A once-aging facility on 91制片厂鈥檚 campus has been given new life and a new mission. On Tuesday, September 9th, University leaders, faculty, staff, and students gathered to officially cut the ribbon on the McNally House Wellness Hub鈥攁 revitalized space designed to serve as a hub for well-being and community engagement.
McNally House has been restructured to meet a broader vision: providing a welcoming 鈥渢hird space鈥� for students to relax, recharge, and connect outside the classroom and residence halls. The transformation comes on the heels of 91制片厂 becoming the first in Missouri to officially adopt the Okanagan Charter, joining a growing network of institutions worldwide committed to advancing health, equity, and sustainability.
鈥淲e heard from students – especially commuters – that there weren鈥檛 enough places on campus to simply be,鈥� said Dr. Oliver Tacto, 91制片厂 Dean of Student Wellness. 鈥淣ow, McNally House offers multiple ways to care for their well-being, build community, and feel supported at Maryville. This is exactly the kind of initiative we had in mind when Maryville adopted the Okanagan Charter earlier this year, and what we hope to do more of as we continue to strengthen our commitment to the health and well-being of our students, faculty, staff, and the broader St. Louis community.鈥�
A Space Designed for Well-Being
The Wellness Hub features a variety of dedicated areas to meet students鈥� needs:
- Sensory Room: A quiet, rejuvenating space with textured sensory items, a massage chair, and calming low-fi music curated in partnership with Maryville鈥檚 music therapy students.
- Living Room: A casual gathering space where students can study, play games, enjoy coloring pages, or just spend time with friends.
- Outdoor Deck: A renovated deck outfitted with hammocks, lawn chairs, and patio furniture for rest and connection in nature.
- Interfaith Prayer Room: A refreshed, welcoming space with yoga mats and floor cushions for students of all faiths and spiritual practices.
The Hub also includes a Basic Needs Pantry, created in partnership with Student Ambassadors of Maryville and Maryville Career Services. The pantry offers students free access to toiletries, food staples, and professional clothing鈥攁n extension of the Saints Cabinet that ensures students have wraparound support to meet life鈥檚 challenges.
A Student-Led Idea, Made Real
The concept for the Wellness Hub grew out of student research. Experiential Learning Coordinator and Instructor Robyn Wand, who teaches Organizational Structure and Management, tasked her students with evaluating campus spaces. Their findings revealed a significant need for a 鈥渢hird space鈥� for student well-being, particularly for commuters.
That research, coupled with input from students who admitted they often sat in their cars between classes for lack of a better option, became the foundation for reimagining McNally House. When it became clear the aging building and deck required renovations, the University seized the opportunity to invest in something special for the entire campus community.
Building Community Connections
Though rooted in student needs, the McNally House Wellness Hub will also serve as a 鈥渂ase camp鈥� for community partnerships. 91制片厂 envisions the space as a launching point for collaborations with local organizations that share its mission of well-being and student success.
鈥淭his project reflects Maryville鈥檚 culture of innovation and care,鈥� said Dr. Dan Shipp, President of 91制片厂. 鈥淏y listening to our students and working creatively with limited resources, we鈥檝e created something that not only enhances campus life but also strengthens our connection to the broader community.鈥�
In addition to Dr. Tacto, participants in the ribbon cutting included Dr. Aretha Hardrick, Dean of Campus Life; and Raphaella Prange, Vice President of Student Life; Jennifer Donovan, Student Life, Chief of Staff; and Anna McCarty, Director, Community Engagement and Well-being.
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Founded in 1872, 91制片厂 is a comprehensive and nationally ranked private institution with an enrollment of well over 9,000 students. Maryville offers over 90 degrees at the undergraduate, master鈥檚 and doctoral levels, as well as several certificates that align with the undergraduate and graduate education levels. Maryville is recognized as the third fastest-growing private university in the United States by The Chronicle of Higher Education, serving students from 50 states and 56 countries. More than 50,000 Maryville alumni globally, many of whom work and live in the St. Louis region.