Mark your calendars for Employee Appreciation Day (EAD) 2026! This year’s event will take place on Thursday, Sept. 17, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 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) are invited to attend this annual celebration filled with free food, lots of swag and countless entertainment options to take a well-deserved break during your workday.
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 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. Last year, 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 you to help at EAD, please sign up using this registration form by Friday, July 31.
Volunteers will receive their volunteer role assignment plus some additional virtual training at least two weeks prior to EAD, if not sooner.
If you are a Human Resources employee or Staff Council member, reach out to Mandy Skonhovd at mandy.skonhovd@utah.edu for a separate registration form for volunteer roles unique to these teams.
What 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, take a moment to relax and recharge in this resort-style lounge area brought to you by the Auxiliary Business Development department.
Service project
Help the Center for Campus Wellness create kits for their Wellness Exchange and Recovery U programs.
Crafters Corner Market
Returning for its third year, our Crafters Corner Market will feature U employees selling their artwork, jewelry, crafts, etc. You’ll want to bring your wallets for this one.
Swag Swap & Hooked on Books
EAD’s very own treasure hunt, sponsored by Staff Council. Sort through donated department swag and books, CDs, DVDs and other media for a free souvenir to take home.
Field activities
- Football field goal kick
- Putting with the Police
There will also be opportunities for employees who work out-of-state/country, from home or who can’t make it to the in-person event to participate in EAD virtually. Stay tuned to the EAD website and to future emails from Staff Council for more information.
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, Sept. 17, at the following locations:
- Huntsman Cancer Hospital
- Huntsman Mental Health Institute
- Crisis Center
- University Orthopaedic Center
- Main University Hospital
This team will also plan on delivering treats to their Service Delivery Areas (SDAs) 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 and Events team.