Workers at Slippery Rock University wear masks made by two members of the university's Theatre Department during the coronavirus pandemic. The department staffers are using fabric from the costume shop to create cloth face masks that essential employees can wear while working on campus.

Slippery Rock University is literally giving props to its on-campus employees during the coronavirus pandemic.

Two members of SRU’s Theatre Department are using fabric from its costume shop to create cloth face masks that essential employees can wear while working on campus.

“We were already encouraging our staff to use them, and a lot of people took that to heart and started wearing them every day,” said Scott Albert, assistant vice president for facilities, planning and environmental safety. “We’re thankful for the support of the theatre department and this is a great example of how different areas of campus help each other during times of need.”

Mary Frances Hodson, instructor of theatre and costume shop coordinator, and Rebecca Morrice, associate professor of theatre and department chair, handmade 80 cloth face masks for SRU employees to use, with more on the way.

“This was a project we were both excited about because it blends our sewing, crafting and patterning skills with a direct need on campus to help our co-workers,” Morrice said. “Because we have the skills and materials on campus to manufacture these items, we can produce them at little or no cost to the university and it provides us with a way to contribute to the greater good.”

Although nearly all SRU faculty and staff have been working remotely, there are some essential employees who must work on campus. These employees include those from SRU’s police, student health services, and facilities, planning and environmental safety departments.

“Anything we can do to reduce the potential risk to our employees’ health as they are working on campus is imperative,” Albert said.

Justin Zackal is a communications specialist with Slippery Rock University.