Employees gather together for the second annual Employee Appreciation and Hokie Wellness Health Fair

This year’s Employee Appreciation and Hokie Wellness Fair was held May 17 at Lane Stadium for one big day of employee fun.

All faculty, staff, and non-student wage employees who worked on the Blacksburg campus or surrounding locations were invited.

Approximately 3,000 employees attended the event.  

“This is the second year the university has hosted this appreciation event for our faculty and staff to come together, relax, and celebrate their hard work and dedication,” said Bryan Garey, vice president for human resources. “After a busy academic year, this event gives the university the chance to thank our employees before summer and vacation season begins.”

During the four hours, employees relaxed, enjoyed a concession-style lunch, listened and danced to music by DJ Flex and Half Throttle band, received a caricature by Virginia Tech’s doodler Steven White, and played a variety of games.

Avery Tunnel, which leads onto Worsham Field, was open for employees to go through and touch the Hokie Stone the same way football players do heading out for a game.

Photos of employees from past events played in the background on the jumbotron along with live remarks from Garey and Amy Sebring, executive vice president and chief operating officer. A video from President Tim Sands also was played.

The Hokie Wellness Fair, sponsored in part by Atlantic Union Bank and Blacksburg Boxing and Fitness, hosted over 60 exhibitors, a mixture of benefits, health and wellness, and Virginia Tech exhibitors.

Employees enjoyed massages; participated in tours, scavenger hunts and walking groups lead by university leaders; received vaccinations, acupuncture, and health screenings; and more.

In addition to the Employee Appreciation and Hokie Wellness Fair event in Blacksburg, Virginia Tech has many events taking place across the commonwealth to thank employees for their service and dedication. These events are handled locally, at different times, and in different ways more suitable to the location.

Visit the Employee Appreciation Day website to view a picture gallery from this year’s celebration.

Watch a video recap of the event below.