2026 Employee Appreciation Week
Employee Appreciation Week March 30 - April 3
Idaho State University is proud of our faculty and staff who assist, teach, and support our students, visitors, colleagues, and community! To thank our amazing faculty and staff for their efforts, we will celebrate Employee Appreciation Week this year with a combination of virtual and in-person activities and workshops! Please see the details below for specific information and registration forms for workshops and activities.
Activities and Workshops Sign Ups
Be sure to sign up for upcoming Activities and Workshops.
If you have any questions about the events please email training@isu.edu. Thank you.
Color-A-Bengal Contest
Unleash your creativity in the Color-a-Bengal Contest! Staff and faculty can design their own Bengal Coloring Sheet for a chance to win a Benny. Click here for more information.
Free Meditation
Recharge and refresh your mind with free meditation sessions offered throughout the week. Take a moment to relax, refocus, and reduce stress during your workday.
Bowling (Pocatello)
Shine up your bowling shoes and join colleagues for fun, free bowling and shoe rentals on Thursday, April 2 from 11:30–1:30, with desserts provided by the Pond Student Union Management team!
Meridian Food Bank Service Project
Volunteer with the Meridian Idaho Food Bank on Friday, April 3rd from 12–2 PM and help support families in our community. Space is limited to 20 volunteers, so be sure to sign up in advance to reserve your spot!
This Friday, help assemble Hygiene Kits for a good cause. Friday, April 3 from 1:30-2:30pm. Pocatello (PSUB, Wood River Room) or Idaho Falls (TAB 263). Supplies provided by AmeriCorps.
Jeopardy Hosted by Staff Council
Employees compete in a cross-campus competition in a version of this beloved game. No registration required. Hosted by Staff Council.
Free Fitness Classes
Refresh your body and mind with free fitness classes offered throughout the week. Move, recharge, and enjoy a healthy break from the workday.
Daily Crossword
Daily Crossword available every day at noon. Answer Key available the following day.
Free Movie: Anaconda
Enjoy a free showing of Anaconda 2026 (PG-13) at the Bengal Theater with one free admission and a Benny snack combo. Pick up tickets at the HR Office or Staff Council Luncheon. 2 per employee.
Years of Service
Idaho State University proudly celebrates its faculty and staff through the Years of Service Recognition, honoring those who have reached significant milestones of up to 40 years. We sincerely thank you for your dedication. Your contributions are deeply valued and appreciated.
Workshop: BENGAL Framework – Change Leadership Training
Change Leadership: Join Patience Ternus for this Zoom workshop introducing the BENGAL Change Leadership Framework—a people-centric approach to leading inclusive, meaningful change through connection, belonging, and open dialogue. Sign up today.
Zoom Workshop: Coping with Mental Health Crises
Coping with Mental Health Crisis: Join Rick Pongratz and Jill Adams on Zoom to learn how to recognize and navigate signs of mental health challenges in colleagues, students, and yourself. Also a discussion of community resources and Q&A—sign up today.
Wall of Thank You's
At Idaho State University, our people make the difference every single day. To celebrate the incredible work, dedication, and outstanding character of our employees, we’re launching a Wall of Thank You's across all campus locations—plus a Digital Wall on our webpage!
This is your chance to give a shout-out to the amazing colleagues who support you, inspire you, and make ISU a great place to work.
Submit a thank you for a coworker and help us fill our walls with appreciation for the outstanding people who make Idaho State University shine! Submit a Thank You
Event Highlights
University Bookstore 20% Off for Staff and Faculty
Thursday Only - April 2, 9:00am - 5:00pm
ISU Bookstore is offering 20% off for Staff and Faculty.
Please bring Bengal ID. In-Store purchases only. Does not apply to online purchases.
Bowling and Desserts
Thursday, April 2
11:30am - 1:30pm
Shine up those bowling shoes and join your colleagues for some fun! Don't want to bowl? No worries, come cheer on the teams and grab some dessert.
Put a team or two together and join your fellow Bengals on Thursday, April 2nd from 11:30 - 1:30.
Bowling Spots are limited. Registration Deadline: Thursday, April 2 at 9:00am.
Desserts, free bowling and shoe rentals are all being provided courtesy of the Pond Student Union Management team!
Be A Bengal Recognition Ceremony and Award Winners
Sponsored by Lookout Credit Union
The Be A Bengal Recognition Ceremony recognizes all individuals who were nominated in 2025 for the Be a Bengal program, honoring their demonstration of the ISU Values of Integrity, Inclusivity, Shared Responsibility, Community, Learning, and Teamwork.
The Be A Bengal Program and this celebration are generously sponsored by Lookout Credit Union, whose support helps make this recognition possible.
Thank you to all our nominees for the positive impact you make each day.
Congratulations to our Award Winners:
Faculty Winner: Jeff Johnson
Faculty Runner Up: Jonathan Fardy
Classified Winner: Lindsey Solomon
Classified Runner Up: Luke Christiansen
Non Classified Winner: Maurice Pittman
Non Classified Runner Up: Juanita Gonzalez
MVP Winner: Esther Ntuli
MVP Runner Ups: Angel Salinas, Casey Skelton, Todd Christensen
Wednesday Events - April 1, 2026
Staff Council Lunch (All Campuses)
Pocatello: Turner Hall, 11:00am-1:00pm
Meridian: Room 681/682, 11:00am-1:00pm
Idaho Falls: BSUB Multi-Purpose, 12:00-1:00pm
Twin Falls: Hepworth 131, 12:00-1:00pm
Alaska: TBD 12:00-1:00pm
ISU Highlight: Cycle and Tone (Pocatello Campus)
Free to Staff, Faculty and Students. Please bring Bengal ID. (Pocatello Group Fitness Schedule)
Time: 12:00pm - 12:45pm
Location: Pocatello Rec/Wellness Center
ISU Highlight: Meditation (Meridian Campus)
Time: 12:05pm - 12:35pm
Meridian Wellness Center
ISU Highlight: State of the University (All Campuses)
Time: 3:30pm
Pocatello: Frazier Hall, Donuts at 3pm
Livestream: ISU YouTube
Mindful Meditation Online (All Campuses)
Hosted by Paula and Tony Seikel
Time: 4:15pm - 5:00pm
Zoom Link: Mindful Meditation Online
ISU Highlight: Yoga (Pocatello)
Free to Staff, Faculty and Students. Please bring Bengal ID. (Pocatello Group Fitness Schedule)
Time: 7:00pm - 7:45pm
Location: Pocatello Recreation & Wellness Center
Thursday Events - April 2, 2025
ISU Bookstore 20% Off for Staff/Faculty
Please bring Bengal ID to qualify for 20% off.
