Global Impact

Alejandro Reca (MS A’91, PhD A’96)
Buenos Aires, Argentina

The COVID-19 pandemic took the world by surprise, and Argentina was no exception. While the government waited until March 19 to establish a formal lockdown, the private sector was already taking measures. My company, San Ignacio, began developing COVID-19 protocols in mid-January. We have coordinated all paperwork movement associated with the company to have my home as the HQ and have a strict hygiene protocol for all arriving items. I am the only one in my family who has stepped foot outside our home. Two close friends have died from the virus. Thus, for me, COVID-19 has actual faces. I belong to a group of business owners who are planning for Argentina’s society in a post COVID-19 framework. The pandemic showed how weak and vulnerable we are and has been a big-time call for humankind humbleness. It is a big opportunity for change and should be taken as such.

Andreas Dewald (MS T’18)
Stuttgart, Germany 

I participated in a German-wide initiative to play “Ode to Joy” every Sunday at 6:00 p.m. Our local orchestra took our instruments and walked to where we knew elderly people were living and played in front of their window (we always kept our distance!). It started small, but by Easter Sunday we were several groups of musicians playing songs in front of the retirement home, around the church, and in front of senior citizens’ homes. Music is something that is understood universally and brings people together to have a joint experience whether you play the music or listen to it. It was really wonderful to feel this kind of community and bond between the generations and to bring joy in times of uncertainty.