COVID-19 Fund
Dear Webb Family,
I hope that you and your families are in good health.
On March 30th, President Michel provided detailed insights into the extensive efforts made by Webb to ensure the safety of students and staff. This ongoing effort is of utmost importance. As our nation and local community adapt to the most recent developments, so does Webb!
President Michel also took this opportunity to introduce the COVID-19 Fund, a special fundraising drive to assist with operations costs. Over $10,000 was received by Webb in the first week alone, some of which came from donors making their first-ever gift to Webb! We are grateful to each and every donor that has recognized this special time of need.
As is the case with so many of the nation’s colleges and universities, Webb will issue pro-rated refunds for the Spring 2020 semester room and board costs. Although a number of parents have generously indicated their intentions to give back some or all of this anticipated refund, Webb projects a significant loss of revenue. The decrease in revenue, coupled with new expenses related to Webb’s migration to distance learning including the acquisition of information technology equipment, has placed additional strain on Webb’s financial resources. The COVID-19 Fund provides much needed resources to help offset the unexpected financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
As you contemplate your investment in Webb, please consider supplementing your Annual Fund support of Webb with a special gift to the COVID-19 fund. Please remember that Webb’s Giving year ends on June 30.
If you have questions about giving to Webb, please email me at ude.bbew@ciza or call me at 516-641-6372.
Stay safe and well during these challenging times.
Anthony Zic,
Director of Development
Stuck@Webb
by Isa Hill ’20
When the news hit that Webb was closing for the semester and that students would have to take classes remotely, it was a shock for everyone. We, at Webb, are not accustomed to change. For some, home was not an option due to an at-risk relative, hands-on thesis, or other reasons. Thankfully, our Webb family was here to help. Eighteen students stuck around on campus, and we are experiencing a whole new Webb.
First, nearly all of the staff has left campus. Those of us who are still here had to take on a lot of the responsibilities of the staff that can no longer come in to support the campus. Chef Rob still cooks for us during the week, but we now help with dishes and cook our own meals on the weekends. Some of the staff who have stayed on campus, including Josie, Marissa, President Michel, and Rhonda have taken on new chores as well.
Another new aspect of life on campus is that a small group of us now have run of the whole place, including the new building. We can spread-out all-over campus to study, we can use the whole school’s pub and student kitchen (SK) stock, and we can use every couch and television on campus. Some have taken this to a greater extreme than others (see photo above).
Though so much has changed, and the campus is quite a bit emptier, some things never change at Webb. For one thing, our beautiful campus is jumping into spring with no care for coronavirus. The old and new cherry trees all over campus have bloomed, and the spring weather has begun.
Another thing that never changes is that we find ways to get away from our work. With the run of campus, and no way to leave, we even get outside quite a bit (a shock for Webb students, I know). We have found every possible way to entertain ourselves on campus. One student fixed up a motorbike that has spent years in the student garage so that we could race it on the dirt field that is the soccer field. Some students have taken on campus improvement, clearing out old storage spaces and fixing broken things around campus.
Even as we sit in the dining hall with a seat between each person, gather in groups no larger than five, and take classes on our computers in separate rooms, life still goes on at Webb. We miss the rest of our Webb family, and we wish we could have our usual spring party line-up, but we’ve found a new way to live at Webb. We have learned to adapt to the new Webb: to clean up after ourselves, to share everything from snacks to school supplies, to stay in touch with the outside world only through our computers (okay so not much has changed there), and to support each other through this crazy time. Though the semester doesn’t look quite like it normally does, the Webb family continues both on and off-campus. All our love to our family, friends, and classmates at home!
A Note from the Underclassmen at Webb:
by Shannon Liu ’21
For the underclassmen, we aren’t exactly near most of our classmates. Although, we have made it work out. The juniors have an online classroom setting through Discord, and weekly JackBox game nights through Zoom and sometimes Discord depending on the internet connection. Most of our assignments these days are group or partner assignments, but we have been making it work. Distance just makes the heart grown fonder, and I think the reunion in the fall will be a very energetic one.
Message to the Webb Family
On March 2nd, students returned from their winter work internships bristling with energy and enthusiasm, as they took their first classes in the spectacular new Couch Academic Center. Two weeks later, students were asked to return home and we began online instruction. As I write this letter, New York is emerging as the epicenter of the coronavirus pandemic with NYC and Long Island accounting for over 5% of worldwide cases. Yes, these are truly challenging and uncertain times. Those of us at Webb are most appreciative of the emails of support we have received from so many of you, asking how we are doing and seeking ways to assist us. This letter describes some of the actions we have taken over the last month as we continue to fulfill our mission of providing Webb students with the best possible education while safeguarding the health and safety of the Webb community.
