When Bryant switched to online classes in March in response to the COVID-19 virus pandemic, the significant challenges presented by this sudden transition extended far beyond academics. To meet these challenges, the entire community has mobilized in flexible and creative ways to ensure that Bryant continues to deliver a top-tier educational experience. Residential services continue for a small number of international and domestic students who are unable to return home, and a dedicated team continues to provide support services for all students.
Though the physical campus is quiet, the online campus is vibrant with spring activity that includes the recent Bryant student government elections, virtual meetings of student clubs, student support from the Amica Center for Career Education, and more.
“Wherever you are, there's never been a more important time to help bring the Bryant community together.”
As we continue to invent ways to remain connected, we’re launching a new initiative to focus the energy and engagement of the entire Bryant community, with the same spirit that has shaped the Bryant experience for generations of students and alumni. The #WeAreBryant campaign brings together alumni, students, families, faculty and staff to remind us that, despite the distance between us, we remain one community, committed to supporting Bryant students.
A call for videos, updates, memories, photos
Launched in early April, #WeAreBryant encourages members of the Bryant community and alumni network to share video messages, updates, memories, and photos that celebrate Bryant and its students. On a new webpage and through social media, you can use the hashtag #WeAreBryant to offer a message of encouragement to Bryant students who are working diligently to finish the semester, retain beloved Bryant traditions, and make the best of academic challenges that were unimaginable just a few months ago. Alumni can also reach out to the accepted Class of 2024 and welcome them to Bryant.
“As our campus community responds quickly to find new ways to advance our mission and provide our students with the education they deserve, our extraordinary Bryant alumni community has an important role to play,” wrote David C. Wegrzyn '86, P'23, Vice President for University Advancement in a recent message to all Bryant alumni. “Wherever you are, there's never been a more important time to help bring the Bryant community together."
New COVID-19 Fund
To address the unexpected budget impact of this emergency, #WeAreBryant includes the opportunity to contribute to the newly created Bryant COVID-19 Fund which will supplement financial aid at a critical time when so many current and admitted students have been adversely affected by the sudden economic downturn and the unprecedented impact of the pandemic. “As we pivot our technology and student services to provide a top Bryant education online, gifts to the Bryant COVID-19 Fund will help ensure that Bryant remains within reach of the many students who are facing life-altering circumstances beyond their control,” said Nora Marzocchi, Director of the Bryant Fund.
Marzocchi leads the team that will host the #WeAreBryant Virtual Global 5K Run/Walk Fundraiser, an online event in late April that will coincide with the celebration of national Pay It Forward Day. Using an app to track their progress online, everyone in the Bryant community can run or walk during their free time, and through exercise, we’ll all keep Bryant running strong! Registration donations will support the Bryant COVID-19 Fund, with special discount codes available for students. Virtual awards will be given to the top performers in several fun categories, and medals will be mailed to those who complete the challenge. More information will be available at bryant.edu/wearebryant.
The Bryant spirit has always embodied much more than the campus and facilities where we all gather, teach, learn, compete, and celebrate. Our institutional values of determination, grit, adaptability, and resilience have never been more evident, as we face this new challenge together. However you choose to get involved, we’re counting on the members of our extraordinary community and alumni network to join us, and remind us all that #WeAreBryant.
