February 23, 2022
Feb. 18 Safe Return update
Dear Colleagues,
We have a short update for you today, but an important one as always!
COVID updates
The College is hosted another booster/vaccine clinic on Friday, Feb. 18 on the Duluth Campus in Somers Main Lounge from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Thank you for doing your part to get boosted and protect the health and well-being of our Saints community!
As a nationwide community, we find ourselves in a strange in-between place right now, still in the midst of a pandemic, grappling with both feelings of COVID fatigue and competing guidance about the easing of restrictions. To that end, we have had some questions about our own face mask policy and if/when it will end. For now, based on guidance from MDH and CDC, we will continue to rely on face masks as a powerful mitigation tool in preventing the spread of the virus. We also know that guidance shifts, sometimes rapidly, and will be prepared to adjust our COVID protocols accordingly. Thank you for your patience as we continue to navigate a new normal together.
Scholars Showcase 2022
Every year, MPCC hosts a Scholars Showcase, highlighting all of the Council’s amazing undergraduates and their research. This year’s event was held virtually on Tuesday, Feb. 22 with students participating from all 13 member institutions.
We are so pleased to announce two Saints represented the College from the chemistry and conservation biology disciplines, Marissa Bober and Sara Parent. Congratulations to these tremendous scholars!
Olympic coverage
The College is proud to have several Saints represented in Beijing — and Connecticut! Check out this great piece profiling our own Chad Salmela and read up about our other Saints’ contributions to the Winter Games.
Mark Turner Celebration of Life
A heartfelt thank you to the faculty, staff, and Sisters who helped in putting together the beautiful celebration of life honoring Mark Turner, one of our security officers who passed away on Dec. 27. It was truly a Benedictine moment of community, hospitality and love. Stories were shared from the heart and Mark’s spirit was certainly present. We will all miss his joyful and kind being.
For those on our Duluth campuses, I hope you are able to take part in our Community Day festivities! Stay safe out there, the winter weather is still affecting many areas of Minnesota this weekend.
Enjoy your weekend, be well and stay safe!
Sincerely,
Barbara
