Happy birthday, wellness services

Mount Royal University’s orange-spangled wellness services centre celebrated its tenth year on campus as an integrated service on Oct. 24.

Ten years ago, MRU’s health services and counseling departments united to form the then-college’s new wellness services.

“When we were designing and building the new recreation centre, and we started talking about health on campus,” said Mount Royal’s vice-president of student life, Brian Fleming.

“We managed to not only bring several departments together, but we also created a new department — optimal therapies — and integrated them together for students, faculty and staff.”

Since then, the wellness centre has added two additional departments to its services — health education and diversity and human rights — while also bringing the multi-faith chaplaincy into the fold.

“It’s amazing how much we’ve grown,” said Charmène Brewer, whose position as health education coordinator didn’t exist a decade ago. “Students and faculty have really come to accept us as part of their community.”

Students’ Association of Mount Royal University President Kaylene McTavish was in attendance for the celebrations, and recalled how important wellness services was during her time as a residence advisor.

“I’ve seen how wellness services has been a huge ally supporting students, physically and mentally, on their paths towards academic success.

“The physicians here are incredible,” McTavish added. “I personally have used some of the services here, and I can speak very highly of all the practitioners.

“So just take some time out of your day and get yourself a massage — it’s all covered.”