Dean Karin Ruhlandt is celebrating the talent, hard work and dedication of the College of Arts and Sciences staff with a special staff appreciation picnic on Friday, May 31, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on the Kenneth A. Shaw Quadrangle.

Hosted and organized by the Dean’s Office, the rain-or-shine event is a chance for A&S staffers to relax and get to know their colleagues after a busy academic year. For more information, contact Matt Kennedy, the College’s director of operations and administration, at mkenne05@syr.edu.

Ruhlandt considers the more than 250 staffers “the backbone of the College," noting that, everyday and across every office, she sees them "going the extra mile to ensure an excellent student experience." 

"They are smart, resourceful and versatile professionals—the same qualities we instill in our students. I am proud they are part of the A&S team," she says. 

Picnic attendees will enjoy food, games and giveaways from various sponsors, including Apizza Regionale, Azteca Mexican Grill, Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, Finally Our's Diner, Insomnia Cookies, Jimmy John’s Gourmet Sandwiches, Rosamond Gifford Zoo, Sharkey's Bar and Grill, SkanTown Barber Shop, Strong Hearts Café, the Syracuse Mets and Varsity Pizza.

Spread out among 24 buildings on campus, A&S staff represents 16 academic departments, eight interdisciplinary programs and six administrative units. Their work is rich and varied—from overseeing operations and finance; to managing labs and computers; to engaging in admissions, communications, advising and development.

“They exemplify the breadth and depth of a destination liberal arts college. This event is one way of recognizing how important each member is to us,” Ruhlandt adds.