Celebrating Years of Service
We were thrilled to come together on September 28 for the 2025–2026 University of Arizona Service Awards, celebrating more than 2,000 U of A employees reaching service milestones from 10 to 55 years. Their dedication reflects the people who make our university what it is today.
More than 600 employees joined us for a celebration filled with appreciation and Wildcat pride. The program opened with a performance by the Faculty/Staff Choir, followed by a welcome from President Suresh Garimella. Christina Rocha, accounting services manager in the Office of Research and Partnerships, and Nikki Reed, assistant professor of practice in the School of Theatre, Film and Television, served as emcees.
Employees marking 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35 and 40 years were honored, with special recognition for those celebrating 45, 50 and 55 years of service. The event closed with a performance by the Pride of Arizona marching band — a fitting finale to the celebration.
Relive the day! Explore the photo gallery and watch videos below to revisit some of our favorite moments.
Bear Down, and here’s to the milestones still to come!
2025-2026 Service Award Event Photos
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2025-2026 Service Awardee Mosaics
Mosaic of all photos taken at the event.
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Mosaic of all photos submitted by honorees with event photos.
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Photobooth Photos
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Benefits eligible employees who have been at the university for 10 or more years are eligible for Service Awards. Awards are given in 5-year intervals, up to 55 years of service. Staff must be actively employed to receive a service award. See list here.
The recognition awards are anticipated to be available on a spring timeline. Additional details and timing will be communicated to eligible employees as the program is finalized.
Yes, any employee who is achieving a service milestone is invited to attend the event.
Refer to the List of Honorees where you can sort either spreadsheet by Department/Unit or College.
No, time as a student worker and GA does not count. Only benefits eligible time is counted.
All benefits-eligible time is counted, including prior service. A year of service is credited for any amount of benefits eligible service in that year.
No, the event is just for employees achieving a service milestone. We encourage work teams to celebrate years of service on a local level.
No, only benefits eligible time is counted.
The 2026 Service Awards event is for employees who have achieved a service milestone in 2025 or 2026. All eligible employees will receive an invitation directly to their university email.
No, only your employment at the University of Arizona counts toward your years of service.
Yes, this is considered a work event for employees and should be attended on work time.
If you have questions about access or would like to request disability-related accommodations, such as ASL interpreting, closed captioning, wheelchair access, electronic text, or other accessibility services, please contact the programming team at serviceawards@arizona.edu.