DeSales University's PACE Honored at Regional Conference
The DeSales University PACE (Peers, Advising, Counseling, Educating) team was honored with the "Outstanding Program" award at the Bacchus Regional Conference (N.Y., Pa., N.J.), held at SUNY Oneonta, N.Y., on March 17, in recognition of the Wellness Fair event.
The Journey to Wellness, a one-day event held in the DeSales University Center in September 2006, offered students a variety of information about pertinent collegiate health issues. Various campus groups joined with community agencies to encourage students to challenge their behaviors, in order to maintain healthy intellectual and occupational well being. The event's primary focus was on six dimensions of health and wellness: emotional, intellectual, occupational, physical, spiritual and social. More than 800 students, faculty and staff viewed the various displays and nearly 500 students participated.
Now an annual event, the Wellness Fair is sponsored by the DeSales University Counseling Center and PACE team. It was first introduced by Wendy Krisak, assistant director of counseling and coordinator of the DeSales' First Year Experience Program, during the 2001 - 2002 academic year, while she was an intern. Krisak continues to coordinate the event.
Members of the PACE team are: Sarah Ball '09, communication / public relations major from Nazareth, Pa.; Christian Barber '08, psychology major from Minersville, Pa.; Michael Eastlack '07, political science major from Swedesboro, N.J.; Michael Nass '08, marriage & family major from Hardyston, N.J.; Alison O'Brien '08, political science major from Mt. Bethel, Pa.; Elizabeth Pongia '08, psychology / clinical counseling major from Chester Springs, Pa.; Chad Serfass '07, elementary education major from Lehighton, Pa., and Monica Yates '07, psychology / clinical counseling major from Schnecksville, Pa.
In addition to the DeSales University PACE Team and the DeSales Counseling Center, other DeSales groups that participated included Campus Ministry Services, Career Development Services, Career Services, Character U First-Year Experience Program, Health Center, Library Services, Social Outreach, Sports and Exercise Science program, Campus Ministry Services, Student Activities, University Police, a DeSales yoga and reiki instructor, among others.
Community organizations that participated included the American Cancer Society, Allentown's Caring Hearts Program, Body Central Incorporated, Coalition for a Smoke-Free Lehigh Valley, Crime Victims Council, Glaxo Smith Kline, NAMI (National Alliance for the Mentally Ill), Diocese of Allentown, State Police, Turning Point of the Lehigh Valley, many of the local hospitals, among others.
Also, the Journey to Wellness Fair initiated the DeSales University's "Bulldog on the Move," a 10-day challenge for the DeSales community which encourages students to live a healthier lifestyle.
Press Release: DeSales University's PACE Honored at Regional Conference | Posted on: 4/13/2007
For more info:
Tom McNamara, Executive Director of Communications
DeSales University | 2255 Station Avenue | Center Valley, PA 18034
610.282.1100 x1219 | Tom.McNamara@desales.edu |
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