FEATURED: STEVE MENCARINI

Relationships help sustain us during this time, and creating these virtual communities is so important.

Steve Mencarini

Photo by Jenna Schad

Sustaining Community: Keeping Guilford Safe and Sound

By Joseph Patterson '20

The sentiment is truer now than ever: Guilford is not only a place, but a people. As the planet reels from the current pandemic, our community is tasked with finding new ways to be together. Much of this responsibility falls on Dean of Students Steve Mencarini, who has been working nonstop to keep Guilford safe and sound.

“The average day is a whole bunch of problem-solving,” says Steve. “The work varies tremendously and the to-do list is forever long, but we’re always making sure that we’re doing the best we can to address student needs.”

Before campus closed, Steve served in the Guilford College COVID-19 task force, which worked to keep our community safe. “Steve’s leadership on the COVID-19 task force was exemplary,” said Director of Alumni & Parent Engagement Betsy Seaton, who worked alongside him. “No one could have predicted the impact that the Coronavirus would have on our day-today life, and Steve somehow navigated these waters flawlessly and with a deep compassion for all involved.”

Steve says he eagerly awaits the students’ return. “The campus has such a different feel, like the heartbeat of it isn’t really here.” He jokes about the possibility of tumbleweed rolling across the Quad.

“I miss the days that I could walk into the dining hall and randomly check in with somebody,” he said. “Now it has to be much more intentional.”

Since the closing of campus, Steve has worked to interact with students in other ways: he’s hosted several Q&A webinars and routinely sends out video updates to the student body. “Relationships help sustain us during this time, and creating these virtual communities is so important.”

Steve’s efforts have been felt across the student populace, and Guilford Student Body Association President Lizzy Kapuscinski ‘20 is especially appreciative. “Steve’s been an amazing resource for students,” she says. “He responds quickly to any question or concern a student has, and he’s remained calm throughout this entire chaos.”

Although seemingly scattered, the Guilford community remains vibrant because of the work of people like Steve. “Stressful times cause us to do things differently,” he says. “And that’s where our community values are shown.”