Hi Staffers,
As we wrap up our first ever Virtual-Staff Appreciation Week (V-SAW), I reminded of what I believe is USC’s core strength – community, or more commonly referred to by us, the Trojan Family. Simply put, our Trojan Family endured an abundance of tribulations and changes in recent years including our current COVID-19 pandemic. Through the dedicated efforts of staff and the rest of the Trojan Family, we graciously adapted to our new normal and continue to fight on together for a better future. Dean Soni provided similar food for thought in his coffee chat this week reminding us to be compassionate with ourselves while we grieve our (temporary) loss of in-person community. Our community must have meant a lot to us.
Our V-SAW aimed to provide support that was both fun and practical. More than 1,120 staffers registered for 13 events ranging from coffee break chats and a personal finance workshop to other activities centered around wellness and wellbeing at home. We also held a social media campaign daily photo contest on our official Staff Assembly Facebook page (click here to see entries). We were able to engage with over 1,000 people every day as they visited throughout the week for updates on our sessions and to interact with our community. In addition, we curated a Staff Assembly Virtual Resources page listing more than 30 complimentary or deeply discounted services for continued reference as we practice social distancing during this “Safer at Home” period.
I would like to extend my gratitude to all Staff Appreciation Week Committee members: Erika Chesley, Carmen Aguilar, Jake Kirchner, Naomi Martinez, Nicole Mata, Linda Mizushima, Claudia Morataya, Cory Reano, Juggy Sandhu, and Ryan Welch.
Finally, today marks the end of our sixth week of WFH and the end of the semester is right around the corner. As time still feels like is flying by, I’m reminded of the quote President Folt shared with us today from Terry Tempest Williams, “The eyes of the future are looking back at us and they are praying for us to see beyond our own time.”
Be well and fight on!
Paul D. Lee
Chair
Staff Appreciation Committee