All posts by Ashton Hockman

Strategic Updates Archive

You’re invited: Join us Oct. 28 for a momentous virtual event

Faculty, staff, and students are invited to come together virtually at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 28, as the University shares bold, ambitious, and inspiring plans for its future. Faculty, staff, and students are the heart of this University, which is why we hope you will join us at drake.edu/nextgreatera to be a part of history with your fellow bulldogs.

There has never been a more important moment in Drake’s history to meet the challenges faced by our campus, our community, our country, and our world. 

The only way we can transform lives, strengthen communities, unite this nation, ignite the youth, and push society forward—is to do it together. We are the ones built for change.

We are the bulldogs. The devoted alumni, the dedicated friends, the driven faculty and staff, the diverse student body—the dynamic, connected, committed, and capable—redefining what a university does by reimagining what a university should be. We are a collective determining our own destiny.

Note: If you are unable to join on Oct. 28, the content will remain accessible at drake.edu/nextgreatera to view at a later date.

Strategic Updates Archive

New process for COVID-19 testing on campus starting tomorrow

Starting Wednesday, Oct. 20, there will be a new process for obtaining a COVID-19 test on campus.

Test Iowa self-administered saliva PCR test kits will be available at the Student Services Center in the Olmsted Center. Students, faculty, and staff can pick up a test kit at no cost, and no reason is needed to receive a test kit.

Students with COVID-19 like symptoms are asked to notify the Student Health Center before administering a test so they can help determine if a provider visit is needed.

To take the test, follow the instructions included in the test kit. Please remember to record the test’s bar code number, which is needed to look up test results. Upon completion, return the test kit to the Student Services Center. Important: Student Services will only accept returned test kits between 8 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Monday–Friday.

Public Safety will collect returned test kits every weekday at 2:30 p.m. and deliver the samples to Polk County Health Department for testing. Results will be available through Test Iowa within 24 hours after the test kit is received. 

If you have a positive test result, please email the Contact Tracing Team immediately at contacttracing@drake.edu.

Strategic Updates Archive

You’re invited: Join us Oct. 28 for a momentous virtual event

Faculty, staff, and students are invited to come together virtually at 6:30 p.m. next Thursday. Join us at drake.edu/nextgreatera.

There has never been a more important moment in Drake’s history to meet the challenges faced by our campus, our community, our country, and our world. 

The only way we can transform lives, strengthen communities, unite this nation, ignite the youth, and push society forward—is to do it together. We are the ones built for change.

We are the bulldogs. The devoted alumni, the dedicated friends, the driven faculty and staff, the diverse student body—the dynamic, connected, committed, and capable—redefining what a university does by reimagining what a university should be. We are a collective determining our own destiny.

Campus Announcements Archive

Professional Headshot Day

University Communications and Marketing is sponsoring a Professional Headshot Day Oct. 29 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Kern Commons, Cartwright Hall, Drake Law School. All faculty, staff, and students are welcome.

Please sign up for a time slot. Advanced sign up will allow us to maintain social distancing. Masks will be required until it is your turn.

— Jeremy Sievers, University Communications and Marketing

Campus Announcements Archive

Des Moines Marathon to affect parking Oct. 17

The IMT Des Moines Marathon is Sunday, Oct. 17. Drake University is proud to be part of this great Des Moines tradition. The marathon will impact roads and travel throughout Des Moines and specifically at the University at miles 11 and 12. Travel on and around campus will be impacted during the race.

Mile 11 travels down 25th Street and Forest Avenue to Drake Stadium as participants take a lap around the iconic Blue oval. Mile 12 leaves the stadium and enters the campus proper on the sidewalks at the Ray Plaza and continues to Carpenter Avenue and back out to 25th Street.  

There is no parking on Sunday, Oct. 17, along the race route, including but not limited to, 25th Street from University Avenue to Forest Avenue, along Forest Avenue from 25th Street to 27th Street, and on Carpenter Avenue from 25th Street to Painted Street (in front of Carnegie, Old Main, the Law School and FAC) on campus. Vehicles parked in these areas or anywhere along the course route will be towed at the owners expense.

Please expect increased activity and noise during the race. Race marshals will be stationed along the path along with Des Moines Police and Drake Public Safety officers on the campus to keep the course safe for participants and spectators. We ask that you follow the direction of course marshals for everyone’s safety.  

For more information about the IMT Des Moines Marathon and potential road closures or disruptions throughout the city, please see the race map.

— Scott Law, Executive Director, Public Safety & Operational Services

For Students Archive

Participate in the Stock Trading Challenge

Are you new to stock trading? Or, do you want to show how good you are at picking stocks? Or, do you want to simply learn more about the stock market in general? Then, Finance Program at Drake invites you to participate in the Stock Trading Challenge for a chance to earn a cash prize.

The event is open to students and runs from Oct. 4–29. Students can sign up at anytime during the contest.

How to participate:

  1. Create a (free) login at www.marketwatch.com:
  2. Join the Stock Trading Challenge at: https://www.marketwatch.com/game/drake-stock-trading-challenge or https://tinyurl.com/drakestockchallenge
    Password to join: GoBulldogs
  3. You are required to make a minimum of 30 trades during the contest period to be eligible for prizes. Hence, if you fail to make at least 30 trades prior to the end date, you will be disqualified.

