from VCCA Journal, Volume 9, Number 2, Summer 1995, 58-60
© Copyright 1995 VCCA Journal
As Emerson once stated, "nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm." So it was in early summer 1993 when an enthusiastic group of Virginia community college educators began planning the Seventh Annual National Community College Wellness Conference.
Several members of this group had participated in previous wellness conferences, always having to travel to the Midwest. After learning that states are selected to host the conference on a yearly basis, the Virginia delegation volunteered for the 1994 conference. Sharon Ratcliff from New River Community College and Peter Sprano of Wytheville Community College received official notification that Virginia would be hosting this conference and formed a conference steering committee consisting of interested individuals from throughout southwest Virginia. The group consisted of Susan Shearer and Sue Carol Carr of Patrick Henry Community College; Sue Ella Blackwell of Mountain Empire Community College; and Mike Rush, Sherri Ratliff and Barbara Fuller from Southwest Virginia Community College (SWVCC). Brenda Robinson classified staff member also from SWVCC, served as the conference technical assistant. With approval from Chancellor Oliver and each of the respective college presidents, the group formed the Virginia Community College Wellness Consortium. They worked cooperatively with the national planning committee to implement all phases of the conference.
As mentioned earlier, this was the first time the conference had been held on the east coast. The site had to be perfect. After several locations were deliberated on, Natural Bridge, with all its natural beauty was selected. Considering the concept of wellness included alternative means for healing, and considering the desire to encompass the Natural Bridge setting, the group decided on the theme "Wellness: The Natural Alternative."
The next step involved members of the national and state steering committees visiting the conference site and reviewing presenter proposals. The national committee members were overwhelmed by the beauty and serenity of the Natural Bridge area. They believed it to be the ideal location. All dimensions of wellness (social, emotional, physical, intellectual, spiritual, and occupational) were included in the conference program plans. The response to the call for papers was quite impressive and encompassed each of these dimensions. The variety of proposals ranged from new hypnotherapy (subconscious mind over matter), to aroma therapy, massage therapy, mind-body studies, men's issues, and the magic and power of humor and therapeutic touch. Also the more commonly known topics--building relationships, nutritional concerns, stress management and aerobics--were represented. Dynamic entertainment and relaxation activities were added to the plans: a cookout with a bluegrass band, a dance featuring "Phantom," comedians such as Bret Leake and tours of Natural Bridge. Pre-conference workshops were also developed. These included "Playing for Life," "Choosing a Path to Wellness," and "Organizing and Implementing a Community Based Mind/Body Healing Program."
The conference attracted well-known keynote wellness gurus such as Ann Smith, James Gordon, Betty Siegel, Elaine and Joseph Sullivan, and John Travis. Ann Smith, a pioneer in treatment for co-dependents and adult children of dysfunctional families spoke on "Overcoming Perfectionism." James Gordon, M.D., founder and Director of the Center for Mind-Body Studies in Washington, D.C., addressed the topic "Reviving the Spirit of Medicine: Reforming the Practice of Health Care." Gordon has written nine books including the award winning Health for the Whole Person. Betty Siegel, President of Kennesaw College in Marietta, Georgia, presented a keynote address entitled "Inviting Personal and Professional Success." Elaine and Joseph Sullivan, national experts on communication, leadership, stress management, and relationships, presented the topic "The Art of Building and Sustaining Relationships." John Travis, M.D., founder of the first wellness center and co-author of The Wellness Workbook, addressed the topic "How to Create a Partnership Culture to Replace the Authoritarian Approach."
The 120 conference participants represented a diverse group including educators, counselors, health promotion/wellness coordinators, human resource managers, wellness consultants, physicians, nurses, and college students. Approximately twenty different states from Virginia to California and from Florida to Maine were represented. The entire group loved the beauty of Natural Bridge and commented on the appropriateness of the setting for such a conference. The process of becoming aware of and making choices toward a higher level of well-being was experienced by all. Overall, conference evaluations praised the outstanding quality of the keynote speakers. Several participants even stated that the conference was the most beneficial they had ever attended.
The economic impact of wellness within the work place is of vital importance in today's world. With continuous emphasis on hardy and happy employees and with a focus on empowering these individuals to be key players within their organizations, there is a need to provide opportunities to develop a lifestyle of wellness. A challenge goes out to all Virginia community college employees to promote wellness and to educate others of its importance.
Individuals interested in learning more about this conference or attending future conferences--or even giving presentations themselves--can contact one of the members of the Virginia Consortium. This year the National Wellness Conference will be held at Stevens Point, Wisconsin, in July. The theme will be "Community College Wellness: Past, Present, Future." The Eighth Annual National Community College Wellness Conference will serve as a pre-conference to this event.
Barbara J. Fuller is associate professor at Southwest Virginia Community College. The Chancellor's Fellow in 1992-1993, she received her doctorate in community college education from Virginia Tech with her dissertation on "Wellness Trends on Community College Campuses." She currently serves as business and industry program developer in continuing education.
Sherri Ratliff is assistant professor at Southwest Virginia Community College. She has a masters in management from Tusculum College; her thesis was titled "Wellness in the Business World." She currently serves as community program director in continuing education.