WMCN News Briefs 6/26
Calvin, Kuyper, plan for reopening in fallCalvin University and Kuyper College are among the local Christian Reformed Church in North America-affiliated institutions that plan to welcome students back to campus this fall. Both educational institutions suspended allowing in-person classes and their campuses when the COVID-19 pandemic began sweeping across North America in March.
Calvin University has partnered with the health-care testing company Helix Diagnostics giving Calvin access to 5,000 tests, thus ensuring faculty, staff, and students will be tested and screened for COVID-19. This ensures anyone who tests positive will receive proper care before integrating with others on campus.
"At Calvin University, our goal is to demonstrate that we are willing to adapt to the conditions, act quickly, and do what it takes for a safe and healthy return to learning on our campus," said Michael Le Roy, president of Calvin University. "We recognize that reliable and timely access to testing for infection is an essential component of our overall strategy."
Patricia Harris, president of Kuyper College, says the school also plans to open for in-person instruction this fall. Kuyper is partnering with the Kent County Health Department, which is providing local guidance to the college. According to Ken Capisciolto, Kuyper's vice-president for advancement and enrollment, the college's leadership team has engaged in numerous conversations with leaders of other institutions, ranging from higher education groups in Washington D.C. to meetings among sister institutions in West Michigan.
"Since completing our academic year in April, we have been focused on developing suitable plans for this fall that promote student safety and success," said Harris. "While details are still in process, as our faculty and staff work diligently to implement these plans. We will continue to provide updated information in the coming weeks to our returning and new students and their families."
According to Harris, the return to campus will be accomplished according to public health measures and guidelines established by governmental authorities and medical experts.
"While we are committed to being back on campus, our number one priority is the safety of our students and staff."
MTM accepting again non-employee access, donations
Mel Trotter Ministries (MTM) announced individual non-employees — meaning volunteer, intern, vendor or visitor — are again permitted entry to its building with a capacity limit of 15. Criteria for access includes:
• Interns (only) are to provide COVID-19 tests results
• Interns and volunteers must attend COVID-19 training
• All non-employees (interns, volunteers, vendors, visitors) must adhere to all COVID-19 prevention measures whenever accessing the facility, including screening and temperature checking, and mask-wearing
Also lifted was the suspension on receiving donations. Donations needed include:
• Women's underwear (sizes 6-10)
• Bras (every size)
• Scrubs (all sizes)
• Lotion, shampoo, conditioner (with good moisturizer), deodorant
• Tank tops and light t-shirts for women (sizes L-2X)
These items can also be found on MTM's Amazon Wishlist. In-person donations can be made at its downtown location, 225 Commerce Ave. SW. Please wear a mask if you plan to enter the building.
Two 'firsts' for Wedgwood Christian Services
Wedgwood Christian Services has named its first chief program officer and its first chief officer of mission integration and spiritual formation. Chief program officer, Dawn Harvey, will oversee the leadership, strategic planning and development of Wedgwood's community and residential programs. Chief officer of mission integration and spiritual formation, Pastor LeRae Kuperus, will oversee the leadership, strategic planning, and development of the agency's chaplaincy, Diversity, transforming services, and care for the caregiver teams. Kuperus is ordained by the Christian Reformed Church in North America with a full chaplaincy endorsement, and has a certification in Crisis Intervention Stress Management.
