Montevallo, Ala. – The University of Montevallo Counseling Services will be taking part in National Eating Disorder Awareness Week by holding several activities to spread awareness, including a student fair in Farmer Hall from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and guest speaker Karen Newman in Humanities Hall Auditorium at 7 p.m. on Wed., Feb. 24.
The “Just Three Words” event will take place throughout the day on Wednesday from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. in Farmer Hall. University of Montevallo Counseling Services will be working with Covenant Counseling to provide free food, a photo booth, free eating disorder screenings, and other activities throughout the day.
Wednesday evening, the University will host world-class athlete, dietician, mother and author of “Just Three Words,” Karen Newman.
Newman became anorexic at the age of 14, discovered bulimia in college and later became a Registered Dietician and Nutritionist before qualifying for Team USA at the age of 39. Seven years later, at the age of 46, Newman hit rock bottom as she battled bulimia and an advanced, stage-three breast cancer diagnosis.
After battling and being healed from two life-threatening diseases, Newman returned to triathlons and has also been featured on NBC’s TODAY Show twice, on ABC and has received multiple awards including USA Triathlon’s “Most Inspirational Comeback Award;” Connecticut Sportswriters Association’s “Courage Award;” and American Cancer Society’s “Determination Champion.” Newman will tell her personal story of overcoming near-death experiences and living victorious, loved and free.
Newman will be featured in a panel discussion following her speech along with counselors from area counseling services. There will be a book signing of Newman’s book “Just Three Words” and door prizes will be given away to conclude the event.
The University of Montevallo’s Counseling Services will also have a table set up for support, more information and to answer any questions. Counseling Services can also be contacted at 665-6245 or at counseling@montevallo.edu for questions or concerns.
For more information on Karen Newman please visit thekarennewman.com.
About The University of Montevallo
The University of Montevallo seeks to be unique in higher education in Alabama, by providing students from throughout the state an affordable, geographically accessible, “small college” public higher educational experience of high quality. Settled within an atmosphere of national historic beauty and offering a tradition of innovative cultural expression, we seek to provide professional programs supported by a broad base of arts and sciences that are designed for intellectual and personal growth in the pursuit of meaningful employment and responsible, informed citizenship.