Spire Summer 2020

alumni

on Facebook hoping to receive responses from others who may know someone in need of a meal who had lost their job, an elderly person who wasn’t able to get out of their home, and of course our wonderful front-line workers,” said Coeburn. “The kindness spread, and customers started giving donations to feed those in need or they simply sent a thank you. Local businesses were supporting too and with the help of the donations, we were able to feed over 500 people in the area.” Coeburn reflects on the positives during this time. “The best part about living in a small town is the community support and friendships you establish along the way,” said Coeburn. “The power of prayer, kindness, and support is getting us through uncertain times, and I am so grateful.”

wash our hands in hot soapy water before we came in the house. Our work clothes went into a hamper and work shoes were kept in the garage. We quarantined from family for weeks and months. We still keep six feet social distancing and do gatherings outside.” The couple reflects on what they will remember during this time. “I will remember how everyone in healthcare worked together to make it work and stay open,” said Michael. “It is a team effort for everyone to stay safe.”

Michael and Heather Harris Walmart Pharmacy and MedExpress

Robert Duff, Sr. UPS and Duff Creations

Though not an alum, Robert Duff serves Bluefield College and the local community in many ways. While some businesses were shut down, Duff picked up many online orders to keep the local communities going. Duff has been driving for UPS for 32 years and received a 25 Years Safe Driving Award in 2019. “With the changes and adjustments we have had to make, I pause to still be thankful to the Lord in it all,” said Duff. “These times are trying for many people.” “Faith helps us to reach out to others with our resources and encouragement to help them get through this pandemic,” said Duff. “As a UPS driver, I am thankful to play a vital part in keeping our local communities moving.”

Michael and Heather Harris both had the desire to help others and make a difference in people’s lives. Michael graduated from BC in 1997 and Heather attended BC for two years from 1993 to 1994. Michael is a PharmD at Bluefield, VA Walmart Pharmacy and Heather is a physician assistant at MedExpress in Bluefield, VA. When the pandemic hit, the couple’s schedules quickly became busy as they started prepping for COVID-19 testing. “Both of our practices had many changes and we had to adapt quickly,” said Michael. “I worked a lot of overtime to take care of patients during this challenging time. We set up curbside pickup and mailed prescriptions. We implemented a touch-free system and PPE protection for all staff members.” “I became very accustomed to a full gear of PPE because I was working at an urgent care where I had to test people for COVID-19,” said Heather. “Some of the challenges were finding creative ways to be safe at work as well as educating patients about the importance of social distancing, masks, and quarantines.” When the couple started seeing positive cases in the area, they had to prepare their work environments as well as their homes. “We set up a decontamination area in our garage,” said Michael. “We both would change our work clothes and

Aside from being a driver, Duff is also an artist. For the past 20 years, Duff has created pen and ink prints of local schools and churches, including BC’s Harman Chapel, Science Center, Lansdell Hall, and the Cox Visual Art Center. Duff donates a portion of sales from these prints to the Bluefield College Fund. Visit www.duffcreations.com to view Duff’s work and gift items.

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