University Community Pitches in During the Pandemic

Meal delivery. Contact tracing. Package delivery. Communications. Check-ins. Testing. Soup delivery.

Many members of the University community have volunteered their efforts on top of their regular work responsibilities. They are coaches, administrative assistants, vice presidents and other administrative staff, police officers and professors, as well as students who are juggling schoolwork, club activities and more.

Lauren Rivera, J.D., Ed.D., assistant vice president for student life and dean of students, who helped to manage staffing and meals for those isolating or quarantining, said she was grateful for all the volunteers. 

"We had a massive team of contact tracers, and we've been delivering up to 140 meals on campus at a meal period," she said, remembering that one particular student this fall wasn't able to eat the meals provided. 

"The student could only eat soup, so three different University staff members jumped in to deliver soup around the clock to this student," said Rivera.

The Residence Life team has helped students transition to temporary spaces when they have had to quarantine or isolate themselves on campus.

"At this time last year, we could have never imagined the realities we’re facing and how it would impact our work. Our team has been committed to serving our students to the best of our abilities and we try to bring a positive attitude to our work each day," said Brad Troy, director of Residence Life. "To have the opportunity to contribute to some level of normalcy for our students is a privilege. The students have always been the center of our work."

Troy was especially appreciative of the students helping their peers through this difficult time and said they "deserve recognition for their efforts."

"Having to isolate or quarantine is a disruptive experience and can be stressful for students for a variety of reasons. In addition to students who have had to move to temporary housing, we have a number of students who have volunteered countless hours to support their peers," he said. 

Jeff Colucci '21, student government president, delivered meals.

“Whether I’m delivering meals to students in quarantine or meeting with leaders on campus to discuss reopening plans, I have been amazed by the students, faculty and staff who come together to keep our community safe," he said. "Throughout the past year, one thing that has always proven true is that people on this campus care so deeply about the students here and have done everything to keep us connected and safe.”

Liz Garcia, executive director of Equity and Diversity, Title IX coordinator and special assistant to the president, gained another title this past summer: Pandemic Safety Officer. Not only does she oversee the pandemic safety ambassadors and answer questions and enforce rules related to the Royals Safe Together Plan, but she also coordinates and delivers meals to students in isolation and quarantine. She noted that her call for meal, package and water delivery volunteers has been answered by the University community.   

"Serving our students is why we are here, including feeding them and checking on their well-being while in quarantine or isolation.  This responsibility falls on all of us, and so many from our community have stepped up. We have volunteers from all divisions and titles stepping up to assist," said Garcia.

Find the growing list of meal volunteers, below.