Mississippi College Receives Third Grant from Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi Foundation

Mississippi College will host its second annual disc golf tournament in Spring 2018 on the Clinton campus.

Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi Foundation leaders granted an additional $121,104 to help step up wellness programs for the MC family and Clinton community.

It’s part of the MC’s Wellness for Life initiative that’s helping to make a difference in the lives of students, staff and Clinton residents. This is the third grant from the Foundation in support of Wellness for Life.

“Past funding has brought so many wonderful things to campus and to the community to help us lead healthier lives,” said MC Wellness for Life Coordinator Piper Walters.

College leaders are delighted to move forward with new initiatives for the 2017-18 academic year.

“We are so excited about the possibility to reach many more people about the importance and value of a healthy lifestyle,” Walters says. The Clinton resident is also a kinesiology instructor.

The Foundation’s previous funding supported construction of the Mississippi College walking track and fitness course near the Longabaugh soccer field. It also helped to establish the Farmer’s Market on the Clinton campus with fresh fruits and veggies for sale for students, faculty and staff. A disc golf field was also created with grant funding.

The Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi Foundation supported Mississippi College’s wellness initiatives from the beginning. It’s part of the Foundation’s University and College Health and Wellness Model that’s supporting colleges and universities in creating dynamic and diverse wellness initiatives.

“A healthy Mississippi is a place where health and wellness is the foundation for our schools, communities, colleges and universities and our entire culture,” said Sheila Grogan, executive director of the Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi Foundation. “Mississippi College is creating comprehensive wellness offerings that are making a positive impact on the campus and in the community.”

The newest grant allows MC to do even more to advance wellness for the college community.

Most recent funding “will ensure that the outstanding programming we have in place will continue,” said Kinesiology Department Chairman Chris Washam. “It is a great benefit for our students, faculty, staff and the community.”

MC will soon purchase and install two more combi-ovens for the cafeteria. This allows food to be prepared in a healthier way without sacrificing taste. It will give the college a complete set of four ovens.

In addition, MC officials say the school will also add cement tee boxes to all nine holes at the disc golf course. Students will host the 2^nd Annual Clocktower Classic Disc Golf Tournament next spring.

Free programs are also available including yoga, water aerobics at Alumni Pool, healthy snacks for MC employees, a BFit Bootcamp and cholesterol & glucose screening at the employee benefits fair.

For more information, contact MC Wellness Coordinator Piper Walters at 601-925-7752 or pwalters@mc.edu

Learn more about the work of the Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi Foundation at www.healthiermississippi.org