Cal U’s Student Affairs and Student Association Inc. staff collaborated from remote locations, many working from home, to create a video offering “signs of strength” for students who have transitioned to online learning this spring semester due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“If you have seen the ‘signs of strength’ various outlets have posted on social media, we would like to create one for student affairs to share with our students,” said Becky McMillen, executive director for University Conference Services, in an email message sent to more than 50 division staffers.

“We thought this might be a way to connect and encourage students in this transition,” McMillen said.

The University transitioned to remote operations in March 2020 with most staff members working from home in an effort to curtail the potential spread of the novel coronavirus.

How was it possible to gather the needed visuals from more than 50 staff members when nearly all are required to work from home during the campus shutdown?

Simple.

Each staff member was assigned the task of appearing in a ‘selfie’ photo, preferably wearing Cal U apparel, with a sign displaying a specific message of encouragement to Cal U students. The photos were then gathered via email attachments and edited together into a video sequence. The final edited video was uploaded and shared on various social media outlets affiliated with Cal U and Student Affairs.

“It is fabulous and it is a true reflection of our Student Affairs family,” said Nancy Pinardi, vice president for Student Affairs and Dean of Students. “I am proud to be a part of it.”

In addition to McMillen’s effort to coordinate the project within the division, others credited in the production include: Lindsay Mongell, scriptwriter, Gary Smith, video editor. Gloria Minutello created Photoshop photos of the Vulcans mascot Blaze, Rendie Settles collected the photos,  and Pam DelVerne served as overall media team project coordinator and organized the effort to share the video via social media outlets such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

“It was a division effort and we really appreciate everyone’s effort,” said McMillen.

Social media postings of the video included the tagline: “Student Affairs staff offers signs of strength for our students. Stay Well. Stay Strong. Stay Connected. #CalUTogether.”

Here’s a breakdown of the script and the staff members in order of appearance:

1. During these – Diane Hasbrouck
2. uncertain – Justin Schiefelbein
3. times, – Donna Hoak
4. it might feel – Gloria Minutello
5. Scary and – Micah Reed
6. Lonely- Lisa Hartley
7. We want you – Jeff Helsel
8. to know – Leigh Ann Lincoln
9. that even though – Blaze, Vulcans Mascot
10. we might – John Massalla
11. be apart, – Dawn Bellotti
12. we are in this together.– Becky McMillen
13. The Student Affairs division – Jared Shiner
14. at Cal U – Rachel Michaels
15. wants you – Cheryl Golembiewski
16. to know – Donna George
17. that we miss you – Missy Dunn
18. and we look forward – Tom Hasbrouck
19. to having – Blaze Vulcan Mascot
20. you back – Sheleta Camarda-Webb
21. to campus – Paul Fazio
22. Before long. – Diane Tomi
23. Until we – Keith Skirpan
24. Are together – Becky Barnhart
25. Again – Nancy Skobel
26. We are here – Terry Carnathan
27. To support you – Doris Wadsworth
28. And make – Nicole Arthur
29. this transition – Rendie Settles
30. As easy – Joy Helsel
31. As possible – Kim Cupplo
32. for you.- Cheryl Lotti
33. We are still – Cody Dietz
34. Available – Deb Custer
35. To assist you, so – Dawn Moeller
36. Please send – Christa Grillo
37. us an email at – Jamison Roth
38. [email protected] – Tammy Clark
39. And we will – Quiana Golphin
40. be happy – Lindsay Mongell
41. to help! – Gary Smith
42. And until – Cathie Czernecki
43. We are – Vulcan statue
44. Together – Jayna Bonfini
45. Again, – Tina Pierce
46. We wish you – Tony Steve
47. Happiness – Pam DelVerne
48. And courage – Debbie Anderson
49. And we will – Jim Pflugh
50. Be together – Brenda Depaoli
51. Again – Tim Susick
52. Before we – Larry Sebek
53. Know it! – Nancy Pinardi