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.
Color-A-Bengal Contest
Unleash your creativity in the Color-a-Bengal Contest! Staff and faculty can design their own Bengal for a chance to win a Benny. Submissions are due Thursday, April 2 at noon.
Craft Project: Key Chains
Join us for a make your own keychain event. A fun, creative break where you can design your own keychain and relax with fellow Bengals.
Great Bengal Race
Form a team of four and race across Pocatello Campus in this Amazing Race-style challenge! Find clues, complete fun tasks, and compete with colleagues—register your team today.
Bengal Campus Scavenger Hunt
Step away from your desk for a campus scavenger hunt! Explore new spots, gather items, and enjoy friendly competition with colleagues while getting some fresh air.
Ambassador Walk
Join a special faculty and staff Ambassador Walking Tour to explore ISU’s history and campus spaces while supporting movement, connection, and well-being during our 125th celebration.
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!
Jeopardy Hosted by Staff Council
Employees compete in a cross-campus competition in a version of this beloved game. 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.
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.
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—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
Years of Service Recognition Celebration
Idaho State University is proud to host our annual Faculty and Staff Years of Service Recognition Celebration, honoring colleagues who have reached significant service milestones—up to 40 years of dedication.
Celebrations will be held at all campus locations, offering an opportunity to connect, reflect on our shared accomplishments, and recognize the remarkable commitment of our faculty and staff. Join us Monday, March 30, from 3:00–5:00 p.m., and help us celebrate the people who make ISU exceptional. All faculty and staff are encouraged to attend.
Staff Council Luncheon:
Wednesday, 04/01
11:00am - 1:00pm
In honor of ISU Employee Appreciation Week, Staff Council is hosting a luncheon for all staff and faculty on all campuses. Please bring your Bengal ID.
Pocatello: Turner Hall Cafeteria
Meridian: Room 681/682
Idaho Falls: BSUB Multi-Purpose Room
Twin Falls:
Alaska:
Be A Bengal Recognition Ceremony
Sponsored by Lookout Credit Union
By Invitation Only
We join together to celebrate our nominees for 2025 Be a Bengal Recognition Ceremony!
This special event 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.
Take a look at 2025 Nominees
Know someone who is living the ISU Values of Integrity, Inclusivity, Shared Responsibility, Community, Learning, and Teamwork. Nominate them today!
Employee Appreciation Week Workshops, Activities, and Events:
Please coordinate with your supervisors and teams to plan your attendance in these activities to ensure offices can remain open to support student needs.
Monday Events - March 30, 2026
Wall of Thank-Yous Kick Off (All Campuses)
A way to send shout outs to your fellow coworkers. Submit a Thank You.
Pocatello Campus: Pond Student Union Level 2 Announcement Boards
Meridian Campus: Main Hallway
Idaho Falls Campus: Bennion Student Union
Twin Falls Campus: Main Hallway
Alaska Campus: Main Bulletin Board
Digital Wall: (Link)
ISU Highlight: Benny’s Pantry Volunteer (Pocatello Campus)
Sign Up to help volunteer at Benny's Pantry. Sign Up
Time: 8:15am - 10:00am
Location: Benny's Pantry, PSUB 3rd Level
Color-A-Bengal (All Campuses)
Submissions open 03/31 at 8:00am, Due 04/02 at 5:00pm
More Information Soon!
ISU Highlight: Zumba (Pocatello Campus)
Free to Staff, Faculty and Students. Please bring Bengal ID. (Pocatello Group Fitness Schedule)
Time: 12:00pm - 12:45pm
Location: Pocatello Recreation & Wellness Center
Years of Service (All Campuses)
All Faculty and Staff are Invited.
Time: 3:00-5:00pm
Pocatello: PSUB Ballroom
Meridian: Patty Tryon Rm 681/682
Idaho Falls: BSUB 109
Zoom Link: TBD
ISU Highlight: Cycle and Tone (Pocatello Campus)
Free to Staff, Faculty and Students. Please bring Bengal ID. (Pocatello Group Fitness Schedule)
Time: 5:30pm - 6:15pm
Location: Pocatello Recreation & Wellness Center
Tuesday Events - March 31, 2026
Craft Activity: Bengal Keychain (All Campuses)
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Pocatello: Pond Student Union, Level 2 Lobby
Idaho Falls: Bennion Student Union Lobby
Meridian: Main Lobby
Twin Falls: TBD
Alaska: TBD
Be A Bengal Award Ceremony Sponsored by Lookout Credit Union (All Campuses)
By Invitation Only
Time: 12:00pm - 2:00pm
We join together to celebrate our nominees for 2025 Be a Bengal awards! 2025 Be a Bengal nominees are invited and will be honored for their nomination. Annual winners will be announced, and light refreshments will be served.
ISU Highlight: Yoga Core (Pocatello Campus)
Free to Staff, Faculty and Students. Please bring Bengal ID. (Pocatello Group Fitness Schedule)
Time: 12:00pm - 12:45pm
Location: Pocatello Recreation & Wellness Center
ISU Highlight: Meditation (Meridian Campus)
Time: 12:05pm - 12:35pm
Location: Meridian Wellness Center
Ambassador Walk
Time: 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Location: Idaho Falls
Great Bengal Race (Pocatello Campus)
Time: 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Location: Pocatello
Team Registration Link
Scavenger Hunt (Idaho Falls Campuses)
Time: 3:00pm - 4:00pm
TBD
ISU Highlight: Upbeat Pilates (Pocatello Campus)
Free to Staff, Faculty and Students. Please bring Bengal ID. (Pocatello Group Fitness Schedule)
Time: 5:30pm - 6:15pm
Location: Pocatello Recreation & Wellness Center
Wednesday Events - April 1, 2026
Staff Council Lunch (All Campuses)
Time: 11:00am - 1:00pm
Pocatello: Turner Hall
Meridian: Room 681/682
Idaho Falls: BSUB Multi-Purpose
Twin Falls: TBD
Alaska: TBD
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
Zoom Link: Streamed online
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
Dessert Social (Twin Falls)
Enjoy some delicious cookies with your fellow coworkers.
Time: TBD
Dessert Social (Alaska)
Time: TBD
Bowling and Dessert Social (Pocatello)
Time: 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Location: Pond Student Union Game Center
Register Teams Here
9-Square and Dessert Social (Idaho Falls)
Time: 11:30pm - 1:00pm
Location: TAB 263
Bowling/Corn Hole/Ping Pong and Dessert Social (Meridian)
Time: 1:00 - 2:30pm
Location: Main Hallway
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
Friday Events - April 3, 2026
Zoom Workshop: Mindful Self Compassion and Environmental Stress w/ Rick Pongratz and Jill Adams
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. Sign up today.
Time: 10:00am - 11:00am
Register Here
ISU Highlight: Meditation (Pocatello)
Time: 11:00am - 11:45am
Location: Gravely Hall
Jeopardy (All Campuses)
Time: 11:00am - 1:00pm
Pocatello Location: PocLB36 Oboler Library 32
Meridian Location: Mer687 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: TBD
Location: TBD
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
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
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