In the latest issue of MIZZOU magazine, our MAA Executive Director Todd McCubbin shares his reflections and hopes in light of Mizzou’s response to these uncertain times.
Greetings from my makeshift “Mizzou-ified” home office. Like many of you, our team is working remotely during COVID-19’s social distancing phase. The pandemic upended a traditional spring semester on campus, as we all followed developments around the world.
With safety as its top priority, the campus response was swift. In-person classes halted 10 days before spring break. That same week, our advancement leadership team decided to postpone Mizzou Giving Day. Next, faculty, staff and students made the switch to online classes over a long weekend. It was announced soon after that classes would remain online for the remainder of the semester. All university-related travel and in-person events were canceled, and faculty and staff were assigned to work from home. During this time, we also learned of the departure of former Chancellor Alexander Cartwright and the installation of UM System President Mun Choi as interim chancellor.
With a little time to reflect on Mizzou’s response to the pandemic so far, a few things stand out.
I appreciate how university leadership moved decisively with the community’s best interests in mind. No instruction manual exists for a situation like this. Notably, campus remained open, including residence halls and dining services for students who needed to stay. This was a challenge but the right thing to do.
MU Health Care, our academic health center, has stepped up in a major way to deal with the pandemic. From drive-through testing to daily care, it has been a shining star for our university, community and state. We must never take this resource for granted.
My heart goes out to individuals and families dealing with COVID-19. The pandemic’s effects on our health and economy are generational. My heart also breaks for our students, especially seniors who won’t see out their last semester at Mizzou. Commencement weekend is a magical time on our campus. I look forward to the day we can gather once again to celebrate our shared bond as Tigers.
And so, fellow Tigers, I hope this edition of MIZZOU magazine brings you comfort in these times. Our work at MU continues. From my home to yours, here’s a health to thee.
Todd McCubbin
Executive Director, Mizzou Alumni Association
To read the full Spring 2020 issue of MIZZOU Magazine, click here.