Omaha businessman John Blazek, who earned a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy from Creighton University in 1977, will receive the School of Pharmacy and Health Professions 2009 Alumni Merit Award at an Oct. 2 alumni reception and dinner.

Blazek, a well known Omaha businessman and community volunteer, also received a master’s degree in business administration from Creighton in 1986 while working as a pharmacist at Clarkson Hospital and Kohll’s Community Pharmacies. He cofounded his first business, Total Home Care, in 1981.

Today he is the president and owner of JMB Capital, managing director and co-owner of Heartland Health Therapy, and director and co-owner of Pioneer Publishing. He has also been active in a number of downtown redevelopment projects, including the Paxton Hotel restoration.

His business acumen has garnered Blazek the Omaha Chamber of Commerce’s 25 Fastest Growing Companies award – three times. The chamber also selected him for its Entrepreneur of the Year Award in 2002, and he earned a Ten Outstanding Young Omahans Award in 1994.

Blazek has also been active as a volunteer for Skutt Catholic High School and KVSS Spirit Catholic Radio and as economic development co-chair for the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce board.

The Alumni Merit Award is one of the highest honors given by Creighton’s schools and colleges. A great respect for and involvement in faith, family community and University are hallmarks of individuals who receive this award.