UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Inside the newly outfitted kitchen at Stone Hall, the scent of simmering soup filled the air as students gathered around a demonstration led by Anna Smithwick, a nutrition major and member of the Student Farm Club at Penn State. The hands-on cooking event, held Nov. 4, gave first-year students a chance to experiment with fresh ingredients and learn the fundamentals of making nourishing meals — all within the supportive environment of FlourishPSU: The Wellness Community.
This cooking session was just one of many programs available through FlourishPSU, an immersive Living Learning Community (LLC) at the University Park campus designed to support first-year students in their personal and academic well-being. Located in Stone Hall, the community provides a space where students can explore self-care, resilience and social connections while participating in specialized programming.
More than 30 students participated in the demonstration, which showcased five different types of soup, each crafted with simple, nutritious ingredients. Beyond just learning new recipes, students gained confidence in their ability to prepare meals, determine what supplies they need and utilize the kitchen space effectively.
“The students responded really positively,” said Virginia Luehrsen, the Living Learning Community coordinator with Residence Life. “Many of them felt confident that they could make the recipes again on their own.”
The event also served as an opportunity to refine the use of the space, testing out the kitchen’s layout and supply needs for future programming. Organizers are even exploring ways to record demonstrations, so that that all students in the community — not just those in attendance — can benefit from the experience.
A holistic approach to student well-being
The FlourishPSU LLC offers a variety of resources aimed at helping students navigate the transition to college life. In partnership with Health Promotion and Wellness, a unit in the division of Student Affairs, and the College of Health and Human Development, the LLC provides structured programming, including yoga sessions in the building’s movement space and additional cooking demonstrations with the Student Farm Club scheduled throughout the semester.
Students who opt to live in the community also have access to nearby amenities like the Intramural Building’s Wellness Suite, which features a relaxation room, light therapy boxes and mindfulness resources. Many residents choose to enroll in HDFS 197: Community, Connection, and Contemplation, a 1.5-credit first-year seminar that fulfills a General Health and Wellness credit requirement. Professional staff from Health Promotion and Wellness provide guidance in an advisory role.
Participation in the community requires a secondary application during the LiveOn Housing Process, ensuring that students who join are committed to engaging in a community focused on well-being.
A model for Living Learning Communities
FlourishPSU is just one of many thriving LLC opportunities at Penn State, each offering unique experiences tailored to students’ interests and academic goals. Across campus, more than 30 events were hosted this semester within individual LLCs, with an additional five programs bringing multiple LLCs together.
These communities also create unique opportunities for leadership development. Each LLC has resident assistants and executive boards that help shape programming and foster connections among students.
“We’re seeing how LLCs enhance the student experience in meaningful ways,” Luehrsen said. “From leadership opportunities to joint trips, students are gaining valuable skills both inside and outside the classroom.”
This past semester, multiple communities collaborated on off-campus experiences, including a trip to Washington, D.C., for students in the Information Sciences and Technology House and Educational Equity Scholars LLCs, and an excursion to the United Nations in New York, organized by the GLOBE LLC, home to students in the Schreyer Honors College.
Expanding opportunities for students
As Penn State continues to enhance its LLC offerings, new communities are being developed, including a communications-focused LLC in partnership with the Bellisario College of Communications, and Lavender Lions, a first-year student space in Robinson Hall designed to support LGBTQ+ students.
For students seeking a supportive and engaging residential experience, LLCs like FlourishPSU offer a pathway to deeper connections, personal growth and academic success. With ongoing partnerships and expanding opportunities, these communities will continue to play a vital role in shaping student life at Penn State.
For more information about FlourishPSU and other LLC opportunities, visit the LLC website.