Employee Appreciation Celebration
Welcome to the 2024 Employee Appreciation Week, celebrating you like never before! From Sept. 9 to 13, we’re honoring our extraordinary UConn Health and UConn employees with a week full of gratitude and connection across all our campuses.
We're jumpstarting the excitement with complimentary tickets to the UConn Football home opener on Sept. 7 and packing the week with exciting events, like the Champion Cook-Off, Civili-Tea Fireside Chat, our Friday food truck festival, which is sure to be a hit — and much more!
Check back here regularly for all the details and to register for activities. We’re championing your well-being, one celebration at a time!
2024 Events Schedule
We’re thrilled to share the UConn Health, Storrs event schedule and all our Connecticut locations! Our inclusive lineup offers a mix of in-person, virtual, and hybrid experiences. Some events have limited space, so please register in advance to secure your spot and help us plan accordingly.
Stop by Our Community Centers!
Looking for a way to brighten someone's day or unleash your creativity? During employee appreciation week, visit our "Community Centers" at the Main Entrance, Main Building Cafeteria, Outpatient Pavilion, or Munson Road! Here's what you can do:
- Explore our Schedule of Events: Get the inside scoop on what's happening across UConn Health.
- Send a WOW Note: Mail a handwritten WOW note to a colleague and make their day.
- Share Gratitude: Pen your appreciation in our "I am Grateful for..." Journals.
- Get Creative: Fold an Origami Husky for our exciting new employee art installation!
Join us and be part of the UConn Health spirit!
Pre-Event
UConn vs. Merrimack
Saturday, September 7 – 12:00 p.m.
Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field – East Hartford, CT
Get ready for a pre-celebration — come cheer on our UConn Huskies at their football home opener against Merrimack College on September 7!
As part of the university’s “2024 Employee Appreciation Week”, UConn Athletics is excited to offer all employees at UConn, UConn Health, and Regional campuses the opportunity to receive up to four (4) complimentary tickets to our UConn football home opener!
To claim your complimentary game tickets:
- Visit UConnTickets.com, click the “Find Tickets” button, and select your seats.
- Immediately after completing the claim steps, your mobile tickets will arrive via email.
The deadline to request tickets is Wednesday, September 4, at 4:30 p.m.
If you already have tickets for the game, we encourage you to claim additional tickets for friends or family members.
If you have questions, please contact the Athletics Ticket Office via Live Chat, email athtickets@uconn.edu, or call 877-288-2666 (M-F, 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.).
Daily Activities
Kickoff Message from Dr. Andy
Start our Weeklong Employee Appreciation Ceremony with a heartfelt message from Dr. Andy, on the Hub expressing gratitude for our dedicated workforce.
Please note: The Video is on our intrasite, the Hub and can only be watched from a network computer
Meaningful Moments with Our Psychiatry & Dietary Teams
Daily Meditations
In line with this year's theme, Championing Your Well-Being, our expert psychiatry team will offer daily meditations on the Hub. If you miss a session, don’t worry—links to all the meditations will be posted here daily.
Dietary Daily
Along with our meditations, explore the powerful connection between nutrition and wellness! Discover foods that boost energy and focus while engaging in fun activities that promote healthy eating.
Please note: The Video is on our intrasite, the Hub and can only be watched from a network computer.
Today I Am Grateful: UConn Health’s Gratitude Journals
"A grateful mind is a great mind, which eventually attracts great things."
—Plato
With this belief, we are excited to partner with Grateful Peoples, a non-profit organization dedicated to spreading gratitude in classrooms and beyond. Founded by Teddy Droseros, Grateful Peoples emphasizes that focusing on the present moment is the best foundation for the future. Their primary initiative involves donating Gratitude Journals to classrooms across the U.S. and Canada, helping teachers integrate daily mindfulness practices into their curriculum.
We’re thrilled to announce that, thanks to Teddy's kind donation of 25 "Today I am Grateful..." journals, along with additional journals we've purchased, we are bringing this initiative to UConn Health.
Look for these journals in our public spaces and take a moment to add your message of gratitude. If you need help or inspiration, we'll offer daily Journal Prompts here, just for you.
Let’s cultivate happiness together. Start practicing today!
PM Activities
Block Party | UConn Health
11:30 am to 1:30 pm
In-Person
Center Courtyard
Kick off our celebration week at the UConn Health Block Party! Join us in the center courtyard for fresh air, lawn games, and a variety of fun activities. Explore our gardening showcase with Master Hartford County Gardener Sarah Baily, visit the WOW station, or craft your own Husky dog at the origami station. Don’t miss out on Swag Bingo—there’s something for everyone!
