The Wellness Council of the Midlands (WELCOM) on Nov. 6 honored three Creighton University employees with its seventh annual William M. Kizer Light of Wellness Award.

The award recognizes Omaha business people who have made successful changes in their health habits as a result of company wellness programs or have helped make wellness an important part of their company's strategic direction. A total of 15 people received the 2008 award at a Thursday night banquet.

Creighton employees earning the award were Darin Jensen, grant editor and developer for the Research and Compliance Office/Grants Administration; Jan Maloney, affirmative action specialist; and Amy Matthews, assistant professor of occupational therapy and manager of occupational, speech and respiratory therapy at Creighton University Medical Center.

Matthews was one of two individuals recognized for leadership roles in promoting wellness as part of their company's strategic direction.

“In order to be nominated for the award, these individuals had to demonstrate that they were leading a healthy lifestyle and acting as a role models for others,” said Howie Halperin, executive director of WELCOM.