Campus News

Fall Staff Appreciation event celebrates employees

Mikayla Coombs, a development officer in the Office of Regional Programs for Development and Alumni Relations, takes a photo with Hairy Dawg and UGA President Jere W. Morehead at the Fall Staff Appreciation event. (Photo by Andrew Davis Tucker/UGA)

During the season of giving thanks, University of Georgia staff members were invited to a Fall Staff Appreciation Reception held Nov. 22 in the Grand Hall of the Tate Student Center.

“I am so grateful to the outstanding staff at UGA who ensure that our university is able to carry out our important mission of teaching, research, and public service,” said UGA President Jere W. Morehead. “Their hard work and dedication are essential to our success.”

The event, hosted by the Office of the President, included festive refreshments, such hot cocoa and cider, popcorn, ice cream sundaes and a totcho bar, along with photo booths to capture the moment. Additionally, staff members were treated to 2021 National Championship T-shirts and caps.

UGA President Jere W. Morehead shakes hands with Andrea Barnes, clinic assistant at the University Health Center, at the Staff Appreciation event Nov. 22. (Photo by Andrew Davis Tucker/UGA)

The chance to meet and mingle with people from other schools, colleges, departments and units was another highlight of the reception.

“I enjoy the food and mingling and getting to know people you don’t already know,” said Christy Rich, an instructional designer in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences’ academic affairs office.

Victoria Redmon, assistant director of student transitions in the Division of Student Affairs, agreed.

“I think it’s a wonderful way for the president to say ‘thank you’ and celebrate the staff and the accomplishments of the semester,” she said. “I’m so excited that I get to see my colleagues from the Georgia Center, from Development and Alumni Relations—people I don’t get to see that much. It’s nice to see familiar faces and meet people I haven’t engaged with before.”