Celebrate Employee Appreciation Week and years of service awards April 20-24

Boise State's annual Employee Appreciation Week is April 20-24, 2026. This is an opportunity to thank colleagues and join the campus community during a series of virtual programs, in-person activities and events.

Updates will be made to the Employee Appreciation website weekly.

Years of service

Employees celebrating years of service (5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 20 and 35) are listed by division on the service recognition award website and will be honored at this breakfast, along with recipients of the service, innovation, adjunct and distinguished faculty and employee awards. RSVP for breakfast.

Door prizes

Employees attending events throughout the week will have opportunities to win prizes. Prizes include a parking pass from the Department of Public Safety; a gift basket from the Bronco Shop; tickets for upcoming events at ExtraMile Arena and the Morrison Center; bike tune-ups and ski or snowboard waxing from the Cycle Learning Center; Game Center gift certificates from the Student Union; meals from Dining Services; and massages from Health Services.

Perks

Employees can enjoy some of these perks during employee appreciation week:

• Campus Recreation: One-week unlimited access to Campus Recreation. Stop by the Rec on Monday, April 21 to claim your one-week membership and enjoy giveaways all week.
• Bronco Shop: 50% off all clearance items and free gift for online purchases at the Bronco Shop.
• Parking: Discounted parking for off-campus employees to attend Employee Appreciation Week events from the Department of Public Safety. Link for parking to be added at a later date.

Thank a Bronco

Throughout the month of April, extend appreciation to campus colleagues by sending a Thank a Bronco message. Each Thank a Bronco message is sent to the employee and their supervisor. This is a great way to show gratitude to fellow Broncos throughout the year.

Monday, April 20

Virtual kickoff: Growing Gratitude

11 a.m. - noon. Zoom Session. Gratitude isn't just a feeling, it's a practice that fosters more connection, value and support in the workplace. This session explores why gratitude matters, the research behind it and simple ways to recognize and appreciate others. Even small moments of gratitude can help grow a more positive workplace culture. Facilitated by Avery Hall, orientation and engagement coordinator.

In-person kickoff: Ice cream social with campus leaders

Noon. Student Union Patio. Kick off Employee Appreciation Week with a scoop of ice cream, while supplies last, and visit with campus leadership and colleagues.

Tuesday, April 21

Coffee and pastries with Boise State Dining

10 - 11 a.m. Albertsons Library, Second Floor. Boise State Dining invites staff to enjoy pastries and coffee at The SPACE. Sign up for a morning treat and to learn more about Boise State Dining offerings for employees including meal plans, an in-house dietician and more. RSVP here.

Latin dancing

12 - 12:45 p.m. Student Union Building, Hatch ballroom. Latin dances are vibrant and expressive, featuring rhythmic movements, lively footwork and reflecting many Latin American traditions. Alison Bilgic will teach Rueda de Casino, also known as Cuban-style salsa. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes suitable for dancing. No partner or prior experience is necessary. Hosted by Alison Bilgic.

Earth Week learn-to-ride and Greenbelt bike ride

12 - 1:30 p.m. Cycle Learning Center. Celebrate Earth Week by getting outside and exploring the Greenbelt by bike. Bikes, helmets and instruction will be available if needed. Hosted by the Cycle Learning Center.

Participants can choose from two options:

• Greenbelt ride: Riders who feel ready can join a leisurely group ride along the Greenbelt at a relaxed pace.
• Learn to ride: Cycle Learning Center staff will be available to help beginners or those who feel a little rusty, practice basic skills and get comfortable on a bike.

RSVP here.

Staff pickleball drop-in

12 - 4 p.m. Campus Rec. Grab a pickleball paddle (or borrow one from the REC) and jump into the fun at the employee pickleball drop-in. With a fast-paced king of the court format, participants can rotate in, show off skills and enjoy some friendly competition with colleagues.

Wednesday, April 22

Cooking demonstration with Boise State Dining executive chef Roland

12 - 1 p.m. In-person and virtual. Bring lunch and join Boise State Dining Executive Chef Roland for a live cooking demonstration where attendees will learn tips, techniques and inspiration for creating delicious meals at home. Watch the process from start to finish and gain insights straight from the chef. This featured menu includes a velvety chicken butter sauce served with roasted cumin cauliflower, basmati rice and a homemade coconut milk flatbread - those attending in-person can enjoy food samples. RSVP here.

Frisbee disc golf

3 - 5 p.m. Ann Morrison Park. Join fellow employees for a fun and engaging game of frisbee golf. Open to all skill levels, this event will include light instruction and a great opportunity to enjoy time with colleagues. Hosted by Keith Quatraro. RSVP here.

Faculty and staff mix and mingle

4 - 6 p.m. In-person. Allen Noble Hall of Fame: Celebrate employee appreciation week with a faculty and staff mix and mingle - a relaxed opportunity to connect, unwind and build community across campus. Enjoy great conversation, light refreshments and mocktails sponsored by Boise State Dining, and a chance to go onto The Blue for a fun photo opportunity. Bronco gear encouraged. RSVP here.

Thursday, April 23

Annual employee appreciation breakfast

8:30 - 10 a.m. Student Union Jordan Ballroom: All employees are invited to join together for a light continental breakfast and the presentation of annual staff and faculty awards. Check-in is between 8 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. For those unable to attend in-person, there will be a livestream option (link to come). RSVP for breakfast.

Esports open play

Noon - 3 p.m. Boise State Esports Arena 301 S. Capitol Blvd. Explore the Boise State Esports Arena and play a vintage arcade game or level up gaming skills on open-play computers. Cheer on colleagues in a friendly match. Available games include Mario Kart, Super Smash Bros., Call of Duty and Pac-Man. Sign up is not required.

Employees are encouraged to take the Bronco Shuttle from campus to downtown Boise. The drop-off location is at the corner of 8th Street and Main Street. It's a short walk to the Esports Arena on the corner of 9th Street and Capitol Boulevard.

Bowling and billards

Noon - 5 p.m. Student Union Building Games Center. Employees from all across campus are invited to the Student Union Game Center to participate in bowling and billiards. Departments, divisions and colleges are encouraged to put teams together to engage in friendly competition, or sign up individually. Billiards and ping-pong are on a first-come, first-serve basis. RSVP for bowling by Friday, April 17.

Evening employee appreciation awards program

7:30 - 9:30 p.m. Student Union Game Center: Celebrate a night of appreciation for evening staff. Enjoy food, bowling, billiards and ping-pong while connecting with coworkers.

Friday, April 24

Bowling and billiards

10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Student Union Building Games Center. Employees from all across campus are invited to the Student Union Game Center to participate in bowling and billiards. Departments, divisions and colleges are encouraged to put teams together to engage in friendly competition, or sign up individually. Billiards and ping-pong are on a first-come, first-serve basis. RSVP for bowling by Friday, April 17.

For more information, visit the Employee Appreciation Week website or email [email protected].

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