Dolly would be proud: PRIDE, library celebrate community and connection
Cookies, conversation and a little Dolly sparkle brought employees together to celebrate literacy, inclusion and community.
(SACRAMENTO)
The Blaisdell Medical Library and the PRIDE Employee Resource Group teamed up Sept. 25 to celebrate Dolly Parton Day with a library pop-up event that brought employees together for conversation, community and plenty of cookies.
Employees stop by the Dolly Parton Day pop-up outside the Blaisdell Medical Library to learn about library resources, enjoy a cookie and connect with colleagues.
Hosted by library staff and PRIDE members, the tables invited employees to stop by, learn more about library resources and celebrate the legacy of Dolly Parton, whose philanthropic work and advocacy have inspired generations.
Throughout the day, employees visited the pop-up table to chat with organizers, connect with colleagues and enjoy a complimentary cookie. The event sparked conversations about Dolly Parton's impact on literacy, inclusion and community engagement while creating a welcoming space for employees to gather and connect.
Adding to the fun, library assistant Stevie Jepson arrived in full Dolly Parton-inspired attire, delighting employees and drawing smiles from passersby all day. The playful tribute quickly became a favorite topic of conversation and helped create a festive atmosphere at the pop-up location.
A Dolly Parton-inspired outfit added to the festive atmosphere as library staff and PRIDE ERG members celebrated Dolly Parton Day with educational displays and community engagement activities.
"It was so much fun partnering with the PRIDE ERG and celebrating Dolly with everyone who came by to check out the table and get a free cookie," said Stevie Jepson, a library assistant at the Blaisdell Medical Library.
The event highlighted the power of collaboration between employee resource groups and campus partners to create meaningful experiences that foster belonging and connection throughout UC Davis Health.
Following the positive response, organizers are already exploring ideas for future Dolly Parton-themed events, including larger events such as trivia or a film screening.
For PRIDE and library staff, the success of the pop-ups was measured not only by cookies shared but also by the conversations, connections, and sense of community created throughout the day.
Learn more about all our UC Davis Health Employee Resource Groups. These groups are open to anyone, regardless of background, who wishes to support, participate in, or learn about the many cultures and communities at UC Davis Health. Membership and participation in Employee Resource Group activities are not dependent on race, ethnicity, sex, gender, gender identity, religious affiliation, or any protected category under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act.
