Letter from the president
Dear McDaniel Community,
Greetings from the Hill! As we approach the end of the first quarter of 2023 with the holidays now in the rearview mirror, many of us find ourselves facing a reality check in the process of operationalizing our New Year’s resolutions — that time-tested practice of setting aspirational goals for the coming year. More sleep. Less stress. Better spending habits. A healthier diet.
One of my personal goals this year involves taking more time to unwind with some of the books that have been recommended by family and friends over the past few years. It’s always such a pleasure to get lost in compelling stories filled with complex and quirky characters, especially when sprinkled with a good dose of suspense and intrigue.
My resolution is part of a larger goal that I’m guessing many of you may share: putting a greater focus on health and wellness in 2023. The National Wellness Institute defines wellness as “an active process through which people become aware of, and make choices toward, a more successful existence.” This definition is based on the principle that wellness is conscious and self-directed. It is positive, affirming, and multidimensional.
“My resolution is part of a larger goal that I’m guessing many of you may share: putting a greater focus on health and wellness in 2023.”
A key feature of McDaniel’s five-year strategic plan, “Reaching New Heights,” is to frame the student experience through this comprehensive lens, which will provide a signature experience that will enable students to track their growth across all the wellness dimensions: intellectual, social, emotional, spiritual, environmental, financial, and physical.
I’m pleased to share that this spring issue of The Hill features a few of our impressive alumni whose professional lives touch on this important topic. You’ll hear about Amanda Campbell ’10, who outlines the habits that can lead to better financial wellness, which touches every aspect of our lives. You will gain valuable insights on emotional wellness and suicide prevention from Liz Clark ’99, the director of the Defense Suicide Prevention Office. And Leon Mach ’05, will share how his study abroad experience introduced him to the connections between ecotourism and environmental wellness.
I hope you enjoy this season’s issue of The Hill. Wishing you and your loved ones health and wellness in 2023.
Sincerely,
President Julia Jasken
P.S. Learn more about our focus on addressing the dimensions of wellness in “Reaching New Heights.”