Reflecting and Observing the Pandemic over the Past Year
On Friday, March 12, the Springfield College Office of Spiritual Life led efforts in commemorating the one-year mark of the pandemic at Springfield College.
In a ceremony hosted on Naismith Green, that was also viewed via Zoom, the campus community came together to reflect on these challenging times through both in-person observance and on a memorial webpage where individuals can share their reflections and honor those affected by the pandemic.
Visit the Memorial Page Share Your Respectful Thoughts
Springfield College Assistant Professor of History Ian Delahanty and College Archivist Jeff Monseau have been leading a pandemic archive project.
Opening Song: "Lament" Recorded by the SC Band with Prof. Chris Gagne
Invocation and Welcome: David McMahon
Psalm Reading: David McMahon
Song: “Corona” Written/Recorded by Emily Tonning
Reflection on Student Life: Chris Antwi
Song: “Zoom” Written/Recorded by Victoria McFarlin
Reflection on Student Life: SGA Douglas Wydom & Michael Lukasiewicz
Reflection: Community Nicole Coakley
Song: “Untitled” Written/Recorded by Natalia Kompochol
Reading: “And the People ...” Poem by K. O'Meara, read by Rebecca Lartigue
Reflection: Brian Krylowicz
Reflection and Prayer: Julia Chevan
Closing/Benediction: David McMahon
SC Dancers - Gratitude
Springfield College dancers, led by Professor Sarah Zehnder, offered up the following reflection of the pandemic challenges over the last year on the campus.
Springfield College COVID Remembrance Ceremony - Natalia Kompochol.
Springfield College COVID Remembrance - Victoria McFarlin
Springfield College Remembrance Ceremony - Lament SC Band
Springfield College HOPE Art Work with Pam Marino.
Artist Statement: Through all of the chaos, we have been able to find hope, and no one person can find hope without the help of others. COVID has affected all of our lives in one way or another. We all come from different places, and our hardships come in many different colors and shades. Some of us have lost jobs, some of us lost milestones we had been working hard towards, some of us have lost family members or friends. Through this pandemic, we have all experienced loss. It is impossible to survive loss without support. Through support, we find hope. This art piece was not created by one person. It was created by the community. 30+ people took time out of their day to put their love and energy into something that would have never otherwise existed. Together, we were able to turn this once-blank tarp into a work of art, and together, we can find hope in the face of hardship and loss.