Gardening Showcase | UConn Health
11:30 to 12:00 pm
In-Person
Block Party at the Center Courtyard
Join Sarah Bailey, Hartford County Master Gardener Coordinator, as she shares her tips for putting together a fall planter. Engage with fellow gardeners during this creative session for helpful fall ideas for your home.
Register Here!
Intro to Mindfulness Meditation | UConn Online
12 to 1 pm
Microsoft Teams
Meditation is a practice that helps cultivate mindfulness and inner calm. It typically involves sitting quietly, focusing on your breath, and observing your thoughts without judgment.
Join us for this session designed for beginners or for those who want to begin again. This class will guide you through the fundamentals of mindfulness, helping you reduce stress and enhance your well-being. Join us to discover how a few moments of mindfulness each day can make a world of difference. Whether you're new to meditation or have some experience, it's a simple and effective tool for enhancing your overall quality of life.
Please find a quiet, private space for this class or use headphones to help with focus.
Instructor: Beth Reel
About Beth Reel
Beth Reel Coaching, LLC Offers life coaching, mindful outdoor experiences, shamanic practices, mindful eating programs, meditation, and yoga. Some of Beth's certifications include a certified professional coach (CPC), Kripalu School of Mindful Outdoor Leadership, Mindful Outdoor Guide, and Certified Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Guide. She focuses on helping women find their path and purpose through transforming their relationship with the Earth, self, and Spirit. Beth holds a B.A. in Psychology University of Saint Joseph and additional professional training through the University of California, San Diego, Center for Mindfulness, and Cornell Civic Ecology Lab.
Meaningful Moments with Our Psychiatry and Dietary Teams
Daily Meditations
In line with this year's theme, Championing Your Well-Being, our expert psychiatry team will offer daily meditations on the Hub. If you miss a session, don’t worry—links to all the meditations will be posted here daily.
Dietary Daily
Along with our meditations, explore the powerful connection between nutrition and wellness! Discover foods that boost energy and focus while engaging in fun activities that promote healthy eating.
Please note: The Video is on our intrasite, the Hub and can only be watched from a network computer.
PM Activities
Champion Cook-Off | UConn Health
1 to 2 pm
In-Person - Center Courtyard
Rain location: Cafeteria Area 5, 6
Get ready for a culinary showdown at UConn Health’s Champion Cook-Off! Our very own Dr. Andy will be stepping into the kitchen alongside our top chefs for a food competition you won’t want to miss. Two teams will battle it out: one led by our Morrison executive chef paired with an employee and the other featuring a Morrison sous chef teamed up with Dr. Andy. The heat is on as a panel of employee judges will crown the winning dish.
Think you’ve got what it takes to compete or judge? Sign up now to be part of the action on 9/10/24 at 1 pm. And don’t forget—everyone’s invited to come out, cheer on your colleagues, and enjoy the excitement!
Sign Up Here!
All Levels Yoga with Andrea | UConn Health
12 to 1p
In-Person - Mezzanine Lawn
Rain location: Wellness Center
Andrea returns to UConn Health for an invigorating yoga experience that will leave you feeling balanced, strong, and centered. Our all-levels yoga class is designed to cater to everyone, from beginners to experienced yogis. Get ready to dive deep into Pranayama breath work, strengthen your core with ab exercises, flow through a Vinyasa sequence, find stability in standing postures, and improve your balance with various poses. To top it all off, she'll guide you through a blissful meta-meditation to bring harmony to your mind and body. Whether you're just starting your yoga journey or looking to take your practice to the next level, this class is perfect for you.
Register Here!
Intro to Mindfulness Meditation | UConn Online
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Meditation is a practice that helps cultivate mindfulness and inner calm. It typically involves sitting quietly, focusing on your breath, and observing your thoughts without judgment.
Join us for this session designed for beginners or for those who want to begin again. This class will guide you through the fundamentals of mindfulness, helping you reduce stress and enhance your well-being. Join us to discover how a few moments of mindfulness each day can make a world of difference. Whether you're new to meditation or have some experience, it's a simple and effective tool for enhancing your overall quality of life.
Please find a quiet, private space for this class or use headphones to help with focus.
Instructor: Beth Reel
About Beth Reel
Beth Reel Coaching, LLC Offers life coaching, mindful outdoor experiences, shamanic practices, mindful eating programs, meditation, and yoga. Some of Beth's certifications include a certified professional coach (CPC), Kripalu School of Mindful Outdoor Leadership, Mindful Outdoor Guide, and Certified Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Guide. She focuses on helping women find their path and purpose through transforming their relationship with the Earth, self, and Spirit. Beth holds a B.A. in Psychology University of Saint Joseph and additional professional training through the University of California, San Diego, Center for Mindfulness, and Cornell Civic Ecology Lab.
