PRESIDENT ’ S PERSPECTIVE
With the Winter 2020 / 2021 issue of Ventures , we mark the end of what has been one of the most challenging years in decades for our nation , our university , and our families and friends . The COVID-19 pandemic has brought unprecedented changes to our lives — how we learn , how we work , and how we interact with others in community . We also know that it has significantly affected many individuals and families personally . Please know that the thoughts , prayers , and well wishes of our university community are with you as we close out 2020 and look forward to better things in 2021 .
When Stevenson decided to open for the Fall 2020 semester , we anticipated that COVID-19 would pose many challenges for our operations . We were able to remain open , offer online and in-person options for instruction , and provide campus housing and safe activities and events through virtual and physically distanced means . We worked to monitor , respond to , and limit COVID-19 cases throughout the Fall . Notably , the positivity rate from our Random Surveillance Testing of students was 1.15 % for the Fall semester , and we are grateful that , consistent with prior studies in 2020 , symptoms in young adults were generally mild and short in duration . These experiences are serving us well as we head into the Spring semester .
Throughout the pandemic , individuals have risen to the challenge . The extraordinary efforts of our faculty and staff helped us to remain open , teach and serve our students , and complete the semester successfully . Our students persevered , focused on their goals , and worked to complete their studies and degrees despite changes and obstacles presented by the evolving nature of the pandemic . Our “ Student Success ” section will give you a few highlights of our students ’ many achievements throughout 2020 .
Care ,” shares the perspectives of Stevenson students and alumni who are helping patients , their families , and the greater community during this pandemic through nursing , testing , and primary care . Certainly , there are many more members of our SU community who are not mentioned in the article but who are working daily to ensure the health and safety of others . For your selfless service and dedication , we thank you .
Lastly , I want to thank Stevenson ’ s alumni , parents , donors , and friends who have continued to show their support for our university community despite the pandemic . Your generosity throughout 2020 provided transformational gifts that are creating a brighter future for our students . You will read about some them here in this issue of Ventures .
Each of us has a role to play in meeting the challenges of COVID-19 , but we cannot fail to acknowledge those who are on the frontlines . Our feature article , “ With Courage , Elliot L . Hirshman , Ph . D .
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