The advancement in technology and the use of social media have impacted the student experience in significant ways. Students are more connected than ever, which is a positive, but many students spend a tremendous amount of time on social media. This can lead and contribute to struggles with mental health including anxiety, depression and social isolation. It can also have a detrimental impact on a student’s self-esteem as their self-worth gets tangled up in the number of “likes” or “comments” they receive.

Similar to every institution throughout the country, we are challenged by students’ use and abuse of alcohol and drugs and work to create environ-ments that foster healthy lifestyles. With the assistance of donors, the University has invested considerably in the health and wellness of our students. For instance, we have eight full-time counselors, including a drug and alcohol specialist and a full-time nutrition-ist, working in a state-of-the-art health center. I see the Fritz Family endow-ment helping us enhance these areas as we provide care, support and opportunities for our students.

Again, with the support of generous donors, we have invested tremendously in our outdoor education program, which has seen significant growth over the last few years. Last year alone, we had over 1,500 students participate in an outdoor education program. We are capitaliz-ing on the beauty and resources of the local area including state parks, hiking and biking trails, and the Susquehanna River. Additionally, Forrest D. Brown Conference Center, which is newly renovated and home to the ClimBucknell Ropes Course, is a valuable resource located only a few miles from campus.

We will continue to enhance our work in providing opportunities that encourage healthy lifestyles and decision making. This will take shape through leadership opportunities, outdoor education, and health- and wellness-focused initiatives. Our goal is always to meet students where they are and to ultimately inspire them to grow beyond what they thought was possible.

It’s a way of life and something that students are seeking. For each student it looks a bit different. One student might benefit from one-on-one counseling with a staff psychologist, while another might participate in a noon meditation class or take a spin class in the KLARC. Lance, Julie and I discussed the need for students to have outlets where they can just simply breathe — comfortable spaces where they can reflect and take time to really think about their day, their goals and ultimately what they wish to contribute to the world. The orange-and-blue Adirondack chairs sprinkled throughout campus are a starting point. This was an initiative from Student Government. The students had a deep desire to add spaces throughout campus that would be inviting for all to sit, reflect, watch a sunset or engage with friends. Every time I look out and see those orange-and-blue chairs, it just makes me smile, knowing that every day we’re making Bucknell a bit better.