The first programs for Wellness were for faculty and staff. It is mentioned by several in Visionary Voices that a group would meet to play basketball over the lunch hour even when classes were held at Merriam. There were also softball games played.
Barbara Gill did set up Employee wellness activities. One activity promoted was a walk across the United States. Employees would keep track of miles walked and put miles on a map of the USA to earn recognition. This was before we had a track so many miles were tracked in the gym where it was 11 laps to a mile.
Jill Stinson was hired for employee wellness after Barbara Gill’s retirement in 1996. Ruth Dey has been in charge of the program since taking over in 1997. Wellness Fairs and the Nell Mitchell Speaker Series have brought in some famous people including author and nutritionist, Deanna Latson and individual who climbed Everest without oxygen Ed Viesturs.