Walla Walla University

WALLA WALLA UNIVERSITY UNIVERSITY // NEWS

Spencer Glubay, Walla Walla University senior bioengineering major, finished 48th out 335 crosscountry runners at the 64th annual National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics cross-country meet. The race was hosted by the Cascade Collegiate Conference in Vancouver, Washington, on Nov. 22, 2019. The competition took place over a 5-mile (8-kilometer) grass track at the Fort Vancouver National Historic Site.

Glubay ran a time of 25:52.8, crossing the line one minute and 13 seconds behind the first-place finisher Mark Shaw, a senior from Oklahoma City University. “It was absolutely amazing weather for a race,” Glubay says. “I didn’t start out as fast as I usually do, so I got stuck in about 70th place for the first two laps. I was stressed at the beginning because it was so crowded, but during the last two laps I was making up a lot of ground. I just tried to run relaxed and push myself.”

WWU added crosscountry as a varsity sport in 2018. Cross-country involves running on natural terrain, such as grass or dirt, and may include hills, woods and other natural features.

Glubay hopes to continue long-distance running, including marathons and triathlons. Last summer he qualified for the Boston Marathon. Glubay says, “Some lessons I’ve learned from running are that life isn’t easy and there is always someone better than you, but you get out what you put in. If you put the time into something, you’ll reap the reward for the time you put into it.” Kiersten Ekkens, WWU university relations student writer WWU SENIOR RACES IN NATIONAL CROSS-COUNTRY EVENT

SPENCER GLUBAY

WWU CHURCH OPENS EDEN’S

PANTRY E ach Tuesday and Thursday, more than 100 Walla Walla University students visit the new Eden’s Pantry at the University Church. Since December 2019, Eden’s Pantry has provided nutritious food at no cost to students in need.

The pantry, begun by Troy Fitzgerald, University Church outreach and discithe value of nutrition, increase self-sufficiency and instill hope. Furthermore, we seek to encourage an understanding of food insecurity within our community and to create a space for students and church members to volunteer and come together. In this way, Eden’s Pantry helps to ensure that food relief has a more meaningful, enduring impact.” Having this resource on campus also gives students an opportunity to connect with members of the church and community.

To learn how you can contribute to Eden’s Pantry, visit the University Church website at wwuchurch.org.

Kiersten Ekkens

pleship pastor, and Jonathan Simons, a graduate student in the social work department, offers a selection of healthful foods, including bread, canned soup, cereal, beans, and canned fruits and vegetables. Food, time and funding are donated by members of the University Church to support students and community members who struggle with access to enough food.

Fitzgerald says, “Because we believe that every person is created in the image of God, our mission reaches beyond providing food to promote

WALLA WALLA UNIVERSITY NEWS // UNIVERSITY

COUNSELING CENTER OFFERS SUPPORT FOR STRESS, ANXIETY old, dim winter days can drive college students indoors more often than during fall and spring quarters. The isolation and inactivity combined with the stress and pressure of college life can result in depression and anxiety. The Walla Walla University Counseling and Testing Center offers many ways to support students in coping with these concerns and improving their mental health.

Most students who come to the center do so because of anxiety or depression. “Having someone that you can just be with, that you can talk to, seems to be one of the most helpful things,” says Michelle Naden, center director. “It doesn’t have to be a professional. It can be a really good friend, a resident assistant or a teacher. Sometimes people just need people they can trust to talk to honestly about all that is going on.”

The center’s four counselors offer walk-in and scheduled counseling sessions. They also offer groups through the chaplain’s office that are focused on mental health and self-care. The center has started a student health and wellness program that is directed by Carrie White, Counseling and Testing Center associate director, and offers many options for students including discussions about stress management, coping with loss and how to have honest conversations. For students who like to focus on the connection between body and mind, they facilitate classes that focus on movement and breathing to cope with stress and anxiety.

Students can receive up to 10 counseling sessions per quarter. Ten sessions are often enough to assist the student through their current situation and give them sufficient tools to move forward on their own. The average number of sessions is six or seven. If it is evident during their assessment interview that a student will require more consistent support, they may be referred to a counselor in the community.

“If we say that we love our students and we don’t attend to this very basic need, our words are hollow,” says Doug Tilstra, vice president for student life. “We’ve got some students who are really hurting, and if we don’t get them plugged into some resources, then who knows what may happen to them. One piece we are working on is how we help students who are using some really dangerous ways of coping to learn some healthy ways of coping.”

Tilstra says he wants students to know they’re not alone. “This is not a reflection on your worthiness or your value as a person,” he explains. “Reach out. Get help. You don’t need to go through this by yourself, and there are people who care about you. There are resources on this campus, and there’s no need to go through this by yourself.” To learn more, visit wallawalla.edu/counseling. Makena Horton, WWU university relations student writer C