To salute 972 employees, the UA hosted its annual Service Awards Luncheon on Thursday.

The Grand Ballroom of the Student Union Memorial Center was filled with nearly 1,000 faculty members who have been employed with the UA for at least 10 years. Employees from nearly every department were recognized at the invitation-only event for their contributions to the university.

“You honorees have given us the treasure of time with your intellect,” said Jacqueline Mok, senior vice president for Academic Affairs and provost in addition to the master of ceremonies for the luncheon. Each guest was given a catered lunch and a hand-wrapped present, which varied on the number of years they have been employed by the university. A 10-year employee was awarded an engraved pen and letter opener, while a 30-year employee was given a treasure box with Old Main engraved on the front.

Three employees who have worked at the UA for 45 years received a digital photo frame.

Honorees also had the opportunity to have their picture taken with UA President Eugene Sander after receiving their gift.

Raffle prizes were also awarded sporadically during the ceremony, and gifts donated from various departments like the UofA Bookstore and Visitor Center were handed out to attendees.

Though honorees said they appreciated the gifts, some found pleasure in getting to know colleagues at the luncheon.

“Sometimes there are familiar faces,” said Daniel Mottola, an administrative assistant in the Office of Institutional Equity, “so it’s great to be able to match some names with a face.”

The planning stages of the event began last December, with the Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association of America and Fidelity Investments serving as sponsors. The two companies provide various retirement options to UA employees.

“Sometimes a simple ‘thank you’ can be as important as a monetary gift,” said Kathy Hawkes-Smith, director of university events in the Office of Community Relations. Smith was the chief coordinator of the luncheon and said she was impressed by the amount of dedicated employees each year.