Dear Colleagues,
This month, the UBS Cooking School and community events calendars are packed with fun and engaging classes, events, and activations. Included are some delicious recipes for you to enjoy, as well as highlights of some of our Cooking School classes, Wellness Wednesday classes, and upcoming community events. Please join us for these exciting “Key Occasions.”
Regards,
The Community Management Team
Chef Sydney's Recipe
For an easy springtime side dish, few veggies are as quick to cook as asparagus. Just 4 - 8 minutes under the broiler is all you need, which gives a few minutes to throw together the accompanying avocado sauce. You could add a drizzle of your favorite condiment to the aioli, such as hot sauce or Dijon or Worcestershire or vinegar. This side dish works well served along with poultry, red meat, fish or shellfish, or beans and grains.
Broiled Asparagus with Avocado Aioli
Serves 4
Ingredients:
1 ½ lbs (680 grams) asparagus, trimmed of woody ends
About ¼ cup (60 mL) olive oil
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 ripe avocado, halved and pitted
1 lemon (half for zest and juice, remaining ½ cut into wedges)
1 garlic clove, minced or grated
Instructions:
Chef Brian's Recipe
When my kids want to join me baking, I have to make sure we have an easy project. This is a go-to in our house: using store-bought canned & uncooked biscuits to make monkey bread. While the typical flavor pairing is cinnamon and sugar, I like to make a cheese and garlic version when we are the mood for bold, savory flavor. The flavor combinations are endlessly customizable: you can change the spices, cheeses, and even the aromatics - for example: scallion-black pepper-pecorino, caramelized onion-rosemary-gruyere, or jalapeno-paprika-pepper jack cheese.
Garlic & Cheesy Monkey Bread
Makes one 9-inch (23 cm) Bundt pan
Ingredients:
½ cup (113 g) + 2 tbsp (140 g) of unsalted butter, divided
3 garlic cloves, minced
4 oz (113 g) of shredded Parmesan or cheddar cheese (or a combination of both)
2 teaspoons (6 g) of dried oregano
2 cans (453 g) of uncooked, refrigerated buttermilk biscuits
Instructions:
Join our talented trainers and enjoy a great workout in one of our group fitness classes. To sign up for the session of your choice, stop by the Fitness Center or email SH-EMA-FitnessCenter@ubs.com.
Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 5:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Mondays:
Tuesdays:
Wednesdays:
Thursdays:
Fridays:
The Fallen Soldier table is reserved to honor our missing loved ones or missing comrades in arms. The empty place represents Americans still missing from each of the six branches of service - Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, Space Force – and civilians.
The Table set for one is small - Symbolizing the frailty of one prisoner
alone against their oppressors.
The Tablecloth is white - Symbolizing the purity of their intentions to
respond to their country's call to arms.
The single Red Rose displayed in a vase - A reminder of the families
and loved ones who keep the faith awaiting their return.
The Yellow Ribbon tied on the vase - Symbolizing the unyielding
determination to demand a proper accounting of our missing.
The Candle is lit - Symbolizing the upward reach of their
unconquerable spirit and our hope for their return.
A Slice of Lemon is on the bread plate – To remind us of their bitter
fate.
There is Salt upon the bread plate - Symbolic of the families' tears as
they wait.
The Glass is inverted - They cannot toast with us.
The Chair - The chair is empty. They are not here.
We should never forget the brave men and women who answered our nation’s call to serve and fought for our freedom with honor. There will be a Fallen Soldier table in the 2B Café for the month of May. The table is sponsored by the UBS Veterans & Allies Network (goto/veterans), and all are welcome to view it regardless of military service or background.
You are invited to celebrate the grand opening of the UBS Art Library on Monday, May 4, 2026, 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Join us to explore our new space and learn more about the UBS Art Collection. Located on the 8th floor accessible via F or G elevator.
You voted, and the results are in - Partners Coffee is now the official coffee roaster at your coffee pantry!
Partners Coffee, founded in Brooklyn, builds lasting relationships with smallholder coffee producers instead of relying on commodity-based purchasing. Through multi-year contracts with farms in Latin America and Africa, they support stable income, eco-friendly farming methods, and climate-resilient agriculture. The company also collaborates with nonprofits and community initiatives in New York City to link global sustainability with local education and youth programs.
Stop by our coffee pantries today and enjoy your preferred coffee – Partners Coffee. Thank you for voting and enjoy!
In collaboration with Asset Management, the Veterans & Allies Network is asking employees to “drop in” to write a note to a Veteran in a VA home on Tuesday, May 5. Notecards and pens will be provided on Floor 2B near the G elevator bank from 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. We encourage you to stop by and leave a note for a veteran to show your appreciation.
Celebrate Culture & Cuisine with Us!
This month, in partnership with MOSAIC, we’re celebrating Cinco de Mayo; Jewish American Heritage Month; and Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month with the following menu items at the Café from 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Join us for a month of amazing flavors, cultural appreciation, and tasty traditions. Don’t miss out - come hungry and celebrate with us! For more information, please visit goto\mosaicamericas.
