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Employee Appreciation Celebration

Explore the full schedule, join the fun, and share the week on our photo wall below.

Graphic image of a woman with green flowing hair with text "Your Well-Being. Our Thanks."

Employee Appreciation Week

Employee Appreciation Week returns September 8–12, 2025, bringing another year of meaningful programming to celebrate you. In past years our week included a Friday food truck lunch, and while this year—out of financial stewardship—we won’t be gathering in that same way, we remain committed to a full week of experiences that foster connection, wellness, and appreciation.

Over the past two years, we’ve been listening to your feedback and developing new wellness initiatives. This year we’re proud to introduce the Wellness Website, the Peer Support Program, and the return of the Well-Being Index. Alongside these, you’ll enjoy energizing pop-up events — from yoga, art, and guided relaxation to vendor giveaways, food tastings, and special items secured through our partnership with Storrs Athletics.

This week is made possible through the generosity of the UConn Foundation and the commitment of our senior leadership, who together ensure that we can recognize, support, and celebrate the people who make UConn Health thrive. And no matter where you work, on campus, offsite, or remotely, there’s something in the week designed for you.

Whether you join us for a single moment or for the full collection of events, this week is about you — your well-being, your contributions, and our gratitude.

Schedule of Pop-Up Events

Check out the full lineup below! Every event is thoughtfully designed to recognize the incredible individuals who make our community thrive.

Please note: giveaways at the pop-ups are tokens of appreciation, intended for one per employee. While quantities are limited, and we’ve planned distribution across the Farmington campus, and delivery for off sites, and evening shifts so the spirit of gratitude reaches as many employees as possible.

  • Monday, September 8 | Limited Edition: Block Party Pop-Up
    11 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Center Courtyard

    We’re kicking off Employee Appreciation Week in style with the first drop in our Limited Edition of Thanks series. Join us in the Center Courtyard for vibrant energy, community connection, and plenty of treats as we launch the week together.

    Connect with Ambassadors, Affinity Groups, and departments at interactive booths.

    Enjoy giveaways, Coca-Cola beverages, and complimentary Morrison Culinary samples.

    Shop Phoenix Farm Certified Organic will be on-site with seasonal produce, baked goods, and homemade gelato for purchase.

    Snap a photo in our magazine-style photo booth, challenge a coworker to yard games, and celebrate the start of a week dedicated to you.

    Share your pic on our photo wall below.

  • Tuesday, September 9 | Active and Restorative Capsule
    11 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Multiple Locations

    This capsule blends energy and calm, offering activities that care for body and mind.

    Art Tour with Curator Andre | 11:00 to 11:45 a.m. | Mezzanine Lobby – Explore our collection with insights from Andre, sparking reflection and creativity.

    Dog Yoga | 12 to 12:30 p.m. | Mezzanine Courtyard – Gentle stretches with the playful presence of our own Tildy and Carson, guided by our wellness partners. Yoga mats will be provided, but we encourage you to bring your own in case supplies run out.

    Singing Bowl Therapy | 12:30 to 1 p.m. | CT Tower Lobby – Relax with sound therapy facilitated by local wellness practitioner Debbie Russell.

    Whether you’re moving, resting, or reflecting, this capsule offers a guided moment of wellness for all.

    Photo of Dogs Tildy and Carson doing Dog Yoga
  • Wednesday, September 10 | The Connection Series – Fireside Chat
    12 to 1 p.m. | Keller Auditorium & Live Stream

    Wednesday’s capsule invites us to pause for conversation, reflection, and community.

    At its heart is this year’s Fireside Chat, Thriving While U Give, where colleagues and leaders will share personal insights and lived experiences on caring for ourselves while serving in the dynamic environment of academic healthcare.

    Facilitated by Lakeesha Brown, Chief Human Resources Officer, and featuring distinguished panelists representing clinical, academic, and administrative areas of UConn Health, the discussion will spotlight new resources—including the Peer Support Program, the Well-Being Index, and the Wellness Website—and reflect on how employee feedback is shaping our culture and actions.

    The session will be held live in Keller Auditorium and streamed to broaden participation across UConn Health. A healthy reception will follow, offering time to continue the dialogue and connect with colleagues.

    Link will be available here on day of event.

    Photo of Lakeesha Brown with Fireside Chat Guest
  • Thursday, September 11 | The Immersive Set
    9 a.m. to 4 p.m. | The Wellness Center (Academic Building, Main Floor - LM034) & Across Campus

    Thursday invites you to step fully into experiences that engage all the senses — movement, relaxation, taste, and creativity. It also marks the re-opening of the Wellness Center, now under the management of the Office of Professional Well-Being & Engagement, with expanded classes and resources to support your well-being.

    Featured at the Wellness Center

    Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony | 9 a.m. – Celebrate the official reopening with leadership.

    Tranquility Pod Pop-Up (Pilot) | All day – Step inside our new Tranquility Pod Pop-Up — a pilot wellness feature designed to give you a private space to reset and recharge. Your experience and feedback will help shape future wellness offerings.

    Chair Massages | 12 to 4 p.m. – Restore your energy with hands-on stress relief from Nurturing Hands LLC. Registration opens September 4.

    Trail Mix Pop-Up: Mix It Your Way | All day – Build your own energizing snack blend for a healthy boost.

