This certainly is not quite how we imagined it, but spring quarter is upon us and we are tasked with a historic challenge as we navigate “virtual” campus life during a pandemic.
So what now? At EWU, the hidden gift of a crisis is how people step up to ensure students receive a high-quality education and the support they need to get through this stretch.
Signs already point to a campus community that is up to the task, as faculty and staff are embracing the challenge of providing online classes while making sure essential services continue.
Dan Canada, a professor of math at EWU, submitted this photo of himself holding his Eastern mug as he headed up to his home office to begin the first day of instruction. Canada admits migrating all his classes online has been tiring, but he says, “I was thinking ‘Go Eags’, we got this!'” as he headed off to “work.
As we start the quarter, InsideEWU plans to highlight great moments and stories as we embark on this new normal. We call it Eagle Strong—and in addition to sharing cool moments, innovative teaching ideas, the segment will highlight stories of people who have gone above and beyond.
We’ve already told you about the English professor who started a West Plains relief effort and the Student Care Team delivering the first round of Chromebooks to students who need them. We’ve also heard about people like Chris Hoppe of Epic Adventures, who purchased 20 boxes of cereal for the food pantry; or Lynn Briggs, dean of University College, who has helped unload the food pantry deliveries, stocked the shelves and welcomed guests.
We know many of you in various departments and units are also planning and doing some special things—so please share with us by submitting your Eagle Strong story at Inside@ewu.edu. Please visit ewu.edu/strong to learn more about the university’s efforts.
