By Kate Hill
Staff Writer
Since closing down its campus and transitioning to remote instruction, Cazenovia College has been doing its part to help support the community during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
“I am proud of the ways the College and our community members are contributing,” said Cazenovia College President Ron Chesbrough in a March 30 press release. “Every little bit helps. We have to look out for and support each other as we get through this.”
Food from dining services was donated to CazCares to assist in feeding low-income residents of the Cazenovia School District and surrounding areas of Madison County.
“When Cazenovia College learned that its dinning hall would not be open they contacted CazCares about donating food to our food pantry,” said CazCares Client Services Director Gigi Redmond. “Cazenovia College and CazCares have worked together for many years with student learning opportunities and it was great that they thought of us for this donation.”
Gloves, gowns and N95 masks from the college’s health center and campus services were donated to the Madison County Emergency Management team and the Cazenovia Area Volunteer Ambulance Corp. (CAVAC).
“Cazenovia College’s cooperation with CAVAC’s emergency services has long been appreciated by the CAVAC family,” said CAVAC President Sara Mitchell. “Their donation . . . during this difficult time further supports this bond. The hero crews who respond to community emergencies during this challenging time need all the protection that can possible be provided to them. We are deeply grateful to Dr. Chesbrough and all of his staff.”
Annie Chesbrough (wife of President Chesbrough), alumna Amy Tompkins Johnston ’88, and several students from the fashion design program are making masks to help immunosuppressed individuals navigate doctors’ offices, grocery stores, or cohabitating with their families.
“I started making masks because I have some cotton material and a sewing machine and some time on my hands,” said Chesbrough. “I am looking for ways to help, as these are very anxious times. My mother is 91 years old and I have a sister who just completed chemotherapy for breast cancer. I know that there are mixed messages out there about the effectiveness of these masks, so I have worked to improve my original model by adding two additional paper filter layers between the two layers of cotton material.”
In accordance with the latest guidance from health officials and the governor’s office, the Cazenovia College campus remains closed.
Faculty members will be conducting classes via remote instruction through the end of the spring semester.
College operations continue with employees who are able to do so working remotely until further notice.
On April 1, Chesbrough and other staff members placed lawn signs around campus.
“The signs are our way of saying to our students how much they are missed by the college and the Cazenovia community, and to reassure all that we will get through this difficult time of isolation and separation,” Chesbrough explained.
For coronavirus-related information and updates from Cazenovia College, visit cazenovia.edu/coronavirus.
