Coronavirus Thank-you Notes from the BU Community

Image of flowering magnolia tress along Bay State Rd April 7, 2020. Photo by Cydney Scott

Photo by Cydney Scott

Gratitude

The BU Community’s Thank-you Notes

We asked and you responded—with heartfelt shout-outs to professors, colleagues, students, and friends who’ve helped make the dark days of this pandemic just a little bit brighter

April 22, 2020
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The COVID-19 pandemic has brought out the best in many people—people who have shown compassion and empathy and offered a helping hand to others during this extraordinary time. We asked students, faculty, and staff to email us their thank-you notes to those who have helped, supported, or encouraged them.

Aerial shot of Grace Araujo of BU Facilities as she cleans StuVi-1 in March 2020. She wears a blue shirt, gloves, and the maroon pattern of the carpet is seen.

Aguinaldo,

Thank you for coming in during the pandemic to ensure that our building is in tip-top shape!

—Sinéad

Sinéad O’Brien, operations manager, BU’s Lab Animal Care Facility, to Aguinaldo Cabral, HVAC and refrigeration mechanic, Campus Planning & Operations

Photo by Jackie Ricciardi

Taylor, Rosemarie, Anthony, Nathaniel, and Harold,

Thank you for your dedication to research at BU. I appreciate each one of you coming in during the pandemic to care for critical studies. Keep up the amazing work!

—Sinéad

Sinéad O’Brien, operations manager, BU’s Lab Animal Care Facility, to Taylor Welch, Rosemarie O’Gara, Anthony Umeh, Nathaniel Burns-Sarno, and Harold Neilson, BU Animal Science Center staff

Photo of two cyclists crossing the BU bridge in the late afternoon sun; Bay State Rd April 7, 2020.

Nadia,

Your leadership, care, and good heart have shown through during this difficult and trying time. Thank you for being a beacon of positivity and purpose in a time where many are uncertain. It is said that it is in the most difficult times that the truth of a person’s soul is seen.

I see you. And, you are marvelous.

Thank you, and be well,
Gerry Muir

Geraldine Muir, School of Law associate dean for student affairs, to Nadia Lee (LAW’20), president of the LAW Student Government Association

Photo by Cydney Scott

Image of a studtent studying at the Mugar Library during the campus quarantine on March 2020. There is a green couch in the foreground, and colorful bookshelves on either side of the student.

To the Entire EL-OTD Faculty,

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for working so hard to help us continue our education as best as possible given these circumstances. My cohort notices how much time and effort you’ve put into adapting to all of these changes, managing changes in your own personal lives, and still continuing to be exceptional academic and personal/emotional supports. I feel grateful every day that I chose this program, and it’s 100% because of you all. 😊

—Laura

Laura Stursberg (Sargent’21) to the Sargent College of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences entry-level occupational therapy clinical doctorate faculty

Photo by Jackie Ricciardi

Kristen,

Thank you for years of friendship! I’m so happy and proud of your upcoming graduation and can’t wait to send your diploma order! I wish we could celebrate, but I know we’ll make up for it. Thank you for keeping me company during these times and I cherish all the laughter.

—Dorothy

Dorothy Soares-Timas, Office of the University Registrar assistant registrar, graduation and credentials, to Kristen Veiga (Wheelock’20)

Image of windows of CAS being cleaned by two workers on ropes. Blue sky is seen in the background.

Thank you, Susan

Our entire department would never have been able to transition to online learning without the kindness, the calm, the support, and the efficient tutoring and resources that our technical guru, Susan Rice, has given to all of us, as almost 20 faculty members were forced to learn multiple computer programs in less than a week. She continues to be the glue that holds this whole effort together, working to support our staff, our students, and our faculty.

—Kim

Kim Sichel, CAS associate professor of history of art and architecture, to Susan Rice, history of art and architecture department media specialist

Photo by Cydney Scott

Photo of a worker from Piece by Piece Moving Company emptying out a room at Riverway House on the Fenway Campus in late March. The students who left behind belongings were able to use an app to clarify which belongings they wanted stored, saved, or thrown out.

Thank you, Kate

As an international student, I was extremely stressed when we received President Brown’s letter announcing the closure of the University’s dorms. I had a headache just thinking about packing up my belongings, finding storage options, and trying to book a flight home. I am immensely grateful to Kate and her family for reaching out to me and letting me know that they were there to help me if needed. With most of my friends having already gone back home and my family being on a different continent, I spent my last few days in Boston feeling extremely tired and anxious. But knowing that there was someone willing to lend a helping hand gave me room to breathe.

