All posts by Aaron Jaco

News & Achievements Archive

CPHS news: April 10

New OT director
The College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences announced Dr. Yolanda Griffiths as director of the occupational therapy program, effective June 30. Griffiths most recently served as director of the occupational therapy program at College of Saint Mary in Omaha, Neb., a position she has held since 2012. Prior to her role at Saint Mary, she served for 20 years as an associate professor in the occupational therapy program at Creighton University, where she helped develop the entry-level and post-professional distance-based doctorate programs. Her extensive career also includes more than 20 years of practical experience as an occupational therapist at numerous mental health clinics and community hospitals. Learn more about Yolanda in the Drake Newsroom.

Faculty, alumni, students honored during Pharmacy & Health Sciences Day
The CPHS recently issued awards to faculty, alumni, and students, for outstanding teaching, mentorship, scholarship, and professional involvement and leadership. Award recipients reflect the core values of the college: collaboration, innovation, professionalism, student/learner centered, collegiality, and entrepreneurial leadership. See the full list of recipients in the Drake Newsroom.

Strategic Updates Archive

New director of alumni relations announced

Drake alumnus Andy Verlengia will serve the University as director of alumni relations, transitioning from this current role as a major gifts officer within the University Advancement team. His passion for Drake, strength of character; enthusiasm for the position; and commitment to support, lead, and serve made for an exceedingly positive candidacy. Andy’s first day in alumni relations will be May 16. Andy is currently a major gifts officer in University Advancement.

Andy brings to the alumni director position a strong background in alumni engagement and events planning. Following his graduation from Drake’s School of Journalism and Mass Communication, Andy led alumni outreach and events at his fraternity at the international headquarters. From there, he benefited from ten years of service managing events for the Walt Disney Corporation. A few years ago, he returned home to central Iowa to manage corporate events for Wellmark, and most recently, he has served effectively representing Drake and the CBPA as a major gifts officer.

Many thanks are due to Diane Caldbeck for her role as interim director this academic year. Diane’s professionalism, support, and advocacy were present every day. So much thanks and appreciation needs to be extended to the entire Alumni Relations staff for effectively navigating and confidently executing their responsibilities throughout this transitional year.

Please join University Advancement in congratulating Andy on his new role.

—John Smith, Vice President for University Advancement

For Students Archive

Student employment: Drake Relays ticket sales associate

The Drake Athletics Ticket Office is hiring seasonal, part-time ticket sales associates for the Drake Relays presented by Hy-Vee. This paid position is open to all Drake students, regardless of experience and/or field of study, although students interested in sales, marketing, and/or sports administration are encouraged to apply. This position requires approximately 3–5 office hours during the weeks leading up to the Drake Relays and 12–15 hours during the weekend of the Drake Relays. All training will be provided upon completion of the hiring process.

To apply, please submit a current résumé to tickets@drake.edu.

Questions? Please contact the Drake Athletics Ticket Office at 515-271-3647 or tickets@drake.edu.

—Tom Florian, Drake Athletics

For Students Archive

Queering Consent Zine Workshop

Join us Wednesday, April 12, 6:30–8:30 p.m. in Medbury Lounge for Queering Consent, a zine workshop and information session. There will be pizza! Hosted by Violence Intervention Partners and Transformative Healing.

—Tess Cody, Prevention Coordinator for Sexual and Interpersonal Misconduct

News & Achievements Archive

Staff accomplishments: April 10

APPA, the association dedicated to leadership in educational facilities, is proud to announce that Manny Toribio at Drake has received the Educational Facilities Professional (EFP) credential. The EFP is a way to validate the unique knowledge and competency required of an accomplished professional in the educational facilities field.

“The APPA EFP designation is a knowledge-based credential for educational facilities professionals and industry suppliers looking to validate their depth-of-knowledge in the core educational facilities management topics deemed critical by employers,” said John Morris, chair of APPA’s Board for Educational Facilities Professionals Certification. “Aspiring educational facility professionals who obtain the must-have EFP credential demonstrate their understanding of the core knowledge and skills, enhance their career opportunities, and gain immediate credibility with employers, clients, and peers.”

“The EFP credential is an exciting standard for educational stewardship. It represents core knowledge, talent, and skill, underscoring accountability and commitment to growth and mastery,” said Lander Medlin, APPA executive vice president.
 
– Kevin Moran, Executive Director Facilities Planning and Management

News & Achievements Archive

Drake initiates global partnership with the Republic of Kosovo

Top officials from Drake and the Republic of Kosovo held a signing ceremony on April 5 to formalize a new partnership. The renewable, five-year partnership outlines a number of specific programs and initiatives that Drake and Kosovo could embark upon together, including faculty, staff, and student exchanges, research collaboration, and training and professional development activities. Learn more in the Drake Newsroom.

News & Achievements Archive

SJMC News: April 10

Anna Steenson, a sophomore digital media production major, won two first-place Emmys in this spring’s Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Upper Midwest Region contest. Steenson won awards in the public affairs/community service and editing categories.

Senior public relations major Kelly Leatherman has been selected as a Fulbright Scholar. Leatherman will be traveling to Malaysia for her scholarship.

Teams of senior PR students recently presented campaigns to their capstone client, Young Women’s Resource Center. The advertising seniors will present their campaigns for the National Pork Board later this month. The pork industry group is also flying a team of students to Arizona to present their plans to the organization’s national board.

—Kathleen Richardson, Dean, SJMC

News & Achievements Archive

Faculty accomplishment: April 10

Michael Haedicke, associate professor of sociology, has received an honorable mention in the Midwest Sociological Society Distinguished Book Award competition for his 2016 book Organizing Organic: Conflict and Compromise in an Emerging Market. The Distinguished Book Award recognizes new works of scholarship that make exemplary, original, and substantive contributions to sociological understanding.

Organizing Organic traces the history of different visions of sustainable agriculture within the U.S. organic farming sector and investigates how members of the organic industry navigate these cultural understandings in everyday life.