The Shepherd University Foundation officially launched its new initiative, Women for Shepherd University, on April 13 with a Women and Wellness workshop held at Shepherd’s Wellness Center. The event was the first of a series of women-centered programs offering opportunities to learn about life issues facing women today. Women for Shepherd University plans to hold at least two events per year with a focus on matters pertaining to health, finance, technology and life change.

The Women and Wellness workshop offered attendees the choice of three 40-minute sessions along five tracks. Participants were able to sample essential oils and all-natural skincare products, participate in a cooking demo, tour the Wellness Center, or practice basic mat work as led by a certified Pilates instructor, among other activities, all while engaging in a comfortable social environment.

Workshop sessions included “The Pilates Guarantee: A New Body in 30 Sessions” led by certified Pilates instructor Diana Gore of My Pilates Place in Boonsboro, Maryland; “Restore, Renew, and Heal Yourself with Essential Oils and Natural Skin Care” presented by Brenda Robinette of Be Young Essential Oils, and Susan Winters, a licensed esthetician and certified skincare specialist with M’lis products; “Sexuality and Aging” led by Dr. Linda Carelli, a licensed social worker, marriage and family therapist and adjunct professor at Rutgers University; and “Eat Well, Live Well: Nutrition and Diet Tips for Women Over 50” presented by certified dietician and registered nurse Jennifer Miller.

The event was enjoyed by participants and presenters alike. “I truly love what I do and educating women about skin care is a passion,” said presenter Susan Winters, who works at Head Hunters Salon and Day Spa in Ranson. “The day was so well planned and the facility is amazing. I met so many interesting women!”

Shepherd alumna Betty Lowe, who serves on the Women for Shepherd University planning committee, said, “I felt the day was most rewarding and encouraging for our group. Everyone seemed to enjoy it.”

Women’s family and financial responsibilities are sometimes growing faster than their knowledge. Today’s women are responsible for making decisions about eldercare, retirement, estate planning and more. By engaging the Shepherd community and bringing women together in social forums to offer information on life issues as presented by trusted experts within a community of peers, Women for Shepherd University hopes to demystify such issues and offer solutions. Participants in these women-centered programs will also learn firsthand about the current scope and landscape of Shepherd, as well as the positive impact volunteer leadership can have. Women for Shepherd University will hold events throughout the year in the spring and fall with a focus on four general topics: Money Matters for Wise Women, Women and Wellness, Women Embracing Change and Connecting through Social Media.

Those interested in learning more about Women for Shepherd University or joining its planning committee should contact Monica Lingenfelter, Shepherd University Foundation, P.O. Box 5000, Shepherdstown, WV, 25443-5000, 304-876-5397, mlingenf@shepherd.edu, or visit www.shepherd.edu/fndtnweb.