—Sung Yeon

Sung Yeon Kim (ENG’20) to Katherine Banacos (CAS’20)

Photo by Cydney Scott

Thank you, Patricia

Thank you for always supporting me. Thank you for your time and investment in me.

God willing, I will make you proud soon.

God bless you and your family.

From Bilqis

Bilqis Williams (SPH’21) to Patricia Fabian, School of Public Health associate professor of environmental health

Image of doorway leading into the the Campus Center & Student Residence on BU’s Fenway Campus. The center is empty.

Hello, Mary, Moe, Ilana, Bonita, and Ryann,

Thank you so much for the incredible support you have provided me in these times. I am super grateful to be a part of this team and could not have asked for better bosses.

 —Bilqis

Bilqis Williams (SPH’21) to the SPH Graduate Student Life team

Photo by Jackie Ricciardi

Image of facilities grounds crews moving forward with Spring campus cleanup and planting despite the lack of people due to COVID-19. Marsh Chapel is seen in the background.

Thank you, Bill and Tom

I wanted to take the time to thank two very hardworking, dedicated employees of Boston University. William Walter, assistant VP, Facilities Management, along with Tom Daley, associate VP, Facilities Management, have been working diligently around the clock to ensure they are keeping our campuses safe and maintained. Their priority, along with their essential staff, is to maintain and keep open University properties and facilities during this pandemic. They are also doing a fantastic job in prioritizing the safety of their staff/team.

Keep up the great management and TEAM work!

—Carlos

Carlos A. Vazquez, Facilities Management & Operations (FMO) director of custodial operations, to Bill Walter, FMO assistant vice president, and Tom Daley, FMO associate vice president

Photo by Cydney Scott

Image of Marisa McIntyre, RN, left, and Maureen Shanahan-Frappier, RN, waiting for patients outside Boston Medical Center March 20, 2020 in a blue tent with a sign that says "Emergency Department Triage Area."

Thank you, Ron

Ron and his team are coordinating the process of moving PPE and other needed supply donations from across BU’s campus to BU and BMC’s various areas of need. This is not an easy task even in normal circumstances and is even more difficult now that human contact is limited. Ron and his team’s work embodies One BU. Thank you, Ron, your entire team, and everyone else involved in this heroic effort.

—Anonymous

Thank you note to Ron Morales, Research Safety director, and Research Safety staff

Photo by Janice Cecchio

Thank you, Barrier Staff

On behalf of Ana and Jessica: We would like to thank the Barrier Animal Science Center Team for the amazing work they continue to do. Their courage to come in daily to perform the necessary tasks to ensure research does not halt inspires us. Seeing their dedication and good spirits through this hard time motivates us to work harder and continue to fight through this crisis as a team!

Keep up the great work.

—Ana and Jess

Jessica Reyes, operations manager, and Ana Lemus, animal care supervisor, BU Animal Science Center (BUASC), to the BUASC barrier staff

Image of two digital sign boards outside of Warren Towers as a person in a blue jacket and glasses walks briskly by. The left sign reads “Thank you healthcare workers. Your courage amazes. Your compassion humbles.” The right sign says “Thank your first responders. You are second to none.”

Thank you, Janice and Jackie

To my wonderful sister-in-law and niece, who decided on nursing as a career. I wish them safety, health, and strength to get through this. You are loved and a simple thank-you is not enough to express how proud we are of you.

The same message of thanks and love goes out to all the rest of the nurses and medical professionals in our extended family and friends.

To Cassie, Carol, Ashley and Jim, Laura, Sarah, Amanda, Beth and Jack, Paula, Jaime and Lisa, you all rock! Our love to you and prayers for your safety for the duration of this crisis and beyond!

—Larry

Larry Ouellette, IS&T senior operations analyst, to his sister-in-law, Janice Ouellette, and niece, Jackie Ouellette

Photo by Cydney Scott

Empty hallway with stairs from inside CAS March 18, 2020.

Thank you, Sophie

Thank you for being such a caring, kind, and understanding professor during these times. You have gone above and beyond for us and we appreciate you so much!

—Monica

Monica C. (CAS’20) to Sophie Godley, SPH clinical assistant professor of community health sciences

Photo by Cydney Scott

Thank you, Daniel

Thank you for your compassion and understanding during this time, for making yourself available to students, and for striving to teach a class that is particularly challenging in the online format with enthusiasm and humor. 😊

—Kate

Kate Garrison (SPH’21) to Daniel Merrigan (Wheelock’83, SPH’85), SPH associate professor of community health sciences

Shot of Nickerson Field with a lone runner in purple jacket running on the track in March of 2020. "Boston University" is seen written on a wall on one side of the track.

