West Virginia University graduate and former “The Biggest Loser” contestant Jenn Widder knows first-hand how important it is to live a healthy life.

On Saturday, Oct. 2, Widder – who was on season five of the TV show – will share her experience with high school students from around the region during Upward Bound’s October Saturday Program, titled “A Healthier, Happier YOU!” The presentation will take place at 12:15 p.m. in the Blue and Gold rooms of the Evansdale Residential Complex.

Students in WVU’s Upward Bound program will join students from Upward Bound programs at Davis and Elkins College and Washington State Community College to meet, play and work out with Widder. Widder graduated from WVU in 2007 with a bachelor’s degree in communications studies.

“We’re so excited that Jenn is coming to campus to work with the UB students. Our hope is that her personal journey, and her energetic presence, will inspire the students to make positive choices- both academically and socially,” said Frances Bennett, director of WVU Upward Bound.

“Not only is this a unique opportunity for the students from all of the participating UB programs to learn more about WVU and to explore life as a Mountaineer, but it’s also a chance for them to learn how to strive for wellness and to live a healthier and happier life.”

Widder will talk to students about self-esteem, body image and help to motivate students to practice healthy habits. After her presentation, the students will exercise at the WVU Student Recreation Center with Widder.

Prior to Widder’s presentation, students will also participate in a walking tour of downtown campus, driving tour of Evansdale Campus, and seniors will meet with admissions counselors.

A federally funded TRiO program, Upward Bound is designed to help high school students overcome social, academic, cultural and class barriers to higher education. WVU Upward Bound serves students in ninth to 12th grades from Clay-Battelle High School, Grafton High School and Preston High School.

For more information on Upward Bound, visit http://upwardbound.wvu.edu.

-WVU-

cd/09/24/10

CONTACT: Frances Bennett, WVU Upward Bound
304-293-6199, Fran.Bennett@mail.wvu.edu