As CSUDH prepares to open its landmark Health, Wellness & Recreation Center (HWRC) in Fall 2026, new Center Director Serena Gandara shares how the facility will holistically support student well-being, facilitate experiential learning, and create intentional spaces for community.
Interview edited for length and clarity.
What drew you to CSUDH and this position?
I was previously at the University of San Diego for 18 years, where I helped to open its wellness center in April 2025. It was a fully integrative wellness facility that brought together clinical services, health promotion, recreation, and fitness in one space.
When I learned about the HWRC project at CSUDH, it really resonated with me. It felt like another opportunity to contribute to this work.
Now that I’m here, I’m incredibly grateful to be part of this experience! This community is so passionate, warm, welcoming, and invested in wellness.
How would you describe CSUDH’s new center?
Students were very intentional about naming it Health, Wellness and Recreation. We’re creating a model that supports the whole person, not just their physical fitness.
Of course, there will be plenty of workout spaces, but there will also be so much more that contributes to personal success and well-being. We will have areas for education and experiential learning for programs such as cooking demonstrations and nutrition education. Student organizations will be able to reserve spaces and incorporate wellness workshops into their meetings and events.
It’s a place to socialize, study, and lounge in, too: students can enjoy both indoor and outdoor spaces that are intentionally designed for decompression.
We will also incorporate clinical services, so that students can easily receive counseling and medical services in the center.
What impact do you think the HWRC will have on the campus community?
There’s a direct link between wellness and student success.
For students, having a safe and welcoming place where they can study, focus on themselves, meet others, and feel supported, correlates with how they live and learn on campus and beyond. Having access to things like exercise classes, massage therapy, and stress management in one place, dedicated to their growth and identity, is incredibly impactful.
Is there a particular feature you’re especially excited about?
We’re partnering with an organization to bring The Well to the Center, which will offer different well-being experiences and modalities such as massage chairs, nap pods, sound therapy, or art therapy.
Students will be able to try these out, and based on their feedback, we can decide what to make permanent. Our student voices will continue to shape the space even after we open.
How else can students be involved with HWRC?
Students can help shape the Center by serving on student advisory committees or as a student employee. In fact, 35 open positions are posted on Handshake now through May 1. There will be roles in hospitality and guest services, fitness/recreation programming, finance, marketing, sports development, and more. No prior experience is required; we’re focused helping students build practical, transferable skills.
Are there ways for the campus community to engage with the center before it opens?
We’re bringing The Well to campus this spring through a temporary space in the Student Health Center. Students, faculty, and staff will be able to try different wellness experiences and provide feedback to help shape what the final space looks like. It’s a great way to introduce the concept of wellness beyond a traditional gym.
We are also hosting several pop-up events throughout campus so folks can learn more about the Center and provide feedback.
What do you want the campus community to know right now?
This building is for you. You can use it in whatever way supports your well-being. It will be a place to relax, connect, and take care of yourself.
Whether you want to work out, float in the pool, study, or just spend time with friends, it’s going to be all in one place. I hope Toros take full advantage of it!
Follow updates about HWRC on Instagram (@csudh_hwrc), and stay tuned for the launch of the new HWRC website.
Faculty and staff are invited to take the non-student HWRC membership interest survey to review membership options and information.
