COVID-19 Response Team, Student Senate Update

COVID-19 Response Team Review

By Avery Unruh

The weekend of March 12-14 marked the one-year anniversary of Tabor College’s COVID-19 shutdown. Looking back upon this year, Tabor College and its COVID-19 Response Team had difficult decisions to make as they embraced the challenges that came along with this pandemic. So how has Tabor responded to such a difficult task? “From my perspective we have adapted extremely well,” said Rusty Allen, vice president of operations. “COVID-19 has served to accelerate a number of things that we knew we needed to get better at. The use of virtual technology is the main way I have seen us embrace COVID-19 realities as an opportunity to get better.” Allen also said that the pandemic pushed Tabor to strengthen ties with both the city of Hillsboro and Marion County health officials. This has led to a deep appreciation for one another and could prove to be handy in future circumstances. “I am thankful for the many talented and committed employees who have worked tirelessly across our institution,” said Allen. By working hard, employees were able to create in-person courses that were not possible for many large university campuses. As Allen looked back upon the year while seeking hope for the future, he mentioned that many have created false idols for themselves as they focus upon the world and its unfulfilling treasures. “COVID-19 seems to have exposed where we have put the things of our world ahead of the place Jesus should hold in our lives,” said Allen. As individuals reset their lives and move into a post-COVID-19 era, Tabor also looks ahead to the future with a refocused plan with Christ at its center.

Student Senate March Update

By Alyssa Matney

Throughout the past month, Student Senate has held meetings for club funding, special requests, and cares and concerns. Student Senate had the opportunity to provide funding to the following club’s for the spring semester: Business, Marketing, The Bluejay, Science and Social Justice. A special thank you to Madison Johnson, Mallory Ediger, Maddie Ediger and Abigail Sechrist for motioning these requests.

The student leaders of each of these clubs have been encouraging in all of their hard work and efforts to serve the student body. Natalie Ford, president for Social Justice Club, is looking forward to “bringing social justice to all groups on campus and bringing awareness to those who have been marginalized.”

We also want to acknowledge The Bluejay staff for their efforts in designing the yearbook. Jessica Klein, Bluejay editor, described The Bluejay as “a compilation of all campus events that are essential to Tabor’s history.” Jessica Klein, adviser Lily Arthur and their staff have been working hard on the upcoming yearbook.

During the special requests meeting, Kevin Larson, residential educator of the Northside residence halls, requested funding for a water and ice machine and a TV in the Dakota Lounge spaces. These two additions will be a great asset to the Dakota Lounge space. Our facilities staff will be working on getting these two additions installed soon.

Our upcoming schedule consists of campus improvements, special requests, and Student Senate elections for the 2021-2022 year. All meetings are open to the student body to voice their opinions. Student Senate will send out an email to the student body the week of these meetings with information about the upcoming meeting and a form to submit a request. We are always open to hearing concerns, funding opportunities or ideas to improve the student experience on campus.