This year’s Employee Appreciation Day (EAD) will take place on Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025, from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. 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.

Join the EAD swag swap

Does your department have T-shirts leftover from a team retreat taking up much-needed space in your storage closet? Can’t get rid of those hundreds of pesky branded pens, no matter how hard you try? If so, consider signing up for the first-ever Employee Appreciation Day Swag Swap! This is a great opportunity for departments to clear out old swag from storage, including clothing items, accessories, office supplies, etc.

The goal is to have a treasure-hunt style activity featured at EAD in which guests will be able to pick out a piece or two of various University of Utah department swag to take home as a souvenir. It’s a great way to recycle your swag and give it a second life.

We need your help to make it happen. If you have extra swag lying around, consider filling out this form and joining the EAD swag swap. An EAD Planning Committee member can swing by for pick-up before the event.

How to enter EAD

All EAD attendees should plan on bringing their cellphone to check into the event using our QR code registration system—be sure to bring your UCard or know your uNID as well. If guests do not have a cell phone, an alternative means of entry will be provided at the entrance gate.

What to expect: In-person event

Guests can expect free food, drinks and dessert.

Activities include:

• Get your annual flu shots.
• Celebrate the U’s 175th anniversary by grabbing swag and learning about the history of the U via the 1850-2025 timeline.
• Check out booths, play games and receive swag from University of Utah departments and local businesses.
• Shop artistic wares, such as pottery, jewelry and more, from 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 venerable wisdom from members of the University’s Emeriti Club at the “Grandparents Are In” free advice booth.

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 understands it’s difficult to get away from your important clinical duties to attend our in-person EAD event, so 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 and specific details, please contact Kari Smith at kari.smith@hsc.utah.edu.