Southeast recreation services brings together faculty for wellness fair

Southeast Missouri State University’s Department of Recreation Services held their annual Employee Wellness Screening and Fair on Tuesday, Oct. 11, in the North Student Recreation Center.

The fair began bright and early at 6 a.m. and ended at 1 p.m., giving professors the ability to attend the event at a time of their convenience.

Within the fair, staff had the option of receiving flu shots and a blood analysis, as well as visiting with 25 to 30 vendors from the Cape Girardeau area.

All screenings and tests were followed by a free breakfast provided by the university.

“This event gives us the opportunity to see some of the faculty and staff that we don’t usually interact with and brings us all together,” recreation center employee and coordinator of club and intramural sports Kweku Arkorful, said.

Though the main focus was on current faculty members, the screenings were also open to retirees and spouses at no cost.

From 8 to 9 a.m. university President Carlos Vargas hosted a free throw challenge open to all faculty and staff.

“Dr. Vargas decided to do a one-minute challenge to see how many free throws he can make within a minute, and employees can attempt to beat that number,” assistant director of Fitness and Wellness Sara Wagganer said.

Many faculty members decided to step up to the challenge and more than a few had multiple attempts.

“I worked the fair last year as a grad assistant, but of course we didn’t have the free throw challenge, and I think that it adds an interesting element,” Arkorful said.

Rick Gill of Facilities Management was the final competitor to enter the challenge and ultimately walked away with the title of first place.

Vargas said he believes Southeast will incorporate a challenge similar to the one this year into next year’s fair.

“I’m going to train to make sure that next time I win,” Vargas said with a laugh.