Our Lady of the Lake University will put wellness in motion throughout October as students, faculty and staff take part in Exercise is Medicine® On Campus Month, culminating in a campus-wide President’s Walk on Wednesday, Oct. 28.
The President’s Walk, beginning at 9 a.m., will serve as the signature event of OLLU’s monthlong activities and bring the Saints community together for an hour dedicated to movement, wellness and connection.
OLLU President Abel A. Chávez, MBA, Ph.D., is encouraging students, faculty, staff and administrators across campus to step away from their regular duties and responsibilities from 9-10 a.m. to participate in the walk. The event will also highlight the positive impact physical activity can have on learning, creativity and overall well-being.
Participants can expect a festive atmosphere along the route, with snacks and water, OLLU’s spirit team, student organization stations and motivational and humorous signs, similar to those seen along marathon routes.
The President’s Walk is part of the national Exercise is Medicine On Campus Walking Challenge, which encourages participating campuses to accumulate as many walking or wheelchair miles as possible during an eight-hour period.
OLLU is the only San Antonio university participating in the official Exercise is Medicine On Campus competition.
“Exercise is Medicine Month is an opportunity to bring our entire campus community together around something that directly affects our health and quality of life — movement,” said Dr. Emily Sauers, OLLU Kinesiology Program Head and organizer of OLLU’s Exercise is Medicine activities. “The President’s Walk gives us a chance to come together as Saints, step away from our daily routines and experience firsthand how movement can support our physical health, learning, creativity and overall well-being.”
OLLU has already demonstrated that Saints know how to get moving. During the 2024 EIM Walking Challenge, OLLU placed fifth nationally, with 149 participants logging 343.3 miles.
Other Exercise is Medicine activities throughout October will help build momentum toward the President’s Walk.
On Oct. 13 and 15, from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., students in OLLU’s fitness testing courses will conduct cardiovascular risk assessments for faculty, staff and administrators. Organizers are also working with Phil Vargas to explore participation by Next Level Care.
From Oct. 26-30, fitness testing students will offer Exercise is Medicine activities during Community Hour, providing additional opportunities for members of the OLLU community to incorporate movement into their day.
Faculty, staff, students and administrators are encouraged to participate throughout October — and especially to join President Chávez on Oct. 28 — as OLLU works to build on its previous national Walking Challenge success.