Awards

A Wellness Hero inspires those around them to be healthier. To acknowledge their efforts, a Wellness Hero will be awarded a certificate and a Wellness Hero prize.

Eligibility

Any faculty or staff member can nominate any other faculty or staff member. 

A nominated person must meet the following criteria:

• Make a positive impact in health and wellness in their workplace through a demonstrated behavior or attitude 
• Be a UI employee
• Give permission to share their nomination on social media (Facebook and Twitter) and the quarterly liveWELL newsletter.

Nomination Process

1. The Wellness Hero Nomination Form is located within Workflow. Enter your HawkID and password to complete the form.
2. You will be contacted within 10 business days to discuss your nomination.

Once approved, a certificate and prize will be issued from liveWELL. It is up to the person/department nominating the Wellness Hero to determine how to recognize the Wellness Hero. Opportunities to recognize Wellness Heroes could include staff meetings, lunch breaks, staff retreats, an on-the-spot celebration, or other activities.

Some Recent Wellness Heroes

Martin Gallardo, Admin Services Coordinator 

Nominated by Kara Prickett, Nursing Practice Leader 

Martin has made an outstanding impact on wellness and healthy living in our work area. He organized an Office Olympics challenge where all interested participants competed in 6 categories supporting healthy habits.

He made this challenge fun and encouraging. Each day he provided status updates to keep everyone motivated. At the end of the challenge, he handed out awards and medals to winners. It was such a big hit with all "Olympians" that he has offered to run quarterly challenges. Martin has made a huge impact in team morale and healthy living!

Alyssa Dalton, Financial Aid Advisor

Nominated by Vanessa Wiest, Communications Manager

I nominated Alyssa as a Wellness Hero. Every year, she shines as she coordinates Team O$FA during our 10-week Live Healthy Iowa challenge, sending out helpful, encouraging emails that motivate and empower everyone involved. Her thoughtful messages create a supportive community where health and well-being thrive. 

Beyond her vital role in our wellness initiatives in the Office of Student Financial Aid, Alyssa is actively involved with All The Way Up Studios in North Liberty. It's always exciting to hear where her dance performances take her. Alyssa’s unique blend of encouragement, creativity, and care truly embodies the spirit of a wellness hero. Her contributions not only elevate our wellness initiatives but also remind us of the joy and fulfillment that come from living a balanced, creative life.

Mandy McClenahan, Coordinator, Blood Drives

Kerry DuBay, Donor Center Supervisor/Pathology

Mandy has a friendly and welcoming demeanor when interacting with others. She demonstrates a positive attitude on a daily basis. Mandy has also created several interactive projects for staff and donors in the blood center and on social media. She brings new and fun ideas to the department. These projects have helped build morale and have encouraged staff engagement.

Jan Ahlrichs-Hanson, Staff Nurse

Nominated by Stacey Figgins, Assistant Nurse Manager

I nominate Jan Ahlrichs-Hanson as a wellness hero because she cares about her co-workers and is always doing projects to keep the department running smoothly. Jan is part of the staff retention Professional Governance group and is always bringing back ideas from other departments to help improve the morale of the staff. Jan will soon be celebrating her 43rd year anniversary of working at UI Health Care. Jan's dedication to the hospital and to her coworkers' shines through every day.

Lisa Mosier Bunn, Administrator, College of Education

Nominated by Michelle Hayes, HR Coordinator/Education Administration

We are pleased to nominate Lisa Bunn for her outstanding contribution to fostering a supportive and health-conscious environment at work through her monthly yoga sessions. Lisa holds a certified yoga instructor certification and has taken the initiative to offer regular yoga sessions to all colleagues, regardless of experience or skill level. These sessions are open to everyone and provide an opportunity for physical and mental well-being. Lisa has demonstrated exceptional leadership, creating a welcoming space for all employees to engage in mindfulness and improve their physical health.  

By offering these classes, Lisa has created a sense of community, helping colleagues connect outside of the traditional work environment, reduce stress, and foster a culture of well-being. We believe Lisa truly deserves recognition for her efforts in making yoga an accessible and valuable resource for all of us. Lisa’s dedication to supporting the health and wellness of our workplace has made a lasting impact.