In honor of National Heart Month, WashU’s employee Well-being Team is highlighting important steps and resources to help you take care of your heart. Eating healthier, exercising more and getting regular check-ups are key steps toward a healthy heart. In addition, reducing stress and considering our emotional connection to ourselves play a vital role in […]
Category: WashU Community
University gets top score on Campus Pride Index
WashU earned five out of five stars on the Campus Pride Index, a tool run by the national nonprofit group Campus Pride that measures LGBTQ programs, policies and practices at 400 U.S. colleges and universities
Wellness Champion Fund Projects
WashU Wellness Champions are eligible to apply for start-up funds for projects that promote innovative, personalized solutions to their unique work group. HR’s Well-being team offers financial support to Wellness Champions who are in good standing and interested in start-up funds to address the wellness needs of their workgroup. Read about the Champion Fund Projects […]
How to Make Holidays Kid-Friendly
Help kids rise to the occasion, and don’t aim too high. Caroline Miller, Child Mind Institute Let’s acknowledge that the holidays can be stressful for many people for varying reasons, and this includes parents and children. Why are the holidays so fraught? Because expectations are heightened, and holidays can feel like a test of how […]
Refresh and reinvigorate with Renew
Take time to refresh and reinvigorate yourself during the fall 2022 wellness challenge, Renew.
Medical assistant apprenticeship program recognized by U.S. Department of Labor (Links to an external site)
The medical assistant apprenticeship program at Washington University in St. Louis has been recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor as a model program. As part of the recognition, the program has been dubbed an ambassador and will serve as a model program in that role, sharing its experiences through a national network and collaborating […]
Thrive tip: Rest, recharge and rejuvenate this holiday season
Be proactive and reduce stress when you can with these tips during the holiday season.
United Way Volunteer Spotlight: Kelly Bogda
You might recognize Kelly Bogda if you’ve spent any time in the Bear Necessities Shop on WashU’s South 40 Campus; she joined the WashU community as manager there in July 2021. Bogda has spent the last two decades volunteering with youth and specifically with the Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri (GSEM) for the past 15 […]
Support for Traumatic Events

Resources for faculty and staff who have been affected by the Oct. 24 shooting at Central Visual and Performing Arts High School in St. Louis.
Fall Health and Wellness Updates for Employees
Open enrollment, flu vaccines and other tips to help you and your loved ones stay healthy this fall.
United Way Volunteer Spotlight: Wilmetta Toliver-Diallo
The Foster & Adoptive Care Coalition operates on the belief that every child deserves a place to call home. This could be through adoption, or by creating a stable and safe environment for youth in foster care. They provide programs to serve families, youth in foster care, and advocacy efforts so that every child has […]
‘Summertime’ Challenge Team Winners

Summertime was our four-week summer wellness challenge that aimed to empower WashU employees to incorporate movement into their daily lives while connecting with family and friends. Benefits-eligible employees were invited to participate as an individual or as part of a team to track their steps and participate in weekly social activities. Participants also had the […]
Flood Support & Resources

