In one of the most uncertain periods in the history of Teachers College and the world, essential staff kept us going. Their work — spanning numerous areas throughout the College, ranging from Public Safety to Facilities, Residential Services and many others — remains critical and appreciated daily, but the sacrifices and services that these individuals provided during the pandemic took center stage on Oct. 21 and 22 as the community expressed gratitude during Essential Staff Days.

“From the bottom of my heart, and on the behalf of all of us, thank you. Thank you so much for being here, for putting your own health and well-being on the line, and for looking after all of us. We value you for all that you do, and we’re also so happy to be back here with you now,” said President Thomas Bailey, on Thursday, October 21 during a celebration for essential staff. “Because of you, TC has not only persevered as a community, but we have emerged from the pandemic stronger than ever.”

Essential staff were honored during two special luncheons, featuring remarks from leaders in the community and tokens of appreciation. Community members throughout TC were encouraged to express additional gratitude for essential staff throughout the celebratory days.

In thanking essential staff, Stephanie J. Rowley, Provost, Dean and Vice President for Academic Affairs, described how their efforts have impacted life for Rowley, her family and the TC community at large.

“They know me, my husband, my son, my dog, and so when I say ‘essential,’ I really mean essential to my everyday life and living,” Rowley said, acknowledging that the community’s thanks could never fully reflect their gratitude for the College’s essential staff. “Your are seen and felt [by our community].”

Additional speakers from the luncheons included Kelly Moody, Vice President of Institutional Advancement; Lisa Seales, Vice President for Administration and Co-Chair of the COVID-19 Working Group; Hank Perkowski, Vice President for Finance and Operations and Co-Chair of COVID-19 Working Group; and Janice Robinson, Vice President for Diversity and Community Affairs.

“Think about this: think about your being here in the hallways, you keeping the place going — the ups and downs of that while you had the challenges of your own families and losses and worries, and you still came through. Because we really are a community,” Robinson said. “There is a really deep sense of what you sacrificed in order to allow us to be able to open again in person, so deep appreciations.”