Spring Has Sprung
This information is archived as of July 23, 2021, and is saved here for reference. See latest health information.
March 8, 2021
Spring is a time for new beginnings and brings with it a sense of hope, renewal and inspiration.
It’s true, too, here on our campus at Central College. The snow is beginning to melt. The grass is peeking through. Soon, the geese will return to the pond, squirrels will chase each other up and down the trees and tulips will start popping up.
Those winter doldrums have started to vanish, replaced by an energy only spring can bring. Our campus is starting to come to life once again. Spring is my favorite time at Central.
As hard as it might be to believe, it’s been almost exactly a year since the world changed so dramatically. The COVID-19 pandemic changed things everywhere for everyone. A year ago, we extended our spring break a week and then moved to remote learning. Students didn’t return for the semester. Athletics were canceled. Commencement didn’t take place in May.
With spring break right around the corner, this year is different. There’s a feeling of hope that we are moving in the right direction. Vaccinations are rolling out. Progress is being made. Although the end of the pandemic is not imminent, we’re closer than we’ve ever been.
I’ve been so proud of our students, faculty and staff this entire year. I continue to be inspired by your efforts to navigate the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Your diligence with safety protocols has allowed students to remain on campus for in-person learning since August. We’re only a few months from a successful academic year.
Spring Break
With only days left before spring break, I encourage you to stay the course and make good decisions. While we all anxiously look forward to the day of an inoculated campus, for now we truly must take the extra precautions both on campus and off.
As you prepare to leave campus for spring break, please consider these recommendations from the American College Health Association. If you haven’t done so already, now is a good time to:
- Review the regulations governing travel to your spring break destination.
- Continue to minimize risk of exposure and infection before you leave campus. Should you feel ill before you leave, please contact the COVID-19 Hotline.
Day of Travel Advice
Remember that when people travel, the virus travels.
- Consider reducing the number of stops on your trip. Take a direct flight if possible, and if driving, pack food/snacks for the trip home.
- Delay travel if sick. Anyone feeling ill or recently diagnosed with COVID-19 (within 10 days) should self-isolate and delay travel. Individual situations can be reported to the COVID-19 Hotline so that accommodations can be determined.
- Take safety precautions while traveling. Continue wearing a face covering and stay at least 6 feet away from other people.
- Carry and frequently use hand sanitizer.
- The least risky option of travel is private transportation by yourself or your family members. If in a car with others outside your household, wear a mask and sit in the back seat if someone else is driving. If weather conditions permit, open the windows.
COVID Testing
An opportunity for students to receive free rapid-result COVID-19 testing before and after spring break was coordinated through an online sign up process. Many thanks to those who’ve made this safety measure possible.
Vaccinations
When eligible, we encourage all members of the Central College community to get vaccinated.
Tulip Time
After being canceled last year because of the pandemic, Pella’s annual Tulip Time festival will return this year. The 86th annual event is scheduled May 6-8.
Things will look a bit different, of course, to keep guests as safe as possible. Food stands and vendors will be spaced out, enhanced sanitation stations will be provided, and physical distancing will be encouraged. There will be new attractions, classic floats on display and pop-up happenings during the three days.
Tulip Time is always a special event for Central and our students. It provides the main fundraising opportunity for many of our programs. And it’s simply a great way for our students and members of the Central family to be involved with the Pella community.
Finals
The last day of classes for the spring semester is May 7, with finals scheduled for May 11-13.
As always, the Monday following the last day of classes will serve as a college-wide study day, with Breakfast of Champions scheduled for that night. Changes to this event, of course, were made for the fall semester. We will continue to monitor the situation for the appropriate event.
Commencement
Commencement remains scheduled for Saturday, May 15, for the Class of 2021.
We are planning to hold the event outdoors at Ron and Joyce Schipper Stadium unless pandemic circumstances warrant a change or prevent such a large event.
Shannan Mattiace, a 1990 graduate of Central, will serve as the commencement speaker. She is professor of political science at Allegheny College in Meadville, Pennsylvania, and teaches courses about politics in Latin America, specifically Mexico and the Caribbean. Currently, Mattiace is studying criminal violence and security in Mérida, Mexico, as it relates to citizen resistance to drug trafficking.
When you return from spring break, only seven weeks remain in the semester. There’s much to look forward to, both on campus and in these challenging times. It seems getting back to normal, whatever that might be, isn’t too far away.
Best,
Mark