Service Awards return to celebrate thousands of employees

More than 2,000 University of Arizona employees who have reached milestones ranging from 10 to 55 years will be recognized during the return of the University Service Awards.

The university will honor 994 employees from 2025 and 1,099 employees from 2026 at the Sept. 28 ceremony.

"It is a pleasure to recognize the faculty and staff who have dedicated so many years, and in some cases entire careers, to this university and the people it serves," said University President Suresh Garimella, who will speak at the event. "The University of Arizona’s ability to fulfill its land-grant mission to Arizona and beyond depends on passionate people, and I am glad to celebrate them as we restore this important tradition."

Employees have been asking for the recognition event's return since it ended during the COVID-19 pandemic. Staff Council developed recommendations for a renewed celebration and broader culture of recognition, informed in part by employee feedback. In March, President Garimella announced that the university would restore the tradition.

View the list of honorees here. (NetID required)

Decades of dedication

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Among the honorees is Lori Van Buggenum, senior project director and policy analyst with Institutional Policy and Projects, who is celebrating 20 years with the university. She says her main reason for building a two-decade career at the U of A is simple: "The people."

"Working at U of A has enabled me to put my values into tangible action in a variety of ways over the years – from working with students on social issues and community engagement, to helping ensure disability access for employees, to partnering with stakeholders across the university on special projects and policy," Van Buggenum said. "My work here is engaging, challenging and satisfying."

The list of honorees includes 55 employees who have reached at least 40 years of service, including 15 at 45 years, two at 50 years and four at 55 years.

Marcia Rieke, Regents Professor in the University of Arizona's Steward Observatory, is among those celebrating 50 years of service. She said many things have changed over her decades at the university – but not everything.

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"One thing that has not changed here is that the people are still great," Rieke said. "And the supporting cast is wonderful. There are a lot of great people around. Of course, we can still get fabulous Mexican food. What more do you want?"

George Rieke, also a Regents Professor in Steward Observatory, is marking 55 years of service. His advice to newer employees: Find what you're passionate about and throw yourself into it.

"I think people worry too much, and that if you just dig in and do what you have a passion to do, and bring other people along, but just focus on that and throw your whole self into it, things will work out," he said. "And you have to approach life that way, and you'll get pretty far."

Celebrating the milestones

The celebration at the Cole and Jeannie Davis Sports Center will be hosted by Christina Rocha, accounting services manager in the Office of Research and Partnerships, and Nikki Reed, assistant professor of practice in the School of Theatre, Film and Television. The event will include an exhibit allowing attendees to walk through decades of campus evolution, an opening performance from the Faculty/Staff Choir, a recognition ceremony and a surprise closing performance. Attendance is limited to honorees and invited guests.

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For Van Buggenum, the celebration is a chance to reflect on her time at the university while looking ahead to more opportunities to grow and make connections on campus.

"The U of A is a big place. There is so much happening, from volunteer opportunities to incredible sporting events to world-class arts performances," she said. "And you can move around and grow in your career across departments. Before you know it, it's been 20 wonderful years!"