Employee Sundae Showcase | Dairy Bar
4 - 6 pm
UConn Dairy Bar
17 Manter Road, Storrs, CT
Stop by the UConn Dairy Bar on Tuesday, 9/10, from 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm to get a taste of the winning sundae of Employee Appreciation Week and the official 2024 Employee Sundae!
A limited quantity of Employee sundaes will be available on a first-come, first-served basis to employees who come to the UConn Dairy Bar with their UConn/UConn Health ID.
See you at the Dairy Bar!
Employee Art Show | UConn Health
Reception
3:30 - 5:00 pm
Main floor hallway connecting Connecticut Tower with University Tower
Join us in the University Tower Mezzanine for some light refreshments as we celebrate the artists on display in our employee art show.
8:30 am – 9/11 Remembrance Events on UConn’s Storrs Campus
UConn Public Safety will host a remembrance ceremony for the victims of the attacks on September 11th, 2001.
Bell Ceremony
Public Safety Complex
126 North Eagleville Road, Storrs, CT
View and Download the UConn Remembers September 11th Poster with all Ceremony Locations..pdf
Meaningful Moment with our Psychiatry and Dietary Teams
Daily Meditations
In line with this year's theme, Championing Your Well-Being, our expert psychiatry team will offer daily meditations on the Hub. If you miss a session, don’t worry—links to all the meditations will be posted here daily.
Dietary Daily
Along with our meditations, explore the powerful connection between nutrition and wellness! Discover foods that boost energy and focus while engaging in fun activities that promote healthy eating.
Please note: The Video is on our intrasite, the Hub and can only be watched from a network computer.
Continental Breakfast and Husky Heritage Museum Tours | UConn
8:30 to 10:00 am
UConn Alumni Center Banquet Hall
2384 Alumni Drive, Unit 3053
Storrs, CT 06269
Start off the day by enjoying a continental breakfast, then immerse yourself in the rich history and pride of UConn Athletics with a special tour of the Husky Heritage Museum.
Check out the impressive NCAA Championship trophies won by our men’s and women’s basketball teams, men’s soccer team, and women's field hockey team. Feel the excitement of over 100 years of Huskymania, featuring not only our championship trophies but also a wide array of must-see sports memorabilia that tells the story of UConn’s athletic legacy.
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to take a walk through UConn’s illustrious sports history!
Maximum of 120 attendees
Registration required - Use this link to go to the UConn page to register.
PM Activities
Civili-tea: Fireside Chat on Workplace Conversations | UConn Health
12:00 - 1:00 pm | In-Person: Keller Auditorium | Virtual via WebEx
Join us for a special Civili-tea fireside chat with Lakeesha Brown, Chief Human Resources Officer, alongside UHP leaders and distinguished guests. This engaging session will highlight the critical link between well-being and civility in the workplace, focusing on how fostering civil conversations and practicing emotional regulation can create a more supportive and healthy work environment.
Relax with a freshly brewed cup of tea as you participate in discussions on how civility and well-being work together to enhance our workplace culture.
To make your experience even more enjoyable, tea and biscuits will be served before the presentation, setting a warm tone for meaningful conversation and connection. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with leaders, gain valuable insights, and help cultivate a culture of civility and well-being at UConn Health!
Watch the Civilitea Replay Here
Meaningful Moments with our Psychiatry and Dietary Teams
Daily Meditations
In line with this year's theme, Championing Your Well-Being, our expert psychiatry team will offer daily meditations on the Hub. If you miss a session, don’t worry—links to all the meditations will be posted here daily.
Dietary Daily
Along with our meditations, explore the powerful connection between nutrition and wellness! Discover foods that boost energy and focus while engaging in fun activities that promote healthy eating.
Please note: The Video is on our intrasite, the Hub and can only be watched from a network computer.
Wellness Center Open House
8:30 am to 4:00 pm
Wellness Center
Main Floor, LM034
Discover a space dedicated to your well-being at the Wellness Center Open House! Step into a welcoming environment designed to nurture your physical, mental, and emotional health. During the open house, explore our state-of-the-art fitness facilities and sample some of our classes, all tailored to promote a balanced and vibrant lifestyle for the UConn Health community.
