Since March, the Delta community has been working together while being apart. 

In mid-March, Delta College suspended labs and closed buildings due to an emergency order by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to decrease the spread of the unprecedented coronavirus. The college transitioned classes to online delivery that began March 18 and will continue through the spring semester, which began
on May 11. 

In less than a week, faculty swiftly and efficiently transitioned their classes to be delivered online, students quickly adapted to learning from home, and staff members began working remotely. 

While the world was put on pause, one thing remained the same: the ability to come together during a crisis. Stories of support, kindness and how people have adapted have been seen across the state, country and globe – and at Delta. 

Here are just a few of those stories. 

Getting computers to students

The unexpected transition to online learning left some Delta College students without access to a computer. But thanks to a new partnership, those students were equipped to complete their classes. 

In March, Delta College Foundation purchased 65 restored computers from Resourceful Recycling, an environmentally conscious company based in Chesaning that is owned by alumnus Wesley Peterman. 

Peterman, who graduated in 2013, said he’s thrilled to be able to give back to his alma mater. 

“I’m glad that these computers will help students with their classes and keep them connected,” he said. “Seeing how Delta is helping their students makes me proud to be a graduate.” 

Peterman established Resourceful Recycling in an entrepreneurship class at Delta. It started as a computer recycling company, but after he graduated with an associate’s degree in business management, he expanded to different avenues, including pallet recycling. 

Nursing students enter workforce early to help fight outbreak

About 70 students in Delta College’s nursing program were able to enter the workforce early to join the fight against the coronavirus outbreak thanks to regulatory changes in the required clinical time needed to graduate. 

The temporary changes were announced March 30 in an emergency order signed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and were supported by the Michigan Board of Nursing. 

The state allowed 100 percent of online education to count for completion of studies, which was previously not allowed. All students, including nursing majors, transitioned to online learning March 18 after Delta suspended labs and closed buildings. 

Dr. Jean Goodnow, president of Delta College, said it was a productive decision for the students and the community. 

“Our nursing graduates joined the workforce at a time of great need in our region, and I am incredibly grateful for the dedicated, caring and exceptional faculty members at Delta who went above and beyond to ensure that their students were well prepared and confident,” she said.

Supporting area hospitals

Several disciplines came together to provide much-needed medical supplies and equipment to area hospitals and medical centers. 

The list of supplies includes 1,440 surgical masks, 24,000 gloves and 525 gowns, as well as oxygen concentrators, flowmeters and safety goggles. Five ventilators that are used in Delta’s respiratory care program are on loan to hospitals. 

“We wanted to do our part to help the many health professionals and hospitals in our community that are preparing for resource shortages,” said Ginny Przygocki, dean of Career Education and Learning Partnerships. 

The donation supported Transforming Health Regionally in a Vibrant Economy (THRIVE), an initiative that focuses on delivering improved health and sustained economic growth to the Great Lakes Bay Region. Delta College is a partner organization.