This year’s Employee Appreciation Day (EAD) will take place on Thursday, September 25, 2025 from 10 am – 2 pm at Rice-Eccles Stadium. All University of Utah, Huntsman Cancer Institute and U of U Health faculty and staff (including student staff) should mark their calendars for this annual celebration.
Volunteers Needed
EAD wouldn’t be possible without our amazing team of volunteers working behind the scenes alongside the EAD planning team, University of Utah Human Resources and Staff Council. Volunteering is a great way to network and connect with fellow U of U employees; some employees have volunteered at EAD for many years, and have developed lifelong friendships working side-by-side together.
Anyone who volunteers will receive a volunteer t-shirt, and a gift to thank them for their service! In 2024, we gifted all our volunteers with a free ticket to a Pioneer Theatre show, and we hope to offer something similar to volunteers this year.
Volunteer shifts are available in one- or two-hour increments. If your schedule allows for you to help at EAD, please register using this sign-up form by Friday, August 8.
Volunteers will receive their volunteer role assignment plus some additional video training at least two weeks prior to EAD, if not sooner.
How to Enter EAD
Guests will check in to the event via a QR code located at the signs at either the west or east entrance of the stadium, so it is highly encouraged that you bring your cell phone in addition to your employee Ucard!
Guests will input their UNID after scanning the QR code on their cell phone, and this will verify their employment with the U in addition to providing some important information about the event (venue map, meal ticket info, etc.). Please show your employment verification to the volunteers working the entrance gate to enter the event.
If you do not have a cell phone, there will be an alternative method for entry. Please find an EAD volunteer for assistance.
What to Expect: In-Person Event
Guests can expect free food, drinks and dessert!
Activities include:
- Celebrate the U’s 175th Anniversary by grabbing swag and learning about the history of the U via the 1850-2025 timeline!
- Booths & Swag - check out booths, play games and receive swag from University of Utah departments and local businesses!
- Crafters Corner – be sure to bring your wallets and shop artistic wares, such as pottery, jewelry and more, from U of U employees at our expanded crafts market!
- Participate in a service project benefitting the Feed U Pantry by stuffing thank-you kits for Pantry volunteers!
- Get free advice and elderly wisdom from members of the University’s Emeriti Club at the “Grandparents Are In” Free Advice Booth!
- And more! Check back frequently on the EAD website to see more activities and entertainment options as they are booked
What to Expect: Hospitals & Clinics Employees
The EAD planning Team understand it's difficult to get away from your important clinical duties to attend our in-person EAD event, so that's why we are bringing EAD to you! This year, the Hospitals & Clinics Recognition Team will be setting up treat stations the week of EAD to recognize your incredible efforts at the following locations:
- University Hospital
- South Jordan Health Center
- Sugarhouse Health Center
- Farmington Health Center
For questions or for more specific details, please contact Kari Smith (Kari.Smith@hsc.utah.edu) with the Hospitals & Clinics Employee Recognition Team.