Please join the All Staff Council in celebrating our newest True Blue award recipients! 

We hope you’ll take a moment to read the wonderful nominations below highlighting these fantastic colleagues.  Congratulations to all!

Do you know of a staff member or department that has gone above and beyond to exemplify True Blue spirit? Nominate them today!

Betsy White – Nominated by Amber Welsh

“When our previous committee chair transitioned off the committee, Betsy stepped forward without hesitation and immediately rose to the occasion. She ensured continuity during a time of change, keeping everything organized and on track while fostering a supportive and collaborative environment. Betsy was always willing to answer questions, offer guidance, and make sure every detail was thoughtfully handled so that the committee could operate seamlessly – all while learning the tasks first-hand herself.

Despite taking on a significantly increased workload following Matt Miller’s departure, Betsy continued to excel in every aspect of her role. She approached each challenge with professionalism, resilience, and an unwavering positive attitude—always with a smile. Her ability to lead with both competence and kindness made a lasting impact on the committee and those fortunate enough to work alongside her.

I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to have collaborated with Betsy and to have shared in the many successful and enjoyable events she helped bring to life. While she will certainly be missed on the committee, I am excited to see all that she will continue to accomplish in her future endeavors.

Thank you, Betsy, for your outstanding contributions and for embodying what it truly means to be a “True Blue.” You are, without a doubt, a rock star.”

Tammy Eltayb – Nominated by Wendy Huss

“I nominated Tammy because she truly embodies our core values. She brings a positive spirit to everything she does and works hard to keep our campus clean and welcoming for both students and staff. She treats everyone like family and reminds us often that we are a team. As a trainer, she is patient, clear, and supportive, always willing to explain things without frustration. Tammy’s dedication and kindness make a meaningful difference every day.”

Alumni Relations Team & Move-In Partners (Andy Verlengia, Greg Lin, Thad Smull, Gina Ryan & Additional Alumni Relations and campus partners) – Nominated by Claire Muselman

“The Alumni Relations Team and Move-In partners exemplified Drake’s Core Value of All In This Together through the extraordinary collaboration, communication, and teamwork demonstrated during Move-In this year. I had the opportunity to participate in Move-In for the day and was incredibly impressed by how organized, thoughtful, and welcoming the entire experience felt from beginning to end. Every part of the day reflected a team that had clearly planned together, communicated well, and remained focused on creating the best possible experience for our students and their families.

What stood out most was how seamless the day felt despite the many moving pieces involved. Volunteers knew where to be and what to do. Students and families were welcomed with energy and care. The environment felt coordinated rather than chaotic, which is no small accomplishment for an event of this size. That level of execution only happens when people trust one another, communicate consistently, and work collectively toward a shared goal.

Greg Lin, Andy Verlengia, Thad Smull, Gina Ryan, and the many additional team members and campus partners involved demonstrated exactly what it means to be “All In This Together.” Their work showed that collaboration is not simply about dividing responsibilities. It is about creating an experience where everyone contributes to something larger than their individual role. The result was a Move-In experience that felt positive, organized, welcoming, and distinctly Drake.

Move-In is one of the first major moments students and families experience as they begin a new academic year. The care and coordination demonstrated by this team helped make that moment meaningful. Their work strengthened connection, reinforced a sense of belonging, and showed what is possible when members of the Drake community truly work together.”