E-News - March 30, 2020
COVID-19 Updates
As the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) officially became a pandemic, Coe College took unprecedented action to protect students, faculty and staff.
Initially Coe extended spring break by one week to allow faculty and staff to monitor the progress of the virus and prepare to move to online teaching modalities, if necessary, with the intent of returning to on-campus teaching on March 30.
As the outbreak of COVID-19 continued to evolve, on March 16 the college instructed all nonessential staff to begin working from home to implement recommended social-distancing practices. The college remains operational and open for business even though most offices are operating remotely.
In light of the trajectory of the virus and government guidelines limiting gatherings to 10 people, on March 18 Coe made the difficult decision to move classes online for the remainder of the term and postpone all graduation activities. Plans were made to ensure all students would be able to complete their courses and seniors would be able to complete their degrees. On March 24 Coe announced that graduation events honoring the Class of 2020 will be held October 17-18 at Homecoming.
The current situation is not what we envisioned for our students or campus community but the steps taken were necessary to protect the health and safety of the Coe community. For those wishing to help our students during this challenging time, click here for details on how to provide support.
Throughout this time of uncertainty, Kohawks are encouraged to visit www.coe.edu/covid-19 for updates and additional information.
#KohawkDay postponed
Coe has made the difficult but necessary decision to postpone #KohawkDay, Coe’s annual day of giving.
In light of the many challenges the coronavirus pandemic has placed on our community, country and the world, Coe believes it is best to not distract people from their highest personal and professional priorities at this time. #KohawkDay has always been a day to celebrate what it means to be proud alumni, students, friends, faculty and staff of Coe College. It is our hope to reschedule this celebratory day to early June, pending updates on the COVID-19 crisis. We will provide an update once a new date has been chosen to celebrate #KohawkDay.
Because we still have the ability to connect with the Coe community through social media, April 2 will now be a day of gratitude devoted to sharing our appreciation for Kohawks on the front line and everyday heroes who are risking so much to keep us safe. We believe this will show our resilience and foster connection in our community, and we hope all Kohawks will follow along on our Coe College Alumni social media pages on April 2.
We are incredibly grateful to everyone who supports our students. Click here to see how you can help during this time.
Home is where the Kohawk is…
No matter where our students are, Coe faculty and staff are always here to support and encourage them.
Alumni profile: Delaney Cummings ’15
Five years after graduating from Coe, Delaney Cummings ’15 is living in Washington, D.C. She holds a master’s degree in museum studies and is working as a database management technician at Johns Hopkins University.
How did your Coe experience prepare you for life after college?
My experience at Coe prepared me for life after college by giving me confidence both inside and outside of the classroom. Also, I had the chance to have three internships at government agencies during my time at Coe. This helped me decide which field I wanted to go into.
What has your path been like since graduating from Coe?
I worked for about two years at the National Czech and Slovak Museum and Library before beginning graduate school at George Washington University. Now I work full time for Johns Hopkins in their main campus library. I give so much credit to my Coe professors for believing in me. I wouldn’t be doing half of what I’m doing now if it weren’t for them.
Were there any Coe faculty or staff members who were especially influential or helpful for you in
your time at Coe?
There were so many! But in particular, Christy Wolfe and Brie Swenson Arnold. They are two of my biggest role models and are such incredible professors and people. I know I can turn to either one of them for anything!
What is your favorite Coe tradition or memory?
I have so many favorite Coe memories, but probably my top one was my May Term to Vietnam in 2014. It was an incredible trip, and I’m still close friends with many of the Kohawks I traveled with.
How do you stay connected to Coe?
I try to attend Homecoming as much as possible. During any visit to the state of Iowa I try to come at least walk around campus. I stay in close touch with some of my favorite professors. They continue to support me and help me out even though I graduated five years ago. I enjoy hosting #KohawkDay happy hours in D.C.
Tell us about your life after Coe by sharing your story with us.
Spring Courier
Click the cover below to read all the news and stories in the latest issue of the Courier.
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Legends of Coe: Bob and Joan Kocher
In December 2019, late art professor emeritus Bob Kocher and his wife, Joan, shared stories and memories from their many decades at Coe. Watch the video to see the beloved couple’s impact on the art department and the entire Coe community.
Save the date for Homecoming 2020
Mark your calendars and make plans to attend Homecoming from October 15-18, 2020. In addition to traditional festivities such as Brat 'n' Beverage and the All-Alumni Celebration, we will recognize the Class of 2020 with special events. All alumni, friends and community members are invited to join them as they ring the Victory Bell and experience a Commencement celebration.