Did you know that the Department of Wellness and Recreation (DWR) at the University of Miami was one of the first university facilities in the country to call itself a Wellness Center? For nearly 30 years, DWR has offered countless programs devoted to student and community wellbeing leading to the division earning a spotlight from CampusRec Magazine, a top magazine in university facilities, sports, and activities produced by Peake Media. The company is based in Louisville, Kentucky and is designed to highlight state-of-the-art recreation programs at premium universities. Our very own DWR is featured in ‘Rec of the Month,’ a section of the magazine where one university who goes above and beyond in providing quality recreation and programming for their community, is center stage.
The article, published on May 1, 2024, highlights all programs and facilities that make up the entire wellness and recreation program here at the U. From the newly renovated fitness room to the variety of excursions that Outdoor Adventures have to offer, the article was able to capture it all. Kylie Wulf, assistant editor at Peake Media, did her research as she shared with millions of readers across the country the unique attributes DWR has to offer. Special Programs and activities for all members were included with their origin story. For example, Canes Health Assessment and Motivation Program (CHAMP) is one of DWR’s programs that is sponsored by couples who met at the University and can purchase a memento of their found love on ‘Love Brick Bridge,’ in front of the main entrance to the facility. The program strives to provide top-notch care for students and members looking to better their physical and mental wellbeing. Wulf also highlighted LIFE fitness program, a senior workout class for members over 65 and the state of the art ‘fitness laboratory’ which conducts fitness level measurements for members and club sports athletes.
Outdoor Adventures, the outdoor recreation division that was implemented into DWR in 2021, also got a special shoutout in the article for the incredible opportunities the division offers. With an average of 16 trips per semester that include kayaking, paddleboarding, surfing, and camping, Outdoor Adventures offers easy and affordable exploration for students who came to South Florida for the incredible nature and wildlife.
The Department of Wellness and Recreation at the University of Miami is a staple to student life and allows the community to embrace a variety of activities and events. From the competitive video game league, ESports, to the 2024 DIII Men's Ice Hockey Club Sports championship winning team, DWR has fostered an inclusive environment for all students to pursue what they love. To read more about the May 2024 Rec of the Month here. The division is very grateful that their incredible programing and facilities have been shared to the recreation community and hope it draws more interest in the program in the future. If you are interested in experiencing the award-winning recreation yourself, sign up for a summer membership; more information on the Herbert Wellness Center website.
