfaction. The University of Scranton has long recognized this, embedding wellness as a strategic pillar in its institutional culture. Through the ongoing work of the Center for Health Education and Wellness (CHEW), wellness is more than an occasional initiative—it’s a year-round commitment to supporting the holistic needs of every employee.

This philosophy is brought to life through carefully curated programming that aligns with the Eight Dimensions of Wellness—physical, emotional, intellectual, social, spiritual, environmental, occupational, and financial. By offering diverse, inclusive, and evolving resources that cater to the full spectrum of wellness, CHEW ensures that health and well-being are interwoven into the fabric of everyday university life.

A shining example of this commitment was the 2025 Employee Wellness Kickoff to Summer, held this past June. Despite a rainy forecast that moved the event indoors, more than 240 university employees attended, demonstrating the community’s enthusiastic embrace of wellness and connection.

Dina P. Angeloni, Program Coordinator of CHEW and the Employee Wellness Program, reflected on the event with deep appreciation:
“What really stood out this year was the overwhelming number of kind words and thank-you notes we received afterward,” she said. “Faculty and staff were so grateful to have a chance to take a break during the workday, reconnect with colleagues, and focus on their own well-being. It was truly heartwarming and made all the behind-the-scenes work worthwhile.”

This year’s kickoff was one of the most interactive and varied yet. With 15 health and wellness information tables staffed by a blend of university departments and community partners—including the Alzheimer’s Association, Penn State Extension, Hospice of the Sacred Heart, and ShopRite Pharmacy—the event provided a wide array of educational materials, hands-on experiences, and wellness screenings. Registered dietitians shared nutrition guidance alongside olive oil tastings, community organizations handed out organic seed packets, and wellness representatives offered free blood pressure checks and fitness consultations.

Employees were also invited to participate in engaging activities such as chair yoga, lawn games, and the popular “Royal Mile Walk,” which emphasized movement and camaraderie. A raffle with over 50 prizes kept energy levels high throughout the day, while the much-anticipated Manning’s Ice Cream Truck offered a nostalgic and refreshing treat. Even indoors, the spacious layout, air conditioning, and cheerful ambiance created an uplifting experience.

In order to keep the event fresh and engaging each year, the CHEW team actively listens to employee feedback and monitors trends in the wellness industry. This year, they introduced a participation-based raffle ticket system: employees earned tickets for visiting each wellness table, which significantly boosted interaction and engagement. This innovation encouraged staff not only to collect information but to engage in meaningful dialogue with health professionals and community resources. The intention, as Angeloni emphasized, was to support every dimension of well-being and offer something relevant and helpful for everyone.

But CHEW’s vision for wellness goes far beyond one-day events. Their goal is to foster a sustainable, year-round wellness culture across campus. As the university transitions into the fall semester, a full calendar of wellness activities awaits. The return of Weekly Wellness Classes, including Mindfulness Meditation, Lunchtime Yoga, and Walk for Wellness, ensures that employees can maintain healthy routines throughout the academic year. The annual flu vaccine clinic, scheduled for October 3, will provide easy access to preventive care.

Fall will also see the launch of new programming focused on nutrition and women’s health, as well as sessions led by community partners who participated in the summer wellness fair. Many of these offerings will take place in the newly redesigned Weiss Hall wellness space, a modern and welcoming environment that reflects the university’s ongoing investment in employee well-being.

The new space is more than just a venue—it’s a physical manifestation of the university’s dedication to holistic care. It will serve as a hub for small group classes, private consultations, meditative moments, and quiet connection. Plans include a “mindfulness corner,” a healthy living demonstration area, and spaces for personal reflection and restoration. For Angeloni and the CHEW team, Weiss Hall represents an exciting new chapter in campus wellness programming.

One of the most distinctive elements of CHEW’s approach is its commitment to addressing the full spectrum of well-being, as defined by the Eight Dimensions model. Rather than focusing narrowly on physical fitness or occasional health screenings, the center recognizes that true wellness encompasses emotional regulation, cognitive growth, social belonging, financial literacy, and spiritual purpose.

For instance, through partnerships with Swift MD and ENI, CHEW provides employees with access to occupational health services and confidential mental health consultations. Educational seminars on Alzheimer’s and aging support intellectual wellness, while collaborations with the Center for Service and Social Justice offer staff opportunities to engage in meaningful volunteer work—fostering spiritual wellness and community connection. Seed kits and sustainability workshops promote environmental awareness, while financial health programming is being developed to address budgeting, retirement planning, and economic resilience.

CHEW also embraces a personalized approach to health promotion. Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all model, they cater to the unique needs of different employee groups. This includes workshops on menopause and hormone health for women, financial wellness sessions for early-career staff, and stress management trainings for administrators. The intention is clear: every employee, at every stage of life or career, should feel seen, supported, and empowered to thrive.

What makes all of this possible is the strong network of campus partnerships. CHEW’s work is amplified by deep collaboration with departments such as Human Resources, the Jesuit Center, the Staff Senate, the Library, and even Information Technology. These partnerships are instrumental in creating a campus-wide culture of wellness, where health is not an isolated concept but a shared commitment.

Many departments have begun integrating wellness into their daily operations—embedding short mindfulness breaks into staff meetings, encouraging group walking challenges, or sending out daily wellness tips via email. These subtle shifts in organizational behavior contribute to a healthier, more resilient campus environment.

Technology is also playing a growing role in CHEW’s efforts. The center is currently working with IT services to develop a campus wellness app, set to launch in an upcoming semester. The app will consolidate wellness class schedules, activity sign-ups, health tips, habit tracking, and confidential support services into one accessible platform. This innovation is expected to enhance both participation and personalization, ensuring that employees can engage with wellness resources in a way that fits their schedules and goals.

While programming, facilities, and innovation continue to grow, CHEW’s foundational belief remains unchanged: employee well-being is not just a personal responsibility—it is an organizational value. Every event, every yoga class, every wellness fair, and every piece of feedback contributes to a broader ecosystem of care. It is a living expression of the University’s Jesuit mission: to care for the whole person, not just in words, but in action.

Looking ahead, Angeloni and the CHEW team are optimistic and open:
“We always welcome new voices and new ideas,” she said. “Wellness isn’t a one-way street. If you have feedback, suggestions, or topics you’d love to see covered, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at chew@scranton.edu. Together, we can continue shaping a culture where health is not a privilege—it’s part of how we do things, every day.”

At The University of Scranton, wellness is no longer confined to one department, one day, or one initiative. It is woven into the seasons, the semesters, and the shared experience of being part of a caring academic community. Whether it’s a sunlit summer walk, a quiet moment of meditation in Weiss Hall, or a lunchtime chat with a colleague at the Wellness Fair, one thing is certain: at Scranton, wellness is always in season.