Purdue Fort Wayne joins US Health Promoting Campuses Network with adoption of Okanagan Charter

Through its adoption of the Okanagan Charter at a ceremony Thursday afternoon, Purdue University Fort Wayne has become one of just 38 universities and colleges in the United States – and the first in Indiana – to join the top tier of the U.S. Health Promoting Campuses Network. This transformative commitment reinforces Purdue Fort Wayne’s dedication to fostering well-being, sustainability, and equity for students, faculty, staff, and the broader community.

The Okanagan Charter, developed in 2015 by higher education and health promotion leaders from around the world, provides a framework for embedding health into all aspects of campus culture, administration, operations, and academic priorities. By adopting the charter, Purdue Fort Wayne joins a global movement of institutions prioritizing holistic well-being and integrating health into their institutional mission.

“With this important step, we reaffirm our commitment to a culture that values the well-being of every individual in our campus community,” said Ron Elsenbaumer, chancellor, Purdue University Fort Wayne. “This initiative continues to build upon the strategic work already underway to make PFW a premier institution committed to student and employee well-being, retention, and success at all levels.”

The adoption ceremony took place during Purdue Fort Wayne’s Wellbeing Summit, an annual event that features more than 50 engaging activities and stations to promote self-care. The observance was also an opportunity for the university to publicly introduce its new Division of Community and Campus Wellbeing.    

“Health Promoting Campuses are committed to strengthening communities through intentional contributions to the wellbeing of people, places, and the planet,” said Kerrie Fineran, chief of campus and community wellbeing, Purdue University Fort Wayne. “We want our students, faculty, and staff to feel connected, purposeful, and see PFW as a place that genuinely supports them to thrive personally and professionally.”

The adoption of the Okanagan Charter aligns with Purdue Fort Wayne’s broader mission to provide a transformative educational experience while supporting holistic development. Moving forward, the university will develop and implement an action plan with measurable goals to ensure sustained progress in becoming a model for health promotion in higher education.

For more information on Purdue Fort Wayne’s commitment to health and well-being, what it means to be health promoting, and the Okanagan Charter, visit pfw.edu/wellbeing.

For additional information, contact Geoff Thomas at [email protected] or 260-437-7657 (mobile).