University of Houston students participating in yoga at Wellness Festival at Butler Plaza, Wednesday Oct, 28, 2026 in Houston Texas. | Cody Strickler/The Cougar
UH Wellness hosted WellFest, an annual celebration that aims to connect students to programs and resources to support their health, on Oct. 28 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Butler Plaza. Previously held as a resource fair, this year’s WellFest marks the switch to a more interactive approach.
“We want students to find something that helps them maintain a good mindset to reach their goals,” said Campus Recreation & Wellness Marketing and Communications Manager Ty Timlit.
Over 1000 students joined in on the food, art and fitness festivities, exploring over 20 booths to “Find their Well” on and off campus.
A wellness club called Earned Recovery, led by former NFL football player Joshua Kalu, is one of the new community partners, inviting students to try ice baths for fitness recovery.
“This is only the beginning, we want to provide more opportunities for our students to ‘Find their Well’,” Timlet said. “We’re always looking for more partnerships.”
On campus programs like Cougars in Recovery help students that struggle with mental health issues such as substance abuse, eating disorders and even gambling addictions.
“I’m really inspired by the community that we have,” said program director Chloe Espenan. “There’s so much camaraderie between the students in the program.”
The Campus Recreation, CAPS, Student Health Center, CPE and the Dart Center also partnered with UH Wellness.
Art supplies like gem stickers and paint were available for students to sit down and make crafts.
“It’s great to see everyone trying new things, it makes me want to join in and meet new friends,” said TV production junior Adalyssa Jimenez.
Seated next to her at an art station was psychology freshman Irelynn Evans.
“Balancing work, friendships and school can get difficult,” Evans said. “Events like this are a nice way to recharge before getting back to work.”
news@thedailycougar.com
