» Positive Outcomes Despite—or, perhaps, in spite of—internet problems, it seems that the students still seemed to react and adapt positively to their transitioned classes, which may reflect more the tenacity and dedication of the Mount Aloysius community more than anything. Students provide anonymous feedback for each class they take at Mount Aloysius via IDEA forms. These forms ask specific questions about their experiences in the classroom. Many of the IDEA forms received after the 2020/21 school year ended reflected an overall positive response to the transition to online teaching.
“Since this was an online class, it can be difficult sometimes if you have a question on what is happening or going on,” read one IDEA form. “But the faculty did an outstanding job making sure I stayed on track and understood everything!” In fall 2020, with the implementation of these new tools and strategies and a highly detailed COVID response plan, Mount Aloysius professors were ready to move back into the classroom. Students made it clear to faculty, staff, and administration that they wanted to return to an in-person model, so two coronavirus task forces were formed with the goal of returning safely in mind.
Desks were moved six feet apart. Some classes moved into the larger spaces on campus to accommodate larger numbers of students. Bottles of hand sanitizer and sanitizing spray popped up in common areas. In the fall, classes moved outside as weather permitted, and every student received a Mount Aloysius face mask. “We heard from students loud and clear that they wanted to attend in-person for fall of 2020,” said John McKeegan, the current president of Mount Aloysius who began his term during the College’s closure. “It was no small feat, but the College community pulled together to make that happen.”
(1) Mountie nursing students assist with a local vaccination clinic; (2) Dr. Emily Houseknecht teaches class outside; (3) Students attend class outdoors; (4) students attend a pumpkin painting event on campus; (5) Mountie nursing students work in the simulation lab.
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Mounties Assist Flood Victims in Kentucky Cresson, Pa. – Mount Aloysius College students started their summer vacation with a six-day service trip to assist victims of flooding in Kentucky. In total, 15 students travelled with Brianna Baker, MAC Director of Mission & Ministry, and Amy Kanich, Director of Campus Ministry, on May 19 to Riverside Christian School in Lost Creek, KY. Their projects included post-flood repairs, cleaning, assistance with church services, and serving meals to the community. “One of the Mercy values is service, and it was really important to us to get back to doing these service trips as soon as possible,” said Baker. “The theme of this trip was ‘Be a Light on the Hill.’ These students truly exemplified that theme this week, and we are very proud of them.” Leah Frerichs, who graduated from Mount Aloysius in May 2021, says the service trips offered by the College have changed her life for the better by pulling her out of her comfort zone. “I went to Honduras with the College on a service trip a few years ago, and it helped me get my passion for helping people back,” Frerichs said. “I want to make serving others a part of my career.”
Caption: Mount Aloysius College students stand in front of the Riverside Christian School in Lost Creek, KY, where they spent six days doing service projects to assist victims of flooding. (Front, L-R) Alicia Hall, Ligonier; Christian Jamillo, Johnstown; Pete Smerecky, McKeesport; Sam Lauer, Nanty Glo; Noah Ports, Cassandra; Andromathe Mesidor, Camano Island, WA; Brianna Baker, Director of Mission & Ministry; (Back, L-R) Amy Kanich, Director of Campus Ministry; Clayton Nelen, Patton; Becca Labar, Johnstown; John Brayn Ayala, Waynesboro; Leah Frerichs, Hockessin; Enoch Quarcoo, Eastbourne, England; Noah Kanich, Nanty Glo; Emily Schrock, Mill Run; Azim Hutson, Ocoee, FL; Dakota Couturiaux, Patton.
