Wayne State College Celebrates Completion of Fall Semester

As the pandemic rages on, so does the challenge of keeping students in the classroom.  A college in northeast Nebraska has handled the delicate balance of the importance of in-person learning and keeping safety a top priority.    

"I'm thrilled," said college President Dr. Marysz Rames, " We had a lot of bets if we would make it without going remote, and we did it." 

College leadership wanted to make in-person learning a priority.  After the pandemic forced Wayne state to go remote in the spring, officials say the fall semester challenged the college to continue offering students social activities.  

"We ran our intramurals but they were masked up. we had a marching band!" explained Rames.     

The college had 266 confirmed cases during the semester, but the school found a way to provide inclusive activities and events. Multiple students, we spoke to say they felt safe on campus and appreciated the resources made available to them, like the counseling office.   

 "It helped a lot." said Kadra Simmons, a senior at Wayne State, "It was good to see they really helped with that. It helped students talk about what was stressing them out as well as how they actually feel about the semester because it was a lot."    

They say a challenging semester is in the review mirror, but now the focus is on the future, and another spring semester as cases surge nationwide.   

"This is going to be about the future. we can not lose track of that." said Rames,  "We will see where we are in January about what we can and cannot do. Then think creatively about what we can do virtually. I know it is cold but some places have outdoor skating rinks so do we get creative and find things like that to keep the students engaged."  

Wayne state president Marysz Rames says it will take a community effort for the success story to continue.   

"What are students did and how the headed the call and did their part it really brings tears to my eyes. they were amazing. We put them in hotel rooms and said stay here and they did it. They helped keep us safe. and the faculty rose to the challenge. It was tough for them for 14 weeks when students out here and there they did amazing. " said Rames. 

Wayne state college hopes to start back up again with a 16 week semester starting January 11th.