The day started out with a thunderstorm and downpour, but in the end the only people who got soaked were the dunk tank participants.
, or TGFS, on Wednesday (May 16) drew more than 6,000 staff members to Russell Field for an event with food, activities and giveaways.
"It's a day to feel appreciated as staff on campus and run into a lot of people we don't have a chance to see," said Alina Bara, an academic advisor in the College of Agriculture and Environmental Science.
, but by the 11:30 start time the sky had mostly cleared.
The annual picnic was one of three events held last week by Staff Assembly. Those who work swing and graveyard shifts each got their own celebrations that coincided with their schedules.
New this year at the daytime TGFS was a major expansion in food options: Instead of one caterer, 17 food trucks lined up on Russell Field, two parked outside the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, and one visited the campus Police Department.
"I like it better — there were more options," said Paige Jauregui, an ophthalmic technician in Student Health and Counseling Services, after finishing a plate of tacos. "I feel like we didn't wait in line as long."
As in past years, numerous activities lent a carnival-like atmosphere to the event:
Various campus units showcased the work they do:
And supervisors and others volunteered to say "thank you" by serving dessert to staff:
Attendees of this year's TGFS can .
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