Who has a birthday in May and is ready to celebrate? During each month, we host a Birthday Bash, complete with cake and a cheerful rendition of "Happy Birthday" sung to all of our co-workers with birthdays within the month. Our next celebration will take place on Thursday, May 14 from 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. in the Club Room on Floor 2B. Please register below to secure your spot:
Don't miss our rejuvenating Employee Appreciation Days this month on Tuesday, May 5 - Thursday, May 7! Across all three days, there will be raffles, ear-seed demonstrations by an acupuncturist, goodie bag giveaways, and several vendor tablings! There will also be mini hand or chair massages which will require pre-registration below since spots are limited. Please sign up below, after which you will receive an email to choose your preferred slot between 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.:
All activities will take place from 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. in the Club Room on Floor 2B. Please note that this event is not affiliated with the UBS Benefits department or UBS Wellbeing. Thanks for joining us. We look forward to seeing you there!
Say hello to spring and become a part of our supportive community by joining our weekly outdoor running club! No experience is required, as all skill levels are welcome. We will meet at the Lobby Reception Desk on Tuesdays at 5:00 p.m. to run along the East River. Our hydration station will be open once a week - a place to refuel with nutritious refreshments after the run. No registration is required. We can't wait to run with you!
Every month, our Wellness Manager and registered dietitian Maya Billig (MS, RD, CDN) hosts informative virtual Wellness Wednesday classes. Don't miss this month's classes, be sure to sign up below!
Our cafeteria continues to delight and surprise us all month long with several tasty offerings that will be available on the days listed below. Don’t miss out on these special items from 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.:
Kick off spring with the following special events hosted by Madison Square Park Conservancy:
To view Madison Square Park Conservancy’s full event calendar, click here.
The best photo of all is an instant Polaroid picture you can hold in your hands, hang in your home, or decorate your desk with! Grab your colleagues or come on your own to take a memorable photo. For our Spring session, we will take pictures at the scenic Madison Square Park. Please meet us at the EMA Lobby Reception Desk on Tuesday, May 12 promptly at 4:00 p.m. From there, we will walk out to the park to begin snapping wonderful pictures! Following, join us at our decoration station in the Hong Kong Room on Floor 2B, where all materials will be provided to customize your photo. Please register below to secure your spot:
This month, expand your palate and join us for flavorful samplings and sales from B'cuz, delicious and gluten-free granola snacks made with healthy ingredients that leave you feeling good for longer! This tabling will be held in the café on Wednesday, May 13 from 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Items will be available for purchase.
The UBS Cooking School offers free, virtual classes daily where employees can practice their cooking skills and prepare fantastic recipes designed by our onsite chefs. A few of our popular, upcoming classes are featured below:
May 14: Homemade Falafel with Hummus, Pita & Veg
May 15: Pad Thai At Home, Your Way
May 21: Thai Red Curry Halibut
May 29: Soft Shell Crabs 101
Use this link to view more of our virtual Cooking School classes: Cooking School
In honor of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month, join our Book Club which will meet on Monday, May 18 from 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. in Conference Room E on Floor 8. We’re excited to feature Boat Baby, a powerful memoir by NBC News anchor and correspondent Vicky Nguyen, as this month’s book. Blending heroism with humor, Nguyen shares her family’s harrowing escape from Vietnam and her extraordinary journey from refugee to reporter. This meeting will cover the first 27 chapters of the book. Complimentary books will be provided to the first 15 registrants who enroll using the in-person link below, after which in-person registrants will need to secure their own copy. Those unable to join us in-person can still participate virtually using Teams, but will also be responsible for acquiring their own copy of the book.
In honor of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month, don't miss our stunning Kintsugi & Sip event! All materials will be provided as you sip premium wine with one hand while creating a masterpiece with the other, as our instructor will guide you each step of the way.
Kintsugi is a form of Japanese art that repairs broken pottery with gold and reflects the philosophy of wabi-sabi, a worldview embracing beauty, strength, and growth in the imperfect and the impermanent. This event is in collaboration with MOSAIC'S Asian Professionals Community (APC). We will meet in the Club Room on Floor 2B on Tuesday, May 19 from 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Spots are limited, so please register here to secure your spot.
On Wednesday, May 20, the 11 Madison gym will be free of charge for those who want to complete the 2026 Murph Challenge. The “Murph” honors the legacy of Michael P. Murphy who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions in Afghanistan in 2005. The challenge can be modified to ensure everyone can participate regardless of their fitness levels. Let the Veterans & Allies Network know you’ve completed the challenge, and we’ll send you a t-shirt! Please reach out to Amanda Lupi (Amanda.lupi@ubs.com) for more details.
Join us for an afternoon of epic quests, daring battles, and endless fun! Whether you're a seasoned dungeon master or a newbie rolling your first character, this event is perfect for you. We will meet on Wednesday, May 20 in the Dubai Room on Floor 2B from 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Please register below to secure your spot. Let the games begin!
