April 22, 2021 message from President Kolison
April 22, 2021
Dear Fredonia community:
It is Thursday and time for another weekly update.
COVID-19 Cases
As of today, we have seven active COVID-19 cases. This is down from 15 active cases last week. Our highest spike this semester was 54 and that was on April 1. For the entire spring semester to date, we have had a total of 102 COVID-19 cases at Fredonia. While that total number is concerning, it is about half the number of cases we had in the fall semester. So, we are doing much better this semester. Thank you.
With only three more weeks to go before we conclude this academic year, the finish line is in sight. Please continue to be safe and remain vigilant.
Vaccination Update
The COVID-19 vaccine is now available to everyone 18+. We have several second dose clinics scheduled on campus in the coming weeks. However, as of right now, no new first dose vaccine clinic is scheduled on campus. Fortunately, several local pharmacies, including WalMart, Tops, and Rite Aid, are offering vaccinations. I encourage you to consider getting the vaccine now or when you return to your home communities after the semester concludes.
TikTok Concern
Several students have reached out concerned about information circulating on social media that claims a group of men declared April 24 a “national day” to carry out sexual assaults. National media outlets have looked into this, and it remains unclear where the trend originated or why. Many suggest the trend is a disturbing prank. Let’s be very clear: sexual assault is a serious matter that no one should make light of, nor should it be used to traumatize people on social media, even if the trend is intended to be a prank or hoax.
Even if it is a hoax, we encourage you all to stay safe and stay aware. I’d like to take this opportunity to remind you about the RAVE Guardian app, a free app that gives you a direct connection to University Police wherever you are on campus. It’s like having an emergency blue light system and a trusted friend with you at all times. Be assured that everything is being done to keep this campus a safe place.
Earth Day
As you may know, my undergraduate degree is in Forestry, my Master’s is in Forest Economics and Marketing, and my Doctorate in Forest Economics. Hence, Earth Day is very special to me. So, it was exciting to mark Earth Day for this year by joining our grounds and landscaping crew in Facilities Services as they began the work of planting over 20 new trees on campus to replace dead or diseased trees that have been removed. On Monday, April 20, we planted a Sweetgum tree (Liquidambar styraciflua L.) in Symphony Circle. It is a beautiful tree and will produce strikingly star-shaped (maplelike) red leaves in the fall. Prepare to be impressed when it develops a good-sized canopy.
Students, how about some quick trivia regarding Sweetgum? Would you like to give it a try? For a chance to win a gift at Starbucks, tell me three important medicinal properties that have been discovered about Sweetgum. The first five, correct, respondents will receive a gift.
FREDHero
We received a nomination for a FREDHero this week for someone who has been vital in our surveillance testing program and in assisting students who have to isolate or quarantine on campus. The nomination reads:
“I would like to submit Kelly Vincent as our next FREDHero. Kelly is our COVID-19 Response and Support Coordinator. She has been coordinating the isolation and quarantine of our students in Hendrix Hall and Park Place since early in this pandemic. Kelly is on call 24/7 to meet the needs of our students when positive tests or precautionary quarantines are needed. She has a very difficult job, but completes her tasks with compassion and professionalism.”
I couldn’t agree more that Kelly embodies the FREDStrong spirit that has helped us remain open and successful this academic year. Please join me in extending thanks to Kelly for all she has done to care for our students.
There is still time to nominate someone to be recognized as a FREDHero for going above and beyond in helping us fulfill our mission in this COVID-19 climate. Please email me your nomination.
As always, thank you for your interest in these updates. Have a good — and safe — weekend!
Very truly yours,
Dr. K.
Stephen H. Kolison, Jr., Ph.D.
President and Professor