UW-Eau Claire students help create well workplaces

University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire students enrolled in the “Wellness in the Work World” class assisted several business and community organizations with wellness projects this year.

Students in the class worked with local organizations to gather information and/or to plan a wellness program that will meet the needs of the individual businesses, says Dr. Susan Moch, professor of nursing.

“We help design programs and gather information, giving businesses the tools and strategies they need to develop or enhance a program that will be effective in their workplace,” says Moch, who has taught the course since it was first offered in spring 2008. “We do the front-end work; we help them figure out how to design and run the program to meet their specific needs and goals.”

“We’re open to any small project an agency or business has that creates a healthier work world,” she explains. “We want to contribute in a meaningful way to the health of our community.”

The 23 students in the class during the spring semester broke into teams, with each team assigned to work with a specific business or agency. One student team helped the Eau Claire Press Co. plan a health fair for its employees in late May.

“The interdisciplinary team has learned much about the company and the community, and it has incorporated that information into an individualized plan for the company,” Moch says of the project.

This spring, students also worked with Sacred Heart Hospital, Grace Lutheran Foundation and Community Health Partnership to plan wellness projects. The projects varied from helping plan health fairs to doing research on wellness plans to working on the Eau Claire Marathon.

“Our students have helped with specific projects but also have shared many other ideas for motivating and involving people in ongoing wellness programs,” Moch says.

While the class is housed in the nursing department, students enrolled in the course have many majors. Students from different disciplines bring varied experiences and knowledge, which helps strengthen the class discussions and enhance the community projects. In addition to the hands-on projects, students in the class also study theories and research that focuses on wellness in the work environment.

“We touch on everything it takes to have a well work world,” Moch said. “The class isn’t limited to food and fitness but to anything that helps shape a workplace culture.”

MOVERS

>> Skyward Inc. of Stevens Point has promoted Jerry King to executive vice president of administration; Kevin McFerrin to executive vice president of business development, Jon Oliver to executive vice president of corporate operations, Terry Anderson to vice president of corporate operations; and Dave Ilkka to vice president of sales and marketing.

>> Wausau Window and Wall Systems has introduced three market managers with expertise in specific building applications: Lisa May specializing in healthcare projects, Steve Gille in education, and Tom Mifflin in governmental and military.

>> The St. Croix Economic Development Corporation has elected Patti Robertson to a one-year term as president. Robertson is a commercial lender with WESTconsin Credit Union’s Hudson office. Attorney Tom Schumacher of Bakke Norman S.C. in Hudson was elected first vice president, Ryan Sicard of the Somerset School District was elected second vice president. Roger Humprey, owner of Humphrey Engineering and MarketGraphics in Hudson, was elected corporate secretary-treasurer.

BUSINESS BRIEFS

OWEN: A site has been selected for the planned Central Wisconsin Agribusiness Innovation Center, a multi-purpose facility designed to foster education, training, research and development in the areas of agribusiness and biotechnology. The building will incorporate large- and small-group learning environments, public meeting and presentation space, and business incubator space for agricultural entrepreneurs. The center, located off of Highway 29 in Clark County, will be designed and built by The Samuels Group of Wausau, and is expected to incorporate sustainable and energy efficient technologies.