Baltimore-area collegians make presence felt despite challenges of coronavirus

Like everyone else, college and graduate students became cut off from their normal routines when the coronavirus pandemic accelerated in March.

The college experience still takes place, albeit for many through a computer screen, rather than in a physical space. Despite the disappointment of another unorthodox school year, some students continue to follow their drive for service and advocacy.

Rennae Wigton
Loyola University Maryland, Baltimore
Postgrad

Rennae Wigton, who earned a degree in theology and psychology from Loyola University Maryland last spring and is now pursuing a master’s degree in theology there, was one of 2,000 men and women under the age of 35 chosen to attend Pope Francis’ annual “Economy of Francesco” conference last March.

When the pandemic hit, it was postponed to Nov. 19-20. Rather than meeting in Assisi as planned, the conference will now use an online format to allow participants to make a vow to the pope regarding their commitment to social justice. Wigton continues to use the conference’s online learning resources to engage in global issues, such as poverty and inequality, sustainable development and new technology.

“I think being remote, it’s even more important to take this sort of promise and commitment even more seriously,” Wigton said. “It’s easy to really feel like I am in this little bubble and my actions won’t have any sort of impact on anybody else.”

A native of Butler, Pa., Wigton was encouraged to apply to the conference by Daniel Castillo, a theology professor who saw her humanitarian drive. As an undergraduate, she volunteered with the National Alliance on Mental Illness and the Helping Up Mission, a faith-based recovery program for those struggling with poverty and addiction.

Wigton holds a paid position at “Every Rep Counts,” a start-up nonprofit that, like the Helping Up Mission, promotes healthy behavior for those struggling with addiction, chronic disease and/or socioeconomic disadvantages. Even with social distancing guidelines, she develops curriculum and leads workout routines for her clients.

“Life will always be stressful and challenging, particularly in the work that I do,” she said. “There are so many other factors along with COVID-19 that can impact how (a client’s) day goes and if they’re going to stay sober or not. So really, developing those skills of compassion and empathy will be a huge benefit from this experience.”

Nolan O’Donnell
Towson University

Towson University’s decision to shut down on-campus learning at the start of the semester has only increased the diligence of Nolan O’Donnell, a health education and promotion major, in his role as vice president and Spiritual Committee chairman of the school’s Newman Center. Now living off campus with friends, he continues to help organize faith-based events for students.

Since transferring to Towson from Plymouth State University, O’Donnell has been heavily involved with the Newman Center. He works with his peers and Father Matt Beuning, the chaplain for the university, to organize hybrid events, such as Mass, adoration and retreat, one that students can safely attend in person or online.

O’Donnell and his team began phoning students to invite them to Newman Center events, another way to build community. Although he expected an unconventional fall semester, O’Donnell admits he struggles to find new ways to evangelize. He misses being able to invite people to daily Mass and share in Communion with them face-to-face.

“It’s been harder to reach those students who we don’t yet know, but it’s working,” O’Donnell said. “God is providing in different ways. That’s been something that’s been a challenge to accept.” 

A parishioner of St. Mark in Catonsville, O’Donnell’s fervor for the faith was  bolstered at Mount St. Joseph High School, where he was involved in campus ministry and led retreats. His older brother, Thomas, a fellow MSJ alum, is a seminarian for the Archdiocese of Baltimore.

Nehema Nkere
CCBC-Catonsville

The daughter of French and Congolese immigrants who are strong advocates of minority rights, Nehema Nkere lives with her family in Catonsville and worships at the National Shrine of St. Alphonsus Liguori in Baltimore.

At Mount de Sales Academy, she helped lead the Global Outreach club, and organized a school event where her father, Alfred, talked about the dignity of life and the prevalence of rape in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

After the death of George Floyd in March, she embraced the Black Lives Matter campaign, especially on social media. On her Instagram – @nehema.nkere – she posted videos expressing the confusion, anger and fear she felt for herself, her family and the Black community. That led to several exchanges with strangers who were moved by her words and wanted to engage in further conversation, among them a young white man from Georgia who had recognized his part in racism and wanted to learn more about her experience.

For her, the Black Lives Matter movement is synonymous with the pro-life stance Mount de Sales reinforced. Finding that others don’t share that position, she opened up about her frustration in one of her videos.

“It’s really hard to be pro-life and to be with people who say they stand for the dignity of life of all people, but I don’t see you guys at the marches,” Nkere said. “And I go to (the) March for Life. I walk with y’all. But I’m walking alone at my own march.”

Nkere began her college studies at Christendom College in Virginia, and currently studies psychology at the Community College of Baltimore County’s Catonsville campus.

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