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The SPH Happiness and Wellness Initiative

The Happiness and Wellness Initiative aligns with the University of Maryland School of Public Health's mission: “to promote and protect the health and well-being” of our diverse communities throughout Maryland, the nation, and the world.

Vision: To promote happiness and well-being for all, aligning with the University of Maryland School of Public Health Vision of “physical, mental, and social health and well-being for all people throughout our local and global communities.”

Mission: To proactively strengthen health and wellness, while prioritizing resiliency, through strength-based communications, training, curriculum, research, and assessment.

Our monthly e-newsletter features tips and tricks on spreading happiness, promoting your health and wellness, Some Good News stories, and upcoming events.

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Some Good News

Some Good News features stories from the school, campus, and our extended community to promote positivity and connection to our world. 

Have something to share? Send your good news story to happyandwell@umd.edu. 

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Happiness & Wellness Resources

Finding for ways to improve your happiness & wellness or ways to connect with other students? Look here for online and campus resources to help you get started. 

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Our Campus Partners

Our Initiative partners with several organizations around campus to establish a network of health and wellness tools and resources for all students. Through our partnerships, we strive to foster growth and empower communities together.

School of Public Health Calendar

February 12, 2026

Foundations of Community Engaged Learning

6:00 am - 7:15 am
View Event Foundations of Community Engaged Learning
February 12, 2026

Maximizing Tax Credits: A Strategic Tool to Attract Investors to Your Maryland Startup

6:00 am - 7:00 am
View Event Maximizing Tax Credits: A Strategic Tool to Attract Investors to Your Maryland Startup
February 13, 2026

Strengthening Course Alignment Across Outcomes, Assessments, and Activities

6:00 am - 7:15 am
View Event Strengthening Course Alignment Across Outcomes, Assessments, and Activities
February 17, 2026

ChilLACS

9:00 am - 11:00 am
View Event ChilLACS
February 18, 2026

Funding Sources for the University of Maryland Startups

4:00 am - 5:00 am
View Event Funding Sources for the University of Maryland Startups
February 18, 2026

3MT Workshop

5:00 am - 6:30 am
View Event 3MT Workshop
February 19, 2026

Supercharge Your Startup: How the R&D Tax Credit Can Fund Your Innovation (Even If You're Not Profitable)

6:00 am - 7:00 am
View Event Supercharge Your Startup: How the R&D Tax Credit Can Fund Your Innovation (Even If You're Not Profitable)
February 24, 2026

Make From Research to Venture Backed Startup: When Your Startup Is Ready for Venture Capital

7:00 am - 8:00 am
View Event Make From Research to Venture Backed Startup: When Your Startup Is Ready for Venture Capital
February 24, 2026

ChilLACS

9:00 am - 11:00 am
View Event ChilLACS

Meet the Happy and Well Team

Erin McClure, staff member of the School of Public Health at the University of Maryland.

Erin McClure

Happiness and Wellness Director

As part of the School of Public Health senior leadership team, Erin McClure oversees operations and partnerships, building on strengths, implementing best practices and supporting the school and campus in enacting their equity and inclusion values and mission.

Tia Cunningham, staff member of the School of Public Health at the University of Maryland

Tia Cunningham

As the Assistant Director for Student Engagement, Tia is dedicated to fostering and investing in a community of excellence. Tia oversees events such as the SPH Welcome Week, SPH Student Involvement Fair, and other activities to build and support the student and campus network. 

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Kashobi O'Bua

Since the beginning of her internship in Spring 2024, Kashobi has played a major role as a Wellness and Belonging Coordinator. Her focus is to promote, empower, and celebrate the health, wellness, and potential among all students through her advocacy and event coordination efforts. 

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Elizabeth Thach

Elizabeth has been a graduate student since Fall 2024. She is a second year, MPH student with a focus in Behavioral and Community health. At the Initiative, she focuses on project and creative management of upcoming community engagement and outreach events for the organization. 

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Adelina Rodrigues

Adelina is an undergraduate Public Health Practice major who is working as an intern for the Happiness and Wellness Initiative for the Spring of 2025. Her focus is creating inclusive and equitable spaces to foster the health and wellness of all students, faculty and staff at the University.