Cara,

Thank you for everything you have done to support all of us during this time. Your genuine care, concern, and understanding have meant more than you will ever know. You have gone above and beyond to make this transition as smooth as possible for us, and your efforts have not gone unnoticed. Thank you for being a support and sense of stability in a below average situation. You have such a big heart and it has shown during this time more than ever. Thank you for all you do!!

—Jenna

Jenna Zajac (Sargent’24) to Cara Lewis, Sargent associate professor of physical therapy and athletic training and Rehabilitation Sciences program director

Photo by Cydney Scott

Students on West Campus push a yellow cart and wheel a suitcase on March 20,200 during the forced move out brought on by the threat of COVID-19.

Thank you, Farmer Family

I know I wrote a perfunctory letter before but it was above and beyond to take me in again (especially after my spring break flu and inability to partake in even normal activities like watching Keeping Up with the Kardashians or walking). I would like to take this time to thank you all again and send my and my family’s utmost love and gratitude to you all! I am having Macy withdrawal, weirdly.

—Maneesha

Maneesha Kaur Khalae (CAS’21) to the Farmers, parents of BU classmate Emily Farmer (CAS’21, Wheelock’21)

Photo by Cydney Scott

Thank you, Tracy

While recovering from the coronavirus herself, my mom has continued to remain dedicated to her role as the director of the Women’s Health Unit at BMC. She has volunteered to be on call remotely from home to support the hospital during the pandemic. She has remained a role model to help people who need it even more than herself. THANK YOU, MOM! Thank you to BMC! This hospital needs our support!

—Sammy

Samantha Simonetti (Sargent’23) to Tracy Battaglia (CAS’92, MED’96, SPH’01), BU School of Medicine associate professor of medicine and director of the Boston Medical Center Women’s Health Unit

Two bikers, one with children on the back and front of their bike, ride along Bay State Road on April 7, 2020. The street is empty otherwise.

Dear Julia,

Thanks for being an awesome teammate and wonderful friend during this time. We are getting through it together, and I feel so blessed to have you in my life. I hope our work on this project for Kupenda doesn’t end when this class does, and maybe one day we will find ourselves traveling to Kenya to train their Kuhenza staff!! I can’t wait until we can hang out again, and ride bikes, and do barre. We always have so much fun! Soon we will, oh, and you have to share that amazing cookie recipe with me!! Maybe I can try to make it, and share some with you. 😊

Lots of love from your friend,
Caroline

Caroline F. (SPH’20) to classmate Julia N. (SPH’21)

Photo by Cydney Scott

Senior Lecturer in Chemistry Binyomin Abrams gives a remote lecture using a laptop and his smart-podium at Boston University.

Thank you, Professor Sreedhar

Thank you for perfectly re-creating our class environment online. I genuinely feel like I’m learning, making this uncomfortable time feel a little more familiar.

—Aalia

Aalia Buachale (CAS’22) to Susanne Sreedhar, College of Arts & Sciences associate professor of philosophy

Photo by Cydney Scott

Dear Marla,

Thank you for all the support you continue to offer your graduate students. You are constantly a source of comfort and reassurance, no matter the circumstances, so it only makes sense that you still continue to be that for us. From the start of all this pandemic confusion, you put aside your personal life and stepped up for us, advocating for us, and meeting us where we are at. You offered us supervision, words of comfort, and flexibility in assignments. I have no doubt you have also done this for your clients as well. Marla, you are a modern-day hero and someone I continue to look up to and aspire to become. Thank YOU for everything you do for us measly old Sport Psych grad students. 😊

—Ariana

Ariana DiPreta (Wheelock’21) to Marla Zucker, Wheelock College of Education & Human Development lecturer in counseling, psychology, and applied human development

Image of Will Powell, assistant production manager at The Paradise Lounge on Commonwealth Ave, balancing on a bright orange ladder as he updates the club’s marquee to honor Tom Brady with “Thanks for the memories, Tom GOAT” and remind passers by to “Be Kind. Stay Healthy” on March 17, 2020.

Elizabeth,

It is safe to say that our definition of crisis may be different now than it was before this pandemic but through all of the ups and downs at work and outside of it, you’ve offered a listening ear and support that has meant the world to me. You are one of the most genuine individuals I’ve had the pleasure of working with and I am incredibly grateful to call you a friend as well as a colleague.

I am looking forward to when we are back in the office as cube neighbors!