In-Store purchases only. Does not apply to online purchases.
Times: 9am - 5pm
Dessert Social (Twin Falls)
Enjoy some delicious cookies with your fellow coworkers.
Time: 11:30am
Dessert Social (Alaska)
Enjoy some delicious cookies with your fellow coworkers.
Time: 11:30am
Bowling and Dessert Social (Pocatello)
Time: 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Location: Pond Student Union Game Center
Register Teams Here
Bowling/Corn Hole/Ping Pong and Dessert Social (Meridian)
Time: 1:00 - 2:30pm
Location: Main Hallway
9-Square and Dessert Social (Idaho Falls)
Time: 11:30pm - 1:00pm
Location: TAB 263
Color A Bengal Submission Due (Idaho Falls)
11:30am
Color a Bengal Voting (Idaho Falls)
*During 9-Square and Dessert Social
Time: 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Location: TAB 263
Color A Bengal Submissions Due and Voting Begins (Pocatello, Meridian, Twin Falls, Alaska)
Submissions due 12:00pm
Voting begins 12:00pm
Pocatello: PSUB, 2nd Floor Lobby Windows, QR Code
Meridian: Main Lobby: QR Code
Twin Falls: Main Lobby
Alaska: Main Bulletin Board
ISU Highlight: Yoga Core (Pocatello)
Free to Staff, Faculty and Students. Please bring Bengal ID. (Pocatello Group Fitness Schedule)
Time: 12:00pm - 12:45pm
Location: Pocatello Recreation & Wellness Center
Meditation (Idaho Falls)
Hosted by Blaney Hanvey
Time: 1:05pm
Location: TAB 263
Zoom Workshop: Change Leadership w/ Patience Ternus
Join Patience Ternus for this Zoom presentation introducing the BENGAL Change Leadership Framework—a people-centric approach to leading inclusive, meaningful change through connection, belonging, and open dialogue. Sign up today.
Time 3:00 - 4:00pm
Registration Link
ISU Highlight: UpBeat Pilates (Pocatello)
Free to Staff, Faculty and Students. Please bring Bengal ID. (Pocatello Group Fitness Schedule)
Time: 5:30pm - 6:15pm
Location: Pocatello Recreation & Wellness Center
ISU Highlight: Powwow (Pocatello)
Time: 7:00pm
Location: Pond Student Union Building
Free Movie: Anaconda (Pocatello)
Time: 7:00pm
Location: Pocatello Pond Student Union, Bengal Movie Theatre, 1st Level
Get Free Ticket from HR Office or Staff Luncheon, 2 per Employee
Friday Events - April 3, 2026
Zoom Workshop: Mindful Self Compassion and Environmental Stress w/ Rick Pongratz and Jill Adams
This Zoom session focuses on recognizing and responding to signs of mental health challenges in colleagues, students, and yourself. Participants will gain practical tools and insights to navigate difficult situations with awareness, empathy, and confidence. There will also be a discussion of community resources and time for Q&A.
Time: 10:00am - 11:00am
Register Here
ISU Highlight: Meditation (Pocatello)
Time: 11:00am - 11:45am
Location: Gravely Hall, Room 250
Jeopardy (All Campuses)
Time: 11:00am - 1:00pm
Pocatello Location: PocLB36, Oboler Library 32
Meridian Location: Mer687, Room 687
Idaho Falls Location: IF314, CHE 311
Twin Falls Location: TW131, Hepworth 131
Zoom Meeting Meeting ID: 8216020764 Passcode 944018
Food Bank Service Project (Meridian)
In partnership with Idaho Food Bank
Time: 12:00 - 2:00pm
Location: Meridian
Registration Required. Limited 20 spots.
Hygiene Kits Service Project (Pocatello and Idaho Falls)
Sponsored by AmeriCorps
Time: 1:30 - 2:30pm
Pocatello Location: Wood River Room, PSUB, 2nd Floor
Idaho Falls Location: TAB 263
Color A Bengal Voting Ends (Pocatello, Meridian, Twin Falls, Alaska)
Noon
Free Movie: Anaconda (Pocatello)
Time: 7:00pm
Location: Pocatello Pond Student Union, Bengal Movie Theatre, 1st Level
Get Free Ticket from HR Office or Staff Luncheon, 2 per Employee
Saturday Events - April 4, 2026
Free Movie: Anaconda (Pocatello)
Time: 4:00pm
Location: Pocatello Pond Student Union, Bengal Movie Theatre, 1st Level
Get Free Ticket from HR Office or Staff Luncheon, 2 per Employee
Free Movie: Anaconda (Pocatello)
Time: 7:00pm
Location: Pocatello Pond Student Union, Bengal Movie Theatre, 1st Level
Get Free Ticket from HR Office or Staff Luncheon, 2 per Employee