SIUE Employees Enjoy Carnival Fare, Food and Fun on Appreciation Day
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Southern Illinois University Edwardsville employees enjoyed a time of face painting, pig races, basketball pop-a-shot, free food and more at the annual Employee Appreciation Day on Wednesday.
More than 800 on the SIUE campus participated in festivities designed for their pleasure. Employees were treated to free food that included hamburgers, corn dogs, nachos, watermelon, popcorn and soft drinks in a carnival-type atmosphere.
“It seems very nice. I’m impressed,” said Christy Horton, assistant director at the Early Childhood Center. “I’m pleased at the turnout. I’ve worked here for 20 years, and it amazes me how many people I know.”
Mark Lunsford, who has worked with SIUE Housing for six years, said he was appreciative of the gesture.
His co-worker, Dwight Holley, echoed Lunsford’s sentiment and added: “I like working here,” said Holley, who has been on staff at SIUE Housing for three years. “I get to work and keep up the grounds and enjoy the beautiful view of the campus.”
Husband and wife SIUE employees, Donte and Deserea Howard, wanted to express their thanks to the University for its generous showing of appreciation.
“It’s awesome to be appreciated,” said Deseara, assistant track and field coach in the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics.
“It’s great to get free food,” said Donte, Human Resource assistant. “And it’s also pleasing to meet new people.”
Most enjoyable to two SIUE employees were the carnival games. Toni Taylor, account tech II in Student Financial Aid, and Cathy Harmon, Army ROTC office support specialist, said they played all of the games in the Morris University Center Meridian Ballroom.
“It’s very exciting. There are lots of interactive activities to do,” said Taylor.
“We liked the basketball game best. And we got to meet the new basketball coach (Jon Harris),” said Harmon. “This was a much needed break.”
Photos:
Connie Barber, assistant professor, in Computer Management and Information Systems, shots hoops with SIUE’s new basketball coach Jon Harris.
Racing pigs are employees (from left to right) Sara Colvin, Deanna Lotter, Tristin Cooper and Amanda Russell, all of the SIUE School of Business.
SIUE Chancellor Julie Furst-Bowe takes the lead over SIU President Randy Dunn in a tricycle race.