The outbreak of an infectious coronavirus disease called COVID-19 has touched countless lives around the world. In Philadelphia, members of the La Salle University community offered support in a number of ways, from volunteering to donating (and, in some cases, manufacturing) personal protective equipment.

Here are several examples of students, faculty, staff, and alumni from La Salle who have stepped up—and stepped into action—to support those most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic:

Grace Hickey, ’23, a second-year marketing major, utilized her sewing ability to create hand-made face masks. The Downingtown, Pa., native used materials donated from Joann Fabrics to make the masks, which took 15 minutes each to sew. Then, she delivered them back to the retailer, which is leading a national donation drive to surrounding hospitals and areas of need. “I wanted to do something to help my community and health care professionals who are working so hard for us during these tough times,” said Hickey, who plays for La Salle’s women’s golf team.

Destiny Marquez, ’16, who graduated with a biology degree, recently completed her fourth year as a medical student at Temple University’s Katz School of Medicine. She accepted items donated by La Salle’s Departments of Biology and Chemistry/Biochemistry on behalf of Temple University Hospital and St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children. The personal protective equipment supplied by David Zuzga, Ph.D., and William Price, Ph.D., included gloves, goggles, rubber aprons, and protective gowns. “With the large and absolutely generous donation that La Salle University is providing to us,” Marquez said, “we are able to give our health care workers protection as they fight for us each and
every day.”

Trans “R.J.” Lualhati, ’16, produced several-hundred face shields using four 3D printers and filament he borrowed from La Salle’s Department of Integrated Science, Business and Technology (ISBT). Lualhati, who earned an ISBT degree, is a materials engineer for Johnson & Johnson. He manufactured the face shields for health care workers at three Philadelphia-area hospitals and a senior living facility. “With this collegial partnership with La Salle, it goes beyond the bond that I have formed with the ISBT staff,” Lualhati said. “It goes without saying that my education and foundation led me to acting in times of need with no notice.” 

Jeannine Uribe, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., ’97, an assistant professor of nursing, delivered personal protective equipment to Einstein Medical Center in East Norriton, Montgomery County, Pa. The supply from La Salle’s School of Nursing and Health Sciences included gloves, masks, and hand sanitizer.

Amanda Guthorn, D.A., assistant vice president of public safety, delivered personal protective equipment to the emergency department of Einstein Medical Center Philadelphia.