Weill Cornell employees took a step back in time during Employee Appreciation Day when the Garden Café transformed into a retro 1950s diner.
The Garden Café in the basement level of 1300 York Avenue was turned into a 1950s sock-hop on March 1 as Weill Cornell Medical College honored its employees during its annual Employee Appreciation Day. As a DJ played "golden oldies," hundreds of employees filled the café to enjoy a complimentary lunch and to chat with colleagues amid life-sized cut-outs of Elvis, Marilyn Monroe and James Dean. Throughout the café, '50s-era dancers created a festive atmosphere with dance moves that featured the Cha Cha and the Stroll. Employee Appreciation celebrations were also held at Medical College offices located at 100 Broadway and 575 Lexington Ave.
This annual event was planned by the Medical College's Department of Human Resources, which oversees employees' relationship with the Medical College, from hiring and training to benefits and compensation.
From left: Christopher Graves, Office of Finance; and Clement Richard and Laurel Neverson, Information Technologies and Services.
"Employee Appreciation Day is really about celebrating the people who make Weill Cornell the amazing place that it is—the employees," said Susan McCreight, senior director for human resources at Weill Cornell.
To show their appreciation, managers and members of senior leadership stepped behind the service line and provided employees with their lunch from a varied menu that included fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, and several vegetable and potato salads, among other dishes. Weill Cornell Medical College Dean Dr. Antonio M. Gotto Jr. recognized the importance of each member of the Weill Cornell community, in all positions and across all academic departments.
"We realize just how important a role each employee plays in the success of our institution and our employees' dedication and commitment to excellence are greatly appreciated," Dean Gotto said.
Emergency Department Unit Coordinator Kevin McBride enjoys the festivities.
Information Technologies and Services colleagues Dale Harris (left) and Noah Miller (right) enjoy their lunches at their department offices at 575 Lexington Ave.