Schools
Sodexo Supports Northwestern State University’s Largest-Ever Wellness Fest
Through consistent programming and close collaboration, Sodexo and Northwestern State University continue to foster a culture of wellness.
Northwestern State University (NSU) and Sodexo Campus Dining Services have deepened their partnership around health and wellness, building a consistent presence on campus through a variety of initiatives and events throughout the year. That collaboration was on full display during this year’s Wellness Fest, which drew a record 360 participants—the event’s highest turnout to date.
Each year, the Wellness Fest Committee hosts the on-campus fair to connect NSU students, faculty, and staff with a wide range of health and wellness resources, partners, vendors, and information. More than 50 campus and community organizations typically participate, helping promote opportunities to support the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of the NSU community.
“This year's Wellness Fest exceeded our expectations with record attendance and vendor participation,” said Yonna Pasch, Director of Student Affairs. “It's incredibly rewarding to see our campus community's growing interest in wellness resources and to connect so many students, faculty, and staff with the support they need to thrive.”
Among the event’s highlights, NSU Campus Dining Services by Sodexo hosted a table where attendees could share what they were grateful for while sampling cranberry orange rosemary–infused water. More than 80 people took part in the gratitude activity, including NSU President James Genovese, who joined in the spirit of the event.
Abbey LeBoeuf, Campus Dietitian with Sodexo, has played a key role in advancing the university’s wellness initiatives. Over the past year, she has collaborated closely with NSU organizations to host two Mindful events each month, encouraging students and staff to take a “full-picture” approach to their health. Sodexo’s Mindful event programming includes nutrition-based programs, physical activities like yoga, and mental health practices such as gratitude exercises.
LeBoeuf’s on-campus presence has included:
- Meet the Dietitian, featuring mindful mocktails and open discussion about wellness and nutrition
- Lunch & Learn, where faculty and staff enjoyed mindful taco soup while LeBoeuf presented on topics such as Healthy Eating Around the Holidays
- Co-hosted programming with Elevate-U, an organization that supports first-generation and low-income college students
- Participation in last year’s Wellness Fest, where she hosted a prize wheel and wellness resource table
Ja’Naya Woodard, SGA Treasurer and student representative for the Amazing Wellness Race booth, praised the event’s ongoing impact:
“Wellness Fest is always an amazing event that focuses on health and wellbeing. I enjoy seeing students come in and stop by each table, learning valuable information and leaving the event with something. I’m proud of everyone who participated in this event and those who did the work behind the scenes.”
Through consistent programming and close collaboration, Sodexo and Northwestern State University continue to foster a culture of wellness—helping students, faculty, and staff prioritize nutrition, mindfulness, and balance year-round.
This is a paid advertorial piece contributed by a Patch Community Partner, a local brand partner. To learn more, click here. The views expressed in this post are the author's own, and the information presented has not been verified by Patch.