—Maura

Maura C. Monahan, IS&T business systems analyst II, to Elizabeth Mauro, IS&T project manager III

Photo by Cydney Scott

Thank you, Kelly

I want to thank Kelly from deep in my heart for creating the Facebook group The Social Distance. It was specifically designed for those friends invited to share thoughts, memes, and other images of support for all of us in the group. It has been a place to share anxieties, innermost thoughts, and especially humor (the best weapon in a time like this) without fear of being flamed. Indeed, it is literally the only Facebook group where I truly feel free to just be myself. It has made a difference in coping during this difficult time. Thanks, Kelly. You’re one of God’s angels.

—Jim

Jim Macika, father of Allison Macika (CAS’14), to friend Kelly Thewlis

Photo of a lone skateboard rolling threw the ghost town that is now Bay State Rd on March 17, 2020.

Professor Sender,

Hello from Nicole and Magdalene! We wanted to say a quick hi and above all, extend our gratitude for your mentorship and encouragement during this challenging and uncertain time. We both feel incredibly lucky to have been able to take CM331 with you in the fall and to have you as a resource and mentor. CM331 was one of the best and most meaningful classes we have taken at BU. We learned so much and it was the place we were able to meet each other!

We look forward to the next time we can connect with you in person. (Maybe at Commencement?!) As for now, we’ll keep in touch virtually. We hope you and your family are continuing to stay safe and healthy.

Many thanks again!

Best,
Nicole and Magdalene
#yosender

Nicole Reichwald (CAS’20) and Magdalene Soule (COM’20) to Craig Sender, College of Communication lecturer in mass communication, advertising, and public relations

Photo by Cydney Scott


The outside of Stitch House in Dorchester; someone has decorated the front store window to say "Thank you!" in bright pink letters with drawings of the logos from the Boston Fire Department, Boston EMTs, and Boston Police Department underneath. The sidewalk is wet and it's a gloomy day.

Thank you, Susan

I’d like to thank my sister, Susan, who is a nurse and is out there helping others. She suffered through the coronavirus herself and was fortunate enough to have a mild case and was anxious to get back out to work. Here’s a huge shout-out to her and all the nurses, doctors (and other hospital staff), EMTs, firefighters, police, and government employees that are still going into the office as well as other responders who are out there for the benefit of others! May you and your loved ones be blessed with good health. We are all in this together and we shall overcome this together. Stay BOSTON STRONG!

—Nancy

Nancy Geourntas, executive assistant to the dean, CAS, to her sister, Susan Rolfe

Photo by Janice Cecchio


Thank you, Andrew

Thank you for being so kind, courteous, and understanding during this time. You’ve shown an unwavering passion for teaching, and I someday hope to be just as good of a mentor as you are. Keep up the good work.

—Anonymous

Note to Andrew Duffy, CAS master lecturer in physics


Close-up image of The Rhett statue by The Alan and Sherry Leventhal Center on March 22, 2020 the last day for students to move off campus.

Geraldy,

Thank you for not only keeping us updated on our workplace situation but also for being such a good friend and checking up on us while still trying to keep a positive spin on this situation. Yin and Yang are the cutest and everyone at BU deserves to see them. Maybe Rhett can have a friend? HAHAHA, but seriously, thank you, and I look forward to working for you again in the fall (hopefully)!

—Angelica

Angelica Nieto (CAS’23) to Geraldy Charlotin, Agganis Arena assistant operations manager

Photo by Cydney Scott


Thank you, readers

We would like to take this opportunity to thank you, our readers. We hope you and your loved ones are staying safe and healthy during this time, and we look forward to the day when all of BU’s campuses are once again humming with energy and life and the passions that you bring every day.

—BU Today staff

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Coronavirus Thank-you Notes from the BU Community

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There are 6 comments on Coronavirus Thank-you Notes from the BU Community

  2. For Greg Kantor, student tutor:

    Greg! I need to acknowledge and thank you so much for all of your help working with me these past months; I literally could not have managed without you this semester! Your knowledge of public health law and policy is impressive but more importantly, your commitment to helping me understand this material as I’ve juggled being both a full time MPH student and an RN during this pandemic speaks to your character and inherent kindness. Thank you!

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  3. Congratulations, Professor Craig Sender and all of the faculty acknowledged in this article. This is why we as guest lecturers, adjuncts, professors and every role in between do what we do! Amazing.

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  4. I would also love to thank the Educational Leadership department at Wheelock for supporting me and being there for me as I select my future graduate program.

    Lastly, I would like to thank the early childhood department for being so kind to me over the years and for writing recommendations at such last notice when I applied to Doctoral programs!

    Thank you again!!!

    Maria Valarezo

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