Dear colleagues,

As the class of 2025 commencement ceremonies wrap up, it is clear how hard our staff work behind the scenes—not only to pull off commencement for four of our programs, but all year long. This week, we proudly celebrate Staff Appreciation Week at Emory School of Medicine—a time to recognize and thank our extraordinary staff for the many ways you advance our mission each day. Your work across education, research, and clinical care embodies the excellence, compassion, and dedication that define the spirit of our school.

While the School of Medicine will not host in-person events this year, I’m excited to share a series of virtual activities designed to engage, celebrate, and reward you throughout the week. I encourage you to participate by sharing themed photos each day, sending notes of appreciation to colleagues, and joining in other activities for a chance to win prizes. Be sure to also read special staff shout-outs in the Team Emory Medicine newsletter at the end of the month, where we will highlight the amazing contributions and spirit of our staff community.

In addition to our school-wide activities, I encourage you to attend Emory’s 47th annual Staff Fest on Friday, May 16. Staff Fest is a beloved university-wide tradition celebrating the incredible contributions of Emory’s staff. Join colleagues from across campus for an afternoon of food, games, music, and fun on the Quad.

Thank you for everything you do to advance the mission of the Emory School of Medicine.

With deepest appreciation,

Sandra

Sandra L. Wong, MD, MS
Dean, Emory School of Medicine
Chief Academic Officer, Emory Healthcare

Post a selfie or team photo that aligns with each day's theme for a chance to win gift cards. Share your photos by using the hashtag #SOMMedStaff25 on social media or by emailing som-hr@emory.edu.

Monday, May 12: Unique Hat Day – Show off your most creative hat, whether store-bought or handmade.

Tuesday, May 13: Pet Parade Day – Share a picture of your pet being adorable, silly, or stylish.

Wednesday, May 14: Favorite Mug Day – Snap a photo of your favorite mug—because every cup tells a story.

Thursday, May 15: Throwback Thursday – Send in a blast from the past with a favorite childhood, work, or vacation photo.

Friday, May 16: Emory Swag Day – Show your school spirit by wearing and sharing a photo of your Emory gear.

Use the Celebrate Others platform to send an e-card to a colleague. Each e-card you send also enters you into the gift card drawing.

We encourage all SOM supervisors to honor and acknowledge their staff this week and beyond. To help you, we have compiled a variety of suggestions for activities and gestures you can use. Access the Staff Appreciation Week Manager Toolkit on the SOM intranet (login necessary) to explore more ideas.

Please take advantage of learning and professional development opportunities available to Emory staff through the Emory Executive Education program at Goizueta Business School. The program offers a range of individual courses and certificate programs in specialties like marketing and finance. Best of all, Emory Courtesy Scholarship funds can be used to cover course costs.

Join colleagues from across campus for Staff Fest on Friday, May 16, from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the Quad for a lively afternoon of celebration, including:

Select kudos, appreciation messages, and staff highlights will be featured on the Staff Appreciation Week web page at the end of the week and in the Team Emory Medicine newsletter later this month. Stay tuned!