A Campus Safety Officer is stepping up this year to bolster bonds among Concordia students.
Life at Concordia will inevitably look different next year, but faculty and staff are determined to make this academic year as meaningful as ever for students. In some instances, unlikely candidates are stepping up to take on roles that otherwise wouldn’t fall under their purview.
Senior Campus Safety Officer Kam DeLano – with the support of her Campus Safety Office team members – is volunteering her time, talents, and, in some instances, money, to ensure CUAA students have a vibrant student life experience in 2024-25. Throughout the year, she’s organized weekly activities for students’ entertainment. In September, students played bocce ball, while October has been devoted to cornhole. Students are invited to attend each week at no cost. Most evenings also include a bonfire with s’mores.
“The s’mores seem to be the big draw as of now,” says DeLano, who has hosted 7 events so far this year. “It’s about maintaining a community for the students. How can we give more opportunities to the students who are here so their year is special?”
Past PE experience comes into play
Before she joined CUAA’s Campus Safety team in 2019, DeLano served 38 years as a Reserve Deputy Sheriff, 911 operator, and Marine Safety Officer for Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office. She is a retired adapted physical education teacher from Detroit Public Schools where she spent 30 years most concurrently with the Sheriff’s office.
During her years as a PE teacher DeLano collected a fair amount of athletic equipment, which she’s utilizing for the year’s events. In some instances, she’s also borrowing from supplies Concordia already owned or opening her own wallet to purchase additional equipment. And so far, she’s split the cost of snacks and bonfire supplies with Director of Campus Safety Dieter Heren.
Students have expressed their gratitude to her in various ways, and DeLano reaps benefits in return.
“I have my regulars now and we talk more on campus when we see each other,” she says. “I feel good about it. Some of me is sad that I didn’t do this sooner.”
Join the fun
There are plenty more opportunities to join in. The schedule below is subject to changes. Check CUAA’s Campus Calendar or The Current for the most accurate information; or contact Campus Safety.
- October 30 | 6-9 p.m. | Central Campus | Corn Hole and Bonfire
- November 6, 13, 20, 27 | 6-9 p.m. | Kreft Black Box | Badminton
- December | Break for finals
- January 8, 15, 22, 29 | 6-9 p.m. | Game Room | Tabletop and board games
- February 5, 12, 19, 26 | 6-9 p.m. | TBD
- March 12, 19, 26 | 6-9 p.m. | Fieldhouse | Scooter floor hockey
- April 2, 9 | 6-9 p.m. Fieldhouse | Kickball
Want in?
Our goal is to provide meaningful opportunities for you to stay connected to Concordia. Check out our Upcoming Events page to participate in enrichment and entertainment opportunities on campus. Or refer a future Concordia student to us! CUAA will continue to offer a variety of degrees in 2025-26 – in healthcare, education, and business. Schedule a visit on campus today.