Webster University’s third annual wellness fair attracts record number of students

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Wunmi Osiyemi was one of many students to win a prize drawing at the third annual Wellness Fair, which took place Wednesday in Grant Gymnasium.  Osiyemi won a 30-minute free massage at Massage Works, but there were plenty of other prizes like jump ropes, emergency fitness kits and two grand prizes; Forerunner 10 watches.

This was Osiyemi’s first time attending the fair but said she would go back again next year. She works at Webster University as the graduate assistant for international programs.

“I was really impressed, the combination of everything was great,” Osiyemi said.

The fair, which was hosted by the Webster Wellness Committee (WWC), had over 25 vendors stationed in Grant Gymnasium offering students wellness advice in mental, physical, emotional and environmental health. Smoothie King, Webster Groves Farmers Market, Swab for Life and Club Fitness were among the vendors at the event. Webster clubs and organizations were also present, like Webster Students for Environmental Sustainability, Behavioral and Social Sciences Club, Susan Polgar Institute for Chess Excellence and Student Health Services.

The groups offered different samples or discounts to Webster students. The Webster Groves Market offered free organic fruits and vegetables. Club Fitness offered a discount deal of $14.95 a month for a year-long membership. The STL Fitness and Wellness group offered a $25 rewards club card that students can use in 20 places listed on their Facebook page.

There were also activities stationed around, like riding a bike to blend up a smoothie, a yoga class, 5-minute workout ideas or a free massage.

WCC member and Assistant Director of Counseling & Life Development Gladys Smith taught the yoga class. She said she was happy with the turnout of students this year.

“Usually, there were more staff and faculty (at the fair), but this time there’s a lot more students,” Smith said. “It’s really good to see them participating in the activities.”

The fair attracted between 400-500 people—where about half were students—estimates Patrick Giblin, WCC member and director of public relations at the university.

Planning for the Wellness Fair began at the end of the school year, according to Cheryl Fritz, the chair of Webster Wellness Committee. Fritz said she was pleased to see the steady traffic of people. She estimated that in prior years, around 200-300 people came to the event.

“I had a lot of really great comments from vendors about making connections with people,” Fritz said. “We’re thinking of maybe holding it a little longer next year because it seemed like we had plenty of opportunity to reach more people.”

 

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