BEMIDJI — As finals loom on the horizon, Bemidji State University students got a chance to let loose and celebrate the end of another academic year.

The university’s annual “Sunsplash” had to move indoors to avoid a modest snowfall, but students still got a chance to tumble down inflatable play structures, listen to some live music, enjoy a pulled pork picnic or play with excitable puppies.

“It’s kind of like the big, end-of-the-year bash,” said Nina Johnson, the associate director of the Hobson Memorial Union and one of the event’s organizers. The large number of faculty and staff who showed up, she added, demonstrates how much they want to support their students.

But this year’s Sunsplash wasn’t just about fun: organizers collaborated with other university staff to promote “Best You @ BSU,” a relatively new campus-wide wellness initiative that set up colorful booths at the event.

“They’re having fun, they’re learning stuff…but we’re trying to get them to really think about their different dimensions besides school,” said Margie Giauque, the university’s career services director.

The initiative focuses on social, emotional, environmental, physical, career and spiritual wellness. When it was launched last fall, university staff said it would emphasize that campus life is about access to supportive services and programming, rather than just a place to live.

Freshmen Alex Tibbetts and Sasha Niesche were waiting in line to twist up some tie-dye t-shirts, but said they showed up for a simple reason.

“Dogs,” Tibbetts said. “I am definitely here for the dogs.”