Recognition and Appreciation

Recognizing our exemplary staff and students in Student Life.

Recognition and Appreciation

The goal of the Recognition and Appreciation Committee is to create continuous recognition opportunities for staff and students within the division. The committee responsibilities include managing and selecting divisional awards, enhancing the transparency of processes around award selection, encouraging participation in other awards throughout campus and our community, and celebrating the constant achievements of our staff.

Any questions, comments or concerns may be directed to Anna McJenkin at almcjenkin@ua.edu.

The Recognition and Appreciation Committee searches for new members at the end of each academic year. The 2024-2025 Recognition and Appreciation Committee has been selected. Please check back in spring of 2025 for information on how to join.

2024-2025 Recognition and Appreciation Committee Members

  • Chloe Ighabor, VPSL
  • Anna McJenkin, VPSL
  • Joshua Brown, Professional Development
  • Debbie Fish, WGRC
  • Carlo Spalloni, UREC
  • Kristen Dubose, SCWB
  • Scot Kirby, HRC
  • Abby McNeal, OFSL
  • Kelsey Atchison, Communications and External Engagement
  • Samantha Colantonio, Student Center
  • Lesley Price, HPW
  • Tre Finklea, PFP

Fall 2024 Continuous Appreciation Events

The Recognition and Appreciation Committee is excited to introduce a new approach to employee appreciation this year! Instead of our usual week or day-of activities, we’ll be hosting monthly themed events throughout the year. Each month will feature a unique theme with corresponding activities. Please note that some activities may require registration to attend, so be sure to follow the provided links to sign-up. We can’t wait to see you at these events whenever your schedule permits!

Stress Relief September

See our events for September designed to help you relieve and manage stress.

Drop-In Labyrinth

Gorgas Library Camellia Room 2020

Sept. 5 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Join us for a “Drop-In Labyrinth” with Charlotte Robbins from Health Promotion and Wellness

Drop-In Labyrinth

Student Center Room 3104

Sept. 13 from 9 – 11 a.m.

Join us for a “Drop-In Labyrinth” with Charlotte Robbins from Health Promotion and Wellness

Yoga at UREC

UREC Miles Studio

Sept. 16 from 10 – 10:45 a.m.

Participate in a yoga class led by Michela Snell from UREC. Registration is required, sign up here.

Yoga at UREC

UREC Miles Studio

Sept. 17 from 2 – 2:45 p.m.

Participate in a yoga class led by Michela Snell from UREC. Registration is required, sign up here.

Guided Meditation

Zoom Session

Sept. 26 from 2 – 2:30 p.m.

Join Sierra Morris from Wellness and Work-Life for a guided meditation session. Select here to join the Zoom call.

October Bingo Bonanza

We’re having a Bingo Bonanza this October! All bingo sessions will be held in Gorgas Library Yellowhammer Room 2019. Below are the dates and times for each bingo session.

Oct. 1

2 – 3 p.m.

Oct. 8

10 – 11 a.m.

Oct. 16

9 – 10 a.m.

Oct. 28

1 – 2 p.m.

Nurturing November

Nurture your mind and body with our November events.

Self Defense Presentation – Part One

UREC Multi-activity Room

Nov. 4 from 3:45 – 4:45 p.m.

Join the Tuscaloosa Police Department for a self-defense presentation. TPD advises attendees to join both sessions. Registration is required, sign up here.

Chair Yoga

Zoom Session

Nov. 11 at 11 a.m., Nov. 12 at 12 p.m., Nov. 13 at 11 a.m., and Nov. 14 at 3 p.m.

Join Dr. Colleen Geary, a professor in Exercise Science, for virtual Chair Yoga Zoom sessions.

Week of Gratitude

Nov. 11 – 15

Help us give thanks this season by submitting reasons you are thankful for those around you! These will be shared during our week of gratitude with the individual or department you mention. Cards will be accepted digitally or physically. Select here to submit a digital gratitude card. To submit a physical card, please send to Anna McJenkin Box 870116 via an intracampus mail envelope. If you need physical cards, contact Anna McJenkin at almcjenkin@ua.edu.

Self Defense Presentation – Part Two

UREC Multi-activity Room

Nov. 18 from 3:45 – 4:45 p.m.

Join the Tuscaloosa Police Department for the second portion of their self-defense presentation. TPD advises attendees to join both sessions. This session will require closed-toed shoes and active wear. Registration is required, sign up here.

Wellness Walk on Campus

Meet at Student Center Starbucks

Nov. 22 from 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.

Join Delynne Wilcox from Assessment and Planning for a Wellness Walk around campus. If weather gets bad, the walk will move to Student Center room 3700.

Past Events

Employee Appreciation Day

This day was utilized to show thanks for all of the staff in the division with a day filled with food, activities, and fun!

Staff Superlatives

Superlatives were submitted from across the Division as a way to foster an environment of good cheer.

August Kick Off

This event serves as a “welcome back” for SL staff to get them excited for the fall semester. SL leadership typically participates in a panel or a “question and answer” session to get acquainted with the division, while staff members in the division are able to come together to celebrate the start of the semester!

December SL Celebration

This celebration is aimed to be an informal festivity geared to the winter season, and to celebrate the conclusion of the fall semester.

Divisional Awards

These awards are geared to SL staff and student workers as a way to showcase their accomplishments within their roles.

Halloween Candy Drop Off

This was the division’s way to spread some Halloween cheer across the division. Candy was distributed the week of Halloween.

Give Thanks, Grateful Week

Week of gratitude is a time for everyone in the division to share how appreciative they are for everyone around them during the Thanksgiving season.