and share resources. The Pruitt Center is also collaborating with Health and Human Performance faculty to develop a mindfulness and well-being app that will be used as part of the curriculum in Health and Human Performance 102, a general education course required for all students. UW-Superior received generous funding from the Dr. Lydia C. Thering and Ms. Joan L. Hedrick Fund for Academic Enrichment and Excellence for a distinguished lecture series on topics of health and well-being. This year, the first event featured former WNBA star, Chamique Holdsclaw, and former NHL goaltender, Clint Malarchuk, who spoke about their personal mental health struggles and what they have learned. “We also recognize that our faculty and staff’s mental health and well-being has a direct correlation to our students,” said Barker. That sentiment has translated to discussions about HR policies, benefits and other initiatives to support the university’s greatest asset, its people. Lynn Goerdt, social work professor, has been both contributor and beneficiary of the university’s work surrounding mental health and well-being. She is among representatives who have formed a core team in partnership with the Miller-Dwan Foundation to create a plan for an innovative, holistic mental health approach to support people living, working and attending school in Douglas County. This work will further UW-Superior’s leadership role in positively responding to the mental health crisis.
“On a personal level, I faced a very difficult time this past year while my husband was hospitalized and the response I got from the university community was a heartfelt, ‘What do you need?’ It was such a big deal to me,” said Goerdt. “It made it possible for me to be with him every day and maintain my job. To me, that was a personal demonstration of the Culture of Care here at UW-Superior. I am so grateful.” Sudarshan Choudhury, a recent
UW-Superior graduate and now a staff member in the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Department, has also experienced the university’s Culture of Care on a personal level.
“A couple years ago, I had to take a break from my academic life to attend to personal family matters,” he said. “During that time, my professors, the staff and my friends at UW-Superior were so helpful and supportive. They went above and beyond to make sure I was doing OK. From welfare checks at the beginning to the continued employment opportunities on my return, everything was provided to me. It showed me that their faith in me was stronger than ever even during the most challenging of times.” “Our work is only just beginning, and we have so much more to do,” said Anderson. “But with our strong history of being a supportive, inclusive campus community and continued creativity and dedication of our administration, staff, faculty and students, UW-Superior will continue to lead the way in the mental health and well-being conversation. It’s that important.”
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