Thousands gather for second annual Staff Social

Making new connections

Grills sizzling with hot dogs and hamburgers and ice-filled coolers lined the Mall as university staff reconnected with familiar faces and met new colleagues, building a sense of community and strengthening relationships. 

"I appreciate the opportunity to get out and mingle with other staff," said David Gonzales, research laboratory manager in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery. "It can get a little isolated, being on the other side of Speedway, so these events offer an opportunity to feel closer to all of campus."

Laughter, music and the sound of friendly competition carried across the Mall as staff took time to connect outside of their usual routines. Between turns in a game of giant Jenga, Ariel Beggs, outreach programs coordinator with the Department of Mathematics, emphasized the value of building connections across campus.

"These events are so meaningful because this is such a huge institution, so having the chance to make connections across departments and programs makes us stronger."

Catching up with familiar faces

For many at this year's event, the theme was clear: a reunion.

Many appreciated the chance to celebrate the hard work of all university staff while enjoying time with colleagues. Clarisa Robles Parra, chief of staff in the Office of the Provost, views events like these as excellent opportunities to build community while taking a step back to relax. 

"All of us here can get very busy with our everyday tasks," she said. "So, when you come out to an event like this, and see your colleagues and friends that you don't get to see often, it's reenergizing."

Melissa Sittler, a senior training developer with Human Resources who worked at the university for five years before recently returning, was thrilled to reconnect with previous coworkers she had missed since leaving in 2021.

"I love the opportunity for colleagues who may not see each other day-to-day to be able to get together and celebrate the great work that we do," she said. "Coming together, catching up, relaxing and getting to know each other on a more human level."

Campus collaboration on display

Ari Montes, a member of the planning committee for this year's event, said they relied heavily on feedback from staff after last year's event when looking for ways to improve.

"We took a lot of feedback from last year and were intentional about incorporating it into this year's event," she said. "We were able to incorporate requests for more seating, better accommodations for dietary restrictions and preferences, and a larger leadership presence. We also added fun games and a photo booth to create a more engaging environment."

Montes praised many of the departments and teams that helped bring the improvements to this year's event to life, including Presidential Events, Facilities Management, the Office of Public Safety, Arizona Student Unions, Athletics and many more.

"It's a reflection of Wildcat culture,” she said. "People are willing to step in and support each other while making something successful for the broader campus community."

The Staff Social is part of a broader, ongoing effort to recognize and celebrate employees across campus. Building on feedback and recommendations from Staff Council, university leadership is working with campus partners to develop a renewed employee recognition program that reflects the contributions of staff in meaningful ways. More details will be shared as plans take shape.