Find resources and support for the flooding that has impacted St. Louis.
Bemis named vice chancellor for human resources, institutional equity
Scot R. Bemis has been named vice chancellor for human resources and institutional equity at WashU.
Seize the Summertime
Enjoy the outdoors while you stay active with the 2022 Summertime activity challenge!
Wellness Champion Spotlight | Jean Fuchs in A&S Biology
Jean FuchsContract & Grants CoordinatorArts & Sciences | Biology Jean Fuchs has been an active and supportive Champion ever since she joined the Wellness Champion network in January of 2020. I’ve been particularly impressed by her efforts as Team Captain throughout the various challenges, as she promotes an inclusive and encouraging environment for her […]
Resources for Infant Formula Shortage
UnitedHealthcare maternity nurses and advocates are available to WashU health plan members who are concerned about the current nationwide infant formula shortage.
Thrive tip: managing common work-related anxieties
Help manage common work-related anxiety with tips from Krista Jarvis, LPC, a clinical case manager in WashU’s Department of Psychiatry.
21 Fun Summer Activities to Do with Your Kids
Find some fun (and maybe new) activities in the St. Louis region to do or visit with your family this summer.
Thrive tip: addressing anxiety through self-check-ins
Try self-check-ins to understand what you might be feeling and how you can help your body cope
“In Their Shoes” Employee Spotlights
Get a glimpse into the day-to-day lives of WashU employees as they get their steps in and help us achieve our missions.
Wellness Champion Spotlight | Spring into Motion Team Captains
I’d like to recognize all of the Wellness Champions who rallied their teammates to join the new spring wellness challenge, Spring into Motion. Wellness Champions are provided with a toolkit for team captains that equips them with knowledge about the challenge and helps them think about how to encourage their coworkers to participate. They use […]
Pain and Posture: Tips from WashU Physical Therapy
WashU Physical Therapy provides tips to help reduce pain you might be feeling.
Thrive tip: Find Happiness with Behaviors to Help You Overcome Adversity
Find happiness with these behaviors to help you overcome adversity in your life.
Wellness Champion Spotlight | Jennifer Byers in Department of Radiology
Jennifer Byers Research Patient Coordinator II Department of Radiology Since Jen Byers first joined the Wellness Champion network in December of 2019, her passion for her work and her role as a Champion in support of her colleagues has stood out to me. An active Champion, Jen participates in Wellness Connection programming, organizes events for […]
Thrive tip: Tips to Care for Yourself When You’re Experiencing Burnout
Read tips to care for yourself or support a colleague when someone is experiencing burnout.
Thrive tip: Finding the Best Fit for Your Feet
Find the best fit shoe for your feet to help you stay active.
Wellness Champion Spotlight | Raema Howell, OFMD
Raema Howell, MSHI, BSN, RN Planner II, Activation & Logistics Operations and Facilities Management Dept. (OFMD) Raema began working at WashU one year ago, and joined the Wellness Champion network in fall of 2021. As a new employee, Raema wanted an opportunity within the organization to connect with the surrounding community and raise awareness about […]
Thrive tip: Reframe your self-care habits for the new year
Jessica Gold, MD, assistant professor of psychiatry, provides tips for reframing how we look at the new year and ways to help yourself and loved ones cope through healthy well-being practices.
Did You Know: Perks for WashU Employees
Check out the sometimes little-known employee benefits come that can come in handy when you’re on and off campus.
Wellness Champion Spotlight | Jennifer Holzhauer, Psychiatry
Jennifer Holzhauer, MSW, LCSWChild & Adolescent Psychiatry Jennifer has taken an active approach to her role since joining the Champion network in January 2021. She immediately recruited several co-champions to help impact various divisions within the Department of Psychiatry: Angela Williams, Rebecca Light-Pearlman, and Katherine Aravamudan. Working together as a cohesive unit, they used the […]
Agency Spotlight: Boys Hope Girls Hope of St. Louis
WashU highlight’s another local United Way agency, Boys Hope Girls Hope of St. Louis. See how we’re making an impact, and join us by donating today.
United Way Agency Spotlight: The SoulFisher Ministries
This month, we’re highlighting another local United Way agency, SoulFisher Ministries. See how we’re making an impact, and join us by donating today.
Thrive tip: Holiday Tips to Help You and Your Family Thrive
Holiday well-being tips and resources to help you and your family thrive.
Helpful Tips for Open Enrollment
Helpful tips for employees to navigate 2022 benefits open enrollment.
Wellness Champion Spotlight | Katie Navo, IM-Medical Ocology
Katie Navo, MSN, RN, FNP-BCIM | Medical Oncology Katie joined the Wellness Champion network a little over one year ago; she dove right in by arranging for a Benefits Chat overview presentation for her workgroup in Medical Oncology, to help them prepare for the upcoming Benefits Open Enrollment. She’s also coordinated mindfulness presentations, regularly updates […]
Thrive tip: How to Incorporate Self-Care for Your Well-Being
We outlined some easy ways to start your own self-care routine, if you haven’t already.
Thrive tip: The Power of Virtual Collaboration
Employees jobs shouldn’t change just because they’re now doing it virtually.
Wellness Champion Spotlight | Colorful Choices Team Captains
I’d like to recognize all of the Wellness Champions who rallied their teammates to join the new summer wellness challenge, Colorful Choices. Thank you for your leadership and your commitment to Wellness Connection and your colleagues. Your ingenuity, determination, and creativity are inspiring. Approximately 900 WashU employees participated in the Colorful Choices campaign. The charts […]
Wellness Champion Spotlight: Hatice Goshtaiy
Hatice Goshtaiy, MS IM – Infectious Diseases Hatice has been with WashU for the past 14 years and a Wellness Champion for the last 2.5 years. Since joining the Champion network in January 2019, she has been a strong advocate for Wellness Connection programming in her department, working with her supervisor to promote resources and […]
Wellness Champion Spotlight: Champion Network
Wellness Champion Network As Wellness Connection Champions, we strive to promote a professional environment where people can be their whole selves, center learning & growth, and foster a culture that makes it easy for people to be well and do their jobs. The University provides resources to help our Champions connect with each other, learn […]
Wellness Champion Spotlight: WashU Couch to 5K Team Captains
I’d like to take this opportunity to recognize all of the Wellness Champions who rallied their teammates to join the spring wellness challenge, Couch to 5K. Championing a culture of wellness can be difficult in a shifting and virtual environment, and our network of Wellness Champions continues to communicate Wellness Connection programming to their colleagues […]
Wellness Champion Spotlight: Atiqua Burns & Cheryl Lyons

