The aroma of sizzling green chile cheeseburgers filled the air on May 15 as UNM staff were celebrated for their dedication with a Staff Appreciation Green Chile Cheeseburger Cookout. The event, a collaborative effort between UNM Staff Council, Human Resources, and UNM Leadership, served nearly 1,500 burgers.
“The cookout was amazing!” said Sarah Scott, a staff member at UNM Human Resources. “The burgers were delicious, and it was great opportunity to relax and catch up with colleagues and friends from departments all across campus.”
Beyond the food, the cookout offered a chance for staff to unwind with lawn games and raffle prizes and to explore the UNM Staff as Artists Exhibit in Zimmerman Library.
“This event was a great opportunity to recognize the contributions of our dedicated staff,” said Kevin Stevenson, vice president for Human Resources. “I’m grateful to Staff Council for their leadership in organizing this event, as well as the support from the President’s and EVP offices in making it a success.”
The cookout resulted from feedback from the 2023 Staff Appreciation Events Survey and the 2023 UNM Employee Engagement Survey. These surveys highlighted the need for increased opportunities to recognize the efforts of UNM staff and align with the UNM 2040 strategic framework.
A special thank you goes out to UNM Leadership for their collaboration in making this a ‘one University’ experience. Familiar faces serving food included Provost & Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs James Holloway, Executive Vice President for Health and Health Sciences Doug Ziednois, and Executive Vice President for Finance & Administration Teresa Costantinidis.
The enthusiasm for the cookout was evident, with an initial line stretching from Cornell Mall/Union Square to Johnson Center. A big shout-out goes to the team at UNM Food for opening a second serving line inside the Student Union Building.
UNM Parking & Transportation Services also deserves recognition for donating one year of free parking as the grand raffle prize. Congratulations to Dana Ellison!
“UNM Parking & Transportation Services is thrilled to support our dedicated staff by donating a year of free parking,” said Shawn Arruti, director of UNM Parking & Transportation Services. “This donation is a small token of our appreciation for the hard work and commitment shown by our staff every day.”
In addition to culinary delights, staff members explored the UNM Staff as Artists Exhibit in Zimmerman Library's Waters Room.
"This year's Staff Appreciation Green Chile Cheeseburger and (Rude Boy) Cookies Cookout in collaboration with our UNM Leadership was an incredible success," said Grace Faustino, UNM Staff Council president. "Staff are at the core of this institution's success; it is an honor to extend appreciation."
Looking forward, UNM Staff Council invites thoughts on future events via their feedback survey: https://survey.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3dCtbqYununXsdo
