As the unprecedented spring semester wound down, University staff worked to assist in a new move-out process for undergraduates. As a predominately residential campus, most students left belongings when COVID-19 extended Spring Break, and UR switched to remote instruction. With help from the Office of Residence Life and Housing, the UR Police Department, Facilities, and other staff members began move-out on May 18.

For one rising sophomore’s family, URPD Detective George Mihalcoe offered some relief when he found a missing family heirloom.

Tommy Gress brought a small antique globe when he came to campus, but it was missing from his designated move-out boxes. His family approached Mihalcoe who helped the family recover the lost item.

The detective suspected the globe had become inadvertently mixed in with the possessions of Gress’ roommate. He found out where those boxes were and was able to locate the globe.

“I didn’t want them going away with a sense of loss,” Mihalcoe said. 

“He was our hero for the day along with unspoken others whose identities we don’t know,” said Tommy’s mother, Cyndee Gress. “They brought peace to a time of chaos and love to a time where disregard is easy.”

The detective said he was simply doing his job. “I told her, ‘You're going away satisfied is what matters.’” 

Tommy chose the globe because of President Crutcher’s welcome speech to the Class of 2023. In it, he suggested that each student bring an item that would provide comfort and remind them of where they came from and their home. Gress chose a gift from his parents. 

Gress said she wasn’t sure how move-out was going to work, but UR staff went above and beyond her expectations, from help with parking to instructions on the process.

Move-out for students and their families lasted four weeks in order to successfully and safely spread out the number of students on campus and to ensure safe and appropriate physical distancing.

“From the first call my husband and I made to the school with our concerns about moving Tommy’s belongings without him being present to today,” Gress said, “it truly was outstanding treatment of people with love and concern and care.”