UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State Campus Recreation, a unit in the division of Student Affairs, has been named the winner of the 2025 Largest Physical Activity Challenge by the Healthier Campus Initiative.
The department received the recognition at the 2026 NIRSA + IDEA World Annual Conference held in National Harbor, Maryland.
The award recognizes Campus Recreation’s “Choose to Move” program, held Sept. 17, 2025, as part of Healthy Campus Week. The event drew 9,007 participants across Penn State’s University Park campus, making it the largest physical activity challenge among participating institutions.
To accommodate participation across a large student population and multiple facilities, Campus Recreation organized the challenge across several locations and programs simultaneously. Students were able to take part through a variety of movement options, including group fitness classes and other recreational activities offered throughout Campus Recreation facilities.
“Choose to Move” was designed to encourage students to prioritize movement and well-being while providing accessible opportunities to be active across campus. The level of participation reflects Penn State’s ongoing commitment to student wellness and active living.
Penn State Student Affairs supports holistic student success through advocacy, education, engagement and care. With more than 30 programs and units, Student Affairs helps students thrive in and out of the classroom, discover community and belonging, build leadership skills and create lasting memories. All programs and events are open to all students, regardless of sex, gender, sexual orientation, race or other protected class. Student Affairs is committed to building a community of belonging for all. Learn more about Student Affairs programs at studentaffairs.psu.edu.