By Marta Vallejo, Staff Writer 

This past Thursday, the Student Wellness Advocacy Group (SWAG) at Xavier received a visit from Xavier chemistry professor Dr. Michelle Schmahl and her therapy partner, Tucker the dog. The pair greeted students at the first floor of the Gallagher Student Center with SWAG members.

SWAG is Xavier’s chapter of BACCHUS, a national student organization that focuses on safety issues and college health. SWAG is composed of Xavier students working as Peer Educators (PE) to help fellow students deal with issues of general wellness, mental health and healthy relationships using a bystander engagement model. Throughout the academic year, SWAG hosts a variety of events focused on mental health awareness, substance safety and relationship education, all designed to empower students to support both themselves and one another. 

The event featured students petting Tucker, with Schmahl showing off some tricks she had taught him. Laughter and conversation filled the GSC as students stopped by between classes. 

“We are usually at Bethesda North Hospital through Tri Health, but recently, Xavier Well Being, they found out that we were a team and now we host office hours with Tucker on Thursdays from 1 to 2 p.m. in the HUB.” Dr. Schmahl said. 

Students rolled in during the event, showing excitement upon seeing Tucker. Some knelt down to greet him immediately, while others waited patiently for their turn to pet him. Several students shared that seeing Tucker in the GSC was an unexpected highlight of their day. For many, the brief interaction offered a welcome break from classes, homework and mid-semester stress. 

“There are so many benefits between the human-animal interaction, that it’s so important, the students that are away from their animals at home can come to a calm animal and just be able to pet him.” Dr. Schmahl added. 

SWAG PE’s were enthusiastic during the event, handing out candy and helping students create their bouquets. The combination of flowers, conversation and Tucker’s calm presence created an atmosphere that felt both festive and relaxing. 

“This is one of my favorite events that we do at the Student Well Being, I think it’s really fun to get people in the mood for Valentine’s Day, just like a nice way to brighten up your space inside with some flowers, especially because it’s cold out, or if you have someone you want to give them to, obviously, that’s nice too,” SWAG PE Elizabeth Fitzgerald said. 

Fitzgerald is a senior with a triple major in psychology, management and business analytics & information systems. She has been in SWAG for two years now. She shared that events like these not only promote mental wellness but also help build community on campus. 

With Tucker’s new weekly office hours in the HUB, students will continue to have the opportunity to step away from the pressures of college life and spend time with a friendly face. As SWAG continues its mission to promote student well-being, events like this demonstrate how small moments of connection whether through flowers or a wagging tail can make a meaningful difference.