WU Walks

History of WU Walks

For years staff at Danforth campus have talked about a walking club. The campus is a wonderful place to walk as evidenced by the numbers of people seen in any given season throughout the year walking all over campus. Several years ago the Associate Director of Student Health and Counseling, Judy Richardson, designed a walking interest survey to distribute on campus and see what could be done to organize all the people seen walking. As is so often the case, the survey was never done due to more immediate work and this wonderful idea was put on the back burner but not forgotten. People continued to walk on campus.

Late in 1999, Judy announced she would be retiring at the end of the academic year after 30 +years of service to the university. Dr. Laurie Reitman, the Director of Student Health Services, started talking to her staff to see what could be planned for Judy's retirement that would be very special.

On a cold, snowy day over winter break Betsy Foy, a Health Educator, remembered Judy's desire to start a walking club and it was decided this would be part of how we would honor Judy in a special way. Judy had been concerned and active in promoting health and wellness on campus for years and what a tribute this would be! We thought about surprising Judy with the club but decided we needed her help and expertise in the planning and so WU Walks began a new century and a new chapter in wellness for the entire Washington University Community.

HISTORY IN THE MAKING

We believe that WU Walks is the first ever club at Washington University designed for students, faculty, and staff. From March 2002 through March 2002 WU Walks hosted weekly walks every Wednesday starting at noon. Maps were provided and there was a dedicated group of walkers. Since 2002 WU Walks has hosted Special Event Walks and continued to add additional measured walks on the Web site. In 2003-2004, WU Walks will host 3 Wednesday Walks beginning at noon right outside Graham Chapel. The dates for the walks are November 5, March 3, and April 6.