Social distancing and quarantining can lead to feelings of isolation or loneliness. But there are plenty of ways to get involved and stay connected. Always remember, we are never alone!

On a personal note, I am doing well – Due to COVID-19 in the surrounding area, I am working remotely for my position in Human Resources at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.  I am in the midst of the 5th week of working remotely, and while I miss my coworkers, I am very grateful for the safety and opportunity to be able to work remotely during this time.  I am keeping busy and doing my best to stay safe, due to several underlying health conditions putting me at a higher risk during this time.

Please feel free to post comments on this post, to share stories of how you are doing.  We would love to get a conversation going and we would love to hear from you!

Here are some ideas of ways to connect with your fellow Illinois Wesleyan community.

• Performances from IWU alumni, students and faculty
  Contact us at iwualum@iwu.edu if you have a virtual performance to share. Follow the School of Theatre Arts Facebook page for posts about performances by students and alumni.
• Virtual Titan Connections
  We miss connecting with Titans in person, but we would love to see photos or videos from your virtual connections. Show your Titan pride and tag IWU Alumni Association (@IWU_AlumniAssoc) on Twitter and (@illinoiswesleyanalumni) on Facebook. You can also post in your Regional Alumni Chapter’s Facebook group, reunion group, or affinity group. Follow Illinois Wesleyan University Alumni Association social media for the latest updates and announcements – Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn.
• Back to College Classes
  Check out videos of previous classes featuring alumni.
• Titan Trivia
  Use the breakout rooms in Zoom for a virtual Titan Trivia contest. Visit the IWU archives for question ideas.
• Take part in Titan Talks: Webinar Series
  We are excited to launch this series featuring alumni, faculty and staff.
• Titan Challenges
  Challenge your fellow Titans to a virtual 5K or fitness challenge. Be sure to wear your favorite Titan gear and share a photo or you can send it to iwualum@iwu.edu.
• Start a Titan Group
  Have you been wanting to start a book club? Let us know at iwualum@iwu.edu and we can help connect you to other interested alumni.
• Zoom Photo Backgrounds
  Upload one of these Bloomington-Normal photo backgrounds to your Zoom call – check out the photo of Joslin Atrium!

Looking for something to do from the comfort of your home? Here are some opportunities to share your experience and expertise:

• Be a part of Illinois Wesleyan history & share your thoughts
  Illinois Wesleyan University’s Archives & Special Collections is creating a digital record of IWU community members’ (students, staff, faculty and alumni) experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn more and participate here.
• Career Connection & Workshops
  The Hart Career Center will host virtual career programs/workshops for students on how to navigate the job and internship search. If you have expertise that you can share with students, please connect with a Hart Career Center staff member for a phone or video appointment through a Handshake account here. You can also post job and internship opportunities on the site. View FAQs here. Follow the Career Center on Instagram and Facebook @iwucareercenter.
• Volunteer as a Titan Alumni Ambassador
  Assist the IWU Admissions team in student recruitment efforts. Our alumni are the best and most qualified to meet with prospective students to share your IWU experience. Sign up here: Titan Alumni Ambassadors.

For more ideas, or to sign up for volunteering opportunities, visit here.All the best,

Debbie Skinner ’13