Atiqua Burns and Cheryl Lyons,Co-Champions in IM – Bone Marrow Transplant Atiqua and Cheryl joined the Wellness Champion network in February of 2020 – right before the world went topsy turvy. Over the past year, I have been continually impressed by their capacity to work together and take an active role in […]
Wellness Champion Spotlight: Stefani Weeden-Smith
Stefani Weeden-Smith, MPSGephardt Institute for Civic/Community Engagement I first met Stefani when I took one of her workshops through the Brown School continuing education program in the summer of 2019. We chatted during the break about some University wellness initiatives, and she joined the Champion network soon thereafter. Stefani really stepped up to foster a […]
Wellness Champion Spotlight: Sherry Lohmann
Sherry Lohmann,Program in Physical Therapy While Sherry officially joined the Wellness Champions in January of 2019, she has long been doing the work of a Wellness Champion. When I used to coordinate the onsite screenings, I could always count on Sherry to help promote the screening event in her building, rounding up employees who wanted […]
WashU Votes
Election Day is November 3. Here are a few resources to help you manage your schedule at work and learn more about ballot information.
Wellness Champion Spotlight: Chelsey Hundley
Chelsey Hundley, Weston Career Center in Olin Business School A Wellness Champion since the fall of 2018, Chelsey continually approaches her role with a positive attitude and enthusiasm. She’s great at building and maintaining relationships with her colleagues, and they know they can go to her for resources and with their questions. This year, Chelsey […]
Wellness Champion Spotlight: Heidi Klosterman in OGC

Heidi Klosterman,Office of General Counsel Heidi Klosterman has been a Wellness Connection Champion since the beginning of the program in 2015. She has always been an active member of the network, participating in our meetings, workshops, & programs, while promoting wellness opportunities to her friends and colleagues in the Office of General Counsel. During this […]
Serving Others Together
Learn how you can get engaged in organizations that improve the lives of those in the St. Louis region, and beyond.
Serving Others through Civic Engagement
Learn how you can get engaged in organizations that improve the lives of those in the St. Louis region, and beyond.