University celebrates Staff Appreciation Day with 4,300 gifts of thanks
Historically, May 19 would have been Virginia Tech’s 2021 Staff Appreciation Day. Since 1993, the university has held a Staff Appreciation Day, hosted by the Office of the President and the Division of Human Resources, to celebrate the hard work and dedication of the university’s staff and wage employees. The event has offered a wide range of activities, lunch, music, and more that draws many employees, vendors, and volunteers.
This year, in observance of health and safety guidelines and to continue protecting the campus community, the university opted for a different and creative way to express its thanks and appreciation to all staff and wage employees.
A working group consisting of staff representatives from Alumni Relations; Campus Planning, Infrastructure, and Facilities; College of Agriculture and Life Sciences; Department of Biochemistry; Human Resources; Office of Summer Winter Sessions; Office of the President; and Student Affairs joined together to develop a new option to celebrate staff appreciation.
Starting May 24, staff and non-student wage employees, employed on or before May 1, 2021, were mailed a gift of appreciation to their home residence. More than 4,300 gift packages were delivered. This year’s celebration will allow all Virginia Tech locations, including Extension offices, Roanoke, and greater Washington, D.C., metro area to participate, unlike celebrations in years past held only on the Blacksburg campus.
The gifts include a postcard with a message from President Tim Sands - featuring a doodle from Steven White, a 14-ounce tumbler with a lid for hot or cold beverages, reusable stainless-steel straw, embroidered key ring, car magnet, car coasters, and coupons to retailers.
“I want to express my deep appreciation to our university staff for their dedication and tireless efforts over the past year,” Sands said. “Because of their work on the front lines, across our campuses, and behind the scenes, we’ve been able to maintain and expand our mission to educate, learn, and serve our communities.”
“The pandemic has changed our lives and our workplaces,” said Vice President for Human Resources Bryan Garey. “While we all have experienced change this past year, we have also experienced growth. These packages cannot replace an in-person event; however, through this gift, we express our tremendous thanks to all staff and wage employees across every Virginia Tech location.”
