Pitt-Bradford earned its 5th Exercise is Medicine gold designation

The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford was honored for the seventh consecutive year by Exercise is Medicine for efforts to create a culture of wellness on campus. Pitt-Bradford also earned its fifth gold-level designation in a row.

The main requirements for the gold designation are recording physical activity vital signs in students’ medical records and a referral system between campus health services and the exercise science program. Recreational activities on campus along with events hosted by Student Affairs and Engagement helped Pitt-Bradford earn the prestigious award.

“That we are one of only 83 universities and colleges around the world to receive gold shows our campus’ commitment to the health of our students, faculty and staff,” said Mark Kelley, director of the campus’ exercise science program, who was also appointed to a three-year term on the Exercise is Medicine on Campus Committee.

Exercise is Medicine is a community-impact initiative of ACSM, which also appointed Kelley to its Exercise is Medicine on Campus Committee for a three-year term.

The American College of Sports Medicine initiative calls upon universities and colleges to promote physical activity as a vital sign of health and encourages faculty, staff and students to work together to improve the health and well-being of the campus community. 

Others involved in the Exercise is Medicine on Campus effort at Pitt-Bradford are Zachary Stark, instructor of exercise science; Cassandra Preston, assistant professor of exercise science; and exercise science majors Janey Schmidt of Angola, New York, and Jordan Walsh of Allegany, New York.

— Kimberly Marcott Weinberg, photography by Tom Altany