As part of Employee Appreciation Month, Human Resources has been sharing shout-outs submitted by faculty and staff.  Thanks to everyone who participated this month.  Even though Employee Appreciation Month is ending, we hope you continue to find ways to show your appreciation to staff, faculty, and student employees across campus.  Sharing positive energy is contagious.  When you look for the good in people, you strengthen relationships, improving both their lives and your own.

Read the final shout-outs submitted this week!

“A shout-out to Renee Sedlacek Lee for putting on an inspiring Pecha Kucha event with faculty during the Global Citizen Forum, and for her leadership in rolling out DUgood on Drake’s campus!” – Amanda Martin

“A shout-out to the Professional and Career Development Services team for putting on a wonderful career conference for the entire student body.” – Amanda Martin

“A shout-out to Laney Guintard:  Laney is a welcoming presence to all who enter Carnegie Hall to visit Financial Aid, Student Accounts, Cashier, or Registrar.  She happily greets all who come through the doors and makes them feel at ease while quickly determining which office is best suited to help the student or family.  In addition, she manages the Financial Aid Office student workers while also fulfilling other critical tasks in Financial Aid to ensure students receive their award packages.  We appreciate Laney and the work she puts in every day to help Carnegie Hall visitors feel welcome and valued!” – Kristi Fuller

“A shout-out to Drake Public Safety: On March 20 I locked my car keys in my trunk.  They were in my coat with my phone.  I removed my coat to enjoy the nice weather and put it in my trunk with my messenger bag and lunch bag and then closed my trunk.  Immediately realizing I locked my car keys in my trunk, I stopped by Harmon Fine Arts Center and asked Natalie Bayer for help calling Drake Public Safety (Thanks Natalie!).  The response from Drake Public Safety was prompt and courteous.  The public safety officer (sorry, I didn’t get your name) was able to unlock my car, then Google a YouTube video to help me break into my trunk (the built-in anti-theft system in my car disabled my trunk release).  FPM also assisted by bringing over a long screwdriver so I could pop the trunk latch from inside my car.  Thanks again to everyone who helped me out of my embarrassing predicament!” – James Wu

“A shout-out to the PCDS team:  I could not be more proud to be a part of this strong, dedicated, collaborative, and fun-loving team!  Because of their hard work and collaboration across campus, Drake has Accomplishment Rates that are consistently among the highest in the country and response rates that tower 35% higher than the national average.  Well done everyone!” – Chrystal Stanley

“A shout-out to Dan Chibnall and Erica McGowan:  Thanks for all your help in organizing the University Book Club!  Your enthusiasm makes it a pleasure to plan and attend.” – Sara Heijerman

“A shout-out to Gail Witte:  Gail is always willing to fill in to sub for GroupX classes, and does an amazing job in all formats!  I can’t wait to see what she does with the Group Exercise program at Drake.  She’s only been here a short time but is already rocking it.” – Sara Heijerman

“A shout-out to Linda Feiden:  I really appreciate all the activities you organize!  From BUILD classes to Wellness Challenges, you work hard to promote them, and make them fun and engaging.  They are always a welcome addition to our normal day to day, and I appreciate all the time and enthusiasm you put into them.  Thanks!” – Sara Heijerman

“A shout-out to Donald Severs:  Don always goes above and beyond when card access tickets come in.  He usually responds to requests before I even have time to look at them and is dedicated to making sure he understands and delivers what our ticket requesters need.  You have been a great help to me these past few years, and I appreciate you!” – Sara Heijerman

— Linda Feiden, Human Resources