Events

2026 Spring Staff Social Highlights

On January 8th, Columbia Engineering hosted its Spring Staff Social, Wellness in Full Bloom, at Carleton Commons, bringing together staff from across Centers, Institutes, and Departments for an afternoon focused on connection, creativity, and well-being.

January 08, 2026

Held from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM, the event offered staff an opportunity to step away from their daily routines and engage with colleagues in a relaxed and welcoming environment. The afternoon began with time to socialize, enjoy a shared meal, and participate in a guided painting activity offered in two sessions, giving staff a creative outlet and a chance to unwind together.

Staff were also invited to contribute to a Wellness New Year’s Resolution Board, where colleagues shared personal wellness goals and intentions for the year ahead—adding a thoughtful and interactive element to the event.

Midway through the afternoon, attendees gathered for a brief wellness-focused presentation. Joan McDowell, Executive Director of Human Resources, shared remarks on SEAS’s continued commitment to staff well-being and previewed upcoming wellness initiatives planned for the year. The Engineering Wellness Team followed with highlights of ongoing programming and resources designed to support student and staff health and balance. The presentation also featured remarks from Sara Leupp, Executive Director of Benefits at CUHR, who provided an overview of wellness-related benefits and resources available to staff across the University.

For those interested in extending the experience, the event concluded with an optional meditation session led by Kevin Myers, University Ergonomist, offering a calm and restorative close to the afternoon. Wellness kits were also available to attendees while supplies lasted, reinforcing the theme of care and balance.

The success of the Spring Staff Social was reflected in the strong engagement, thoughtful participation, and positive feedback from attendees. Events like these continue to strengthen the Columbia Engineering community by creating meaningful opportunities for staff to connect, recharge, and feel supported.

See the photo highlights here. 

Wellness Resources

Staff interested in learning more about wellness programming and resources are encouraged to explore the following:

Thank you to everyone who participated, and we look forward to continuing to celebrate wellness and community together throughout the year.