Queen’s will celebrate the extraordinary efforts of its staff with various activities and festivities on Dec. 10.

“Staff Appreciation Day is a chance to recognize our staff members and the important work they do all year long,” says Al Orth, Associate Vice-Principal (Human Resources). “As the day approaches, we encourage managers and all community members to reflect on the contributions of Queen’s staff and show your appreciation in any way you can.”

As a way to celebrate and show appreciation, the University Administration has organized several activities for Dec. 10. The activities – including tours of the Phytotron greenhouse in the BioSciences Complex, a behind-the-scenes look at a music rehearsal, and then a performance, at the Conservatory of Music, and free fitness classes at the Athletics and Recreation Centre (ARC) – aim to highlight a few of the great things happening across campus.

“It’s so easy for staff to get caught up in their jobs and daily lives. This is a chance for staff to step out of those roles and experience first-hand the unique things happening at Queen’s,” says Shannon Hill, Learning and Development Specialist, HR.

Staff will also have the opportunity to take tours of the Agnes Etherington Art Gallery and Summerhill. They can also claim a free medium hot beverage at any Sodexo outlet that day.

Staff Appreciation Day also coincides with the Principal’s Holiday Reception, and all staff are encouraged to attend. The reception will be held in the Athletics and Recreation Centre, from 11:30 am until 1:30 pm. Non-perishable food items will be accepted at the door for the Partners in Mission food bank.

All of the tours and activities have limited capacity. Please register using the HR Learning Catalogue, Staff Appreciation Day 2013 events. 

Details of the day’s activities:

• Phytotron tours, BioSciences Complex, 10 am and 2 pm. Built in 1997, the Queen’s Phytotron includes six climate-controlled greenhouse compartments, 26 environmental growth chambers, a prep room and a lab.  
• Summerhill and Benidickson House tours, 10 am and 2 pm.
  Summerhill is the oldest building on Queen's campus. The building was completed in 1839 as a private home for the Anglican Archdeacon George Okill Stuart.  When Upper Canada’s first Parliament met nearby, the members stayed at Summerhill. In 1853, Queen’s College (Queen’s University) purchased Summerhill. The east wing (now called Benidickson House) served as the principal’s residence and is now used for formal dinners and ceremonies.  Benidickson House is also home to the Chancellor when he is on campus.
• Conservatory of Music presentation: Music in Our Midst, 10-11 am, Harrison LeCaine Hall, Room 124.
  The violin/piano duo of Karma Tomm and Adrienne Shannon will share the inner workings of the rehearsal process.  The program will include a multi-media presentation and a performance of Sonata in G Major, Op. 30 no. 3 by Beethoven. Both performers are on faculty at Queen’s School of Music.  In addition, Karma Tomm is the Director of Queen’s Conservatory of Music; and Adrienne Shannon is a member of the PALENAI Piano Duo with Joy Innis, and is the Coordinator of the Music and Digital Media Program at St. Lawrence College.
• Agnes Etherington Art Gallery: The Big Picture at the Agnes, 11-11:45 am. Join a fast-paced guided tour of current exhibitions and the historic Etherington House. Limit: 30 people.
• Free fitness classes at the ARC (Stretch & Relaxation 9-10 am, Gentle Yoga 10-11 am, Pilates 2-3 pm, Spin Class 3-4 pm)