Nearly 500 staff, faculty, retirees and relatives gathered on campus March 29 for the annual Employee Celebration, enjoying athletic events, a community dinner and family-friendly activities.

For the first time, the celebration took place in the spring rather than the fall, allowing attendees to experience a variety of spring sporting events and activities across campus.

Credit: Sreang Hok/Cornell University

“The annual Employee Celebration is a cornerstone of the Cornell community, bringing together staff, faculty and retirees to recognize their invaluable contributions,” said Vail Eubanks, employee recognition program manager. “Our employees work tirelessly every day to keep the university running smoothly – ensuring a safe, operational and thriving campus. This event is an opportunity to pause, reflect and celebrate our community.”

The day was packed with activities, including a complimentary ticket package for the men’s lacrosse game and a community dinner in Barton Hall. Beyond the game and dinner, attendees enjoyed lawn games, crafts, a campus scavenger hunt, entertainment from Crossroads the Clown and music by DJ ha-MEEN, also known as Ben Ortiz, assistant curator of the Cornell Hip Hop Collection. 

A highlight of the day was the men’s lacrosse game against the University of Pennsylvania. The Big Red, entering the matchup with a 6-1 record and No. 1 national ranking, dominated with a 15-5 Ivy League victory over the Quakers.

Following the win, employees and guests gathered in Barton Hall for a family-style dinner, served by several senior university leadership and volunteer staff members. Among them were President Michael I. Kotlikoff and Christine D. Lovely, vice president and chief human resource officer.

As part of this year’s celebration, The Cornell Store offered a one-day 20% discount on clothing, gifts and other items. Additionally, for every purchase over $50, Cornell donated $5 to the Cornell Employee Emergency CARE Fund, which provides financial assistance to employees facing hardships.

Credit: Sreang Hok/Cornell University

To show their appreciation, many colleges and units across campus purchased nearly 1,000 complimentary tickets for their faculty and staff to experience the game and festivities. Whether experiencing the event for the first time or continuing a long-standing tradition, attendees embraced this chance to celebrate together.

Lauren Frederick, administrative coordinator for the Department of Inclusion and Belonging, attended for the first time and appreciated the high-energy environment and chance for staff, faculty, friends and family to take time to connect outside of work.

“It was impactful to see and experience the Cornell community taking some time to have fun,” Frederick said. “I loved seeing moments of pure joy – children playing and colleagues connecting while enjoying snow cones and a good meal. This event truly demonstrates the support that the university has for work-life balance and to fostering friendships in the workplace.”

For Brad Stock, talent acquisition partner, the celebration is a long-standing tradition: He has attended annually since 2008, this time with his wife, daughter and parents. Whether working behind the scenes or attending as a guest, he has never missed a celebration.

“Employee Celebration holds a special place in my heart,” he said. “As a former Cornell Catering employee, I was part of the team that helped bring this event to life. Now, I get to enjoy it from a different perspective – with my family. I love how it brings so many of us together and is a true example of how Cornell recognizes and appreciates its employees. That sense of belonging is what makes working here so special.”

The 2025 Employee Celebration was sponsored by Cornell Athletics, Cornell Dining, the Cornell University Police Department, the Division of Human Resources, Facilities and Campus Services and Pepsi Co.

Grace DePaull is communications assistant in the Department of Inclusion and Belonging in the Division of Human Resources.