Silver Linings, Part IV

We asked a broad array of Pittsburghers—the pandemic has certainly brought hardships, but what “silver linings” have accompanied it that have affected your life in a positive way?

At least three important positives are evident in this time of challenge. First, professional silos are coming down, and we are making great strides in organizational collaboration. Second, our capabilities to deliver high quality education online have increased significantly. And third, our students are even more appreciative of our personalized education model in which faculty serve as caring mentors. They are thrilled to be back on campus. —Paul J. McNulty, Grove City College

Creating Foods to Go Menus represents our silver lining. Hand-delivering orders to clients allows for a brief visit; a reminder that although food connects us, it’s engaging with our customers which unites us. —Bob Sendall, All in Good Taste

Not being able to spend as much time with friends and family has affirmed how much I cherish my time with them and reminds me why I work to foster those relationships. —Sally Niedhard, St. Edmund’s Academy

At Covestro, our silver lining is the determination and resolve of our employees. We are one team, facing new challenges with an innovative spirit and energy, which will guide us long into the future. —Haakan Jonsson, Covestro 

Despite many unexpected challenges, it is inspiring to see our students’ commitment to education. What has been most powerful, though, is their willingness to overcome these challenges to have a meaningful experience in our college community. —Father Paul Taylor, St. Vincent College

Our Network’s good outcomes in balancing safety and engagement is a testament to our long-standing culture of caring, safety and transparency coupled with the personal responsibility each employee is taking at work and at home. —Paul M. Winkler, Presbyterian SeniorCare Network

Clark Hill successfully adapted to full-time remote work and has used the time that was spent commuting towards further productivity. Additionally, the pandemic caused me to spend and cherish more time with my family. —Jeffrey Conn, Clark Hill

I am hopeful that people have a deeper appreciation for the vital role of teachers and schools in our society and that the pandemic-driven innovation will transform our education systems to better serve all children long-term. —Avi Baran Munro, Community Day School

The difficulties we faced from the pandemic brought out an outpouring of loyalty and support from our friends and clients from the last four decades. This translated into us being able to be there both financially and emotionally for our Native artists, one of the hardest hit populations in the country. —John Krena, Four Winds Gallery

We’ve found that the pandemic has actually allowed us to connect deeper with our clients. A genuine relationship can be underestimated in financial services and going through difficult times together (and we’re all in this together!) strengthens that connection. Our team is tremendously grateful for that.  —Jonathan H. Jordan, Confluence Financial Partners

Our COVID-19 silver lining afforded Propel opportunities to actively show care for scholars and their families. We took a measured approach and assured that scholars felt safe and cared for during a time filled with uncertainty and fear. Connections became communication pipelines and lifelines. —Dr. Tina Chekan, Propel Schools   

Working alone remotely has made me much more aware of our community members in isolation, and I work more purposefully now to find better ways that we can stay connected with one another. —Rhonda Madden, The Westmoreland Museum of American Art

My silver lining of the pandemic was the opportunity to spend more time as a family. Without our typical hectic weekly schedule, we had movie marathons, baking and Lego competitions and lots of game nights. —Lisa Kahle, Pressley Ridge School

Rivers of Steel has welcomed many first-time visitors to the Carrie Blast Furnaces this year. The Carrie Carpool Cinema and the LightPlay exhibition offered innovative new ways to connect with our region’s industrial and cultural heritage in a socially distanced way. —August Carlino, Rivers of Steel

The silver lining for me is witnessing the care and support of individuals, families and businesses for one another. We ARE getting through this together! —Roxann Booser, The Maridon Museum