Dear Colleagues,

This month, the UBS Cooking School and community events calendars are filled 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,

When the weather warms up, my desire to turn on my stove and oven goes down! As the summer months approach, I seek out proteins that can be cooked quickly, allowing me to keep my stovetop use to a minimum and preventing my kitchen from overheating. Searing tuna steaks is a great way to get dinner cooked within just a few minutes.

Coriander & Pepper Seared Tuna

Serves 4

Ingredients:

1 tbsp (14 g) coarsely ground coriander seed

2 tsp (28 g) pink peppercorns

1 tsp (14 g) coarsely ground black pepper

4 (6oz / 170g) tuna steaks

3 tbsp (42 g) vegetable, canola, or olive oil

Kosher or coarse sea salt, to taste

For serving:

Lemon wedges

Arugula or watercress

Instructions:

1. Combine spices with salt and oil and mix well. Add to tuna and coat well on all sides.
2. Place a large skillet over high heat and add a thin layer of oil. When the oil is smoking, add tuna so that each piece is touching the pan (do not overcrowd, cook in batches if needed). Cook tuna until charred on both sides but still rare inside, about 1 – 2 minutes on each side.

      3.Lay arugula or watercress over a serving platter. Top with tuna steaks, and place lemon wedges around outer edge of the platter. Serve immediately.

When you are looking for a hearty and bold side dish, grits are a great option. You can infuse your cooking liquid with herbs or other aromatics, or skip this step to keep things simple. Smoked cheddar cheese adds bold, savory flavor that brings a lot to the table, but you can use something milder if desired.

Smoked Cheddar Grits

Serves 4

Ingredients:

4 cups (950mL) chicken stock, homemade or low sodium

4 garlic cloves, smashed

2 bay leaves or thyme sprigs (or both)

1 cup (240 g) stone ground grits

2 ounces (56 g) extra-sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded

2 ounces (56 g) smoked cheddar cheese, freshly shredded

4 tablespoons (56 g) unsalted butter

2 tablespoons (28 g) heavy cream

Kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken stock, garlic cloves, and herbs to a boil. Turn off the stove, and let sit for 30 mins. Strain out the aromatics, return the stock in the saucepan to the stove, and set over medium-high heat.
2. Bring stock to a boil. Slowly whisk in the grits, reduce the heat to low and cook, stirring frequently until the grits are tender for about 20 minutes.

       3.Turn the heat off, and stir in the shredded cheeses, butter, and heavy cream. Taste and season with salt and pepper.

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!

• Resistance Training Increases Longevity: Wednesday, June 4 from 10:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
• A Dietitian’s Take on GLP-1 Medications: Wednesday, June 18 from 10:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

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-Raleigh-FitnessCenter@ubs.com.

Hours of Operation:

Monday – Friday: 6:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Mondays:

• Strength Training from 12:15 p.m. - 12:45 p.m.

Tuesdays:

• Tabata Bootcamp from 12:15 p.m. – 12:45 p.m.
• Strength and Conditioning from 5:00 p.m. – 5:45 p.m.

Wednesdays:

• Mind Body Bootcamp / Perimenopause Strength Training from 1:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. (alternating weeks)
• Strength and Conditioning from 5:00 p.m. – 5:45 p.m. 

Thursdays:

Celebrate Culture & Cuisine with Us!

This month, in partnership with MOSAIC, we’re honoring Juneteenth and Caribbean American Heritage Month with themed menu items at the Café from 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.:

• June 4: Caribbean American Heritage Month Chef Table featuring Grilled Shrimp Skewers, Coconut Quinoa Bean Salad, and Grapefruit Ginger Dressing
• June 18: Juneteenth Chef Table featuring Braised Oxtail, Glazed Carrots & Chayote Squash, and Red Beans & Rice.

Join us for a stunning Flower Arranging & Sip on Tuesday, June 10! We will meet in the Alfred Escher Auditorium from 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. where an expert will guide you every step of the way as you create a beautiful bouquet and sip on delectable wine. All materials are provided. Space is limited, so please be sure to register below to secure your spot!

Join us as we debut a brand-new game for Raleigh's Nintendo Switch - Super Smash Brothers! Do you have what it takes to smash the competition? Play to find out. We will meet in the Alfred Escher Auditorium on Wednesday, June 11 from 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. To secure your spot, please register below.

Many common men's health issues can be treated or avoided through regular screenings. In honor of Men’s Health Awareness Month, Premise Health will be offering a tabling event on Wednesday, June 11 focusing on Prostate Cancer from 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. in the Exchange Café. In addition, Premise Health will be offering an in-person presentation on prostate cancer on Wednesday, June 25 from 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. in Room A of the Alfred Escher Auditorium. No registration is required for either event. 

