Manhattan College Earns Gold Status Recognition for its Exercise is Medicine Program

The program helps the campus community maintain healthy physical activity and fitness.

For the second consecutive year, Manhattan College has achieved gold status recognition for its Exercise is Medicine program, which provides students with the tools that are necessary to maintain healthy physical activity. Manhattan College is one of only 73 universities and colleges worldwide to earn this distinction for its efforts to create a culture of wellness and fitness on campus. The College was recognized by Exercise is Medicine on Campus (EIM-OC), an initiative launched by the American College of Sports Medicine in 2014. This year, EIM-OC also honored an additional 71 campuses with silver and bronze recognition. Pickleball

To achieve gold status, colleges and universities create a referral system where campus health providers assess student physical activity and refer students as necessary to certified fitness professionals. The Exercise is Medicine program at Manhattan College brings together faculty, staff and students, all working to improve the health and well-being of the campus community. 

“The most significant aspect of this accomplishment centers on our ability to continue to provide additional health and wellness opportunities to everyone in our community,” said Jeff Cherubini, professor of kinesiology. “I am most grateful to all our student representatives and volunteers who help make our programs possible. I am also grateful to be in the position to lead this uniquely collaborative effort with the department of Kinesiology, Health Services, the Fitness Center and Student Life. I appreciate all the time and effort from everyone involved.” 

Cherubini said that Exercise is Medicine also helps develop future exercise scientists, physical educators and public health professionals. Students use what they learn in the classroom to help the local community and those on campus make healthier choices. 

The College’s School of Education and Health, Office of Health Services and Student Life division have created the following programs: 

  • The JasperFit Mentors program serves as a direct educational resource to help guide, encourage and support our community members with initiating and maintaining their physical activity levels.
  • The Kinesiology Talks educational seminar series focuses on community engagement, walkability and public health.
  • Health Services and JasperFit Mentors provide students with educational material on the importance of physical activity as well as additional health and fitness resources.
  • The department of Kinesiology and the Director of Fitness & Wellness have also been developing new exercise programs, including walking groups, pickleball and faculty/staff yoga. 
“We are thrilled to recognize these campuses’ commitment to make movement a part of daily campus culture and give students the tools to cultivate physical activity habits that will benefit them throughout their lives,” said Robyn Stuhr, Vice President of Exercise is Medicine, regarding the global recognition program. “These campus programs are nurturing future leaders who will advance a key tenet of Exercise is Medicine: making physical activity assessment and promotion a standard in health care."
By David Koeppel