May 19, 2020
The global COVID-19 pandemic transformed what would have been just another spring quarter to the historic Spring Quarantine Quarter of 2020. With great effort and speed, the university's in-person operation was modified to a community of remote learners, teachers and workers, with almost every university function, duty and responsibility adapted to be performed virtually in order to mind social distancing guidelines.
But not every staff member can join a Zoom meeting, jump on a conference call or sit in front of a laptop to do their job. While most are working, teaching or learning from home, the university's on-campus workers, our DePaul heroes, continue to head into the office to manage current campus operations and prepare for when we can return to Lincoln Park and the Loop.
From a safe distance, Newsline caught up with some of our on-campus staff members on April 21, before the Illinois mask order went into effect, to see how the COVID-19 crisis has changed life on the university grounds and to learn “in their own words" what it's been like for them during this unprecedented time in DePaul's history.
"This unique time at DePaul has made me realize that some things are out of my control, and I’ve made the conscious decision to not let that worry me," Jerry Lucas, Public Safety officer.
Read more 
(Photo made April 21, 2020, by Jeff Carrion, University Photographer, Marketing and Communications)
This unique time at DePaul has made me realize that some things are out of my control, and I've made the conscious decision to not let that worry me.
Outside of the extra safety precautions we must take during this time, it's business as usual for the crew and myself.
It's a blessing to be able to come to campus during this time. So many individuals are being left without a means to support their families because of the pandemic. It is also quite ominous, because you know the reason and seriousness behind the lack of students and staff.
I'd would be lying if I told you I don't have my moments of uncertainty during my day with thoughts of summer camp for the kids, household budgets and not knowing how long this will go on.
I really hope people can continue to be cautious so we don't experience a spike.