SU Continues to Support Community During COVID-19 Pandemic
SALISBURY, MD---Faculty in Salisbury University’s Art Department continue to use their skills to help first responders on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic, now printing 3-D masks.
The re-usable respirator masks can be sterilized in an autoclave or dishwasher and outfitted with filter media, which can be changed as needed.
Safer than cloth masks, this design features a face-tight positive seal, forcing air through the filter like the N-95 masks used in hospitals.
Joshua Killen, SU sculpture technician, has led the efforts, which also have included printing full face shields. Items are expected to be available for both organizations and individuals.
More information, including photos and an explanation of the production process, is available on Facebook.
Students, PAC-14 Create Physical Education Videos
With local school-aged children completing their academic year online, physical education students from SU’s Samuel W. and Marilyn C. Seidel School of Education coordinated with PAC-14 to create videos to help those students with physical education at home.
The videos helped SU’s students, who had been interning in local schools, continue to connect with their students. The partnership with PAC-14 allows local school students who may not have internet access at home an opportunity to participate, as well, as the PAC-14 broadcasts the segments. They also are available on PAC14’s YouTube channel.
“The department felt that the need to support physical education in schools was important. We also have supported our schools by providing physical education worksheets to provide students with some physical activity while being at home during the pandemic,” said Dr. James Barry, assistant professor of secondary and physical education.
“Physical education sometimes is overlooked, but research shows that students who are physically active can focus better, retain knowledge and boost their immune systems.”
SU students not living locally recorded their segments at home, with PAC-14 creating the final production. There currently are six videos available, but Barry and his students are prepared to continue the practice into fall, pending the re-opening of schools in Wicomico County.
Women’s Rugby Club Sends Video of Encouragement
With SU’s proximity to Pinehurst Elementary School, there is a natural relationship between the two institutions, which leads many SU students to internships and volunteer opportunities there.
Members of the SU Women’s Rugby Club, many of whom have worked with students at the elementary school, created a video to encourage the Pinehurst family to finish the academic year strong. The video is available on the Pinehurt Elementary Facebook page.
SU Libraries Documenting Pandemic
SU Libraries, home to the Edward H. Nabb Research Center for Delmarva History and Culture, has established a COVID-19 archive and is asking for public contributions.
Individuals are encouraged to keep journals, documenting their experiences and recording their thoughts, responses and fears, and the adaptations they are making socially, academically, financially and beyond.
Journals may include tweets, photographs, drawings, short videos and any other items that help to capture the moment.
Physical items may be dropped off at the Edward H. Nabb Research Center for Delmarva History and Culture on the fourth floor of the Patricia R. Guerrieri Academic Commons after SU has fully reopened, or mailed to COVID-19 Archive, Nabb Research Center/GAC, Salisbury University, 1101 Camden Ave., Salisbury, MD 21801.
Digital items may be sent to Jennifer Piegols, University archivist, via email.
Are you or someone you know a member of the SU community who is helping in the battle against COVID-19? Send a message to Tim Brennan, assistant director of public relations, via email with details so we can share their story.