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The contributions of Queen’s University staff and faculty were celebrated on Wednesday, Dec. 11, during Principal’s Holiday Reception.

The annual celebration is the highlight of Staff Appreciation Day and is hosted by Principal and Vice-Chancellor Patrick Deane in the main gym of the Athletics and Recreation Centre.

“Thank you to all the staff and faculty who work so hard throughout the year to advance Queen’s and its mission,” says Principal Deane. “What’s wonderful about working at a university is the great variety of roles undertaken by people at this institution and how each and every one adds up to something critically important – the transformation that occurs in the lives of the students, the improvement in the quality of life in our community and more broadly the advancement of human knowledge. We all have an integral part to play in this broader mission and I hope you find it a source of great pride.”

The reception offered a wide selection of delicious food and drinks, while staff and faculty members mingled and reconnected with colleagues from across the university. Human Resources also organized a series of tours, workshops, and wellness activities throughout the day for staff, while Sodexo retail outlets offered up a free warm beverage to Queen’s employees in the morning.

Attendees of the Principal’s Holiday Reception donated approximately 150 pounds of non-perishable food items and more than $200 to the AMS Food Bank.

During the event Principal Deane called attention to this year’s recipients of the Special Recognition for Staff Awards. The annual awards are presented to staff members who were nominated by colleagues for their outstanding work performed at a level “significantly beyond what is usually expected.” The awards were handed out at a special ceremony hosted by Principal Deane on Tuesday, Dec. 3.