Boise State’s annual employee appreciation week is April 21-25, 2025. This is an opportunity to thank colleagues and join together during a series of virtual programs, in-person activities and events.
Employee appreciation
Years of service
Employees celebrating years of service milestones (5, 10, 15, 20 years, etc.) are listed on the service recognition award webpage by division and college. Those celebrating years of service and who want to attend the employee appreciation breakfast are asked to RSVP for breakfast. Breakfast details are listed below.
When employees reach a milestone year, they receive a certificate, a pin, and recognition at the annual Employee Awards Breakfast. However, it is equally meaningful for employees to be celebrated at the college, division and department level. The celebrating employees webpage provides ideas that can be tailored to fit the unique culture of each campus unit.
Employee perks
The Bronco Shop, Campus Rec, the Cycle Learning Center and Campus Safety are all offering discounts and deals for employees, both in-person and online. See employee perks, prizes, and more webpage for more details.
Door prizes
Employees attending events throughout the week will have opportunities to win prizes. Prizes include a campus parking pass, tickets for events at ExtraMile Arena and the Morrison Center, Cycle Learning Center bike tune-ups and ski or snowboard waxing, Boise State Dining Byte meal plans, massages from Health Services, and Boise State merchandise.
Thank a Bronco
Extend appreciation to campus colleagues by sending a Thank a Bronco message. Each Thank a Bronco message is sent to the employee and their supervisor. This is a great way to show gratitude to fellow Broncos throughout the year.
Schedule
Monday, April 21
- Virtual Kickoff – Boise State Employee History with Cheryl Oestreicher: Noon – 1 p.m. Register for virtual kickoff: Join in a virtual kickoff of Employee Appreciation Week with a fun look back on the history of Boise State employees who shaped campus, before the Blue and beyond. Hosted by the Albertsons Library and Boise State archives.
- In-Person Kickoff – Ice Cream Social with Leadership: Noon – 1:30 p.m. (or while supplies last) at the Student Union Patio. Kick off Employee Appreciation Week with a scoop of ice cream and visit with campus leadership.
- Pickleball with the Rec Center: 2-3 p.m., Campus Rec Center. Pickleball has surged in popularity over the past few years and there are courts ready for you and your fellow colleagues. No experience necessary. Sign up for pickleball today!
Tuesday, April 22
- Annual Employee Appreciation Breakfast: 8:30 a.m. – 10 a.m., Student Union Jordan Ballroom. All employees are invited to join together for a light continental breakfast and the presentation of annual staff awards. RSVP for breakfast. Check-in is between 8 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. For those unable to attend in-person, there will be a live stream option.
- Latin Dancing with Alison Bilgic: 1 – 2 p.m., Student Union Building, Hatch Ballroom. Latin dances are vibrant and expressive, featuring rhythmic movements, lively footwork and reflecting many Latin American traditions. Alison Bilgic will teach Rueda de Casino, also known as Cuban-style salsa. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes suitable for dancing. No partner or prior experience is necessary.
- Evening Employee Appreciation Awards Program: Student Union, dining area. Celebrate colleagues at the evening employee appreciation dinner and awards program. Service awards and employee awards will be announced.
Wednesday, April 23
- Take a Breath – 30 Minutes to Reset, Relax and Recharge with Kate Garrett: 10 a.m. – 10:30 a.m., Register for Take a Breath. A 30-minute session to reset the nervous system, relieve tension, and reconnect with breath – no special gear needed, participants can even attend in business attire. Through gentle stretches and mindful movement, stress is released, leaving a sense of grounding and refreshment.
- Virtual Lunch and Learn – Art Walk with Fonda Portales: Noon – 1 p.m., Register for virtual art walk. Join Fonda Portales, Director of University Art, for an interactive, virtual tour of public outdoor art on campus. This event will take employees through a selection of the dynamic pieces that make Boise State’s campus so vibrant.
- Esports Open Play: Noon – 1:30 p.m., Boise State Esports Arena, 301 S. Capitol Blvd. Explore the Boise State Esports arena and play a vintage arcade game or level up your video gaming skills on one of our open play computers and cheer on your colleagues in a friendly match. A variety of virtual games include Mario Kart, Super Smash Brothers, Call of Duty and PacMan. Sign up is not required. Employees are encouraged to take the Bronco Shuttle from campus to downtown Boise. The dropoff location is at the corner of 8th Street and Main Street. It’s a short walk to the Esports Arena on the corner of 9th Street and Capitol Boulevard.
Thursday, April 24
- Coffee and Pastries with Boise State Dining: 10 a.m. – 11 a.m., South Fork Dining Hall (in the Honors College). Stop by to learn more about Boise State Dining offerings for employees including meal plans and an in-house dietician. The event is limited to 125 employees. RSVP for coffee and pastries.
- Bowling and Billiards: Noon – 5 p.m., Student Union Building Games Center. Please RSVP for bowling by Friday, April 18. Come and play a few FREE rounds of bowling or billiards throughout the day on Thursday. Employees can either reserve a lane as a group and play for an hour, or you can sign up individually. Billiards and ping pong are first-come, first-served. Departments, divisions and colleges are encouraged to put teams together to engage in friendly competition.
- Virtual Lunch and Learn – Caring Authentically in the Structured World of Work with Nathan Fauntleroy: Noon. – 1 p.m., Register for lunch and learn. Join Boise State Counselor, Nathan Fauntleroy, for a session focused on gathering and interpreting meaningful one on one feedback about wellness on your teams and navigating natural tensions and conflicts that arise in the workplace while maintaining strong interpersonal connections. Learn practical strategies to foster open communication and create a supportive, collaborative work environment.
- In-person Campus Art Walk with Fonda Portales: 2-3 p.m., College of Business and Economics East Courtyard. Join Fonda Portales, Director of University Art, for an interactive, in-person tour of public outdoor art on campus. This event will take employees through a selection of the dynamic pieces that make Boise State’s campus so vibrant. Wear comfortable walking shoes and meet in the College of Business and Economics East Courtyard, at the Appleton sculpture. The one-hour tour will conclude at the Friendship Bridge.
- Frisbee Disc Golf with Keith Quatraro: 2–5 p.m., Ann Morrison Park. Enjoy the spring sunshine with your fellow employees. Grab a work buddy and join us for a fun and friendly game of frisbee golf – no experience necessary. Please RSVP for frisbee golf.
Friday, April 25
- Bowling and Billiards: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., Student Union Building Games Center. Please RSVP for bowling by Friday, April 18. Come and play a few FREE rounds of bowling or billiards throughout the day on Friday. Employees can either reserve a lane as a group and play for an hour ,or you can sign up individually. Billiards and ping pong are first-come, first-served. Departments, divisions and colleges are encouraged to put teams together to engage in friendly competition.
For more information, visit the employee appreciation week webpage or email hrs@boisestate.edu.