A year like no other, 2020 was marked by a rapidly evolving COVID-19 pandemic, ongoing climate, social and racial crises, and bitter political divisions.
Life on campus was altered dramatically. On March 12, the College (in the middle of spring break) announced it would move all courses online until early April. Less than one week later, early April became the remainder of the semester. Important campus traditions and celebrations—IS Monday, Senior Research Symposium, and Commencement—all went virtual. Arts events and spring sports seasons were cancelled. The Ohio Light Opera paused its 2020 season for the first time in 40 years. Wooster greeted prospective students via an entirely new series of virtual programming and newly admitted students and their families attended ARCH from the comfort of home.
Fall brought a renewed hope with many students returning to campus, staggered move-in schedules, COVID-19 testing, remote New Student Orientation, hybrid classes, outdoor classes, classes in tents, classes at kitchen tables and childhood bedrooms. Once again our sports and debate teams and music and theatre groups returned to practice, with restrictions. Student orgs gathered virtually. Another surge of the virus forced further restrictions.
The way photographs were captured changed too. To begin, there were less people and few events to capture. Masks were worn and smiles were hidden, social distancing was observed, barriers were constructed. Capturing live events became less about the size of the zoom lens and more about prepping for an event on Zoom. While the majority of photos were captured by Wooster photographer Matt Dilyard, others were sourced from students, faculty, staff, parents, and social media.
Women's Lacrosse player Hannah Shaw '23 looks the ball into possession against Transylvania College. Photo: Matt Dilyard
Women's Lacrosse player Hannah Shaw '23 looks the ball into possession against Transylvania College. Photo: Matt Dilyard
A first day of in-person classes like no other. Photo: Matt Dilyard
A first day of in-person classes like no other. Photo: Matt Dilyard
College of Wooster students walk through campus in early 2020 as the snow flies. Photo: Matt Dilyard
College of Wooster students walk through campus in early 2020 as the snow flies. Photo: Matt Dilyard
Wooster Admissions intern Asvin Gireesh (left) interviews a potential hire in fall 2020. Photo: Matt Dilyard
Wooster Admissions intern Asvin Gireesh (left) interviews a potential hire in fall 2020. Photo: Matt Dilyard
Joel Graham, Director of Bands, and the entire music department found creative ways to keep the music playing safely as part of outdoor pop-up rehearsals and concerts. Photo: Matt Dilyard
Joel Graham, Director of Bands, and the entire music department found creative ways to keep the music playing safely as part of outdoor pop-up rehearsals and concerts. Photo: Matt Dilyard
College of Wooster President Sarah Bolton represents during a downtown Wooster rally against anti-Black racism and violence. Photo: Matt Dilyard
College of Wooster President Sarah Bolton represents during a downtown Wooster rally against anti-Black racism and violence. Photo: Matt Dilyard
A student studies on the green during a picturesque fall day while wearing a mask. Photo: Matt Dilyard
A student studies on the green during a picturesque fall day while wearing a mask. Photo: Matt Dilyard
Sierra Lapasky '23 joins a #BlackLivesMatter protest in downtown Wooster. Photo: Carlos DeSantiago '21
Sierra Lapasky '23 joins a #BlackLivesMatter protest in downtown Wooster. Photo: Carlos DeSantiago '21
The College of Wooster Baseball team gathered briefly before the season was suspended. Photo: Matt Dilyard
The College of Wooster Baseball team gathered briefly before the season was suspended. Photo: Matt Dilyard
Wooster's unique conversations continue at a distance with the beautiful backdrop of the Oak Grove. Photo: Matt Dilyard
Wooster's unique conversations continue at a distance with the beautiful backdrop of the Oak Grove. Photo: Matt Dilyard
The College of Wooster Theatre and Dance Department held a production of Silent Sky in early 2020. Photo: Matt Dilyard
The College of Wooster Theatre and Dance Department held a production of Silent Sky in early 2020. Photo: Matt Dilyard
Seth Kelly, associate professor of biology and neuroscience, starts a lecture in Ruth Williams Hall of Science. Photo: Matt Dilyard
Seth Kelly, associate professor of biology and neuroscience, starts a lecture in Ruth Williams Hall of Science. Photo: Matt Dilyard
The College of Wooster's Ruth Williams Hall of Science stands in colorful glory at sunset. Photo: Matt Dilyard
The College of Wooster's Ruth Williams Hall of Science stands in colorful glory at sunset. Photo: Matt Dilyard
Robert Alvarez '20, a computer science major and mathematics minor from Fort Washington, Maryland, turned in his I.S. on machine learning predictive models from home wearing a little Tartan and some Tootsie Rolls from his mom Melvolia.
Robert Alvarez '20, a computer science major and mathematics minor from Fort Washington, Maryland, turned in his I.S. on machine learning predictive models from home wearing a little Tartan and some Tootsie Rolls from his mom Melvolia.
