Dear Marquette community,
It has been just over a month since the new Wellness + Helfaer Recreation facility opened, and the student enthusiasm has been truly inspiring. If you haven’t had the chance to stop by yet, I encourage you to explore this vibrant space and all it has to offer for your well-being. My own first day as chief wellness officer coincided with the opening, and it was a joy to see so many students already taking steps toward a healthier lifestyle and embracing this new resource.
“We Are Marquette:” a community of care
As we reflect on the energy and possibility this facility brings, I’m reminded of our collective chant, “We Are Marquette.” It’s more than a rallying cry — it’s a commitment to stand together and care for each other. Our community thrives when we recognize that individual well-being is inherently tied to the well-being of those around us.
Cura personalis: care for the whole person
Marquette’s Catholic, Jesuit heritage champions the idea of cura personalis, or care for the whole person. This principle invites us to consider every facet of our lives (body, mind, spirit and social connections) and to honor each other’s unique journeys. In a culture that prioritizes cura personalis, we extend empathy and compassion to everyone we encounter, ensuring that no one walks alone.
Lifelong wellness stems from the holistic education students receive across our classrooms, co-curricular activities and community experiences. This transformative journey instills a sense of purpose and resilience, equipping students to lead meaningful lives well beyond graduation. As CWO, my priority is to help meet all our students’ wellness needs, so they can fully embrace this powerful growth. By offering accessible resources and caring support, we empower students to flourish in all aspects of their Marquette experience.
This commitment to care for the whole person extends to how we design our campus environment to help our students flourish. A truly healthy campus doesn’t just treat illness — it proactively supports well-being. This means looking “upstream” at the systems and settings that naturally foster healthy habits. From nutritious dining and mindfulness in classes to spaces that encourage connection and movement, we aim to make healthy choices simple and inviting.
Wellness is also personal
While it takes a community working together to thrive, wellness is also deeply personal. A strategy that works for one individual — be it meditation, running or faith-based reflection — may not resonate for another. Our diverse community gives us the chance to learn from each other’s experiences, helping shape programs and resources that meet everyone’s needs.
For me, wellness means spending time with my family, playing music, engaging in spiritual reflection and staying active in nature. I encourage you to take a moment and reflect on your unique wellness needs. What practices help you recharge, find joy, connect with others and grow? Marquette offers a wide range of resources, from fitness classes, academic coaching, clinical care, faculty mentorship and affinity groups, that can support you during your academic journey.
Listening and learning: building our wellness philosophy
While there are many wellness opportunities for us to consider, my priority right now is to listen, to fully understand our community’s wellness needs and the rich Marquette traditions that shape our culture. Through conversations with students, faculty, staff and university leaders, I am exploring how wellness is defined and practiced across campus, as well as identifying our collective strengths and areas for growth. These insights will help us craft a thoughtful, inclusive strategy that ensures every member of our community has the support and resources they need to thrive.
Looking ahead
In the weeks and months ahead, I will continue meeting with groups across campus to hear your stories, learn from your experiences and brainstorm new ways to promote wellness. Together, we will build the foundations for a Marquette where every individual feels seen, supported and empowered.
Thank you for sharing this journey with me. I look forward to our continued conversations and the collective insights we’ll gain about what it truly means to say, “We Are Marquette.”
With gratitude,
Luis de Zengotita
Chief Wellness Officer
