Penn State Behrend’s rich history of influential women begins with Mary Behrend, who in 1948 donated her Glenhill home to the University in memory of her late husband, Ernst, founder of Hammermill Paper Company.
Recognizing that legacy and the growing importance of engaging women in leadership roles, Behrend formed the Women’s Engagement Council (WEC) in 2020 to encourage women to become involved in the life of the college, serve as a resource for Behrend students, enhance the personal and professional goals of its members, and more.
The Council’s directors are committed to supporting and lifting women around, which is why they are spearheading a new event – Wellness Fest – to be held on Thursday, September 19, from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Behrend’s McGarvey Commons.
The event, which is free and open to the public, will address 8 Dimensions of Wellness: emotional, occupational, intellectual, environmental, financial, social, physical, and spiritual.
“It’s a great opportunity to see what resources are available from Penn State Behrend and in the Erie area to help you achieve whole-body well-being,” said Anne Eisert, chair of WEC’s Outreach Committee. “With more than thirty organizations attending, there will be something for everyone.”
Wellness Fest is being held in partnership with Behrend Student Wellness Services and is part of Penn State’s Healthy Campus Initiative.
“Initially we were going to focus on mental health,” Eisert said. “But then we realized a person’s well-being is influenced by a lot of factors that contribute to mental health, so we decided to widen the focus for a whole-body approach.”
In addition to exhibitors and interactive stations, participants will be able to take part in free activities including yoga, sound meditation, animal interactions, and a group hike in Wintergreen Gorge.
For more information, visit WEC’s Facebook page.
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