The University Wellness Commons Reflects Sewanee's Commitment to Student Well-being.
During the Stronger, Truer Sewanee Campaign, the idea of the distributed commons emerged. Instead of one, big facility to serve all student needs, student. faculty and staff planners were inspired to create smaller, more intimate student spaces. The Learning Commons in duPont library is an academic-focused hub and the Wellness Commons, purposely located at the campus core on University Avenue, is dedicated to support students' physical and mental health needs. On the lower level is the Lee and Dorothy Thomas Wellness Center which provides health clinic and counseling services, and a new home for the Sewanee Outing Program, thanks to a gift from former Vice-Chancellor Bob and Pat Ayres in honor of former Dean of the College and SOP founder Stephen Puckette. On the main level, students can work out in the fitness center, Sewanee FitWell, made possible through the generosity of Paige and Todd Johnson and David and Sally Johnson, or grab a quick snack at the Supply Store, which was the 50th reunion project of the Class of 1969.
The University Wellness Commons
With fitness, health and counseling services, and the Sewanee Outing Program all housed in one spectacular location, Sewanee’s newly opened Wellness Commons relocates student well-being to the center of campus and campus life.
From a student’s point of view, this is just a terrific project,” says Lee Thomas, C'67, H'20. “Sewanee’s plan for focusing on wellness was very attractive to us. We particularly like putting health and counseling together with the outing program and a fitness center right on University Avenue.” The Thomases were also happy with the way the architect has preserved the bookstore building.
We are grateful to these lead donors who helped to make the University Wellness Commons possible.