Throughout the morning, we’ll be offering free memberships to the Wellness Center, serving fresh smoothies, and showcasing our diverse class offerings. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the full range of wellness resources available to you!
Setting Intentions 11 am Session | UConn Health
*** POSTPONED ***
First Session:11 am
Cafeteria Area 5, 6
UConn Health Invites You to Cultivate Hope and Positivity!
Embrace the future with intention and purpose. Join us for an inspiring session in the cafeteria by the art gallery, where you can learn the art of intention setting. Not only will you craft meaningful intentions, but you’ll also explore the power of color theory to express yourself in vibrant, creative ways. Don’t miss this opportunity to look ahead with positivity and bring your intentions to life!
Register for 11 am Here!
About Beth Reel
Beth Reel Coaching, LLC Offers life coaching, mindful outdoor experiences, shamanic practices, mindful eating programs, meditation, and yoga. Some of Beth's certifications include a certified professional coach (CPC), Kripalu School of Mindful Outdoor Leadership, Mindful Outdoor Guide, and Certified Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Guide. She focuses on helping women find their path and purpose through transforming their relationship with the Earth, self, and Spirit. Beth holds a B.A. in Psychology University of Saint Joseph and additional professional training through the University of California, San Diego, Center for Mindfulness, and Cornell Civic Ecology Lab.
About Andre Rochester
Rochester is UConn Health’s third art curator. His involvement in the Greater Hartford arts community includes serving on the boards of the Windsor Art Center and Connecticut Arts Alliance; as program manager of the 224 EcoSpace, a hub for entrepreneurs in the creative field; and as program manager of the Artist of Color Accelerate fellowship. He is also part of the 2022-23 National Leaders of Color Fellowship, a program for art leaders across the country, with one representative from each state.
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PM Activities
Setting Intentions 12 pm Session | UConn Health
*** POSTPONED***
Second Session: 12 pm
Cafeteria Area 5, 6
UConn Health Invites You to Cultivate Hope and Positivity!
Embrace the future with intention and purpose. Join us for an inspiring session in the cafeteria by the art gallery, where you can learn the art of intention setting. Not only will you craft meaningful intentions, but you’ll also explore the power of color theory to express yourself in vibrant, creative ways. Don’t miss this opportunity to look ahead with positivity and bring your intentions to life!
About Beth Reel
Beth Reel Coaching, LLC Offers life coaching, mindful outdoor experiences, shamanic practices, mindful eating programs, meditation, and yoga. Some of Beth's certifications include a certified professional coach (CPC), Kripalu School of Mindful Outdoor Leadership, Mindful Outdoor Guide, and Certified Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Guide. She focuses on helping women find their path and purpose through transforming their relationship with the Earth, self, and Spirit. Beth holds a B.A. in Psychology University of Saint Joseph and additional professional training through the University of California, San Diego, Center for Mindfulness, and Cornell Civic Ecology Lab.
About Andre Rochester
Rochester is UConn Health’s third art curator. His involvement in the Greater Hartford arts community includes serving on the boards of the Windsor Art Center and Connecticut Arts Alliance; as program manager of the 224 EcoSpace, a hub for entrepreneurs in the creative field; and as program manager of the Artist of Color Accelerate fellowship. He is also part of the 2022-23 National Leaders of Color Fellowship, a program for art leaders across the country, with one representative from each state.
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Swag Bingo | UConn Health
12 pm
Tower Mezzanine Lawn
Get ready for Swag BINGO, where fun meets fantastic giveaways! Join your colleagues in fast-paced, lively games and score some awesome UConn & UConn Health merch. It’s a win-win for laughs and loot!
Register Here!
All Levels Yoga with Andrea | UConn Health
4:15 to 5:15 pm
Mezzanine Lawn
Rain Location: Wellness Center
Andrea returns to UConn Health for an invigorating yoga experience that will leave you feeling balanced, strong, and centered. Our all-levels yoga class is designed to cater to everyone, from beginners to experienced yogis. Get ready to dive deep into Pranayama breath work, strengthen your core with ab exercises, flow through a Vinyasa sequence, find stability in standing postures, and improve your balance with various poses. To top it all off, she'll guide you through a blissful meta-meditation to bring harmony to your mind and body. Whether you're just starting your yoga journey or looking to take your practice to the next level, this class is perfect for you.
Register Here!
Meaningful Moments with our Psychiatry and Dietary Teams
Daily Meditations
In line with this year's theme, Championing Your Well-Being, our expert psychiatry team will offer daily meditations on the Hub. If you miss a session, don’t worry—links to all the meditations will be posted here daily.