Assistant Professor of Education Ryan Ozar's lecture is sent to remote students from Morgan Center. Photo: Matt Dilyard
Assistant Professor of Education Ryan Ozar's lecture is sent to remote students from Morgan Center. Photo: Matt Dilyard
A campus scene reflected on the marble retaining walls of Timken Science Library. Photo: Matt Dilyard
A campus scene reflected on the marble retaining walls of Timken Science Library. Photo: Matt Dilyard
As Wooster high jumper Richie Pajak ('22) prepares to launch his attempt, teammates feign casual interest to keep the pressure to a minimum. Photo: Matt Dilyard
As Wooster high jumper Richie Pajak ('22) prepares to launch his attempt, teammates feign casual interest to keep the pressure to a minimum. Photo: Matt Dilyard
Rachel David greets students and families during move-in with a Wooster smile mask. Photo: Matt Dilyard
Rachel David greets students and families during move-in with a Wooster smile mask. Photo: Matt Dilyard
The College of Wooster Women's Basketball Team revels in a win. Photo: Matt Dilyard
The College of Wooster Women's Basketball Team revels in a win. Photo: Matt Dilyard
The College of Wooster senior Gloria Murray '20 leaves her Ebert Art I.S. workspace for the last time as COVID-19 caused the cancellation of classes. Photo: Matt Dilyard
The College of Wooster senior Gloria Murray '20 leaves her Ebert Art I.S. workspace for the last time as COVID-19 caused the cancellation of classes. Photo: Matt Dilyard
Reactions were varied at the end of a Men's Basketball game. Photo: Matt Dilyard
Reactions were varied at the end of a Men's Basketball game. Photo: Matt Dilyard
Oria Dougherty '21 finds a quiet spot to study with plenty of natural light. Photo: Matt Dilyard
Oria Dougherty '21 finds a quiet spot to study with plenty of natural light. Photo: Matt Dilyard
Students arriving for move-in this fall were greeting by a cardboard cutout of President Bolton as they approached their mandatory COVID-19 testing.
Students arriving for move-in this fall were greeting by a cardboard cutout of President Bolton as they approached their mandatory COVID-19 testing.
Molly Likins (pictured here) and teammate Madison Whitman became the first Fighting Scots women to make the NCAA Division III Swimming and Diving Championships since 2014. Photo: Anna Russell '23
Molly Likins (pictured here) and teammate Madison Whitman became the first Fighting Scots women to make the NCAA Division III Swimming and Diving Championships since 2014. Photo: Anna Russell '23
MLK Justice Dialogues drew packed crowds for critical discussions in early January 2020. Photo: Matt Dilyard
MLK Justice Dialogues drew packed crowds for critical discussions in early January 2020. Photo: Matt Dilyard
Growth: It happens at The College of Wooster, and not just in our garden. Associate Professor of Biology Jennifer Ison (left) and Miyuna Incarnato '21 (right). Photo: Matt Dilyard
Growth: It happens at The College of Wooster, and not just in our garden. Associate Professor of Biology Jennifer Ison (left) and Miyuna Incarnato '21 (right). Photo: Matt Dilyard
Even campus art fixtures got into the act to keep everyone safe. Photo: Matt Dilyard
Even campus art fixtures got into the act to keep everyone safe. Photo: Matt Dilyard
The pandemic can't stop our musicians from pursuing their passion. Photo: Matt Dilyard
The pandemic can't stop our musicians from pursuing their passion. Photo: Matt Dilyard
Maryori Sosa '20 talks before a crowd celebrating the opening of the Latinx Lounge in early 2020.
Maryori Sosa '20 talks before a crowd celebrating the opening of the Latinx Lounge in early 2020.
A College of Wooster student takes a quiet lunch. Photo: Matt Dilyard
A College of Wooster student takes a quiet lunch. Photo: Matt Dilyard
Luce Hall at sunset. Photo: Matt Dilyard
Luce Hall at sunset. Photo: Matt Dilyard
College of Wooster fans and bench players are over the moon as a defeat of Allegheny unfolds. Photo: Matt Dilyard
College of Wooster fans and bench players are over the moon as a defeat of Allegheny unfolds. Photo: Matt Dilyard
An isolated Ebert Art Center after COVID-19 emptied the College in spring 2020. Photo: Matt Dilyard
An isolated Ebert Art Center after COVID-19 emptied the College in spring 2020. Photo: Matt Dilyard
Wooster custodial staff were diligent in keeping the Scot Center spotless. Photo: Matt Dilyard
Wooster custodial staff were diligent in keeping the Scot Center spotless. Photo: Matt Dilyard
A senior gathers with friends and a Tootsie to capture the excitement of an early I.S. turn-in. Photo: Matt Dilyard
A senior gathers with friends and a Tootsie to capture the excitement of an early I.S. turn-in. Photo: Matt Dilyard
Students continue to work in Prof. Laura Sirot's lab this summer while practicing extra safety measures. Photo: Matt Dilyard
Students continue to work in Prof. Laura Sirot's lab this summer while practicing extra safety measures. Photo: Matt Dilyard
A campus squirrel peers from the safety of a tree. Photo: Matt Dilyard
A campus squirrel peers from the safety of a tree. Photo: Matt Dilyard
The Harlem Globetrotters visited the College of Wooster in early 2020, much to the chagrin of one young Wooster resident. Photo: Matt Dilyard
The Harlem Globetrotters visited the College of Wooster in early 2020, much to the chagrin of one young Wooster resident. Photo: Matt Dilyard
Kauke Hall etches morning shadows into pristine grass. Photo: Matt Dilyard
Kauke Hall etches morning shadows into pristine grass. Photo: Matt Dilyard
Comedian Jimmy Fallon showed off his amazing Tartan kitchen during "Quarantine Remix with Justin Timberlake" on The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon.
