DePaul's Heroes: On-Campus Staff 'In Their Own Words'

S. Jake O'Donnell, Mailing Services Supervisor
It's a bit challenging to be a staff member on campus right now, especially without the students here because they're the lifeblood of the university.

We're coping day by day. I'm just happy to still be able to come into the office. I'm grateful that I can still be helpful to DePaul and be here on campus.

Tommy Nelson, Print and Mailing Services Van Driver
Without the students, faculty and staff on campus, we're just trying to do as much we can to maintain some sense of normalcy. Some of our procedures have changed to accommodate some of the students and departments that are still on campus.

It's pretty surreal how empty everything is, but it's nice to have a good team like we do. I'm really proud of how our department has been able to adapt to this situation. Everyone has been so supportive and understanding of each other. It's made me feel so much better in the midst of all of this.

Jonathan Torrez, Production Assistant
When things first started rolling out, we didn't know exactly what to do. We were all learning on the fly, but I think we've found our groove.

We've been working together and keeping our heads up. We are taking care of each other and grateful that we have our small team.

We're looking out for each other and that's the thing that's getting us through this. While we are all socially distant, I've become closer to those around me, like people at work, my girlfriend and my family.  

I've been extremely proud of the state of Illinois and the community efforts I've seen people doing to help small businesses and health care workers by making masks, including some of my friends and girlfriend.

I think the community is as strong as it's ever been and that's what I'm taking comfort in through this whole ordeal.  

Sue Arenz, Manager of Print and Mailing Services
It's overwhelming to say the least. I'm hopeful things are going to turn around. I'm concerned about enrollment and the students coming back to campus.

My priority is my team and making sure that they are safe, functioning and getting the proper breaks we need so we can do our best for the university.

Everybody has had to adapt. As a hands-on department we had to figure out schedules and how we can manage this safely in such a short turnaround.  

Kevin “KJ" Zajac, Mailroom Clerk
In order to cope I have been doing my best to stay healthy, both physically and mentally.  I've picked up new hobbies outside of work.  I've also begun to try to attend more virtual meetings and trainings between other departments here at DePaul in order to stay connected.  In general, I do my best to keep a positive attitude about what seems like such a negative situation.

My job has changed significantly.  We have new procedures and policies.  We had a major shift in workload and how we manage the work.  It's especially tough with fewer hands-on deck, but I would say that my coworkers and I have adapted very well. 

There is an eerie feeling of loneliness on campus, it's a lot like a ghost town.  It can be quite depressing no longer having the daily interaction I used to have with DePaul's awesome student body.   

When school opens up again, I hope we are as prepared as possible.  I don't think things will truly ever be the same as they once were for that would prove we learned nothing from the costly lessons COVID-19 has taught us.