Are you ready to explore the healthy food options available in the café? Join registered dietitian, nutritionist and wellness manager Maya Billig on Thursday, May 21 as she provides tips to improve your daily meal choices. She will explain the Better For You program and will also educate those with special dietary needs about the signage related to food allergens. There is no better time than the present to start eating better! This tour will take place in the café from 11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., and we will meet at the Coffee Bar. Be sure to enroll using the link below:
In celebration of the Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix, join us for a watch party on Friday, May 22 from 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. where light snacks and refreshments will be provided! We will meet in the Club Room on Floor 2B. Bring a friend and enjoy as we socialize and enjoy thrilling coverage on the big screen! Please register below so we know to expect you:
Eat Right and Be Kind to Your Mind
Each year in May we honor Mental Health Awareness Month by looking into the various ways to boost mental health through daily habits. Eating patterns are undoubtedly connected to brain health, our mental wellbeing, and may help prevent certain mental health disorders.
In a fast-paced world, balancing work, family, and personal commitments can make maintaining consistent, healthy eating habits difficult. Mental state can affect eating habits, while diet can influence mood. Stress and low mood can disrupt appetite, food preferences, and meal patterns. Diets high in processed foods are associated with a higher risk of depression and anxiety. In contrast, eating patterns rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, fish, and healthy fats are linked to lower risk of mental health disorders. Simple habits like consuming fatty fish, leafy greens, berries, whole grains, and nuts while limiting processed foods can provide nutrients that support brain function and mood.
Diet quality appears more important than supplements alone for mental health. Eating whole foods that contain nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, vitamin D, folate, and selenium has been found to be most effective for brain function, memory and reducing depression or anxiety.
Research on the gut-brain axis shows that the gut microbiome can influence mood and emotional regulation. Probiotics may alter brain responses to emotional stimuli and reduce depressive symptoms in some individuals.
By emphasizing balanced, whole-food-based eating patterns and establishing regular meal times, we nourish our bodies and minds.
Sustainable Habits
May is a great time to turn sustainability awareness into everyday action. With spring in full bloom, the month offers a natural opportunity to focus on biodiversity, resource conservation, and simple habits that support a healthier environment both at work and at home.
World Bee Day, celebrated on May 20, highlights the vital role bees play as pollinators in maintaining healthy ecosystems and supporting global food systems. As part of UBS’s commitment to sustainability and biodiversity, beehives have been installed at several office locations across the Americas. These hives help strengthen local biodiversity while also raising awareness about the importance of pollinators and the ecosystems they support.
Sustainability can be supported through everyday practices. Simple actions such as properly sorting waste using pantry and copy‑room signage, reducing unnecessary printing, and being mindful of energy use help contribute to the building’s environmental goals.
These everyday efforts help reinforce sustainability as part of our daily routine this spring and support a more resilient environment inside and outside the workplace.
Supporting the well‑being of our clients has always been the core mission at the UBS Employee Health Center, and we’re excited to share that our counseling and mental health services remain available and flexible. These services are designed to meet UBS employees where they are: navigating stress, adjusting to life changes, or simply looking for someone to talk to. Through introductory no-cost consultations, in-person sessions, or no-copay telehealth for 2026, our licensed behavioral health clinician offers confidential sessions at your pace and schedule.
May is the month for Mental Health Awareness. Take this time to reflect on how you may be feeling. Consider if your energy levels have been consistent, if your appetite and sleep have experienced disruptions, or if you are otherwise feeling unsatisfied. If not due to a health-related concern, these factors could be influenced by changes in mood, stress, or anxiety. You and those around you are the best resources to consider if there have been any changes. Our Behavioral Health Professional can provide quality care to help identify the physiological or emotional roots.
If you could benefit from talking with a professional, consider reaching out. Our team is here to support you in any way.
How to Access Services:
All UBS (Non-Contractor) Employees can access our Health Center Monday – Friday from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., schedule online via the MyPremiseHealth portal, or by calling your dedicated health center. No cost, 30-minute mental health consults are available with Behavioral Health.
Since 1989, Shoe Repair & Shine has offered an abundance of onsite services to EMA, including patent leather clean-up, shoe dyeing, and shoe stretching! A wide variety of related products are also available for sale, such as suede renewal spray, leather conditioner, insoles, and shoe trees. Shoe Repair & Shine is located in EMA’s lobby in front of the 25 St/Park Ave S entrance. For service, please visit Monday – Friday from 7:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. For more information, you can contact Shoe Repair & Shine’s office at 212.325.7610, or mobile at 917.655.2931.
Look no further! Dry Cleaning & Alteration by Flatiron Tailor Shop is available for all of your dry-cleaning needs. They offer competitive dry cleaning prices, alteration services, and free pickup and delivery. In addition, State and Liberty suits also receive a 15% off discount. Dry Cleaning & Alteration by Flatiron Tailor Shop is open Monday – Friday from 9:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. and is conveniently located onsite next to the shoeshine in front of the 25 St/Park Ave S entrance. For further details, please call 551.574.4699