Comedian Jimmy Fallon showed off his amazing Tartan kitchen during "Quarantine Remix with Justin Timberlake" on The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon.
Akwia Tilton '20 looks for a teammate to avoid a jump ball. Photo: Matt Dilyard
Akwia Tilton '20 looks for a teammate to avoid a jump ball. Photo: Matt Dilyard
A hawk on patrol over Kauke Hall. Photo: Matt Dilyard
A hawk on patrol over Kauke Hall. Photo: Matt Dilyard
Mia Stevens '20 celebrated her graduation from Wooster with a procession led by bagpipers through a homemade “Kauke Arch” and later took a photo with her parents and a cardboard cutout of President Bolton.
Mia Stevens '20 celebrated her graduation from Wooster with a procession led by bagpipers through a homemade “Kauke Arch” and later took a photo with her parents and a cardboard cutout of President Bolton.
A Wooster Lacrosse player visualizes spring success in the dead of winter. Photo: Matt Dilyard
A Wooster Lacrosse player visualizes spring success in the dead of winter. Photo: Matt Dilyard
A squirrel flies through the College of Wooster campus. Photo: Matt Dilyard
A squirrel flies through the College of Wooster campus. Photo: Matt Dilyard
Moonrise over campus. Photo: Matt Dilyard
Moonrise over campus. Photo: Matt Dilyard
Matt Broda, assistant professor of education, appeared virtually via robot at Wooster High School. Photo: Matt Dilyard
Matt Broda, assistant professor of education, appeared virtually via robot at Wooster High School. Photo: Matt Dilyard
President Bolton held a champagne toast with more than 300 members of the Class of 2020 immediately following their virtual Commencement program.
President Bolton held a champagne toast with more than 300 members of the Class of 2020 immediately following their virtual Commencement program.
Multiple classes were held outdoors this fall, some under a tent. Photo: Matt Dilyard
Multiple classes were held outdoors this fall, some under a tent. Photo: Matt Dilyard
In mid-February, as news of the coronavirus and the serious illness it was inflicting on communities in China and neighboring nations began to spread, a Community Gathering was held at the President's house to show support, care and solidarity for the many students, staff and faculty impacted at the College. Pictured is Joy Li '20 (left) and President Sarah Bolton (right). Photo: Ari Solomon
In mid-February, as news of the coronavirus and the serious illness it was inflicting on communities in China and neighboring nations began to spread, a Community Gathering was held at the President's house to show support, care and solidarity for the many students, staff and faculty impacted at the College. Pictured is Joy Li '20 (left) and President Sarah Bolton (right). Photo: Ari Solomon
College of Wooster students walk through campus as the snow flies in early 2020. Photo: Matt Dilyard
College of Wooster students walk through campus as the snow flies in early 2020. Photo: Matt Dilyard
Cultivation: It's a theme here on campus. Associate Professor of Environmental Science Matt Mariola (right), Mazvita Chikomo '22 (left), and Shawn Ngwena '22 (center) work the garden. Photo: Matt Dilyard
Cultivation: It's a theme here on campus. Associate Professor of Environmental Science Matt Mariola (right), Mazvita Chikomo '22 (left), and Shawn Ngwena '22 (center) work the garden. Photo: Matt Dilyard
Scots in Harmony, one of Wooster's seven a capella groups, practice before their appearance at the Midwest quarterfinal of The Varsity Vocals International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella (ICCA) in January 2020. Photo: Matt Dilyard
Scots in Harmony, one of Wooster's seven a capella groups, practice before their appearance at the Midwest quarterfinal of The Varsity Vocals International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella (ICCA) in January 2020. Photo: Matt Dilyard
Families traveled to Wooster over the summer to snag Arch memories of a Commencement deferred. Photo: Matt Dilyard
Families traveled to Wooster over the summer to snag Arch memories of a Commencement deferred. Photo: Matt Dilyard
Retired Head Men's Basketball Coach Steve Moore (right) consoles Danyon Hempy '20 after a tough outcome. Photo: Matt Dilyard
Retired Head Men's Basketball Coach Steve Moore (right) consoles Danyon Hempy '20 after a tough outcome. Photo: Matt Dilyard
Panelists connect in advance of "8 mins 46 Seconds to Revolution: Making Sense of the George Floyd and Breonna Taylor Protests," one of several roundtables held throughout the summer to discuss anti-Black racist violence in America.
Panelists connect in advance of "8 mins 46 Seconds to Revolution: Making Sense of the George Floyd and Breonna Taylor Protests," one of several roundtables held throughout the summer to discuss anti-Black racist violence in America.