On Thursday, May 9, faculty and staff from across campus came together to celebrate, connect, and rejuvenate at the U of G Spring Social. As colleagues connected over a shared meal in the University Centre, the first floor was buzzing with energy.
“It is always exciting when I have the opportunity to get together with the U of G community! I thoroughly enjoyed chatting with faculty and staff the Spring Social as we take a minute to have a break, share a meal, and remind ourselves of the great work we do for the University,” shared Charlotte Yates, president & vice-chancellor.
This year’s social also coincided with U of G’s 60th anniversary, celebrated with 60th balloons, cake and classic U of G cookies.
As we made the rounds at the social, we asked attendees to reflect on who has impacted them in the past year.
![Genna Villella stands in the UC during the staff social. She's wearing a red Guelph Gryphons t-shirt and smiling at the camera.](https://news.uoguelph.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Genna-Villella-1000x667.jpg)
Genna Villella, Event Supervisor, Department of Athletics
“My whole team – the facilities unit in the Department of Athletics – has made such a big impact on me. In the chaos that work can sometimes be, they help bring the calm and the relief.”
![A group of four staff post for a group photo.](https://news.uoguelph.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Photo-2024-05-09-2-42-12-PM-1000x711.jpg)
Michael Gibson, Lead Hand, Area D6, Physical Resources
“My manager, Danna-Lee Peters, consistently makes a significant impact on me. She is a fantastic role model and a strong leader, always organized and treating everyone fairly and with respect. Her example drives me to continually strive to be a positive leader and employee.”
![Danielle Gordon stands in front of a green photo wall that says University of Guelph and poses for a photo wearing a bright white and pink floral shirt.](https://news.uoguelph.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Danielle-Gordon-1000x667.jpg)
Danielle Gordon, Marketing and Communications, Admission Services
“My manager Effie Gatsinos has really impacted me. She’s taught me that just having open communication is really key.”
![Adam Morris stands at the base of a set of steps in the University Centre and smiles at the camera wearing a black U of G polo shirt.](https://news.uoguelph.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Adam-Norris-1000x667.jpg)
Adam Morris, Manager Trainee, Hospitality Services
“I started only in January of this year. I love just working as a team and in hospitality in general. I think it’s a very exciting department.”
![A group of four women pose together for a group photo at the spring social.](https://news.uoguelph.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Jill-Davies-1000x667.jpg)
Jill Davies, Communications and Marketing Manager, Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance
“My entire team has impacted me in very positive ways. When I’m having a bad day, I can relax and chat though some of the anxieties. They’re such a delightful bunch of people.”
Thanks to everyone who came out and made the 2024 Spring Social a memorable one! Here are a few more photos from the event. View the full photo album on Flickr.
![](https://news.uoguelph.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/IMG_8622-1000x750.jpg)
![](https://news.uoguelph.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Photo-2024-05-09-2-30-14-PM-1000x667.jpg)
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![A group of four people sit at a table at the spring social.](https://news.uoguelph.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Photo-2024-05-09-2-33-51-PM-1000x667.jpg)
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