By most counts, the Department of Internal Medicine has celebrated an Employee Appreciation Day 17 times now in the last couple decades. Each year, the planning committee introduces new elements along with some familiar ones, always with the goal of enhancing community and strengthening the bonds of our shared goals.

This year the committee hosted a “picnic” with grilled lunch options and all the assorted side dishes, as well a visit from a couple very special guests. The University of Iowa’s Herky the Hawk and his sister Perky, the mascot of the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital stopped by to pose for a few photos and cause a little trouble.

More than 600 of our colleagues stopped by the MERF Atrium for some lunch, some conversation, and a few photos.

Our clinicians and staff at the Iowa River Landing location were invited for some food and fun, as well!

The photo booth was a big hit!

Check out the complete Photo Booth gallery! Individual images can be downloaded, shared, or purchased as prints.

Special thanks to the Employee Appreciation Day planning committee and all who worked behind the scenes to make the day a success:

Sherry Mattison, Denise Zang, Barb Jaeger, Trae Stutzman, Trevor Jackson, Nicole Strand, Hilary Humphrey, Jonathan Bluemke, Jamie Paul, Jack Oller, Abbey Gilpin, and Stacy Sueppel.