Our dormitories remain open for students who need to be here. While we encouraged students to go home and take classes remotely, we permitted students to stay on campus if the student and his/her parents felt that was the safer option. Examples include students unable to go home, those with family members who are first responders (e.g. doctors and nurses), and those with family members in higher-risk categories (e.g. with compromised immune systems or underlying illnesses). A total of seventeen students are now living on campus, housed in Motley Hall in single rooms.
All courses were moved online as of March 16th, with Dean Werner and all faculty members providing instruction from home. We quickly purchased necessary information technology equipment, both hardware and software, and the Dean provided training for those faculty members without experience in distance learning. Although we have faced a few challenges due to slower internet/WiFi transmission rates at some homes, the early feedback is that remote learning is working well. Professors are working closely with students that had thesis projects utilizing campus-based test facilities, finding alternatives that accomplish the educational goal while allowing for completion by the end of the semester
By March 16th, those Webb staff members that can effectively work at home were asked to do so. On March 22nd, when New York Governor Cuomo issued a directive requiring 100% of non-essential personnel to work from home, we made a few additional reductions in onsite staff. Today, we are operating with eight staff working on campus, six of whom are living on campus. These staff members are responsible for keeping the campus functioning including student oversight, accounting, infrastructure maintenance, and providing meals to students.
This lean staff places a considerable burden on those remaining on campus. For example, “Chef Rob” is the only culinary staff member left on campus. He is doing yeoman’s work, ordering all provisions and cooking breakfast, lunch, and dinner on all weekdays. Students and staff are washing dishes to alleviate some of his workload. On weekends, Chef Rob provides the food and the students cook and clean up themselves. I am writing this letter on Sunday afternoon, having just enjoyed a student prepared brunch consisting of banana crepes, sausage quiche, yogurt and fruit, and a cinnamon bun. Absolutely delicious! These students are amazing.
We have implemented best practices in social distancing and other risk mitigation measures. The extraordinary cooperation and “can do” attitude demonstrated by our students, faculty, and staff is heartwarming. It has been my pleasure to work side-by-side with all of them.
The coronavirus outbreak has led to many disruptions in how we do business at Webb. In each case, we have developed alternative processes that, although perhaps not ideal, meet our objectives. For example, restrictions on travel meant that many of our prospective freshmen were unable to come to campus to spend the night in Stevenson Taylor Hall, attend classes in the Couch Academic Center, and be interviewed by the president and a faculty member. Admissions director Lauren Carballo has substituted a process involving online interviews and webinars with students. Our communications staff has developed an admission’s video introducing prospective students to Webb life. We are confident that we will recruit a full complement of twenty-eight highly qualified students for the Class of 2024.
I very much enjoyed the thirteen regional alumni events held around the country and in Europe during the months of January and February. Thank you all for your hospitality! The New York, Norfolk, Green Bay, and Denver events planned for March and April have been postponed until the fall.
Unfortunately, we are unable to host Homecoming on the Webb campus this year. The Webb Alumni Association is planning a virtual meeting for Saturday, May 16th. Please join us! For those classes celebrating reunions this year, we hope you will take the opportunity to get together online, as it is a good time to stay in touch with classmates and friends. Noting that Webbie’s have a proclivity to procrastinate, please consider celebrating your reunion in-person a year late at next year’s Homecoming. We look forward to seeing you!
For the students who went home, we will rebate room and board on a pro-rata basis. Although our endowment investments are well diversified, they have also been impacted by the stock market decline. I have been working closely with the Board of Trustees to ensure prudent and effective financial management during these challenging times. We are all committed to the long-term financial health and sustainability of Webb.
The alumni, parents, past-parents and other friends of Webb have been providing extraordinary and unprecedented financial support to the Institute. We ask members of the Webb family who are in a position to provide further financial assistance to consider doing so at this time. We are encouraging students and their parents to donate to Webb a portion of the room & board rebate. Other members of the Webb family may wish to consider supplementing your Annual Fund gift or contributing to our COVID-19 Fund, which will help offset lost revenues and increased expenses incurred as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
As a community, I have full confidence that we will collectively rise to meet the challenges we face in these uncertain times. I am continuously in awe of the commitment, determination, and resiliency demonstrated by the entire Webb family.
May you and your families be healthy and safe!
R. Keith Michel
President, Webb Institute
Alumni Spotlight – Chris Hicks ’99
Webb Education: Tools for Life
1999
Like nearly all Webb Institute alumni, earning that dual bachelor’s degree in Naval Architecture and Marine engineering made for four of the most challenging years of my life. So when graduation day was upon me, I was more than ready for the real world. But first things first, let’s party like it’s 1999…because it was!
