Pups, paint party among interactive icebreakers

Wednesday, September 4, 2024

Photos by Alexandra Butler, photographer/photo editor, and Rob Hinkal, social media specialist (unless otherwise noted)

Icebreakers and interactions galore have filled the days and nights for Penn College's Wildcats as the fall semester gets in gear. Among the hoopla and help captured by college photographers: "Hot Dog, You're Here!," the beloved tradition of four-legged visitors; the IMALIVE Mental Health Fair, raising awareness of resources and support available to students; and a Paint Party, mixing music and a splash of color.

The pup therapy is entering its 15th year on campus, while the mental health fair, being held for the second year, is the newest of this particular trio of activities.

“The IMALIVE Mental Health Fair was an incredible opportunity for our campus community to unite and prioritize mental wellness," explained Ashlee C. Felix, assistant director of student engagement. "It was inspiring to see so many students engage with the resources and support services available, and we’re hopeful that this event will continue to foster a culture of care and understanding on campus. Our goal is to ensure every student knows that help is available and that they are never alone in their journey.”

Many more collaborative gatherings are in store for September.

All eyes (and paws) are on Benji. The golden doodle was brought to the "Hot Dog" gathering by his person, Timothy M. Weigle, director of facilities maintenance.

With a hot dog in one hand, a student pets Walter Mackey, a soft-coated Wheaten terrier who resides with Katie L. Mackey, assistant director of disability and access resources.

A boop on the nose! A Cavapoo named Finn gets up close and personal with an event guest. Finn attended the fun free-for-all with his best buddy, Timothy J. Mallery, director of residence life.

Chewie is another "paw-some" volunteer coaxing joy in the Field House.

Chewie's full name is Sir Chewbacca Wookie Warrior, and the standard poodle's person is Carol J. Counsil, Center for Academic Excellence assistant.

Working his mane magic and pup prowess: Walter Mackey

In the Bush Campus Center lobby, students participate in the IMALIVE Mental Health Fair, leaving encouraging messages for their peers.

Interactive and educational, the event aims to foster candid conversations about mental health and suicide prevention.

Giving voice to fears and concerns

Leading students through an educational exercise is Elena Butler, a cofounder of IMALIVE and the world's first virtual crisis center, which routed thousands of crisis chats from countries around the world to trained and certified crisis intervention specialists.

The collective power of individual expressions

Offering a hopeful word to fellow Wildcats

Answering the call

Joining IMALIVE staff (on right in black t-shirts) are Penn College representatives (from left, standing): Bradley J. Walter, manager of campus recreation and wellness; Ashlee C. Felix, assistant director of student engagement; (from left, kneeling) Ellen E. Buckley, an industrial design junior and campus recreation assistant; and Eryn L. Nichols, student engagement intern. (Photo courtesy IMALIVE staff)