Unsung Heroes of the Pandemic
This article was first published in BU Today on March 16, 2021. By BU Today staff. Photos by Jackie Ricciardi and Cydney Scott.
EXCERPT
A year ago this week, Boston University made the unprecedented announcement that it was shutting down dorms and sending students home as the COVID-19 pandemic surged in Boston.
As the one-year anniversary of that historic move approached, we invited members of the BU community to tell us their unsung heroes of the pandemic—a teacher, student, staff person, or alum who made a difference in their life, and the life of the University.
We heard from dozens of you, giving shout-outs across the University, from BU’s Facilities staff to some of the many COVID collection site specialists to the Residence Life staff. Together, these folks have helped all of us weather this extraordinarily challenging year.
To BU’s Unsung Heroes, all we can add is, thank you.
Yo-EL Cassell, Assistant Professor of Movement
Nominated by an anonymous student
Professor Cassell went above and beyond during the pandemic, ensuring safety and a quality experience in person—teaching the value, with disciplined yet collaborative safety parameters in place, of “moving through a challenge” rather than around it. With this value, we learned how to take control of our own actions, our health, and our well-being while at the same time embracing the idea that when a challenge gets in the way, let it show it the way. On top of that, Professor Cassell went through the challenge with us, attending every in-person class and navigating through LfA challenges with generosity, humor, and perseverance. I, as well as my fellow classmates, were extremely grateful. He is a hero to us.
Adam Kassim (CFA’05,’21), College of Fine Arts Production Manager
Nominated by Olivia Dumaine, administrative coordinator, CFA School of Theatre
Adam has, simply put, kept the School of Theatre afloat during this chaotic year. In a time when our students are unable to rehearse, perform, or otherwise study their craft in their small dorm rooms, Adam has single-handedly made CFA spaces accessible to students, organizing space for them on a case-by-case basis. This is on top of programming a full season of productions, including the major pivot of making said productions LfA accessible. He goes above and beyond his job description on a daily basis, all while keeping the SOT team upbeat and focused. This is on top of teaching during the week, and assisting with recruitment efforts on the weekends. It is a true dream to work with him, and he doesn’t get enough credit for making the work we do possible.
Dozens of other integral members of the CFA and wider BU community were also recognized, including CFA student Chloe Carson (CFA’22). To the faculty, staff, students, and everyone who kept our spirits up and the arts alive, you are our unsung heroes of this past year!