Texas State University recently celebrated Staff Appreciation Week from May 20th to May 24th, and what an incredible week it was! From developmental opportunities to celebrations, our Bobcat community came together to honor and appreciate the dedication and hard work of our amazing staff.
May 20 – Development Day
The week kicked off with an inspiring Development Day, featuring a blend of in-person and online sessions designed to foster growth and learning. Our keynote speaker, Dr. Cassandra LeClair, captivated the audience with her talk on “Being Whole: Communication and Connection.” Dr. Stephanie Dailey followed with an insightful session on “Building a Top Performing Team through Communication.” A “Leading at TXST” panel hosted by Dr. Bill Mattera, Dr. Michael Preston, and Cristine Black shared valuable leadership insights, and the in-person portion of the morning concluded with a refreshing well-being stretching activity led by Jess Youngs.
The second part of Development Day transitioned to an online format, featuring an array of informative sessions by Elma Clarke, Deana Townsend, Dr. Paige Haber-Curran, Dr. Carlton Fong, Sydney Vogel, Sylvia Gonzales, Zakiya Gentry, Laura L. Jones, and Jess Williams. These sessions provided valuable knowledge and skills, further enhancing the professional development of our staff. For those who couldn’t attend, recordings of each session are available on the Development Day 2024 webpage.
May 21 – Staff Appreciation Awards Day (Kudos & Karaoke)
On May 21st, President Damphousse hosted the inaugural Kudos and Karaoke event, a day dedicated to celebrating our exceptional staff members. We honored employees who have been with the university for 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30+ years. Additionally, we celebrated the Employees of the Month for Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 and 2024, and announced the Employee of the Year for both FY 2023 and 2024. The highlight of the event was President Damphousse and his wife Beth kicking off the karaoke session with a lively performance of “You’re the One That I Want.” Our staff showcased their incredible talents, making it a memorable and fun-filled event.
May 22 – Double the Pride Alumni Event
The midweek excitement continued with the Double the Pride event on May 22nd, an evening dedicated to our Bobcat employees who are also alumni. The room was buzzing with Bobcat pride as we celebrated our dual-role staff members. It was a wonderful opportunity for alumni to reconnect, share stories, and celebrate their unique contributions to the university.
May 24 – Snow Cone Appreciation Event
The week concluded on a sweet note with the Snow Cone Appreciation Event on May 24th. Organized by the Office of Human Resources and Staff Council, staff members enjoyed refreshing snow cones from Kona Ice and Jeremiah’s Italian Ice. It was a perfect way to relax, mingle with colleagues, and savor a delightful treat as we wrapped up the week.
A Week of Gratitude
Staff Appreciation Week was incredibly special, and our gratitude for our Bobcat staff extends far beyond these five days. We deeply appreciate your dedication, hard work, and the positive energy you bring to Texas State University. Your efforts are integral to our success, and we are sincerely grateful for everything you do.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who made this week possible. Your commitment to celebrating our staff and fostering a supportive community is inspiring.
Thank you, Bobcats, for an unforgettable Staff Appreciation Week!