Albany State University (ASU) welcomed more than 1,200 students, faculty, staff, and community members to campus in September for WellFest 2025, the University’s premier health and wellness expo. Hosted in honor of National Suicide Prevention Day, the event highlighted the importance of holistic wellness and community support under this year’s theme: “Mission: Possible – Operation Thrive: We Fight Together.” 

WellFest, organized by ASU’s Student Health Services and Counseling and Student Accessibility Services in collaboration with the ASU Active Minds Chapter, has grown from a traditional campus health fair into one of ASU’s signature annual events. Designed to promote wellness across the eight dimensions—physical, emotional, social, intellectual, spiritual, occupational, financial, and environmental—the expo featured more than 45 vendors, booths, and organizations offering screenings, education, and interactive activities.

“This year’s theme reflects our shared commitment to ensuring students, faculty, and staff have the tools and support they need to thrive,” said Dr. Terry Lindsay, Vice President of Student Affairs. “Events like WellFest remind us that resilience, wellness, and academic success are possible when we come together as one Ram Nation.”

Highlights from WellFest 2025 included:

• HBCU 988 Tour, presented by Silence the Shame and the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health & Developmental Disabilities.

• Health screenings, including blood pressure, HIV, BMI, depression, anxiety, and substance use assessments.

• Battle of the Halls Challenge, awarding the residence hall with the highest participation.

• Suicide Prevention Display Contest, sponsored by Active Minds.

• Hydrate My Ram Water Campaign, encouraging healthy hydration habits.

• Tea & Zen Station, hosted by Cornerstone Café.

• ASU Nursing Department

  screenings and resources.

Community partners such as Mt. Zion Mental Health Ministry, Simply Beautiful Candle Company, and a variety of local healthcare providers joined ASU departments to create a high-energy, interactive experience.

For many students, the event made an immediate impact. Kira Smith, an ASU student, shared, “I was able to find an online therapist through a screening. I feel accomplished because I’ve been needing to get on that.” Another student, Aniya Robinson, said, “As a first-time member of Active Minds, I enjoyed this event so much! My favorite part was going to the different vendors and networking.”

WellFest was coordinated by Ms. Lashanda Parker, Professional Counselor and Advisor to the Active Minds Chapter, with sponsorship from the Division of Student Affairs. By promoting awareness, access to resources, and community connection, WellFest continues to strengthen ASU’s mission of developing the whole student—mind, body, and spirit—while building bridges with the greater Albany community.