I headed back home to the Mississippi Gulf Coast, where I hired on at Ingalls Shipbuilding. Honestly, I was expecting it to be a short-lived job; just get my feet wet, so to speak and really just catch my breath after Webb. What I hadn’t expected was for my first job to lead to such interesting opportunities and challenges that I would find myself with the same corporation for the next 20 years.
Webb provided me with the necessary tools to succeed in over a dozen different roles throughout my career, including basic naval architecture tasking, field engineering, research and development, advanced ship design, and project leadership. Beyond the engineering, I had the opportunity to lead hundreds of millions of dollars in program pursuits and lead proposal developments across commercial and government sectors. With the experience gained through my varied roles, and a constant desire to make a significant impact within the company, I was given the opportunity to move into our Corporate Development and Strategy organization, where I am today.
2019
In my current role, I support senior leadership with enterprise strategy and key acquisitions, including those that led to the stand up of a third Huntington Ingalls Industries division, creating a path for growth beyond shipbuilding. My strong technical background and strategic experience has allowed me the opportunity to coordinate our enterprise focus on Unmanned and Autonomous Systems, truly the future of the maritime industry.
Work-Life Balance
Although my career doesn’t always allow me to be home as much as I’d like, I have to say I’ve been blessed. My wife, Jennifer and I have been married for 11 years and live in Mobile, Alabama, with our two amazing daughters, Riley (9) and Kennedy (7). My love for music and water sports continues, and I am fortunate to have outlets that support this. I am honored to be a member of the South Coast Church worship team playing acoustic guitar, an experience that has strengthened much more than musical skills. And living on the Gulf Coast allows me opportunities to surf, wakeboard, windsurf, sail, and much more. Truth is, time does really fly when you’re having fun.
Retrospective
Anyone who knows Webb’s mission knows that this school is unique in what it offers, and few schools can create opportunities and open doors the way Webb can. From life-long friendships around the globe to a fulfilling career chasing my personal aspirations, I’m truly thankful for what Webb has done for me.
President’s Message Regarding the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Outbreak
For updates, visit our dedicated Coronavirus page.
Webb Institute is monitoring the situation surrounding the outbreak of coronavirus disease. As of March 8th, there are 105 confirmed cases in New York including five in Nassau County. These numbers will increase. We currently know of no Webb campus members who have been infected with the coronavirus or are specifically at risk due to potential contact with infected individuals. We are in regular contact with the NY State Department of Health and the Nassau County Department of Health, we have conferred with Webb’s local doctor and the hospital in Glen Cove to ensure that they are prepared to assist Webb.
During winter work, a few of our students made short stops in the airports of countries that are currently at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Warning Level 3 status. These students have not developed coronavirus symptoms. We have cleared their status with the NY State Department of Health.
Important information related to the coronavirus and steps being taken at Webb to mitigate any impact on the Webb community include:
Symptoms of coronavirus:
The following symptoms may appear in 2 to 14 days after exposure:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
Refer to the CDC website for further information: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html
What should you do if you display symptoms of the coronavirus disease:
We ask students who are experiencing symptoms consistent with coronavirus, including fever, cough and shortness of breath, to call Webb’s on-call phone (516.776.7278) or Lauren Carballo, Director of Admissions and Student Affairs. They will assist you in getting the appropriate medical support. If you are ill, please do not attend class. Faculty will provide support for students who are unable to attend class due to illness. We will also provide assistance in obtaining meals if needed.
What can you do to avoid exposure to the coronavirus disease:
There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease. CDC recommends the following preventative actions, which can help mitigate the spread of the coronavirus and other respiratory viruses. For further information, refer to the CDC website at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Stay home or remain in your dorm room and call the on-call phone if you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
What is Webb doing to help mitigate the potential impact of the coronavirus:
- The staff has increased cleaning and disinfecting of high-touch surfaces such as restrooms and dining areas.
- We are placing sanitizing wipes and hand sanitizing stations in the public areas around campus.
- We have set aside guest rooms to be used quarantining students if needed.
- We are canceling all offsite events through the end of March. By mid-March, we will decide if events will be canceled through April.
- All members of the Webb campus community are encouraged to avoid offsite non-essential travel.
- We ask all students, faculty, and staff to report to Lana Miller, Director of Human Resources, any intended international travel. Countries with CDC Warning Level 3 should be avoided. Any member of the Webb community that travels to countries with Warning Level 3 will be requested to stay away from campus and self-quarantine for a period of two weeks.
- We are developing contingency plans should we have an active outbreak of coronavirus in the region. This includes the possibility of sending faculty and/or students home and conducting classes online or through other means.
I will keep you updated regarding the coronavirus and steps being taken on the Webb campus. Should you have any questions related to Webb’s response to the coronavirus, please do not hesitate to contact me or Lauren Carballo, our Director of Admissions and Student Affairs (ude.bbew@ollabracl).
Sincerely,
President Keith Michel ’73