Prizes:
1st Place Winner – $300
2nd Place Winner – $200
3rd Place Winner – $100
4th Place Winner – $100
5th Place Winner – $100

Best Trader – $200 (This award is for the person who trades the most number of times and beats the S&P 500 index return during the same period.)

Note: These awards are mutually exclusive, and the winners will be announced during Finance Night, which is scheduled on Tuesday, Nov. 2, 2021, 6–8 p.m. You must be present during the award ceremony to claim your prize. If you do not show up for the event, your award will be forfeited and be given to the next best performer.

For questions, contact Professor Inchul Suh, chair, Department of Economics and Finance, CBPA, at isuh@drake.edu.

— Inchul Suh, Finance (CBPA)

Campus Announcements Archive

Register for the virtual Blueprint Men’s Summit

Register today for the 2021 Blueprint Men’s Summit held virtually Oct. 13 and 14 at 6 p.m. Registration is FREE. The Blueprint Men’s Summit is an empowering conference designed to develop, inspire, and motivate attendees to become the best version of themselves. This year’s conference has an exciting lineup of guests and speakers including Daymond John of Shark Tank, Luke James of The Chi, Academy and Emmy award-winning band leader Jon Batiste, and Dr. Jerome Adams, former United States Surgeon General, to name a few.

The Blueprint Men’s Summit isn’t just for men. Both women and men who are looking to grow and develop in all areas of life are encouraged to attend!

The event is hosted by Drake alumnus and Board of Trustee member Louis Carr. Carr is president of media sales at Black Entertainment Television (BET) Networks and founder of Blueprint Men’s Summit. Make sure to reserve your virtual seat at the summit today!

For Faculty Archive, For Staff Archive

BLM @ Drake seeking faculty and staff committee members

The BLM @ Drake series is dedicated to the improvement of education on racial justice and how to actively contribute to its advancement in our classrooms and our campus community.  Last year’s virtual events featured programming around racial justice and human rights, actions that can contribute to hostile classroom environments and what to do instead, and the perspectives of various guest speakers and students.

We are looking to include the voices of Black faculty and staff who are interested in working as members of our planning committee. Please join us as we continue to plan for the current academic year. If you are interested, please reach out to Student Body President Morgan Coleman at morgan.coleman@drake.edu for more information.

— Morgan Coleman, Student Body President

For Faculty Archive, For Staff Archive

In Memoriam: James G. Lindberg

 It is with heavy hearts we share the passing of James Lindberg, professor emeritus of organic chemistry at Drake University. James passed away at age 81 on Sept. 23, 2021, at Bright Kavanagh House after a very short bout with pancreatic cancer. A Celebration of Life will be held in the future. James was a beloved and highly respected professor at Drake for approximately 34 years who will be missed dearly by his students, fellow colleagues, and friends. He published and presented a number of scientific papers; however, his passion was teaching. In lieu of flowers or gifts, James requested that you support education in its most inclusive expressions: Montessori, public schools, private and public colleges and universities. Online condolences are welcome at www.IlesCares.com. Read James’ full obituary.

For Faculty Archive, For Staff Archive

Help spread the word about open positions at Drake

The pandemic has rocked the workforce in many ways. One of the struggles we are experiencing—along with many other employers—is getting quality candidates to apply for current openings.

“We have had some great jobs posted recently for entry-level and early-career professionals,” said Julia Gwebu, director of Student Account Services. We are not getting the same number or quality of applicants we have in the past—even for the same positions we’ve recruited for in recent years.”

HR will be examining its recruitment practices and developing more strategic approaches, but that will take time and we have openings now. We are calling on the Drake community to help spread the word about current opportunities.

“With so many jobs available in Des Moines, we could really use a boost from people who already work at and care about Drake,” said Anne Kremer, dean of Admissions.

If you know people who are job-hunting, fit with our core values, care about students, and would contribute to a positive work culture, please encourage them to check out the current opportunities available at Drake. If you have strong connections via LinkedIn, social media, or just connections via email, please share and help get the word out. Below are some sample communications you can modify for your use. Please feel free to include this flyer as well.

Sample Email

Subject Line: Job Opportunities at Drake University

Hello,

I know you have been considering a job change, so I wanted to let you know that Drake University has some positions posted right now that may interest you. You can search for current opening here: https://drake.hiretouch.com/.

We are looking for great people to join the Drake team. I think you would enjoy working here and relate to our core values and mission. If you have questions about working at Drake, I am happy to share my experiences here. If you have specific questions about any of the jobs posted, benefits, etc., feel free to reach out to drakehr@drake.edu.

Thank you,

[Name]

Sample Social Media Post

Hello, friends! If you or someone you know is looking for a new job, please check out the jobs posted at Drake University. You can search for current opening here: https://drake.hiretouch.com/. Right now, there are a variety of opportunities to explore. Please take a look or share with anyone you know who is job hunting. If you have specific questions about any of the jobs posted, benefits, etc., feel free to reach out to drakehr@drake.edu. Go Bulldogs!

— Maureen De Armond, Human Resouces