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NC State employees participating in Employee Appreciation Week.

Our Extraordinary Pack Employee Appreciation Week

Participate in creative and fun ways to recognize Our Extraordinary Pack employees for this week long celebration from May 17th - May 23rd 2026. Enjoy the Theme Day activites and/or create your own appreciation and wellness initiatives.

Days and Events

Our Extraordinary Pack Appreciation Week:
May 17th – May 23rd 2026

Scroll below to see each themed day and to view the events for each day.

Featured Events

Employee Appreciation Week Snapshots

Please take pictures this week as you do things related to Employee Appreciation Week. Send your pictures to hrcommunications@ncsu.edu or post your pictures on X and tag us. Our X handle is @WolfpackAtWork. We may use your pictures on the UHR website, in the UHR newsletter or on our X feed.

Employee Appreciation Week photo shared by employees around campus

Employee Appreciation Week photo shared by employees around campus

Employee Appreciation Week photo shared by employees around campus

Employee Appreciation Week photo shared by employees around campus

Employee Appreciation Week photo shared by employees around campus

Employee Appreciation Week photo shared by employees around campus

Employee Appreciation Week photo shared by employees around campus

Employee Appreciation Week photo shared by employees around campus

Employee Appreciation Week photo shared by employees around campus

Jill Blitstein

Employee Appreciation Week photo shared by employees around campus

Employee Appreciation Week photo shared by employees around campus

Employee Appreciation Week photo shared by employees around campus

Employee Appreciation Week photo shared by employees around campus

Employee Appreciation Week photo shared by employees around campus

Employee Appreciation Week photo shared by employees around campus

Employee Appreciation Week photo shared by employees around campus

Employee Appreciation Week photo shared by employees around campus

Employee Appreciation Week photo shared by employees around campus

Employee Appreciation Week photo shared by employees around campus

Employee Appreciation Week photo shared by employees around campus

Employee Appreciation Week photo shared by employees around campus

Employee Appreciation Week photo shared by employees around campus

Employee Appreciation Week photo shared by employees around campus

Employee Appreciation Week photo shared by employees around campus

Employee Appreciation Week photo shared by employees around campus

Employee Appreciation Week photo shared by employees around campus

Employee Appreciation Week photo shared by employees around campus

Employee Appreciation Week photo shared by employees around campus

Employee Appreciation Week photo shared by employees around campus

Employee Appreciation Week photo shared by employees around campus

Employee Appreciation Week photo shared by employees around campus

Employee Appreciation Week photo shared by employees around campus

Employee Appreciation Week photo shared by employees around campus

Employee Appreciation Week photo shared by employees around campus

Employee Appreciation Week photo shared by employees around campus

Employee Appreciation Week photo shared by employees around campus

Employee Appreciation Week photo shared by employees around campus

Employee Appreciation Week photo shared by employees around campus

Employee Appreciation Week photo shared by employees around campus

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Our Extraordinary Pack

Learn about Recognition Programs

Recognition Toolbox

Tips and Tools for Showing Appreciation

Mindful Monday

MAY 18, 2026

Start the week by prioritizing your mental health and well being.

An employee participating in a Mindful Monday craft activity — Yoga in the Garden class participants enjoy an outdoor Mindfulness at the Museum session at the Gregg Museum of Art & Design. Photo by Becky Kirkland.

Thankful Tuesday

MAY 19, 2026

Share your appreciation and gratitude to Pack members who positively impact your work day.

Wolfpack Wednesday

MAY 20, 2026

Official State of NC Appreciation Day

Celebrate NC State by connecting with people, places and programs to foster Wolfpack spirit.

Three NC State employees enjoying Howling Cow ice cream.

Team-Building Thursday

MAY 21, 2026

Participate in a team-building event with your Wolfpack, or plan your own.

Employees enjoy time with NC State's therapy dog.

Funday Friday

MAY 22, 2026

Finish the week with fun ways to appreciate your Pack.

