The Wellness Council of the Midlands (WELCOM) will be honoring 10 individuals and one group with the William M. Kizer Light of Wellness Award on Thursday, Nov. 16. This marks the fifth consecutive year that WELCOM has given the awards.
Eight individuals will be recognized for making successful changes in their health habits as a result of their companies’ wellness programs. In addition, two individuals and a group will receive a Leadership Award acknowledging their outstanding efforts in promoting wellness and making it an important part of their organization’s strategic direction.
One of the employees being honored, Michele Wiggins, is a core cytogenetic technologist in the Munroe-Meyer Institute at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Another is Nancy Bernard, a staff nurse for The Nebraska Medical Center.
The dinner will begin at 6 p.m. at the Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft St. This year’s recipients are:
Healthy BehaviorAward
· Nancy Bernard—The Nebraska Medical Center
· Fonda Cross—Omaha Public Power District
· Alice Danclar—Union Pacific Railroad
· Joan Lanahan—Creighton University
· Jerry McCaw—Omaha Public Power District
· Rich Nelson—First National Bank
· Alice Smith—Creighton University
· Michele Wiggins—University of Nebraska Medical Center
Leadership Award
· Wayne G. (Gary) Gates—Omaha Public Power District
· Carol McCormick—Creighton University Medical Center
Team Award
· Westside Community Schools Board of Education
The Light of Wellness Award was created to recognize the founder and inspiration for worksite wellness in America – William M. Kizer. An Omaha-native and business leader, Kizer founded WELCOM in 1982 and its national non-profit counterpart, the Wellness Councils of America, in 1987. He is the chairman of the board of Central States Indemnity.
Nominees have to meet criteria in five categories – social, physical, intellectual, spiritual and emotional health.
“To be nominated for the award, these individuals had to lead a healthy lifestyle and act as a role model for others,” said Howie Halperin, executive director of WELCOM. “They are the models of what Bill Kizer envisioned for worksite wellness and the positive impact it can have on individuals and the success of their companies.”
For more information about the award, its recipients or the Light of Wellness Awards Dinner, contact Halperin at 402-934-5626.
The Wellness Council of the Midlands (WELCOM), which has 135 corporate members, is a 501 (c)3 non-profit organization and the first wellness council established in the United States. WELCOM educates companies on well workplace standards and recognizes them for achievement of excellence in health promotion at the worksite. Through trainings, workshops and roundtable discussions, WELCOM consults with companies to develop and improve their worksite wellness programs.