WVU Medicine WVU Hospitals, which includes WVU Medicine J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital, WVU Medicine Children’s, and Fairmont Medical Center, transformed Milan Puskar Stadium into a spellbinding celebration on July 30–31 for its annual employee appreciation picnic, welcoming thousands of employees to a Harry Potter–themed event titled “The Wizarding World of WVU Hospitals.”
Hosted by the BRAVO! Reward and Recognition Program and supported by the WVU Hospitals Employee Appreciation Picnic Committee, the immersive two-day event was designed to thank and celebrate staff from every corner of the organization. Festivities began for night shift workers overnight on Wednesday, July 30, and continued Thursday, July 31, for day shift employees.
The celebration featured classic picnic fare, whimsical sweet treats, games, themed activities, and musical entertainment, along with live character actors, photo ops, and even a dunk tank that raised funds for the local United Way—with several WVU Medicine leaders good-naturedly taking the plunge.
“At WVU Hospitals, our employees are the heart of everything we do,” said Katie Cantis-Davis, manager of employee engagement and experience. “Each year, our employee picnic is a way to bring everyone together—day shift, night shift, offsite teams, and even our remote staff—for a shared experience of connection, appreciation, and fun.”
Employees entered a magical world full of surprises—complete with house banners, golden snitches, and floating candles. Prizes were awarded for various games and contests, and enchanted backdrops in photo booths helped staff capture the day’s memories.
“The picnic is designed to create lasting memories, spark camaraderie, and provide a joyful break from the day-to-day,” Cantis-Davis added. “A carefully curated theme is selected each year to include immersive activities, a welcoming environment, and to create a bit of nostalgia for all those in attendance. It allows our dedicated healthcare employees to relax, laugh, and take a much-needed breather.”
In addition to onsite festivities, special accommodations were made to include remote and offsite employees, ensuring that everyone—no matter where they work—felt appreciated and included.
“We take pride in recognizing the incredible contributions of our team across all locations,” said Cantis-Davis. “Ultimately, the picnic is more than just an event—it’s a reflection of our gratitude and a reminder that every employee plays a valued role in our success.”
The BRAVO! Reward and Recognition Program, which organizes the annual event, works year-round to design experiences that foster connection and appreciation for employees across WVU Hospitals. With help from the dedicated Picnic Committee, the team continues to raise the bar each year.
From platform 9¾ to the pitch at Milan Puskar Stadium, this year’s magical celebration served as a heartfelt thank-you to the healthcare professionals who bring their skill, compassion, and dedication to WVU Hospitals every day.
For more information about WVU Medicine, visit WVUMedicine.org.
