It’s the time of year to give thanks, and University of Georgia staff members were recognized at the 2024 Fall Staff Appreciation Reception for all they do.
“The University of Georgia’s success is built upon the unwavering dedication of our staff, and this event is one of the ways we show our gratitude for the incredible contributions they make every day,” said UGA President Jere W. Morehead. “We are proud to celebrate our staff’s commitment to excellence and the impact they have on our campus community.”
The event, held Nov. 26 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 tater tot station. Two photo booths allowed attendees to capture the moment, including some special ones with Hairy Dawg. Additionally, staff members were treated to a UGA cap, visor or pair of socks.
Staff members enjoy festive refreshments at the 2024 Fall Staff Appreciation Reception. (Photo by Peter Frey/UGA)
Rebecca Mayo, OACU coordinator in the Office of Animal Care and Use in the Office of Research and president of the UGA Staff Council, shared what recognitions like this mean to staff members.
“The Fall Staff Appreciation Reception is a heartfelt celebration of the tremendous efforts of our staff that serves as a powerful reminder of how the administration values the passion and dedication of staff as truly integral to the university’s success,” Mayo said. “This event not only fosters a deep sense of recognition and belonging, but it also strengthens the connections we have to each other and reinforces the loyalty that staff have to UGA.”
It’s also an opportunity to build new connections.
“I enjoy running into people I normally wouldn’t see,” said Nidhi Patel, a physical therapist at the University Health Center. “It’s always good to make those new connections.”
Hairy Dawg made an appearance at the 2024 Fall Staff Appreciation Reception. (Photo by Peter Frey/UGA)
The reception serves as an important opportunity to network with people from other schools, colleges, departments and units.
“I love the networking, and I love meeting people,” said Cateia Jones, office manager for the University Health Center’s Counseling and Psychiatric Services. “I just love that UGA does this for the staff, and I love that our departments allow us to come to it.”
For many, the reception has become an annual event they look forward to, particularly this time of year.
“It’s a nice reminder to know that our administration is caring for and thinking about staff,” said Aimee Cheek, marketing manager with Auxiliary Services. “We get really busy during the year, so it’s nice to pause and have a little bit to time to enjoy one another.”
