Employees from every corner of the university gathered together for the first major, in-person event since the start of the pandemic.

“Our employees are our most valuable asset,” said Elicia Spearman, vice president of human resources and general counsel. “Everyone has worked extremely hard to ensure a wonderful student experience throughout this unprecedented pandemic. Now that we have the opportunity to come together as a Quinnipiac family to celebrate each other, see each other and spend time together, that’s what life is all about.”

Beneath a sun-filled sky in the shadow of Sleeping Giant State Park, employees competed in corn hole, soccer and a giant Connect 4 game. They also enjoyed custom ice cream sandwiches and other frozen treats. The first 100 employees in attendance had their choice of a Quinnipiac travel mug or T-shirt.

“It’s such a great turnout — especially for us not being here for so long,” said John Meriano, associate vice president for the financial services department. “This feels like a little step of being back closer to normal again. It’s nice not having to wear a mask and to be around all of the other employees again.”

The event gave employees a chance to reunite with colleagues they haven’t seen in person in more than a year.

“I think after so much time on Zoom, people need personal interaction,” said Zara Lyon, human resources administrative assistant. “It is great that we can be here and provide this for all of the employees. Everyone can enjoy this day — especially after being cooped up on Zoom meetings for so long. Everyone needed this day to be enjoying each other’s company again.”