2020 2020: The UMass Dartmouth community grows stronger during challenging times

"Distance does not diminish the fact that we are a united community of learners that strive to make a difference in the world" - Chancellor Johnson

Things are a little different at UMass Dartmouth these days. You may have received a few emails regarding changes to the way we operate due to the spread of the coronavirus. Though we are not on campus together, we still interact in the virtual classroom, on video chats, and via email. Each of us is facing similar challenges and adapting collectively. We will continue to press forward to support our students’ ambitions and each other’s wellbeing. We are in this together. Below you will see some incredible examples of the UMassD community staying connected and supporting each other and their communities during these difficult times.

On March 30, UMass Dartmouth, especially Facilities staff and the Bioengineering, Chemistry, Medical Laboratory Science, and Nursing academic departments, donated vital emergency medical supplies. Gloves, shoe covers, goggles, masks, and face shields were delivered to St. Luke’s Hospital in New Bedford to help them in their efforts to keep our region safe during the coronavirus pandemic.

The Leduc Center for Civic Engagement has put together a guide to serve and build community while social distancing because the challenges we face are opportunities to help those in need.

Make sure you watch Chancellor Johnson’s message on the importance of community, staying together, and finishing the semester strong.

The College of Visual & Performing Arts has created an Instagram account for students to showcase their artwork and participate in creative prompts while learning remotely. Also, remote dance parties.

Do you miss watching sports? UMassD Athletics is streaming games from this past year on demand via Corsair Classics to help you out.

Also, our athletes are taking up the #PassItOnChallenge and the results are incredible:

• Women’s Lacrosse team
• Women’s Soccer team
• Women’s Volleyball team

We also have amazing alumni on the front lines, keeping us safe. Thank you to swimming & diving alumni Alyssa McCarville ’16, Amanda Beahn Hirons ’11, George Henry Aulson IV ’08, Jill Howard Shelton ’92, Kerryn Kane Cornish ’14 & Lauren Sardella ’11!

UMassD Social Media Manager Chelsey Puza has used her love for photography to raise money for a local charity through the #TheFrontStepsProject. Puza takes photos of families posing together from a safe distance in exchange for a donation to the United Way of Greater New Bedford’s COVID-19 Response Fund.

These are just some of the ways that UMass Dartmouth has kept our community strong in the age of social distancing. #UMassDTogether