Morrison Bruce Center

06/05/2026

Happy National Outdoors Month!

June is National Outdoors Month, a time to recognize the powerful impact that time outside can have on our physical, mental, and social well-being.

Research shows that spending time in natural environments is associated with:
Lower stress levels
Improved focus and cognitive function
Increased physical activity
Greater social connection

Throughout this month, we will be sharing weekly posts focused on outdoor movement ideas, mental health benefits of nature, and ways to build connections through outdoor activities. Whether it’s a short walk, a study break in the sun, or a weekend adventure, small moments outside can make a big difference.

Stay tuned each Friday as we explore how to make the most of National Outdoors Month!

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05/31/2026

05/29/2026

Spring 2026: What a semester at the Morrison Bruce Center! This spring, our students, partners, and community came together to bring our mission to life: Empowering women and girls through movement, education, and connection.

Programs in Action: From Families in Motion and Healthy Kids, to EmpowHER, Girls Have HEART, Fitness Sampler, and Gus Bus, our programs created meaningful opportunities for participants of all ages to build confidence, learn new skills, and experience the joy of movement.

Community Impact: Through strong partnerships and outreach, we continued to connect with the Harrisonburg community- meeting families, women, and youth where they are and creating spaces that are welcoming, engaging, and empowering.

Research in Action: Our students extended their learning beyond the classroom by contributing to research exploring how physical activity supports well-being, including improvements in mood and energy; research related to practicum and internship experiences; and research related to our Girls Have HEART and EmpowHER programs.

Student Leadership: MBC interns and practicum students took the lead- designing programs, facilitating sessions, and gaining real-world experience that prepares them for future careers in Kinesiology and Heath Science related fields.

We’re so proud of our students, partners, and participants who continue to bring the MBC mission to life every day.
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05/26/2026

The Morrison Bruce Center is proud to recognize three of our incredible Spring 2026 Research Fellows: Megan Cropper, Alexis Downey, and Marija Krnetic, who presented research posters at the Kinesiology Banquet earlier this Spring! These students have spent the semester engaging in meaningful, hands-on research that advances our mission of promoting health, confidence, and community for women and girls. Their dedication, curiosity, and commitment to evidence-based practice truly embody the spirit of the MBC.
💙💚 JMU College of Health and Behavioral Studies JMU Research, Economic Development and Innovation

05/22/2026

Today we are highlighting our new Fitness Sampler program. Fitness Sampler gives established social groups (such as sororities, a neighborhood mom’s group, or a breast cancer survivor group) the opportunity to partner with the Morrison Bruce Center to explore a variety of group-based fitness experiences. Because social support is a powerful factor in starting and maintaining regular exercise, this program leverages the group’s built-in support system to encourage members to build and sustain active, healthy lifestyles. We are thrilled to have offered our first semester of Fitness Sampler this Spring! 💙💚

05/19/2026

Last month, we were honored to celebrate alongside the Community Engagement & Volunteer Center (CEVC) at the Community‑Campus Celebration Breakfast! At the Morrison Bruce Center (MBC) we share CEVC’s commitment to meaningful, reciprocal community partnerships that empower students and create real‑world impact beyond the classroom.
Huge congratulations to Emily Barner, nominee for Outstanding Student Partner CUP award, and Jill Lassiter, nominee for Outstanding Faculty Partner CUP award. Their work reflects the heart of MBC- engaged learning, collaboration, and service rooted in well‑being. 💙💚

05/15/2026

Our Spring Newsletter has been published! This Spring, the Morrison Bruce Center (MBC) continued its mission of promoting health and connection throughout the community. Through youth programs, outreach initiatives, and student-led research, the MBC empowers individuals to develop lifelong wellness habits. With the support of community partners, donors, and volunteers, these programs continue to make a meaningful and lasting impact. 💙💚

Click the link to read more! 👉 (https://ow.ly/zmJC50YUJXF)

05/12/2026

Catch us at the MBC table!

The Morrison Bruce Center empowers women and girls to lead confident, healthy lives through promoting physical activity, providing education, and fostering community. This year we executed two tabling events to educate and empower. We tabled in Festival educating about energy and wellness and in the Warner Commons educating about stress and healthy choices. Keep an eye out for future tabling events and stop by to say hello!

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05/08/2026

As the semester comes to a close, the Morrison Bruce Center came together to celebrate the dedication, leadership, and impact of our incredible staff. This end-of-semester celebration recognizes the hard work each committee has poured into their programs, events, and community initiatives.

From empowering participants through movement to strengthening our outreach and research efforts, every contribution plays a role in advancing our mission. We are so proud of what our team has accomplished this semester and are excited to continue building on this momentum.

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