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Stories of Resilience Reveal Human Bonds in the Face of COVID-19

by Erin McCloskey

Loretto, PA (04/27/2020) — Stories have the ability to inspire, strengthen, initiate reflection and heal. The stories told about the Saint Francis University community members are a reflection of the values woven tightly into the educational philosophy. The institution works to educate ethical leaders.

The chronicles of Saint Francis University faculty and staff, students and graduates during the Covid-19 pandemic also have the ability to teach. They draw lessons on the power of heart-felt kindness, the value of community, and how giving to others often returns more to the receiver.

Alumni Support

One action demonstrated the true measure of the power of community. The Saint Francis University Alumni Board recently authorized a $5,000 gift to the newly established Student Emergency Support Fund. Hearing stories of need from current students directly impacted by the move to a fully virtual learning environment, the Alumni Board acted swiftly to authorize a gift to be used to support students experiencing financial hardship. For Alumni Board President Sharon Hoffman '80, the gift was a meaningful step that the Board agreed was their responsibility as fellow community members. "Becoming that someone requires the assistance of a great many people, and since we are in this together, the Alumni Association is more than happy to make this donation to the Student Emergency Support Fund. We hope others join us in supporting the next generation of alumni." It is a lesson that Board President Hoffman says was, '"More than a responsibility, it was truly gratifying for those of us that have long reaped the benefit of a Saint Francis University education."

More Than Masks

A lesson of heartfelt kindness was achieved when Bonnie Resinski was approached by a healthcare worker about sewing masks. Bonnie, the costume designer and wardrobe manager for the Saint Francis University Fine Arts department, knew it was an opportunity to provide appreciation for those serving on the front lines. As a talented seamstress, Bonnie found she could translate her gratitude for those serving in the healthcare community into handmade masks. By using fabric used for previous theatre costumes, Bonnie was able to provide over 120 masks to community healthcare providers. Appropriately, Bonnie chose to use the fabric from costumes used in Saint Francis University's 1998 production of 'One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest'. Resinski says, "The masks are more than a tool to help keep workers safe, they are a symbol of appreciation for those sacrificing everyday to keep our broader communities safe." Carefully crafted masks have been supplied to local healthcare workers as a direct result of Resinki's efforts.


Saint Francis University stories of resilience continue to unveil themselves as new challenges are presented. In an era of such uncertainty and hardship, inspiration does occur. Powerful stories bond us and teach us that human touch can be delivered in a multitude of ways.

Saint Francis University (www.francis.edu) in Loretto, PA is the oldest Catholic-Franciscan college in the United States. Its mission is to help students grow into compassionate, successful professionals through a culture of generosity, respect, discovery and joy.

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