Last fall, the All Staff Council Recognition Committee presented Called to Be True Blue Awards to seven deserving staff members. A staff member or team that is True Blue epitomizes the values of excellence, integrity, leadership, teamwork, and commitment to the Drake community. Here’s a little information about our honorees with excerpts from their nominations.

Linda Feiden, Wellness & Recognition Specialist, Human Resources
“Linda is always positive, always smiling, and epitomizes joyful accountability for Drake University.” “Linda truly embodies the word ‘partner’ and is a shining example of someone willing to work across departments to promote new initiatives, build relationships and create our vibrant campus culture. Drake is a better place because Linda works here!”

Jenny Reitano, Director, Graduate Student Programs, CBPA
“When I think of a leader within the CBPA that continuously works together for the betterment of our team, Jenny instantly comes to mind. She is a strategic leader focused on our team goal of fostering a sense of community across graduate programs.”

Diana Newman, Business Manager, CPHS
“Diana epitomizes the values of leadership, teamwork, and integrity, and exhibits her commitment to Drake on a daily basis. We are very fortunate at Drake and in the CPHS to have Diana Newman on our team. She is a deserving employee that has consistently gone above and beyond.”

Suzanne Wisslead, Assistant Director, Admission
“Suzanne surpasses expectations when questions arise…and never under delivers! I appreciate her view of bettering Drake University from the very first point of contact.”

Marina Verlengia, Director, New Student and Parent Programs, Academic Excellence and Student Success
“Marina is an incredible member of the Drake community who made an instant impact in her very first year here, and continues to challenge herself to grow programs, try new things, and improve the impact of her programs on students.”

Erin Bell, Live Mascot Director, Athletics
“From striving to find new and unique ways to share Griff with the world, to always being friendly and warm with our constituents and fellow staff, to saying yes and finding ways to squeeze in one more appearance in a jam packed calendar to embodying our mission, Drake is lucky to have Erin Bell.” “Erin Bell not only shows us all what it means to be True Blue, she is forging a path to inspire all of us to go beyond that and to help those around us.”

Congratulations to all of our True Blue honorees!

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