DeSales University Focuses on Community Wellness with the Be Well Bash 2026

DeSales University's Wellness Center kicked off the fall semester's signature wellness event with the third annual Be Well Bash on Wednesday, Sept. 23, at the Dorothy Day Student Union.

The event drew students out for an afternoon of delicious food, giveaways, campus resources, and hands-on activities exploring the University's Be Well initiative.

Be Well is a holistic wellness program built around six research-based dimensions of resilience: physical, mental, social, spiritual, service and life skills. The initiative is designed to help students thrive both in and out of the classroom by connecting them to the wellness work already happening across Student Life and other departments on campus. The program draws its inspiration from the motto of DeSales' patron saint, St. Francis de Sales: "Be who you are and be that well."

The Be Well Bash goes beyond raising awareness by inviting students to actively engage in the six dimensions of resilience. Campus offices and student organizations hosted hands-on activities and shared resources that encourage students to reflect on their well-being, discover new coping strategies, and build habits that support a healthy, balanced life. At this year’s Bash, every attendee received a free tote bag, and the first 50 students in line walked away with a Be Well Bash T-shirt. Students who completed a "Wellness Journey" around the event earned a ticket to the Chili Banana food truck, while raffle prizes and giveaways kept the energy high throughout the afternoon.

Organizers also launched a Be Well Digital Scavenger Hunt to extend the event throughout campus. Students were encouraged to explore the Be Well Digital Hub, track down the answers to a set of scavenger hunt questions, and submit their responses for a chance to win additional prizes. Along the way, participants gathered helpful information about wellness resources, tools, and support services available to them year-round.

One DeSales student who attended the Bash said the event captured what makes the initiative so meaningful: "The Be Well Bash brought us together not only to better understand our own well-being, but also to learn how we can support one another and strengthen our community."

The event also featured local community partners, including Restoried, a Christ-centered nonprofit that supports mental well-being for those navigating emotionally challenging circumstances. Founder Molly Gilly shared why organizations like hers see value in partnering with campus wellness efforts like Be Well. "It is always a pleasure for us at Restoried to intersect with the DeSales University Wellness Center and the students,” said Gilly. "Connecting around how students support their own resilience was exciting and encouraging, which gives me great hope for their future." 

Events like the Be Well Bash reflect DeSales University's broader commitment to supporting the whole student through attention to mind, body and spirit. Through the Be Well initiative, the University continues to build a campus culture where well-being is a foundation for student success, both during their time at DeSales and well beyond graduation.

The Wellness Center offers free counseling and health services to DeSales students during the following hours: Health Center (walk-ins welcome) Monday and Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Counseling Center hours are by appointment only and offered on weekdays and evening hours by booking through myDSU Wellness Center Site.