After going virtual for the last two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Staff Fest returns to the Quad on Friday to thank Emory University employees for hard work throughout the academic year.
Held each year on the Friday after Commencement, Staff Fest activities on the Quad go from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., with some competitions starting earlier. President Gregory L. Fenves will address the crowd at noon.
The popular event features the return of favorite traditions like the fun run/walk, with check-in beginning at 9:45 a.m. at Asbury Circle, and the friendly but fierce volleyball tournament, with competion for registered teams starting at 10:30 a.m. on the Quad. Staff Fest organizers are excited about the new "Chalk the Walk" competition this year. Staff have been asking for other opportunities to come together as a team at the event, and this is a way to show your creativity and artistic skills.
You can also take on your colleagues in cornhole, basketball, football throwing and giant games of Jenga, checkers and Connect Four; test your skills on the rock climbing wall; enjoy the DJ and dancing; and pose for hand-drawn caricatures and the new roaming photo booth.
A free, catered lunch by Jim ‘N Nick’s Bar-B-Q starts at 11:30 a.m. and continues while quantities last; the menu includes a vegan option in addition to barbecue and sides like baked beans, potato salad and cheese biscuits. There will also be ice cream and popcorn throughout the Quad.
Please note that Staff Fest is for current Emory University staff, faculty and retirees only. Family members or non-university employees are not able to be accommodated.
Staff Fest partners with the Emory Office of Sustainability Initiatives to make this event as sustainable as possible. All attendees are strongly encouraged to bring their own water bottle to help limit the number of plastic water bottles distributed.
Special thanks to Coca-Cola, Kaiser Permanente, Health Fitness (Blomeyer), Sharecare and CVS Health for helping sponsor Staff Fest with generous donations or giveaway prizes.
Join the Staff Fest fun
RSVP for Staff Fest: You can sign up here to join the fun.
Get your t-shirt: If you haven't already purchased a Staff Fest shirt, a limited number will be available to purchase starting at 10 a.m. Friday. Sizes and colors cannot be guaranteed. Sizes small-XL are $10, size 2XL is $14, and sizes 3XL and 4XL are $16. Exact change is preferred. Checks will also be accepted, but no credit or debit cards.