Employee Appreciation Week Featured Events

HR Wellness Employee Appreciation Week Wellness Kits

HR Wellness is proud to offer Employee Appreciation Week wellness kits that include access to our Google Drive with resources for your college, department or division. Resources include a recognition activity “Brickyard Shout-Out,” guided stretch break, “Grab and Go Creative Workshop” craft kit with instructions and materials, and ideas for laughter and fun games. The “Grab and Go Creative Workshop” craft kits are limited to 1 per group for the first 20 groups. Each kit provides materials and instructions for 15 people to paint an NC State keychain. You must pre-register to receive the materials.
Also be sure to check out the BetterYou Mindful May Challenge.

Employee Appreciation Week Wellness Kit. Brickyard Shoutout, guided stretch break, Grab and Go Creative Workshop and Laughter and Fun games.

Howling Cow Ice Cream Socials

Howl about some ice cream? We want to thank Our Extraordinary Pack for all you do to make NC State a great workplace. Feel free to bring a chair or picnic blanket. Field games will also be set up for anyone to play.
Date: May 19
- Time: 12:00-2:00 pm
- Location: The Corner located on Centennial Campus at 941 Main Campus Drive, at the intersection of Main Campus Drive and Research Drive. (A field of brightly colored shipping containers? We promise you can’t miss it.)
Date: May 20
- Time: 12:00-2:00 pm
- Location: Stafford Commons (behind Talley) 2610 Cates Ave. Raleigh, 27695
Date: May 22
- Time: 11:30-1:30 pm
- Location: Breezeway at the Main CVM Building. College of Veterinary Medicine, 1060 William Moore Drive, Raleigh

Relaxation Stations

Visit a relaxation station near you. Take home your own self-care kit designed to excite the senses, and express your creativity by painting through rock, canvas, and tote bag mediums. Make your own coaster while supplies last, play board games with a friend, or take some time to enjoy the calming atmosphere. Choose wellness your way!
Date: May 18
- Time: 11:00 am – 2:00pm (drop in anytime) Location: College of Veterinary Medicine
Date: May 20
- Time: 10:00 am -1:00 pm (drop in anytime) Location: Wellness and Recreation, Room 2150 at 2611 Cates Avenue
Date: May 21
- Time: 11:00 am -2:00 pm (drop in anytime) Location: Centennial Campus – BTEC 123 at 850 Oval Dr. Raleigh, NC

Scavenger Hunt

Get ready for an adventure! Join us for the Centennial Campus Scavenger Hunt, an event designed for exploration, teamwork, and a bit of friendly competition. Teams will navigate a roughly 1.25-mile route to track down campus landmarks using a series of clues. Meet at The Corner.
Date: May 19
- Time: 11:30, Location: The Corner located on Centennial Campus at 941 Main Campus Drive, at the intersection of Main Campus Drive and Research Drive. (A field of brightly colored shipping containers)
Centennial Campus Scavenger Hunt Registration

Lake Raleigh Hike

Please join us for a walk through the Lake Raleigh Woods, one of NC State’s hidden gems and Hallowed Spaces. The hike is about 1.5 miles. Below are a few things to remember for the hike:
Make sure to park in the northwest corner of the Park Alumni Center parking lot a little before 9 a.m. for a brief safety conversation. Parking is free for everyone.
Wear closed-toed shoes and bring a water bottle.
Check the weather forecast and wear weather-appropriate clothing on the hike.
Restrooms are available in the Alumni Center. There are no facilities on the trail.
The hike will last approximately 90 minutes but could be a little shorter depending on the group’s pace.
Space is limited for each hike. Be sure to register.
Date: May 21, Time: 9:00 am – 10:30 am

Virtual Pet Show and Tell

Join us for a delightful Virtual Pet Show and Tell! Participants can showcase their adorable pets live or create a charming photo collage to share their stories. This event is entirely virtual, so please keep your pets at home. Registration is required to present your pets and to enjoy viewing all the cute and cuddly companions. Don’t miss out on this fun and heartwarming experience! Pets are NOT allowed in the offices or buildings of NC State. This is a virtual only event.
Date: Friday, May 22
- Time: 10:00-11:00 am
Register for the Virtual Pet Show and Tell