IU Department of Health & Wellness Design

Indiana University School of Public Health–Bloomington faculty member Dr. Brandon Howell, Clinical Associate Professor of Tourism, Hospitality, and Event Management, was invited by the U.S. Embassy in Mexico, through the IU Mexico Gateway Office, led by Molly Fisher, to participate in Aldea Global 2026, a free multicultural festival celebrating the kickoff of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Mexico City.

During his visit, Howell met with staff at the IU Mexico Gateway, his second IU Gateway visit, following a visit to the IU Gateway in Bangkok, Thailand, in 2019. He also toured the historic 1968 Summer Olympic Stadium and the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), the largest university in Latin America.

As part of the official World Cup festivities, Howell delivered a presentation titled, “Healthy Fans, Healthy Venues: Hospitality Strategies for Enhancing Spectator Well-being at Sporting Events,” highlighting the growing intersection of hospitality, public health, and sport event management.

Drawing from his “Hospitality IS Health” agenda, Howell emphasized how hospitality environments can directly influence human well-being.

“As a leader in hospitality, it is not only my goal to create memorable experiences, it’s my mission to help design environments that influence how people feel, behave, and even recover physically, mentally, and emotionally,” Howell said. “Sports stadiums—from seating to food to airflow—have a direct impact on health outcomes.”

The presentation showcased how thoughtful venue design and hospitality practices can support healthier, safer, and more positive experiences for spectators attending major sporting events around the world.

📚✨ NEW PUBLICATION ALERT!

Congratulations to Dr. Edlin Garcia on the publication of his latest research in the journal Frontiers in Public Health! 👏

This work advances public health knowledge and highlights impactful scholarship within the Department of Health & Wellness Design.

🔗 Read the article: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2026.1791615

After 10 years of leading Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington's Food and Wine Tourism course in Sorrento, Italy, David Smiley recently completed his final year teaching the program abroad.

Since its launch, the course has provided students with unique opportunities to explore food, wine, culture, and tourism through immersive international experiences. David reflects on the past decade with gratitude for the support of the Department of Health & Wellness Design, the partnership with Sant’Anna Institute, and the many colleagues, friends, and students who helped make the program a success.

While this chapter comes to a close, the course will continue under the leadership of Dr. Brandon Howell. Looking ahead, David is excited to return to Barcelona in 2027 to teach the Health and Wellness Tourism course he also helped develop.

Thank you, David, for a decade of inspiring global learning experiences and for your dedication to our students.

Congratulations to Dr. William Ramos on being recognized at the 2026 Student Life Staff Excellence Awards! 🎉

Dr. Ramos was honored with the Gordon Faculty Award in recognition of his unwavering dedication to students, both inside and outside the classroom. His commitment to teaching, mentorship, and advancing water safety research continues to make a lasting impact on the Indiana University community and beyond.

Well-deserved, Dr. Ramos!

Here are a few snapshots from the When Everybody Swims event! 🏊‍♀️💙 It was wonderful to see community members come together to promote water safety, inclusion, and confidence in the water for participants of all abilities.

🌟 Student Spotlight: Barry Swigart 🌟

Barry Swigart’s journey is a powerful example of how experiential learning can lead to meaningful career opportunities. Through his work with Beck’s Mill in Washington County, Barry applied the skills he developed in Indiana University’s Parks, Recreation, and the Outdoors (PRO) Program to help preserve local history and support rural communities.

Barry will soon begin his first position with the National Park Service at St. Croix National Scenic Riverway.

Congratulations, Barry! We are proud of all you have accomplished and excited to see where your journey takes you next.

For the full story: https://go.iu.edu/ci4duY

Congratulations to Dr. William Ramos on receiving the Outstanding Faculty Member Award from the Indiana University Student Government. This honor highlights his unwavering dedication to supporting students both in and out of the classroom and his lasting impact on the IU community.

🎓 Upcoming Commencement Ceremonies at Indiana University - Bloomington 🎉

Join us in celebrating the incredible achievements of our Hoosiers!

Spring Graduate Commencement
📅 Friday, May 8, 2026
⏰ Processional: 2:30 p.m. | Ceremony: 3:00 p.m.
📍 Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall

Spring Undergraduate Commencement
📅 Saturday, May 9, 2026
⏰ Processional: 7:15 p.m. | Ceremony: 8:00 p.m.
📍 Indiana University Memorial Stadium

✨ Can’t attend in person?
You can still be part of the celebration! A live stream will be available on the day of each ceremony—just visit the commencement website and look for the link at the top of the page.

🔗 Learn more: https://commencement.indiana.edu/ceremonies-events/upcoming-ceremonies/index.html

🎓

Dr. Rebecca Lassell has been recognized by the Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning Service-Learning Program with the 2026 Community-Engaged Learning Partnership Award.

Through a Sustaining Hoosier Communities course, Dr. Lassell led students in collaboration with the Orange County Community Gardens to design an ADA-accessible pathway. IU Health & Wellness Design PhD student Pezhman Raeisian Parvari was also recognized with the 2025–2026 Excellence in Community-Engaged Learning Student Award for his contributions to the project.

Finals week is here, Hoosiers ❤️📚

Take it one step at a time, stay focused, and don’t forget to take care of yourself along the way. You’ve put in the work—now it’s time to finish strong.

Wishing all IU Bloomington students the best of luck—you’ve got this 💪✨