Field day competitions are always an exciting part of Staff Appreciation Week at Ole Miss. Photo by Kevin Bain/Ole Miss Communications
As University of Mississippi employees, we anticipate the arrival of annual Staff Appreciation Week. It’s somewhat like an extended break period from the regular routines we all engage in daily.
Starting Monday (May 14), staff members are offered a variety of events to enjoy at their leisure. Of all the activities scheduled, perhaps the awards ceremony on Friday (May 18) is what those honored find most gratifying.
The program begins at 9 a.m. in the Ford Center. Following a welcome, those hired within the past year will be announced in the assembly. Afterwards, long-standing employees will be presented either a certificate, lapel pin, plaque or keepsake in recognition of their 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 and 30-plus years of service to the institution.
Before the program ends, Provost Noel Wilkin will present a select few employees with Outstanding Staff Awards. Johnny Price, Staff Council president, will also present Service Awards and give closing remarks.
Other activities scheduled during the week are:
- Monday (May 14): a RebelWell wellness fair at 10 a.m. in the Circle and a hip-hop fitness class at noon in the Turner Center, Room 305.
- Tuesday (May 15): an 8 a.m. RebelWell 1-mile walk-run on the Ole Miss Track, a 9 a.m. blood drive in the Grove and aqua aerobics at 5:15 p.m. in the Turner Center swimming pool.
- Wednesday (May 16): the blood drive continues at 9 a.m., a 10 a.m. music and meditation service in Paris-Yates Chapel, a cardio dance fitness class at noon in the TurnerCenter, Room 305, a noon hands-only CPR class at noon in Turner Center, Room 113, and RebelWell desk yoga and yogurt in the Haley Barbour Center for Manufacturing Excellence at 1 p.m.
- Thursday (May 17): a 10 a.m. plant swap in the Grove, an 11 a.m. intro to the new fitness areas – the Tank and Vault – in the Turner Center, a noon workout in the Vault and RebelWell Movin’ and Groovin’ at 4 p.m. on the patio of The Pavilion.
- Friday (May 18): the awards ceremony at 9 a.m., an 11 a.m. staff lunch at Rebel Market and fun time beginning at 1 p.m.
I urge everyone who can do so to attend Friday’s awards ceremony. Whether you’re being honored or not, showing support for your fellow employees will make both you and them feel great! Don’t miss all the other great events either.