Patriotism. Comradery. Strength. Just some of the words that come to mind when we consider the meaning of Veterans Day. The 58 stately London plane sycamore trees that line Memorial Way to the flagpole were planted 100 years ago to honor UW students and faculty who died in World War I.
It’s been said, “If you build it, they will come.”
But what if you’re in the middle of a pandemic? How do construction projects continue safely? What if you’re constructing a building for some of the very people who are fighting that pandemic?
By now, we’ve all become pseudo-experts in understanding face coverings and personal protective equipment lingo. Masks, hand sanitizer, gloves, N95 respirators and the like have become all-too familiar yet essential subjects on a daily basis.
But what is it really like for UW’s procurement experts to secure masks and PPE and ensure that staff have the supplies they need?
Elm Hall, an L-shaped dormitory, was constructed in 2012 and designed around a majestic American elm tree on the University of Washington’s west campus. The 65-foot tree, nestled in the crook of the dorm, was the area's crowning glory.
Normally, this first week of Summer Quarter would be buzzing with activity on campus. Instead, there’s a subdued, sparser setting in which students, faculty and staff traffic has been greatly reduced and kept home to help combat transmission of COVID-19.
With so many people staying home during this pandemic, we’re seeing footage of animals reclaiming all parts of the world. Bears have been spotted seemingly playing in Yosemite National Park, penguins stroll freely through Cape Town’s quiet city streets, and here on our campus, home to so many creatures, the Mallard ducks have returned to Drumheller fountain.
