Human Resources
Queen’s community invited to Thrive
October 8, 2025
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2024 Thrive Photo Contest 3rd place winning submission from Catherine Batskos.
This fall, the Queen’s community is invited to celebrate Thrive Week – a series of events focused on building positive mental health through discussion, learning, skill development, and resource sharing. This year’s events, taking place from Monday, Nov. 3 to Friday, Nov. 7, are open to all staff, faculty, and students, and focus on the theme Thriving Together: Cultivating Connection, Inclusivity, and Community.
“Thrive Week is a unique opportunity for us to learn, connect, and grow together as a community,” says Sydney Downey, Director, Employee Wellness Services (Human Resources). “We are incredibly grateful to our sponsor, Manulife, for their ongoing support, and to Mindful Campuses, whose recent grant has directly supported this year’s programming. Wellness initiatives like Thrive have a powerful impact but are simply not possible without this kind of essential funding.”

Stephanie Simpson, Vice-Principal (Culture, Equity, and Inclusion), to deliver keynote address during Thrive Week.
During Thrive Week, participants can engage in a wide range of activities and initiatives including a keynote address from Stephanie Simpson, Vice-Principal (Culture, Equity, and Inclusion). Stephanie has more than two decades of experience in human rights and equity. She has been instrumental in fostering inclusivity and legislative compliance around matters such as accessibility, human rights, and equity on Queen’s campus. On Monday, Nov. 3, she will host an in-person keynote address as she shares her experience building belonging and community at Queen’s. Those interested in attending the session can register online.
In addition to the keynote presentation, over 35 diverse events will be offered this year during Thrive Week. All events have been intentionally curated with a focus on cultivating connection, inclusivity, and community at Queen’s. Some additional featured events and opportunities to look forward to include:
- Watercolour Flow – An in-person guided watercolour session with artist Melanie Gray where participants will explore different techniques while reflecting on personal emotions, motivation, and wellbeing.
- Mindfulness Session with the Great Wisdom Buddhist Nuns – A virtual mindfulness session on the practice of OMAK - a powerful tool for reconnecting with your surroundings, rediscovering self-value, and cultivating self-compassion. The monastery for approximately 500 Buddhist nuns in based in Prince Edward Island. Their mission is to bring peace and positivity to the world through practices of wisdom and compassion.
- Creating Medicine Bags – A hands-on session where participants will be invited to create their own medicine bag – a small pouch traditionally used by Indigenous peoples to hold meaningful objects, intentions, or affirmations that support wellbeing. During the session, participants will be introduced to traditional teachings around medicine bags as symbols and tools for wellness.
- Grief Literacy in the Workplace – Join Queen’s professors Dr. Glenda Fisk and Dr. Jacoba Lilius for an interactive session that explores the many forms of grief and how to foster a grief-literate work culture.
- Buzzing with Flavour: A Honey Tasting and Celebration of Pollinators – A sweet exploration where you'll discover the diverse world of honey - from its myriad flavours and textures to the vital role of pollinators in its creation. Learn why honey is not just a treat, but a precious gift from nature that sustains both bees and humans.
- Preventing and Managing Burnout – During this session, participants will be equipped with practical tools and insights to help recognize, prevent, and begin to recover from burnout. This session moves beyond definitions and statistics to focus on actionable strategies that participants can immediately apply in their daily lives.
- Gardening @ Biosci – A unique tour of the indoor and outdoor Biosciences Gardens where participants will be able to sow and harvest a selection of herbs and salad greens.
- Free Hot Beverage – Queen’s employees can enjoy a free standard coffee, tea, or hot chocolate at one of the university’s participating food outlets on Friday, Nov. 7, courtesy of the Office of the Principal and Vice-Chancellor. Reusable mugs are encouraged. A complete list of participating locations is available on the HR website.
Last year, over 1,300 participants attended sessions during Thrive Week, with an increase of over 150% in event registrations.
For more information on Thrive Week, including other events, dates, and registration, visit the Thrive page.