From: Green Bandana Brigade
Date: November 19, 2025
Subject: Green Bandana Brigade Fall Newsletter


One Week Until Thanksgiving Break

As we near the end of the fall semester, and the busy holiday season, it is important to find time for friends, community, and fun things to do to take care of ourselves and each other.

Our focus this academic year is on physical and social wellness. With this in mind, this newsletter focuses on how you can restore your physical and social wellbeing in fun and unique ways.

The Nutitutional Side of Physical Wellness
As the weather grows colder, it’s important to nourish your body with warm, vitamin-rich foods. One of our committee member's favorite ways to get in a bunch of vitamins during the colder months is by making creamy blended soups. See below for a great recipe you can copy or adjust to your own preferences. The picture included is from your very own SGA Director of Student Support, Ceci Oliver!
 

Cultivating Social Wellness: Finding Your People in College

As we approach Thanksgiving and the end of the semester, it’s a meaningful time to check in with ourselves — not just academically, but socially and emotionally. One of the most important components of your wellbeing is social wellness, the process of building healthy relationships, feeling connected, and finding your place within a supportive community.

In college, social wellness is essential. Meaningful relationships help:

  • Reduce stress and loneliness
  • Build resilience during challenging times
  • Foster a sense of belonging and purpose
  • Support mental and emotional health

And remember: friendship isn’t about the quantity of people you know, but the quality of the relationships you build. Even one or two supportive connections can make a profound difference.

But social wellness isn’t only about connecting with others — it also includes connecting with yourself. Solo dates, restorative time alone, and intentional self-care are all forms of social wellness. Taking yourself out for coffee, exploring campus, journaling, resting, or spending quiet time recharging can help you feel grounded and better able to show up fully in your relationships.

Loyola offers several programs designed to help students build supportive, empowering, and authentic connections — both with others and, importantly, within themselves.

Beet Soup Recipe

Beet soup, in all of its pink glory, can be made with just a few ingredients. Follow the recipe below to make your own; feel free to swap the contents based on your preferences or what you have on hand!

Ingredients:

  • Beets – Heart-healthy and rich in vitamins and nutrients
  • Parsnip – For a creamy texture with less carbs than potatoes
  • Ginger – Because who can resist that zest and spiciness
  • Garlic & Onions – For richness and depth of flavor
  • Vegetable Broth – You can make this soup as thick or thin as you’d like
  • Salt and Pepper – a little sprinkle of seasoning

Directions:

  1. Cook the onion in a large stock pan over medium high heat with avocado oil (or whatever you have on hand) for 3-4 minutes.
  2. Add the garlic, ginger, salt, and pepper and cook for 1-2 additional minutes.
  3. Add the diced beets, parsnips, and vegetable broth into the pot. Turn the heat to high and bring it to a boil. Then, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until the beet is fork tender.
  4. Transfer the soup into a high powered blender and blend for one minute, until it’s smooth and creamy.
  5. Garnish with coconut cream (or Greek yogurt), parsley, and sunflower seeds. Serve with crusty bread or croutons.
  6. Enjoy!

McAuley Connects

Beginning January 2026, the McAuley Women’s Center will debut McAuley Connects, a peer-connection initiative designed to help students meet new people and build lasting friendships. Through this program, students will be paired with peer connectors who provide support, encouragement, and companionship as you navigate college life.

McAuley Connects is ideal for anyone who wants: A welcoming way to meet new people; A friendly peer to attend events or activities with; Low-pressure social support; and A greater sense of belonging on campus

This initiative offers a structured, compassionate approach to strengthening your social wellness. E-mail mcauleywomenscenter@loyola.edu for more information or to sign up.

MAN2MAN

MAN2MAN is another powerful opportunity to build community and connection. The program provides a space to meet, mingle, and network with peers, as well as connect with MAN2MAN Mentors — faculty, staff, and administrators who offer support, guidance, and community. Each gathering includes fellowship over a shared meal, creating a warm, relationship-centered environment. MAN2MAN welcomes: Black men, Men of color and Allies.

Last MAN2MAN Meeting of the Semester: Tuesday, December 2, 5:00–6:30 p.m. | CIE

For students seeking brotherhood, mentorship, and meaningful dialogue, MAN2MAN offers a consistent and supportive community.

Sister to Sister

Sister to Sister is a holistic retention and empowerment program for women of color and their allies at Loyola. The program focuses on giving women the knowledge, tools, and motivation to thrive personally, academically, and as leaders in the campus community. Its bi-weekly sister circles provide a supportive, reflective space where women can: Engage in thoughtful discussion; Share experiences; Celebrate successes; Express challenges and complexities; and Build a strong, affirming network.

Last Sister to Sister Meeting of the Semester: Thursday, December 4, 5:00–6:30 p.m. | CIE

Sister to Sister centers the voices, lived experiences, and brilliance of women of color while fostering community, connection, and self-expression.

Invest in Your Social Wellness

Social wellness doesn’t require a huge friend group — it requires intentional, caring relationships that help you feel supported and grounded. It also requires caring for yourself through rest, reflection, and solo experiences that nourish your spirit.

As the semester winds down, consider taking a step toward strengthening your social wellness — whether that means joining a campus program, reaching out to a friend, or taking yourself on a restorative solo date. Building community, with others and within yourself, is one of the most meaningful parts of the college experience.

Pick up and wear your green bandana!

If you haven't done so already, you will want to pick up your green bandana so that you can show it off! Bring your Vector or Mental Health First Aid certificate to the Counseling Center to receive your green bandana and a set of resource cards. After you've received your bandana don't hesitate to show it off by putting it in your office, on your backpack or bag, or anywhere you see fit.

Have a question or concern?

Feel free to reach out to greenbandanabrigade@loyola.edu or visit the Student Wellbeing Action Group (SWAG) website to learn more about wellness initiatives on campus and other members of the team.