The SHU FIT Center is a faculty-only gym located on the Service Level of West Campus. Since 2018, Daniel Warzoha, manager of employee wellness, has been the heart of SHU FIT. The center and Warzoha’s services are a free resource that faculty and staff can use for the benefit of their physical and mental health.
Source: Contributed by Daniel Warzoha, Sacred Heart University
“We want our faculty members, our staff members, any employee here to feel good about themselves, to feel good about where they work, to be energized when they are at work, and then to also build connections while they’re here at work,” said Warzoha.
Warzoha contacts employees weekly via email, notifying them of wellness programs at the center that build self-confidence and community.
“This is a unique space where everybody can step away from just work and life and focus on themselves,” said Warzoha. “But then also come together in an open space where you can let your guard down a little bit, just be yourself, and be together with people.”
The SHU FIT Center helps faculty and staff stay physically active, boosting their energy, resilience, and overall health. While the gym is communal, Warzoha and his staff offer personal services.
“We offer personalized exercise programs, fitness assessments where people could meet with myself or one of my staff members and go through a program tailored to them, their needs, their wants, their desires, and to get what they want out of a fitness program,” said Warzoha.
Mail Operations Supervisor Sam Gountas is among the faculty and staff who utilize the SHU FIT Center and its services. Gountas first visited the gym eight years ago and has now gone over 500 times.
“SHU FIT Center is more than just a gym,” said Gountas. “It’s a resource that enhances staff health, productivity and overall campus culture.”
Gountas said he is pleased with the university’s prioritization of faculty and staff wellness, as he feels it has personally benefited him. Through his use of the support and guidance services at the center, Gountas has gained confidence and self-awareness.
“Dan Warhoza, who runs the facility, has personally helped me with ongoing support, advice, and making sure I have access to the resources I need,” said Gountas.
To reduce the stress of meeting student demands in higher education, Warzoha says employees need to be strong for themselves and each other. Warzoha directly works with faculty and staff, indirectly benefiting students.
“Yes, my job is directly to work with faculty and staff but by proxy that’s working with all the students because I want the faculty and staff to be as happy and healthy and engaged as possible,” said Warzoha. “And when they are doing that then they’re at their best to show up for all of the students to deliver the best classes, programs, and what not so you can advance through your academic journey.”
Sophomore Trey Barbieri, an exercise science major in the 3+3 Accelerated Doctor of Physical Therapy Program, recognizes the importance of prioritizing faculty and staff wellness for students.
“By encouraging our professors to be well physically and mentally, it sets a standard that students can only hope to reach as well,” said Barbieri.
Currently, employees are amid the SHU FIT Winter Olympic Games. Last week, they skied on an erg, shot targets with Nerf Guns, and tossed plush snowballs.
“The SHU FIT Center is the big kid playground, and this is our recess,” said Warzoha. “We need our time to step away, to be on the playground, to be with our friends.”
