Wellness Champions 2025

We all have a role to play in making the University of Alberta a healthier place. We celebrate the great work that members of our community do every day – and those who go above and beyond their role to create a healthier working, learning and living environment for our campus community. 

The Wellness Champions program recognizes exceptional individuals and groups of students, staff and faculty that contribute to the culture of wellness at the U of A. These contributions include positively influencing one or more of the many factors that drive well-being, such as physical, academic, emotional, social, financial, spiritual, environmental and or career wellness.

Congratulations to the 2025 Wellness Champion Award winners!

Dr. Jennifer Passey

Dr. Passey is a dedicated, committed and approachable instructor from the Department of Psychology at the University of Alberta. Aside from the exceptional quality of her teaching, her deeply compassionate instructional style incorporates practices that improve the wellness of the students she teaches, including in many ways beyond the classroom. She integrates wellness-focused practices into her teaching, including movement breaks, multiple class accessibility options and flexible deadlines to ensure accessibility and inclusivity for all students. Dr. Passey fosters a culture of care by providing a welcoming, supportive environment with extensive office hours, and encourages and provides accommodations to her students to ease stress. 

Her impact is not limited to her students. According to her colleagues, she goes above and beyond mentoring new instructors, sharing mental health best practices, and advocating for improved support systems for both instructors and students. Through Dr. Passey’s personal leadership, her unique efforts make a transformational impact on campus wellness by contributing to a compassionate, inclusive, and more accommodating environment.

Gil Anderson

Gil Anderson serves as the Indigenous Programs Coordinator at the University of Alberta’s School of Business, where his dedication to student success and well-being has made a profound impact. Beyond his formal role, Gil is a mentor, advocate, and community builder, ensuring Indigenous students feel valued, supported, and empowered throughout their academic journeys.

Gil has been a driving force in fostering wellness on campus. Through the mixers he organizes, he creates safe, inclusive spaces where Indigenous students can connect, share experiences, and build lifelong friendships​. He demonstrates an incredible ability to unite people and actively helps students navigate challenges, offering compassion combined with practical solutions​.

His workshops are one cornerstone of his impact, blending academic success strategies with Indigenous cultural teachings, reinforcing students' sense of identity and belonging​. Additionally, Gil has worked tirelessly to educate faculty and staff on the unique challenges Indigenous students face, fostering greater understanding and supportive environments on our campus​.

Through his committed support, mentorship, and advocacy, Gil makes students feel seen, heard, and empowered, ensuring indigenous students not only succeed academically but also thrive as individuals. Gil reminds people that they are never alone and inspires his students  through his actions.

Dan Ripley

Dan Ripley is an English Language School Instructor at the University of Alberta’s Faculty of Education, where his unique dedication to student wellness has profoundly impacted international students' experiences. Recognizing the challenges students face—such as over-reliance on screens, social isolation, and cultural adjustment—Dan has developed innovative initiatives that foster connection, resilience, and well-being​.

A key contribution is his participation in the Guest Speaker Series, where he delivers presentations on managing culture shock, avoiding fraud and scams, and fostering positive mental health. His talks equip students with strategies to manage stress and transition smoothly into university life​. These opportunities provide meaningful ways for international students to practice English in authentic and supportive environments. 

Dan also introduced his Art Challenge, a creative initiative designed to encourage students to disconnect from technology, engage in self-expression, and practice mindfulness. Through guided workshops and weekly prompts, students cultivate emotional resilience and build a stronger sense of self​.

Dan fosters inclusivity and connection, ensuring students feel a sense of belonging at U of A. His work embodies the university’s Culture of Care, where he goes above and beyond to support wellness everyday here on campus.