By Anna Iliff
Thousands of staff members donned their favorite UCI gear for the 25th Annual Staff Appreciation Picnic on Aug. 27 in Aldrich Park. In celebration of UCI’s 50th Anniversary, the event included a “Show Your UCI Pride” department competition, an oldest UCI T-shirt contest, a volleyball game, a water-balloon toss and three-legged potato sack race. Attendees also enjoyed free barbecue cuisine and giveaways from department and vendor booths. The University Registrar office won first place in the department table decoration contest for the second consecutive year. Their over-the-top display of school spirit included a giant Peter the Anteater plush, a cardboard cut-out of Peter the Anteater, party hats, games and a face-painting booth. The Department of Pediatrics won second place and the School of Humanities won third place. In recognition of UCI’s tradition of sustainable practices, the picnic was a zero-waste event.
*Photos: Steve Zylius / UCI