Manchester Update - April 3
From: McFadden, David F. <DFMcFadden@manchester.edu>
Sent: Friday, April 3, 2020 3:33 PM
To: All Colleagues <AllColleagues@manchester.edu>
Subject: Manchester update - April 3
Dear Colleagues,
Thanks for being resilient and kind this week as we all strive to find a manageable new normal.
Here are a few updates from the week:
- Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb extended Indiana’s Stay At Home order until 11:59 p.m. April 20. The extension drives home how important it is to continue physical distancing to slow the spread of COVID-19. State officials on Thursday also closed K-12 schools for in-person instruction the rest of the school year. We will continue to work remotely until public health officials advise otherwise.
- We are always looking for ways to improve instruction, work remotely, connect online and use our resources in the best ways possible. Please continue to share ideas with your colleagues, your dean or vice president. You can also email Health@manchester.edu.
- I have attached two documents. One from UMR offers frequently asked questions about the coronavirus and the other has information about resources you can access to help cope during the pandemic.
I will close the week by sharing some of what Tara Smithson, assistant professor of French, wrote to the health@ email address recently. Her subject line was “Gratitude” and her message was meant for all of us.
Dear All,
I realize in writing this "all" that I'm not entirely sure who is reading it. I can only imagine that it's some combination of those we have seen on our (recently disinfected) screens and others quietly working behind the scenes and the "seens." I am also guessing that each day brings with it surprise guest stars who, like that elfish child who emerged from behind Dave's chair, may start off in accidental cameos and later shift, with intention, into lead roles.
In the most sobering moments, there are glimpses of grace and gifts in the unpredicted.
I want you to know that I'm wishing you well, that I'm wishing your loved ones well, and that I hope that amidst this blitz of bizarre new circumstances, you are finding ways to be still. I hope that you feel safe, whatever that means for you.
So without saying “thanks for all you do,” which always feels a little like trying to capture infinity with a word -- an abbreviated word even -- like "etc.", I want to express how appreciative I am for your work over these past few weeks, the parts that I know about and the many more parts that I don't.
Thank you (all) for responding swiftly and intentionally, and for extending such care to our students and colleagues. Thank you for your communication, your compassion, your perspective, and your leadership.
Amen and amen.
Dave
Dave McFadden
President
Manchester University
260-982-5050