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Give your Department Swag a Chance at New Life – Donate to Swag Swap!

people sorting through boxes of books at Employee Appreciation Day 2025

Join the EAD Swag Swap!

Returning for its second year by popular demand (i.e. long lines and satisfied patrons!) - it’s the Employee Appreciation Day (EAD) Swag Swap! This treasure-hunt style activity was such a huge hit at last year’s event that the EAD planning team and Staff Council will once again be bringing Swag Swap back to EAD 2026. Catch all the fun at a new area on the concourse (to help with the flow of lines and crowd control) at this year’s EAD taking place on Thursday, September 17 from 10 am – 2 pm at Rice-Eccles Stadium.

Help us make this year’s Swag Swap better than ever by donating to the cause! If your department has any leftover swag taking up precious storage space, consider submitting a donation via our online form through the end of August. Leftover swag can include department-branded or University-branded apparel, drinkware, office supplies, etc. – we’ll take whatever you have! It’s a great way to recycle while giving your swag a second chance at life by going home with a guest as an EAD souvenir!

Once you submit your donation form, you’ll be contacted by an EAD planning committee member to arrange for pick-up.

Reminder to Volunteer at EAD

If you’d like to get involved at EAD, consider volunteering! We are still accepting volunteer registrations** through Friday, July 31. You can volunteer in various areas such as concessions, activities (like the Swag Swap!), greeting guests at our entrance gates, and much more! Learn more about volunteering at EAD.

**If you are a Human Resources employee or Staff Council member, reach out to Mandy Skonhovd (mandy.skonhovd@utah.edu) for a separate registration form for volunteer roles unique to these teams.

What Else to Expect at EAD

As always, employee guests can expect free food, drinks and desserts served from the stadium’s concessions stands!

Activities and entertainment include:

  • The Auxiliary Oasis – NEW at EAD 2026; take a moment to relax and recharge in this resort-style lounge area brought to you by the Auxiliary Business Development Department!
  • Celebration Station – NEW at EAD 2026; help us celebrate our beloved mascot Swoop's 30th birthday by decorating party hats and taking photo-ops with the red-tailed hawk himself!
  • Crafters’ Corner Market – featuring U of U employees selling their artwork, jewelry, crafts, etc. You’ll want to bring your wallets for this one!
  • The Grandparents Are In Advice Booth – the University’s favorite grandparents will once again be showcasing their seasoned wisdom and offering “free, bad advice” for guests in attendance

What to Expect: Hospitals & Clinics Employees

The EAD planning Team understands 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 on a Thursday, September 17 at the following locations:

  • Huntsman Cancer Hospital
  • Huntsman Mental Health Institute
  • Crises Center
  • University Orthopaedic Center
  • Main University Hospital

This team will also plan on delivering treats to their Service Delivery Areas (SDA's) on a date to be determined:

  • South Jordan Health Center - South SDA
  • Farmington Health Center - North SDA
  • Sugar House Health Center - Central SDA

For questions, please contact Kari Smith (kari.smith@hsc.utah.edu) with the Hospitals & Clinics Employee Recognition Team.