    Additional events on Thursday include:

    Remote Art & Healing with Andre | 11:00 a.m. | Teams Link – A virtual creative session offering space for expression, reflection, and balance.

    Dog Yoga | 12 to 12:45 p.m. | Center Courtyard – Tildy and Carson make a return for more gentle stretches and playfulness, guided by our wellness partners. Yoga mats will be provided, but we encourage you to bring your own in case supplies run out.

    image of the UConn Health Wellness Center
  • Friday, September 12 | The Gratitude Capsule
    11 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Multiple Locations

    We’ll close out Employee Appreciation Week with a celebration centered on gratitude, connection, and fun.

    In Outpatient Pavilion, Mezzanine Lobby, Musculoskeletal Institute, Administrative Services Building, and Munson Road:

    Leadership Pop-Up – Senior leaders will be on site to personally thank employees and share words of appreciation.

    Special Giveaways – Pick up limited-edition appreciation item from our UConn partners, plus a mini–Well-Being Toolkit designed especially for UConn Health employees. Packed with mindfulness-inspired items, this toolkit is meant to support you through the work week and beyond. These will also be delivered to offsite locations and evening shifts, so our gratitude extends across all of UConn Health.

    In the Mezzanine only:

    Frito-Lay Walking Nacho Pop-Up – Enjoy this fun, flavorful snack experience right in the mezzanine.

    Swag Bingo | 12 p.m to 1 p.m. – Back by popular demand, this lively game returns with plenty of chances to win and enjoy some lighthearted fun with colleagues.

    Photo Booth – Capture a memory with coworkers at our magazine-style photo booth, back for one more round of snapshots.

    It’s a fitting finale: a capsule designed to send you into the weekend feeling valued, connected, and celebrated.

Ongoing Experiences

Beyond the daily pop-ups, running throughout the week are offerings that you can join at your own pace. These ongoing experiences are designed to spark creativity, support your well-being, and connect you with colleagues in ways that last far beyond Employee Appreciation Week.

  • Unleash Your Creativity: Husky Dog Challenge

    It’s time to roll up your sleeves, grab your glue, and channel your inner artist!

    This creative showdown invites you — individually or with a team — to build your very own Husky-inspired masterpiece using 3D poly paper models. Similar to origami but with a digital twist, these models are crafted from paper templates that you cut, fold, and glue into a Husky shape—then decorate to make it uniquely yours.

    Choose your pack:

    The Husky Bust – A lighter lift for those looking to keep it simple (but still stunning).

    The Full Husky – Go big with a full pup! A challenge for champions.

    Whether you keep it sleek or go all out with decoration, this is your chance to bring our beloved Husky to life in your own style. Our UConn Health Art Committee will be judging entries and selecting Best in Show winners who will earn bragging rights (and exciting awards).

    Entries Due: Friday, September 12

    Materials Available:  Packet-3D-Husky-Bust and Packet-3D-Husky-Full

    Winners Announced: Friday, September 19

    Submit Here

    Photo of a 3-D Poly model of a husky dog
  • Step Into the Challenge: Walk Your Way to Wellness

    Get ready to move with purpose! The Husky Walking Challenge is here, giving you the chance to boost your wellness, connect with colleagues, and maybe even score a prize or two along the way. Unlike last year's team-based format, this year's challenge is all about individual process.

    This challenge is designed for everyone across UConn Health, no matter where you work. From the main campus to offsite locations, every step brings us together. Whether you’re taking strolls between meetings or clocking serious steps after work, every move brings you closer to your goals. Walk solo or as a team, indoors or outdoors—just keep stepping!

    Registration begins September 8.

  • Wellness Center Membership Special
    Pop-up exclusive! Wellness Center deal for UConn Health employees — limited time only!

    Now’s the time to invest in you. The Wellness Center (Academic Building, Main Floor - LM034) has everything you need to crush your fitness goals — cardio machines, cycling bikes, weights, showers & more!

    LIMITED-TIME POP-UP DEAL

    Sign up this week only and get:

    1 month FREE with a 6-month membership

    2 months FREE with a 12-month membership

    This offer disappears after Employee Appreciation Week — don’t miss out!

    Register here!

    Coming soon — our fall class schedule is dropping in October. Ways to move, stretch, and stay well are on the way!

  • Virtual Wellness Bingo

    Take a break, have some fun, and focus on your well-being with our Wellness Bingo Challenge! Each square on your bingo card features a simple, uplifting activity—like giving yourself a pep talk, sending a random compliment, spotting a funny-shaped cloud, or enjoying a snack like it’s gourmet.

    These activities are designed to encourage mindfulness, movement, gratitude, and connection throughout your day.

    How it works:

    1. Complete activities and mark them off on your bingo card.
    2. Once you’ve filled your sheet, upload a picture and submit it to employees@uchc.edu
    3. You’ll be in the running for prizes!

    Wherever you are working on campus, offsite, or remotely, this challenge makes it easy to join in. It’s a lighthearted way to stay connected and weave wellness into your day. Every activity is quick, uplifting, and designed to help you recharge.

    Image of a green wellness bingo card with herbs and flowers around it.

Capture the Moments

Remember to tag your social with #UConnHealthEmployees, #Gratitude, #Appreciation, and UConn Health’s handle @uconnhealth.

In Gratitude

Our celebration happens with creativity, dedication, and hard work of many of our colleagues across the organization. Many thanks to each and every employee for their service in bringing this year’s events 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. 

 

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