University of Virginia leaders and UVA Human Resources as a whole expressed their appreciation for the contributions of the University’s thousands of employees at Wednesday’s 10th annual Staff Appreciation Breakfast.

The breakfast, usually held during the week that UVA students are on Spring Break, was not held in 2021 because of the pandemic. About 850 staff members attended this year to enjoy food and camaraderie, despite rainy weather.

President Jim Ryan and other UVA administrative leaders joined in celebrating employees and their hard work, greeting them as they entered the Fresh Food Co. at Newcomb Hall. UVA Dine offered a hearty breakfast of pancakes, sausage, eggs, oatmeal, fresh fruit and gluten-free options to employees.

“I am honored to have opportunities to personally thank our hard working and dedicated employees from across Grounds for the wonderful work they do,” Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer J.J. Davis said. “This year is particularly joyful because it’s been two years since the last Staff Appreciation Breakfast. Our employees deserve an extra special ‘thank you’ for all their commitment and dedication required to keep the University and Health System operating 24/7, even during the pandemic.”

“It was very moving for me to see so many staff come out today after not being able to host the breakfast last year,” Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer John Kosky said. “I want to applaud our staff for their courageous efforts in keeping the University operating smoothly, in trusting UVA leadership and their decisions around the pandemic, and in coming up with creative solutions to address the needs of the University.”

At the breakfast, employees also had an opportunity to meet representatives from Hoos Well, HR Benefits and Leave, Staff Senate and the Facilities Management Apprenticeship Program, who had tables at the breakfast with informational materials and who answered questions from staff throughout the event.