Glendale Community College is one of only 145 universities and colleges around the world to be honored by Exercise is Medicine for its efforts to create a culture of wellness on campus.

This marks the 10th year that GCC has earned this recognition.

GCC boasts an active Fitness & Wellness Department and Employee Wellness Program that includes fitness centers, a sports performance lab, an Olympic-size swimming pool, as well as outdoor tennis courts, and running track. These facilities plus student, faculty and staff involvement helped GCC earn gold level designation from the Exercise is Medicine On Campus program. 

“We are proud that health and wellness is embraced by many campus departments at GCC, including nursing, counseling and nutrition that guide students to make healthier choices and also encourage individuals to visit our campus Fitness & Wellness facilities.” stated Louise So, GCC faculty and personal trainer program director, in a press release. 

GCC was one of 83 colleges to receive gold level recognition.  All universities and colleges will be officially recognized in May at the Exercise is Medicine recognition ceremony during the American College of Sports Medicine’s annual meeting.  

“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,” stated interim CEO Katie Feltman, CAE, in a press release. “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.” 

The GCC Exercise is Medicine-On Campus Leadership Team members:

• Louise So, advisor
• Grace Paul, DNP, RN, CNE, health care professional/department chair- nursing
• Aaron Fried, health fitness professional/certified athletic trainer
• Justine Frazini, student representative
• Carter Goodson, student representative

EIM-OC launched its recognition program in 2014 to honor campuses for their efforts to create a culture of wellness. Schools earn gold, silver or bronze status based on their activities.

Gold level campuses have created a referral system where campus health care providers assess student physical activity and refer students as necessary to a certified fitness professional as part of medical treatment. 

Glendale Community College provides 41 associates degrees, 61 certificate programs, and a range of non-degree offerings, all available to students in traditional, online and hybrid formats.