A day for staff: 1,500 gather for President Garimella's first Staff Social

A group of smiling staff members gather outdoors at a social event. In the foreground, two women are sharing a joyful moment, with one reaching out to greet the other. The scene captures several others in the background, walking and chatting. The setting is sunny with white tents visible in the background.

Staff members greet each other as they arrive at the inaugural Staff Social on the Mall.

Chris Richards/University Communications

Two staff members in red shirts serve cake at a social event under a tent. One woman is focused on cutting a sheet cake with blue gloves, while the other, smiling, stands in the background. Plates with cake slices are arranged on the table, and there are several empty plates and a water bottle nearby. The event appears lively and well-organized.

Staff members with Arizona Student Unions helped serve the free lunch. The menu included hamburgers, hot dogs, chips, fruit and dessert.

Chris Richards/University Communications

A group of staff members enjoy lunch at a social event under a tent. The image shows several people sitting at tables, smiling, and chatting. One man in a blue hoodie is laughing while engaging with others at his table, holding a sandwich and a drink. In the background, other staff members are also seated and eating. The atmosphere appears relaxed and festive.

Around 1,500 staff members came to the Staff Social to catch up with each other and have face-to-face time with colleagues that they sometimes only see during Zoom meetings.

Chris Richards/University Communications

A group of staff members enjoy lunch at a social event under a tent. Several people are seated around a table, smiling and laughing while chatting. Two men in the foreground, one in a grey shirt and the other in a patterned shirt, are laughing together. Bottles of water, sodas, and food wrappers are visible on the table. In the background, other staff members are seated and enjoying the event.

Staff members laugh as they enjoy lunch during the Staff Social. The March 10 event was organized by the Office of the President, Presidential Events, University Initiatives and Policy, and Facilities Management with additional support from the Office of Public Safety, Arizona Student Unions and Parking and Transportation Services.

Chris Richards/Universitiy Communications

University of Arizona President Suresh Garimella leans over to chat with colleagues seated at a table at a social event under a tent. One woman laughs as she looks up at him, while another colleague smiles and listens. The scene is filled with other staff members sitting at tables, eating, and enjoying the event. The atmosphere is friendly and lively.

During lunch, President Suresh Garimella made his way from table to table and chatted with staff members.

Chris Richards/University Communications

University of Arizona President Suresh Garimella shakes hands with a staff member while smiling, during a social event under a tent. Two other staff members are standing nearby, and others are visible in the background, engaging in conversation. The atmosphere is friendly and casual, with staff enjoying the event.

President Suresh Garimella greets staff members at the inaugural Staff Social on the Mall. "The university runs as well as it does because of our staff," Garimella said.

Chris Richards/University Communications

Several staff members sit around tables under a large tent at a social event. In the foreground, a group of colleagues smiles and enjoys their meal, with drinks, snacks, and wrapped food on the table. The people are wearing a mix of casual clothing, and the atmosphere is lively, with more staff members visible in the background, socializing and eating.

Staff members filled several tents west of the Joseph Wood Krutch Garden, often called the Cactus Garden.

Chris Richards/University Communications

University of Arizona President Suresh Garimella stands and chats with staff members at a social event under a large tent. One staff member, dressed in a white shirt, is speaking to Garimella while others sit at a table nearby, enjoying their meal. The scene is lively with groups of people engaging in conversation, eating, and socializing. Several staff members are visible in the background, creating a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

President Suresh Garimella chats with members of the Facilities Management Paint/Sign Shop.

Chris Richards/University Communications