April 12, 2023, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- Grand Rapids Community College’s Exercise Science Department is being honored by Exercise is Medicine for its efforts to create a culture of wellness on campus.
The department earned a Gold Level designation from the Exercise is Medicine on Campus program, with the honors to be presented in June.
GRCC is one of 156 campuses recognized this year, with 73 receiving gold designation, 60 silver and 23 bronze. All gold, silver and bronze universities and colleges will be recognized on June 1 as part of the 2022 Exercise is Medicine World Congress, held in conjunction with the American College of Sports Medicine’s Annual Meeting.
EIM-OC calls upon universities and colleges to promote physical activity as a vital sign of health and encourages faculty, staff and students to work together to improve the health and well-being of the campus community.
The award is based on the GRCC Exercise is Medicine Team’s efforts across our campus.
Team members include professor Melanie Schiele Gady, professor Jodi Gee, professor Jennifer Gable, professor Leigh Kleinert, Ford Fieldhouse Director Whitney Marsh, academic adviser Kim Stoffel, Director of Student Financial Services Jennifer Scott, and students in EXS 184 Introduction to Exercise Science Courses.
“We are thrilled to recognize these campuses’ commitment to make movement a part of daily campus culture and give students the tools to cultivate physical activity habits that will benefit them throughout their lives,” said Robyn Stuhr, vice president of Exercise is Medicine. “These campus programs are nurturing future leaders who will advance a key tenet of Exercise is Medicine: making physical activity assessment and promotion a standard in health care.”
EIM-OC launched its recognition program in 2014 to honor campuses for their efforts to create a culture of wellness. Schools earn gold, silver or bronze status based on their activities.
Gold level campuses have created a referral system where campus health care providers assess student physical activity and refer students as necessary to a certified fitness professional as part of medical treatment.
Silver campuses engage students, faculty and staff in education initiatives and make movement part of the daily campus culture while bronze level campuses promote and generate awareness of the health benefits of physical activity.
The American College of Sports Medicine co-launched Exercise is Medicine in 2007 with the American Medical Association.
Central Michigan University, Grand Valley State University, Michigan State University, and Washtenaw Community College also earned Gold honors, and Michigan Tech earned Silver.