FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sept. 26, 2003
CONTACT: Lisa Lacher, (515) 271-3119

DRAKE EARNS SILVER WELL WORKPLACE AWARD

Drake University has been designated a Silver Well Workplace by the Wellness Councils of America, meaning it ranks among the healthiest places in the country to work.

The University will receive the award at the 13th Annual Conference on Worksite Wellness on Oct. 1 at the Iowa Methodist Education and Research Conference Center in Des Moines.

Organizations earning the Silver Well Workplace Award have demonstrated that their workplace is supportive of employees' efforts to modify health risks and to improve overall health and well-being -- both in terms of organizational environment and policy, according to the Wellness Councils of America.

"This award is the culmination of the hard work and efforts of many people over the last several years," said Mollie Keitges, Drake's wellness director. "It is very challenging for an organization to meet the qualifications to receive the Silver Well Workplace Award. This reaffirms the commitment the senior administration at Drake has made to building a results-oriented wellness program that protects the health of faculty and staff."

This is the second time Drake has been recognized by the Wellness Councils of America. In 2000 the University received a Bronze Well Workplace Award.