It’s the time of year to give thanks, and University of Georgia staff members were invited to a Fall Staff Appreciation Reception in recognition of all they do.
“I am deeply grateful for our exceptional staff at the University of Georgia who work diligently every day to make sure that our institution is able to carry out our important mission,” said UGA President Jere W. Morehead. “The dedication of our entire staff is essential to our success, and that is reflected in all the achievements we’ve celebrated throughout 2023.”
President Jere W. Morehead talks with attendees at the Staff Appreciation event. (Chamberlain Smith/UGA)
The event, held Nov. 20 in the Grand Hall of the Tate Student Center and hosted by the Office of the President, included festive refreshments, such as hot cocoa and cider, popcorn, ice cream sundaes and a totcho bar. Two photo booths allowed attendees to capture the moment. Additionally, staff members were treated to UGA caps and visors.
Savannah Hembree, business manager in the Office of Emergency Preparedness and president of the UGA Staff Council, shared what events like this mean to staff members.
“The Fall Staff Appreciation Reception is not just an event; it’s a celebration of the tireless dedication that breathes life into our institution, illuminating the value of unity, gratitude, and camaraderie among our incredible staff,” she said.
Staff members enjoying the Staff Appreciation event. (Chamberlain Smith/UGA)
The reception also provided an important opportunity to network with people from other schools, colleges, departments and units.
“Sometimes we don’t always get a chance to fellowship with each other because we’re just getting things done and trying to serve the mission of the university,” said Chavita Life, a business operations partner in the business office at the Terry College of Business. “It’s important to network. I enjoy getting to see other staff members and fellow co-workers who have transitioned to other roles.”
For many, the reception has become an annual event they look forward to each year.
“We had a good experience last year, so we wanted to come back and have some more fun this year,” said Tiffany Haag, a business manager in the Mary Frances Early College of Education’s workforce education and instructional technology department.
