By Katherine Buerke ’26, staff writer
The last few weeks of April can be a hectic time for students. With upcoming finals to prepare for, end-of-year award ceremonies to attend, and final projects to complete, it can get overwhelming. To help students combat stress, LVC is presenting its first annual Wellness Week from Sunday, April 12 to Saturday, April 18.
Wellness Week: Be Kind to Your Mind and Body offers a variety of activities to help students take care of their physical and mental health. There will be a nature walk, horse and puppy therapy, tai chi, volunteer opportunities, free haircuts, and more.
“It’s really important to take care of yourself both mentally and physically,” Dr. Brandy Leininger, director of service and community engagement, said. When Leininger first came to LVC, she pitched the idea of a Wellness Week to support students during the end of the semester. Ann Burris, director of counseling services, was hoping to do something similar to support students’ well-being, and as the idea grew, more organizations hopped on board.
The variety of activities offered is meant to emphasize that physical and mental health go hand-in-hand.
Many of the events are headed by the Hidden Opponent, a club which advocates for mental health awareness in athletes. The Hidden Opponent will be hosting guided breathwork on Thursday, April 16 at 8pm and a baseball game on Friday, April 17 at 3:30 p.m. at McGill Field to raise awareness for mental health.
Students who attend three or more events, including any events hosted by the Hidden Opponent, and log their impact on GivePulse will receive a free Wellness Week t-shirt.
Students who want to help with Wellness Week can sign up for volunteer slots at https://lvc.givepulse.com/event/856560-volunteers-for-wellness-week-various-opportunities-april-12-18 . Leininger hopes students understand the importance of service in creating healthy communities.
“I can’t do all of this and be in every place by myself. It’s over twenty events,” Leininger said. “Volunteering is a great way to help them run smoothly.”
For the full schedule of events and activities, check out https://lvc.givepulse.com/event/856307-lvc-wellness-week-2026-be-kind-to-your-mind-and-body.
