The-Laker-Issue3-Fall-2020

the LAKER | 9 Meanwhile, professor Liz Brownell used a computer program called Mindmeister to enable her Graphic Design II students to present their summer concert series poster and shirt design proposals to board members and friends of Constellation Brands-Marvin Sands Performing Arts Center. The ingenuity allowed for the continuation of a partnership that provides students with real-life experience designing and pitching their work. CMAC’s panel of judges reviews the submissions — this year online — and then selects a proposal to be used to promote the summer concert series. “Even though their concert series was cancelled, they still chose to support our students this year — we are so thankful,” said Liz. The winning designs were made by Quinn Howell ’20 of Palmyra and Adriana Tingue ’20 of Williamson. Around the same time, professor Paul Engin came up with a way for his New Media students to go forward with their capstone presentations. Using a livestream instead of the usual main campus reception, his students showcased projects, including a mockumentary and a video game inspired by competition for parking spots at the main campus. Paul found support from a colleague who is also an alumnus: Jeff Kidd ’05, video technician. Meeting needs Videos and videoconferencing only work when students have the tech they need. When the shutdown began in mid-March, students who had counted on using college computers found themselves completely disconnected. FLCC responded by purchasing and distributing more than 100 loaner laptops. Sarah Whiffen, associate vice president of student affairs, was among those who met students in parking lots, setting the boxes on the sidewalk and stepping back so students could collect them. Students also had more basic needs. As social distancing suggestions turned into business closures and stay-at-home orders, staffers Sara Iszard, Teresa Daddis and Jan Kerrick made the rounds at the Suites at Laker Landing and nearby rental sites. They knocked on doors, checking on students and helping them plan for what was to come. They and several colleagues worked behind the scenes, packing bags of non-perishables from the FLCC food pantry and delivering to the dozens who’d indicated they’d otherwise be without. Student Life staff complemented their efforts with bags filled with snacks and games. As the fall semester approached, FLCC staff and Student Corporation leaders knew many students would continue to face hardship. They reached out to local food pantries and were busy sorting more than three college van loads of food and necessities, everything from peanut butter and green beans to shampoo. “To state that these organizations showed up to help FLCC and this initiative in spades is stating it mildly,” said Student Life Director Jennie Erdle in mid-August. Bags of supplies were handed out at a welcome back chicken barbecue in September. Despite the innovation and outreach, college leaders still worried about students: If they needed help, did they know where to go? Instead of waiting for an answer, the College began calling students — all of them. Lists were created and distributed to faculty and staff. Starting in April, the College’s weekly calling campaign continued through mid-May. The campaign led to hundreds of conversations. Some were quick check-ins to see how students were managing. In other cases, overwhelmed students were referred for specialized assistance with technology, counseling or emergency services. As the spring shutdown wore on, the callers found they, too, benefitted from those regular connections. In an email to employees, FLCC President Robert Nye noted, “I can personally say that many who supported the calling campaign during the spring found it to be a truly enriching and heartwarming opportunity to learn more about our students.” Summer concert series poster and T-shirt design by Quinn Howell ’20. Student Audrey Smith was among those who received laptops to complete spring semester studies online.