In the MSU Union lobby, hundreds of drawings came together to form a big wall of dreams, creating a vibrant, colorful display. Guided by the prompt “My dream job is…”, each page brought career goals to life. Among the answers were scientists, athletes, artists, and many more.
Children of all ages crafted these drawings as part of Take Your Child to Work Day. The pages served as a colorful backdrop for the Central Certificate Ceremony. Here, families came together to celebrate the day’s activities.
Hosted on April 23, the event provided Spartan families and friends with activities and tours covering MSU's education and engagement opportunities. With supervisors’ approval, employees shared their workplaces with their children.
“Over the years, employees have had the opportunity to share their work and how it has expanded at Take Your Child to Work Day,” said Rachel Perez, Health Promotion Specialist and project leader for the event. “At the same time, they get to watch their child grow and see what sparks their interests every year.”
Children received access to MSU’s most well-known spaces, like Spartan Stadium and Beaumont Tower. Children also enjoyed hands-on activities in the arts, sciences, and other campus experiences.
Campus-wide commitment to Spartan employees
While wonder and exploration filled the day, these were only a perk of the event. Each year, Take Your Child to Work Day adds to a university-wide effort to support the health of MSU’s employees.
In early 2025, Michigan State University adopted the Okanagan Charter. With the signing of the charter, MSU affirmed its commitment to embedding wellbeing into all aspects of campus life.
“At Michigan State, wellbeing means supporting Spartans so they can thrive in all aspects of their lives,” says Alexis Travis, assistant vice president/assistant provost for University Health and Wellbeing. “UHW offers key programs and resources, but cultivating a health-promoting culture is only possible as a collective, collaborative effort with units across campus.”
The Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB), a world-class research and training center operated by MSU as a user facility for the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science, was one of 43 units that opened its doors to Spartans for Take Your Child to Work Day (TYCTWD). FRIB Outreach Coordinator Zachary Constan, Ph.D., has seen the event grow since the FRIB joined in 2008.
“We actively engage with the community not only because we are publicly funded and committed to demonstrating a meaningful return on that investment, but also—just as importantly—because we aim to inspire and attract the next generation to our field,” said Constan. “TYCTWD reminds us that we are all connected here at MSU, and we are happy to collaborate on new ideas with our campus neighbors!”
For those curious about what happens in a rare isotope facility, FRIB offers free tours for public, homeschool, private, and parochial schools, and interested members of the public. Visit the FRIB website for more information.
Looking ahead in Spartan wellbeing
Nurturing employee wellbeing extends beyond hosting recognition events and traditional health prevention programs. Through campus partnerships, events, and initiatives, UHW strives to cultivate belonging and mattering.
In 2024, MSU launched its inaugural University Health and Wellbeing Assessment, gathering key insights from Spartan employees on their wellbeing.
The assessment identified several areas where MSU can continue to support its employees. For example, 50% of MSU employees report feeling a sense of belonging, with a close percentage feeling uncertain.
Data from the Higher Education Recruitment Consortium's Workforce Survey Report tells us that connection strongly predicts turnover rates in higher education roles. Employees who reported feeling disconnected were three times more likely to be job-searching.
When asked about their sense of belonging, Spartans desired opportunities for community building and social connection. As children and families find new friends through Take Your Child to Work Day, this event becomes a critical piece in this larger initiative.
“At MSU, a strong sense of belonging and wellbeing guides daily life.” said Kristin Traskie, Executive Director of Health Promotion, Engagement, Accessibility and Accommodations. “By welcoming families into our spaces, we model balance and connection, showing Spartans how the way we learn, live, and work can support their wellbeing,”
According to Constan, connecting employees’ families with Michigan State University also expands their campus experience. “Our staff bring their children to help them understand the work they do and the impact it has.”
FRIB regularly shares the excitement of nuclear science with everyone through innovative and multi-disciplinary collaborations that engage learners of all ages and backgrounds. Visit the FRIB website for more information.
Wellbeing in Action
Back in the Union, Take Your Child to Work Day comes full circle at the Central Certificate Ceremony. After having their drawings pinned onto the display wall, children received their certificates for participating in the day and met one of their biggest, most enthusiastic fans, Sparty.
As the children met Sparty and made friends, they connected their parents and guardians with one another. Together, these moments reflected the meaning behind Take Your Child to Work Day: celebrating imagination, strengthening family and employee connections, and reinforcing MSU’s commitment to a campus culture where employees and their families can thrive.