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The Peer Wellness Advocates program was honored with the 2023 Outstanding Peer Education Group Award from the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA) — the largest peer education group in the country. This award recognizes peer education groups that have done exceptional work providing health, safety, and well-being education for students on their campuses. The program also received this recognition in 2019.

Founded in 2017, the program provides Mount students with intensive wellness training, empowering them to teach and inspire other students to practice healthy habits through workshops, one-on-one coaching, stress management trainings and fitness activities. Over the years, the educational scope of the PWAs has expanded to include basic needs outreach, sexual assault prevention, healthy relationships education, and alcohol and other drug education. Now, in its sixth year, Peer Wellness Advocates from a variety of academic majors are accepted and bring unique skills and perspectives to the group.

“I am so incredibly proud of the Peer Wellness Advocates for their dedication and passion to promote wellness throughout our community,” said Alison Halpern, associate director of wellness who supervises the PWA program. “This award not only recognizes their outstanding efforts but also underscores the invaluable impact they have on fostering a healthier campus environment.”

The impact of the Peer Wellness Advocate program resonates not only in the health and well-being of students but also in the positive transformation of the campus culture as a whole.

The Peer Wellness Advocates are excited to continue their excellent work in the brand-new Wellness Pavilion, on track for the Fall 2024 grand opening. Since the groundbreaking celebration in the fall of 2022, the building and site are now 60% complete, and preparation for the swimming pool is underway.

“The Wellness Pavilion will make it easier than ever for students to engage with the Peer Wellness Advocates and enjoy wellness programs,” says Alison. “Wellness is not ‘one-size-fits-all’, and the Pavilion will give students a place to explore what it means for them to be well individually.”