Resilience and Gratitude the Focus of Annual Appreciation Luncheon

Rodeo decorations, raffle prizes, games and housekeepers in cowboy hats filled the Karsh Alumni and Visitors Center for an appreciation luncheon.

Normally held in September to coincide with Housekeeping Appreciation Week, this year's University Environmental Services (UEVS) gathering was delayed until May following a midyear restructuring. This welcome post-Commencement event celebrated the individuals and teams who, as UEVS director Josh Eaton quipped in keeping with the rodeo theme, "took the reins" and kept university operations and service levels running smoothly throughout the year.

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"It means a lot getting us together for a little fun," said housekeeper specialist Shanta Thorpe (pictured below in a cowboy hat). "It's nice to be appreciated." Thorpe, with Duke since 2010 and UEVS since 2016, was not the only one to feel appreciated following a challenging academic year. Precious Daniels, UEVS utility worker since 2024, said the event lifts a weight off her shoulders with so much going on in life and lets her "enjoy others' company, laugh and still be at work."

With service areas expanding across Duke’s vast campus and properties, employees note the annual event provides a chance to interact with people outside their regular shifts and service locations. 

"Relationship building between employees and supervisors, East Campus and West Campus, it’s what further builds our team," said senior supervisor Jackie Little. Little began at Duke in 2008 as a temporary housekeeper and has since been promoted to full-time housekeeper, assistant supervisor and recently senior supervisor. "I've been on both sides as housekeeper and supervisor, and the annual event gives everyone what they need — time together, smiling faces and games." 

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In an address to attendees, Dr. Leslye Kornegay, executive director of UEVS, acknowledged this year's increased demands, that a restructure was needed to improve operational efficiency and expressed admiration for employees' unwavering commitment to service at Duke. "After 40 years in this profession and many seasons of change, this team's resilient, graceful handling of this transition is truly inspiring."

The annual event is a reminder of the power of community and an encouragement for employees to "keep moving forward together and remain a team others can rely on," senior manager Malik Wright wrote in a post-event email.