While Southern had shifted to online classes and telecommuting for most staff due to the coronavirus pandemic, the heart and soul of the university remained intact.

In spite of the challenges many faced with the transition to a virtual environment, members of the university community remained true to our social justice mission by stepping up to help those in need. Whether it was collecting personal protective equipment (PPE) from our labs and clinics for those on the front lines, donating food to local soup kitchens, creating reusable PPE for healthcare workers, caring for COVID-19 patients in emergency rooms, converting Moore Field House into a field hospital, or raising funds so that our most vulnerable Owls had the resources they needed to complete their degrees—Southern’s students, faculty, staff, and alumni continued to reach out in service and generosity. We were #SouthernStrong.

SouthernStrong Awards

To recognize and celebrate members of the Southern community stepped up during the pandemic crisis, The President’s Recognition Committee introduced the SouthernStrong Awards.

Our Heroes

These brave professionals were among the hundreds of Southern alumni serving on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic, providing essential healthcare and social services to neighbors and loved ones in communities throughout our state and region.

Photos

#southernstrong

Community members were encouraged to share their study and work spaces with words of encouragement.

University News

Southern students, faculty, staff, and alumni lived true to our mission during the pandemic, showing that we are a university of care, both in word and in deed, as they managed the many challenges presented by the coronavirus pandemic.

Field House Becomes Field Hospital

Efforts Garner Support One Mile – and Neighbor – at a Time

Alumni Lens: Life in Spain During the Pandemic