Clayton State Alumni Work the Frontlines of COVID-19

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ore than a year since COVID-19 spread across the nation, first responders, healthcare professionals, essential workers and teachers have worked diligently to limit the impact of the coronavirus on our daily lives.

Many of those individuals were once students that walked the campus of Clayton State University. From nursing graduates to business alumni, the Laker family has taken a lead in fighting the battle against the virus.

“Being thrown into the lion’s den was terrifying. I was stressed, fearful, and full of a lot of self-doubt,” said Latisha Issac ‘16 who traveled to California at the onset of the virus to assist with the outbreak there. “But I feel honored to have been able, available, and equipped to be put in unfamiliar territory during the start of a pandemic and be of help to my fellow healthcare workers. With God on my side, I finished strong, and, most importantly, I am safe.”

“My location implemented new processes to improve the flow of associates in and out of the facility, support social distancing, and maintain a safe and sanitary work environment for all associates.”
– Christopher Narcisse, area manager for Wal-Mart eCommerce Fulfillment

And while states gradually went under lockdown last spring to limit the spread of COVID-19, work and learning still had to go on remotely. Public school teachers discovered new ways to provide instruction and communicate with their students.

“We’re role models, cheerleaders, counselors, and many more,” said Aliyah Allen ‘18. “When I found out that we weren’t going to be back with the students physically and was required to teach digitally, I began to think more of the students and their well-being.”

For essential workers in the retail and distribution arena, the coronavirus proved to be busier than ever. With people already buying more items online than ever prior to the pandemic, fulfillment centers across the country were already at maximum capacity.

Christopher Narcisse ‘12, ‘16, area manager for Wal-Mart eCommerce Fulfillment, noted his company saw demand increase by over 300% after the pandemic started.

With the new rise in demand, Narcisse explained he had to prepare for a huge influx of employees.

“My location implemented new processes to improve the flow of associates in and out of the facility, support social distancing, and maintain a safe and sanitary work environment for all associates,” he said.

Still other alumni have been giving back to their community during the coronavirus pandemic. As Mask Up Sumter Chair, Reda Rowell ‘93, ‘98, ‘09 and the Rotary Club of Americus partnered with several other organizations in southwest Georgia last spring to secure and deliver much-needed resources to front line heroes in the fight against COVID-19.

Through these efforts, 79 gallons and 230 (8 ounce) bottles of hand sanitizer, 220 face shields, and 25 N95 masks were distributed to various first responders, nursing homes, and other areas directly affected by the pandemic.

To discover more stories about the contributions of Clayton State University alumni, read here.