COVID-19 has presented numerous challenges for citizens around the world. It is not surprising that marginalized populations have been disproportionately impacted in numerous ways. It’s been a challenge to remain hopeful while being reminded of all the ways systemic inequities are highlighted during this time; however, hope is what will carry us through!

There is a great deal of data coming out on these inequities. I must admit…there are so many things to think about, that I was reminded of how power and privilege work on an individual level. We sometimes gloss over the areas in which we are personally privileged. For example, I hadn’t thought about all the ways working from home may be challenging for those with visual and/or auditory disabilities. If you have a moment, check out this resource on the Racial Equity Tools website for more information on the myriad of ways populations are being impacted.

What can we do? Let’s use this time to broaden our worldview, engage in compassion, build virtual communities, and learn ways to support each other. In a post-COVID world, how can we intentionally work to address systemic inequities?

In the meantime, please look for ways to be mindful of how we are all being impacted in different and similar ways. Practice kindness to self and others. Let me know how my office can help! I look forward to seeing you soon!

Shawn Arango Ricks
Assistant Vice President for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

An Open Letter to Salem: The House That Built Me from Hannah Wagner, (shared with her permission) a member of the Class of 2020, to Salem College containing her reflections on what Salem College has meant to her and the influence it has had on her life. 

In this time of turmoil, pausing to reflect on our experiences and share our stories can help us heal, bond, and grow. I have been reflecting on a line from the poem “Everyday Grace,” by Stella Nesanovich:

This poem, which tells of ordinary moments that lead to extraordinary human connection and healing, inspires me to think of how small moments may tell the story of immense suffering, joy, grief, and love. Read the full poem.

When you are able, would you consider sharing your story of one moment that occurred since the Salem campus closed and classes moved online? I will collect audio recordings, video recordings, and digital photos that document the experiences of the Salem community during the COVID-19 crisis. 

Whether you have been safe at home since spring break, caring for relatives, struggling to travel, or baking bread, binge watching movies, working in a hospital, or searching for supplies, your story matters. Silly, somber, or somewhere in between, your story matters. 

The goal of this project is to curate and share your stories. Please send me original audio, video, or photo files with the subject line “Salem Stories.” 

I look forward to learning your stories.

Be well,

Spring-Serenity Duvall
Associate Professor and Chair, Communication and Media Studies Department

Greetings from my new “Fleer Center home office” in Rural Hall. I wanted to share something that hopefully will brighten your day in these difficult times. Susan Brawley and I were working on a project a couple of weeks ago and we began discussing our new “work from home environment.” I am using my wooden kitchen chair and after about a week I began experiencing back pain. So, I tried pillows, blankets, and then finally, I tried out a folded-up mattress pad—and it worked!

I emailed the photos to Professor Rosa Otero and Professor Alice Sanders and asked if we could add these to the chair library! We all shared a virtual chuckle. In turn, Professor Sanders emailed a photo of her new work chair.

I believe the winner of this contest is Professor Sanders. Stay well and healthy and remember WE ARE SALEM AND WE MISS YOU!

Angie Higgins
Fleer Center Student Resource Coordinator

Traditionally, seniors in the Design program would have been installing their projects at this time of the year. Instead, they are developing digital content to share their work in a show entitled: “Redesigning Salem.”

Please save the date: May 1, 2020 at 5 p.m. “Redesigning Salem” will be launched via a website that will be shared with the community next week. In the meantime, check out the Elberson Fine Arts Center Facebook page for project images and more information. Our students are working so hard and their projects are amazing! Please share.

Two examples of design work that will be featured in the show are included above. Interior design student Sheldon Morton’s project features an interior rendering of a redesign proposal of Main Hall first floor. Graphic design student Jamie Sartin is developing a brand for the art and design programs—the image of her project includes the first page of a digital magazine with the new proposed logo.

Thanks,

Rosa D. Otero
Art, Art History, and Design Department Chair