Professional News

A Special Thanks to Faculty and Staff

of

LEXINGTON, Ky. (May 14, 2010) – This year, the University of Kentucky's day of recognition and appreciation of its employees maintains the time-honored traditions the campus has come to expect at Staff Appreciation Day, but an unprecedented celebration follows that evening which all staff and faculty and their families can enjoy – UK Fun Night.
 

Both events were coordinated by members of the Staff Senate and the campuswide Staff Appreciation Day Commission. The Office of President Lee T. Todd Jr., the Office of Executive Vice President for Finance and Administration Frank Butler and the Staff Senate are the events' sponsors.

"Staff Appreciation Day has become a valued tradition for me, an opportunity to officially thank our dedicated staff for all they do each and every day," said Todd. "This year, we wanted to extend our thanks to a wider audience, so I asked the Staff Senate to plan a family event for our entire campus community. They achieved that goal admirably.

"I encourage everyone to come out, bring their families, and enjoy Fun Night alongside your friends and colleagues," Todd said. "No matter what job you do for our great university, I thank you for making UK the place it is today and the place we all hope it will be tomorrow. And please know that I appreciate everything you do on behalf of this University and our Commonwealth."

Festivities begin with Staff Appreciation Day at 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Wednesday, May 19, in the Student Center. Transportation via shuttle bus is free from Ag North and Chandler Hospital/KY Clinic to the Student Center. There staff members will find free T-shirts in the CSI room on the first level and exhibits of UK staff's hobbies and interests in the Food Court.

UK Athletics will show videos in the Center Theatre as well as Worsham Theatre. Interesting displays from various UK departments and vendors with giveaways will be in the Frank Harris Ballroom. A feast prepared by UK Dining Services will be served on the center's patio and back parking lot, while music by Superfecta emanates from the Cat’s Den.  Winners of door prizes can collect in room 309.

A slideshow of past Staff Appreciation Days in the ballroom and an "Oldest Staff Appreciation Day T-shirt" contest will evoke fond memories of years gone by. Dig out your oldest SAD T-shirt and contact a Staff Senator to enter the contest.  

On a more serious note, voting for the UK Staff Trustee will take place at Wildcat Lounge, off the Student Center patio.

The day is not over when Staff Appreciation Day ends at 2 p.m., because the inaugural UK Fun Night is slated 7-10 p.m. that evening in the "blue" parking area of Commonwealth Stadium at University and Alumni drives. President Lee T. Todd Jr. invites faculty and staff members alike to bring their families for a special night.

"In the commission's planning of Fun Night, we shared President Todd's vision of including everyone at UK," said Michal Adams, chair of the Staff Appreciation Day and Fun Night Commission and vice chair of the Staff Senate.  "Faculty, staff and their families are one big family here at the university, and this event celebrates that fact. I hope everyone not only enjoys the event, but comes away with a feeling of appreciation for our UK family."

UK's first Fun Night celebrates with a carnival theme including traditional rides, inflatables, games, special guest appearances, and free food. Live music will be provided by Adrea Laroche, the Famous Deceptors, and My Blue Heart. UK students are also sponsoring a food drive and attendees are encouraged to bring a canned good or two.

"Come, let us make you smile," said Adams. "With clowns, magic, music and rides, there is something for everyone. I really enjoyed working, along with other great and dedicated people, on this event. I hope that everyone leaves UK Fun Night with a warm heart and a big smile."

Visit www.uky.edu/staffsenate  for more information.