Success Story: Rising to the challenges of COVID-19

Planning ahead more than a decade ago led to a timely discovery this month, a pattern of foresight NMC aims to continue through COVID-19 uncertainty.

A cache of stored personal protective equipment, including 400 N95 masks originally ordered in 2009 for the H1N1 flu pandemic, was discovered earlier this month by an employee filling food pantry orders. The supplies, which also included gowns and face shields, had been stored in the Osterlin building due to lack of space in the NMC Health clinic.

“I walked out of the food pantry door, and saw ‘N95’ on a sticky note,” said Katie Sommer, manager of NMC’s Office of Learning Services. “It was like a lightbulb going off. That word stands out these days.”

Sommer opened the cabinet with the note, alerted others of her discovery, and the supplies were promptly donated to Munson Medical Center.

At first glance a fortuitous coincidence, the discovery illustrates NMC’s strategic value of exhibiting foresight. The existence of the food pantry is another. Started in 2017, Sommer said last week was the pantry’s busiest ever — despite the fact that campuses are closed. Orders are called in or placed online, and picked up outdoors. Read more »

Reaching out to stay local

Since the coronavirus pandemic hit, WNMC radio has maintained its broadcasts on 91.5 FM and its streaming home (wnmc.org), providing a familiar touchstone to its loyal audiences. But with its Scholars Hall studio off limits due to stay-at-home orders, station manager Eric Hines has had to get creative with his programming.

“Alumni from around the country are pitching in to DJ remotely as the current regulars get up to speed,” Hines said.

The furthest is Annie McEnany in San Diego. Her show, Midday Jazz with Annie Mac, was broadcast on campus from 2007 to 2009. She still listens online and “jumped at the chance” to DJ remotely.

“I always made playlists for friends and when I saw the archive at WNMC, it was like love at first sight. There is such an eclectic mix of options for any music lover,” McEnany said.

WNMC is conducting a soft version of its usual spring fundraiser. Donate online here.