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Staff Recognition and Development Day

April 10, 2026, 8: 45 a.m.- 5 p.m. 

In-person and Zoom options available

Celebrating our success

The Staff Recognition and Development Day acknowledges the hard-working staff who drive our organization forward. We look forward to honoring your achievements and providing opportunities for professional development that support your continued success.

The event includes:

• 8:45 a.m. — Longevity ceremony
• 11:30 a.m.— Staff appreciation lunch
• Professional and personal development sessions throughout the afternoon

Highlights: 

• Empower Alaska campaign impacts - All-staff information session
  Immediately following longevity awards, Jonathon Taylor, director UA Public Affairs, will discuss the Empower Alaska campaign and the importance of sharing impactful stories throughout our state to build public confidence in the university. His talk will take place following the Longevity Awards.
• Reclaiming Possibility in Complex Times
  Don't miss this two-hour guest workshop with Melanie Ho, an award-winning author, speaker, and workshop facilitator, specializing in higher education. She will provide strategies and new ways of thinking to reclaim our time and energy amid constant demands and constraints. Workshop description attached.
• Excel basics with Jason Theis
  Back by popular demand. Don’t miss this opportunity Jason Theis, director for Finance and Accounting, on Zoom for overall skill building. 
• Babula Planetarium-UA Museum
  Get a sneak peek inside our planetarium—experience Arctic research, explore the night sky, and journey through the solar system in immersive full dome.

For those unable to attend events on the Troth Yeddha’ campus, we encourage you to recognize your colleagues' achievements through a personalized note of appreciation or a team-based acknowledgment. All are welcome to to be  publicly displayed during the event.

Important change regarding longevity awards

Human Resources is now using cumulative years of service rather than adjusted service dates. We're excited to introduce this new approach. This year, employees will be recognized when they reach a milestone based on cumulative years of service. We've also included employees who would have reached a milestone in the current year when accounting for adjusted service date, and within two years of their cumulative years of service. 

Please email Carla Browning, Onboarding and Engagement Manager, if you have any questions.

Thank you for your ongoing commitment to our mission. We look forward to celebrating with you on April 10!