Calling all chess fans! Join us as we play chess in the sunshine on Wednesday, June 12 from 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. We will meet at the Bleachers in the cafeteria, after which we will sit outdoors at the tables nearby. Please register below so we know to expect you.

Calling all golf fans! In celebration of the US Open, join us for a watch party on Thursday, June 12 from 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. where light snacks and refreshments will be provided. Bring your colleagues for an afternoon of sports fun! We will meet in the Tar Heels room. Please register below so we know to expect you:

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 specials:

• June 11 from 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m: Father's Day Chef Table featuring Grilled Filet of Beef Tenderloin, Herb Grilled Prawns, Truffle Mashed Potatoes, and Creamed Spinach.

In celebration of the Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix, join us for a watch party on Friday, June 13 from 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. where light snacks and refreshments will be provided! We will meet in the Wolfpack room. Bring a friend, and enjoy thrilling coverage on the big screen! Please register below so we know to expect you. 

Celebrate the beginning of summer with an Ice Cream Social! Don't miss this opportunity to mingle with old and new colleagues as you sprinkle ice cream with delectable toppings. We will meet in the Tar Heels room on Wednesday, June 18 from 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. To secure your spot, please register below. Don't forget to bring your sweet tooth, and we can't wait to see you there!

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:

June 13: Backyard BBQ Party Sides, Low & No-Cook

• 11:00 a.m. class 
• 12:30 p.m. class

June 20: Homemade Cracker Jacks

• 11:00 a.m. class
• 12:30 p.m. class

June 25: Virtual Wellness x Cooking Class: Scallops, Green Goddess, & Avocado

• 12:30 p.m. class

June 27: Homemade Cornbread & Flavored Butter

• 11:00 a.m. class
• 12:30 p.m. class

Use this link to view more of our virtual Cooking School classes: Cooking School

In celebration of the US Golf Open this month, join us for a Mini-Golf Challenge. Embrace the spirit of friendly competition as you play to become Raleigh's Mini Golf champion! We will meet in the Alfred Escher Auditorium on Tuesday, June 24 from 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Refreshments will be provided. To secure your spot, please register below:

Sign Up Here

Thank you to all of those who voted for June's book club pick! Our selection by majority vote is Jewish American author Bess Kalb’s Nobody Will Tell You This But Me, a heartwarming memoir that creatively reconstructs the author’s late grandmother’s voice to tell the story of generations of strong women in their family. We will meet on Thursday, June 26 in the Falcons room from 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

To purchase a copy of the book and register, please use this link: Purchase a Copy Here. Kindly note the registration cost covers your physical copy of the book.

Get creative with sustainability this June! Host a swap party with friends to trade clothes and books, organize a community clean-up to keep local parks beautiful, try some DIY projects with recycled materials, and join workshops to learn more about how to live sustainably. Every little bit helps. Together, we can create a greener, happier world. Enjoy your eco-friendly adventures this June!

Protein is made up of amino acids—tiny building blocks that are involved in nearly every process within the body. Unlike carbohydrates or fats, protein isn’t stored for later use, meaning we need to include it in our diet regularly to meet our body’s needs.

Consuming enough protein supports several vital functions. It plays a key role in repairing muscle tissue, especially after physical activity or strength training. It helps manage hunger and fullness, which can support weight management by keeping you satisfied between meals. Protein also contributes to bone density, an important factor for aging well and staying active. Protein powers your metabolism and hormone production, influencing everything from your mood to your ability to recover from illness or injury.

Whole foods are the best way to meet your protein needs. Animal-based options such as eggs, chicken, Greek yogurt, and fatty fish like salmon and tuna are rich in complete proteins and other nutrients like iron and vitamin B12. For those who follow a plant-based approach, lentils, tofu, edamame, quinoa, nuts, and seeds are excellent choices that provide protein and fiber.

Embracing Your Identity: A Path to Workplace Well-Being

Mental health thrives when individuals feel safe and empowered to express their authentic selves—especially in the workplace. Navigating professional spaces while suppressing core aspects of your identity can take a toll on mental well-being, resulting in internal conflicts. Fostering an environment where personal expression is encouraged is beneficial and essential.

Authenticity fosters confidence and reduces stress. When employees feel comfortable being themselves, they experience greater job satisfaction, improved performance, and stronger connections with colleagues. Whether it’s sharing cultural traditions, embracing gender identity, or being open about personal values, expressing who you are allows for a more fulfilling work experience. Individuals can advocate for their own well-being by setting boundaries, seeking supportive allies, and confidently embracing self-expression.

If you’ve ever felt hesitant to share your true self at work, know that your identity is valuable. By embracing who you are, you contribute to a more accepting and emotionally healthy professional environment: not just for yourself, but for those around you. Your mental health matters, and authenticity is taking one such powerful step.

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. (closed 12:30 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. for lunch) with the option to schedule appointments online via the MyPremiseHealth portal, or by calling the Health Center directly at 919-994-6331