Twelve lucky UC San Diego employees join the chancellor at the annual Chancellor's Lunchbox Club.

The Chancellor’s Lunchbox Club is a cherished tradition I enjoy hosting each year. This special event is designed to recognize a select group of our hardworking staff with lunch and a discussion about working at UC San Diego. It provides a unique opportunity to meet and spend time with a diverse group of staff from all across campus. I always learn something new and have a wonderful time, and today was no exception. 

Our guests this year ranged from Human Resources to Facilities Management to Custodial Operations to University Communications. These lucky winners submitted their names into a drawing at the 2022 Summer Staff Celebration, and I randomly drew entries from a basket. Each attendee wins a personalized lunchbox and lunch with me and fellow staff at the Chancellor’s office. 

Those having lunch with Chancellor Khosla received a commemorative lunchbox to remember the day.

During this year’s lunch, I encouraged everyone to provide feedback about the best of UC San Diego and suggestions for ways we can improve. This time, we discussed commutes, work/life balance, flexible schedules, facilities maintenance suggestions, staffing challenges, our favorite things about campus, and much more. We ended the event with a group photo and an invitation to stay in touch. 

The commemorative 2022 Chancellor's Lunchbox Club lunchbox.

Over the past 10 years, I have accumulated quite the collection of commemorative lunchboxes, which double as great conversation starters during meetings in the conference room. I also love to hear about staff who display them for years to come, even well after they retire. 

We would not be where we are as a university without the dedication and hard work of our outstanding staff. Staff are the engine that drives the transformation of UC San Diego. I see your work everywhere I go on campus. I see it in the diverse faces of our students and employees. I see it in the well-maintained buildings and grounds. And I see it in our growing connections to our greater San Diego community. 

You—your work—makes all of this possible. On behalf of the entire Triton community, thank you for your service. UC San Diego is a better place because you are here. And I am incredibly proud to work with you.

Thanks to all who attended, and best of luck to our entrants next year. Be sure to find me and my staff at next year’s Staff Celebration to enter the drawing. I hope to see you at a future Chancellor’s Lunchbox Club luncheon.