SPARK 2026: 'Save the Date!', May 15

We're excited to welcome another year of SPARK - Spreading Positivity, Appreciation, Recognition, and Kindness - UAA's staff appreciation day! Join us Friday, May 15, for a science fair-themed celebration highlighting how science brings us together through shared curiosity and discovery.

Get ready for a day full of fun and engaging sessions, which may include a hypnotist, mocktail mixing, forensic exploration, a planetarium show and more - you won't want to miss it! A full schedule will be announced in late March/early April with some virtual options available.

That's not all - we'll also be serving a light breakfast, a hearty lunch and a spark-tacular ice cream bar. Come curious, leave inspired. We can't wait to SPARK something new with you!

What's the difference between SPARK and PEAKS? You may have seen another event that looks similar to SPARK, called PEAKS. While both bring our campus community together, they serve different purposes.

PEAKS is UAA's professional development day, held each October for all staff and faculty. Sessions at PEAKS are focused on learning, skill-building and professional growth.

SPARK, on the other hand, is UAA's staff appreciation day. Sessions are designed to be fun, engaging and centered on community-building, connection and celebration.