Dietary Daily
Along with our meditations, explore the powerful connection between nutrition and wellness! Discover foods that boost energy and focus while engaging in fun activities that promote healthy eating.
Please note: The Video is on our intrasite, the Hub and can only be watched from a network computer.
Food Truck Event Details
Food, Fun, and Connecting!
Day Time: 11:00 am to 1:30 pm
Evening Time: 10:00 pm - 12:00 am
Virtual Coverage: 12 to 1 pm - Watch Blue Carpet Friday Here!
- Food trucks at the academic entrance (Lot A3), lower campus (Lot L5), and Munson Road circle during the day
- Food delivery to community locations during the day
- Food delivery to work areas by senior leadership for evening and night shifts
Please note that Lot A3, next to the Academic Entrance, and Lot L5, across from the Administrative Services Building, will be reserved and closed to parking for the event.
Can't join us in person? Join us at noon for our virtual experience from the "UConn Health Blue Carpet" via Webex.
Food
We’ve listened to your feedback from past food truck experiences and made some exciting changes to ensure all UConn Health employees can enjoy great food and fresh air. Here’s what’s new this year:
UConn Health ID Required: Please display your UConn Health ID for food service.
One Meal, One Dessert: Employees can choose one lunch and dessert to enjoy!
To-Go Convenience: Meals will be packed in grab-and-go containers, giving you more time to relax with friends.
Dedicated Clinical Teams Line: At the Academic Entrance, we've developed with with leadership a staggered schedule to ensure faster service for clinical teams. Volunteers will guide you to the designated lines, and managers will provide schedule details.
Lunch Offerings:
Pig Rig BBQ: Smoked pulled pork or chicken with sides including smoked mac & chees with bacon and without, smoked cowboy beans and purple cabbage cole slaw.
Nardelli's: Turkey, Ham grinders and plant-based Italian combo wrap, served with chips, a pickle.
New Haven Pizza Trucks: Freshly made pizzas, including gluten-free and vegan options.
Dessert Offerings:
Meriano's Bakery Truck: Mini cannolis.
Kona Ice: Flavored shaved ice.
Grandpa's Kettle Korn: Bagged kettle corn.
Hydration: The Metropolitan District of Connecticut will provide hydration stations. Remember to BYORB—bring your own filled reusable bottle or container in support of sustainability.
Come out, enjoy the festivities, and treat yourself to some delicious food!
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Ongoing Activities
Employee Ice Cream Sundae Contest
The sundae submissions are in, and wow—over 80 delectable entries! Now, it's time for the judges to dig in and decide the ultimate winner. Stay tuned because the winning sundae will be unveiled during Employee Appreciation Week! Check out the Tuesday schedule for details on how to enjoy the wining sundae!
Submission Deadline: Monday, Aug 26 by 5 pm
Design and submit your idea for the third annual Employee Ice Cream Sundae Contest! The winning sundae will be the official sundae for Employee Appreciation Week! Submissions received by 5pm on August 26th, will be entered for consideration.
Contest Entry Form - Use this link to go to the UConn page to submit your entry
Check out Wednesday's schedule for details on tasting the winning Sundae at the Dairy Bar!
Husky Origami: UConn Health Pack Pride Art Installation
Join Our Vibrant Community Art Project: Fold Your Own Origami Husky!
As part of Employee Appreciation Week, we invite you to showcase your creative pride with our latest art installation—UConn Health Pack Pride! Contribute an origami husky dog to be featured in artwork displayed in our “Connector Gallery” between the CT Tower and University Tower. Help fill our halls with UConn Health pride while celebrating our shared commitment to community, engagement, and belonging.
How to Participate:
- Grab some origami paper at one of our Event Community Center Stations.
- Scan the QR code for directions and start folding!
- Don’t forget to write your name on your husky before dropping it off at a center to be part of the installation.
Not on-site? Email employees@uchc.edu, and we’ll send your team a kit so everyone can join the fun!
Want to see how easy it is to make Husky Origami?
Event Community Center Locations:
- Main Hospital Entrance
- Main Building Cafeteria
- Outpatient Pavilion, 3rd Floor Lobby
- Munson Rd, 4th Flood Lobby
Capture the Moments
Remember to tag your social with #UConnHealthEmployees #Gratitude #Appreciation and UConn Health's handle @uconnhealth.
In Gratitude
Our celebration happens with the creativity, dedication, and hard work of many of our colleagues across the organization. Many thanks to each and every one for their service in bringing this event to UConn Health.
For questions, contact employees@uchc.edu. Please note event planners may be unavailable during the celebration but will get back to you after the event.