All posts by Ashton Hockman

For Faculty Archive, For Staff Archive

Congratulations Sapphire Award winners

Thank you to everyone who tuned in for the virtual Sapphire Awards hosted by the All Staff Council Recognition Committee and Human Resources. The committee recognized the nine groups and 18 individuals who received True Blue Awards throughout the year. One individual and one group are voted on by All Staff Council members to win the Sapphire Award.

Congratulations to Chris Nickell on winning the individual Sapphire Award!
Here is what his nominator had to say: Chris has done the job of at least four people during this pandemic and has done a great deal to enable the success we saw in minimizing the spread of COVID-19 on campus. He worked tireless and countless hours often with no regard to day or night. It’s his tireless dedication that actually served as a motivator to others and inspired many of us to also do our part. 

Congratulations to the Contact Tracing Team on winning the group Sapphire Award!
Here is what the group’s nominator had to say: There have been countless times a member of this team will be working with students late into the evening and on weekends, talking them through implications of a potential exposure or how to navigate various aspects of an isolation or quarantine. I can’t count how many times a member of the Contact Tracing team has worked to keep communications coordinated so that we can make an already tumultuous experience (testing positive for COVID or being exposed to someone) more relaxing and smooth. This team has taken on an enormous task and has done it with excellence, grace, humor, and a servant’s perspective. 

Congratulations to all of the True Blue Winners!

  • Lance Berg
  • Glenn Clark
  • Lynne Cornelius
  • Deneen Dygert
  • Emily Fleming
  • Alice Fynarrdt
  • Sara Heijerman
  • Alicia Hilligas
  • Shannon Hilscher
  • Sara Hughes
  • Jessica Lang
  • Venessa Macro
  • Chris Nickell
  • Geena Rasmussen
  • Joyce Ryerson
  • Mich Wieczorek
  • Lisa Wyatt
  • Ryan Zantingh

Group winners:

  • Kris Brewster, Adrick Smith & the ITS
  • Contact Tracing Team
  • Stephanie Sledge and Athletics
  • Ross Hall Custodial Staff
  • Jerry Parker & Sharyn O’Connor
  • Records Room and Finance Staff
  • Jeremy Sievers & Annie Spadt
  • National Alumni Scholars Admissions Team
  • Facilities Planning and Management & Public Safety

Watch a recording of the event.

— Amelia Klatt, On behalf of All Staff Council

Campus Announcements Archive

Tree and dedication plaque to recognize essential workers

Thank you to all of Drake University’s essential workers! We are so thankful to have you and appreciate all the work that you have done the past year. In collaboration with many on campus, the All Staff Council Recognition committee assisted in the planting of a tree (thanks to the grounds crew) to show appreciation for this dedicated group of staff members. This tree is located near Goodwin Kirk residence hall and marked by a plaque. It reads:

To Drake’s Essential Workers: We will always remember your steadfast commitment during the COVID-19 Pandemic. 

“We celebrate them by acting with courage and compassion, 
By doing what is right and just, 
For while we honor them today, 
It is they who every day honor us.” 
— Amanda Gorman 

Shukran, Hvala, Thank you, Gracias 

Planted Spring 2021, as recognition from All Staff Council. 

We would also like to share this heartfelt Haiku, written by Provost Sue Mattison:

Essential workers  
Not all the heroes wear capes.  
Thank you, our heroes.   

Thank you to all staff members for the work that you have put in this year as we navigated through the COVID-19 global pandemic, especially our essential workers!

Strategic Updates Archive

Hannah Clayborne selected as new dean of students

It is with much excitement that I share that Hannah Clayborne will be Drake’s next dean of students beginning July 19. As the search committee noted within her vita and throughout the interview process, Hannah comes with extensive leadership and supervisory experience in the field of student affairs at public and private colleges and universities.  Having served in senior leadership roles in student affairs and diversity, equity, and inclusion at institutions including Ashland University and Bellarmine University, I strongly believe Hannah will successfully serve as Drake’s next dean of students and become an active and respected member within the Drake and the greater Des Moines communities. In addition to her administrative experiences, Hannah has served and continues to be involved in professional associations such as NASPA, a reviewer for higher education publications, as well as a peer reviewer for the Higher Learning Commission.  

Having completed her doctoral studies through the Educational Leadership and Policy Studies program at Iowa State University, Hannah is familiar with Iowa and we are excited to welcome her back. She earned her Master of Arts in Student Affairs in Higher Education from Wright State University and her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Miami University.

I want to thank the members of the search committee with the support of Sharyn O’Connor for expeditiously and thoroughly conducting this national search. Members of the search committee included:

Melissa Sturm-Smith, Chair
Jennifer Harvey
Megan Brown
Scott Law
Andy Verlengia
Jessica Morgan-Tate
Madyson Sklar
Ian Klein

— Jerry Parker

Strategic Updates Archive

Maureen De Armond is new human resources executive director

Drake is pleased to welcome Maureen De Armond as its new executive director of Human Resources. Maureen will begin her position June 28.

Maureen comes to Drake after serving as the associate vice president for Human Resources at Oregon Tech, where she oversaw all aspects of human resources operations, while also serving as the University’s Title IX Coordinator. She was responsible for the development of a process improvement plan aimed at modernizing and improving human resources processes and service. She also played a key role in the development of a new chief diversity role and served on the University’s COVID-19 response team. In 2019–2020, she was awarded the Student Affairs Most Valued Partner award.

“Maureen brings tremendous experience in facing today’s higher education challenges, as well as a deep understanding of the human resources function,” said Venessa Macro, chief administration officer. “She understands the link between strategic forward-thinking human resource departments and successful organizations.”

Prior to her role at Oregon Tech, Maureen served as assistant vice president for human resources at the University of Florida, Gainesville. Her duties included providing training, support, and guidance for academic and operational leaders and campus partners, while also serving as the chief diversity liaison and deputy Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) coordinator.

Maureen’s career experience also includes time at Iowa State University where she worked as associate university counsel and served as an advisee to human resources, the senior vice president and provost, and the office of equal opportunity. Maureen earned a Juris Doctor from University of Iowa, College of Law and her undergraduate degree from the University of Northern Iowa in secondary education, history, and German.

 “It is an honor to join Drake,” said Maureen. “I am happy to return to my home state of Iowa, move to a city I know and care about, and join an institution I have long respected. I am looking forward to leading the HR team as we work together to support the institution, its mission, and its employees.”

The search committee for the position included Alejandro Hernandez, dean of the College of Business and Public Administration; Michelle Huggins, design and planning manager; a representative from All Staff Council; Shannon Sanders, special assistant to athletic director; Cris Wildermuth, associate professor of education.

— Venessa Macro, Chief Administration Officer

Campus Announcements Archive

Major updates coming to MyDUSIS starting May 22

Drake has begun a major project to update the MyDUSIS system to Banner 9 Self Service. Beginning May 22, the look and feel, as well as some functionality, will begin changing throughout the system. This project will roll out in several phases, some functions and screens will be in the new version while others remain in the current one.  

The first change will be the temporary addition of a new app on the Commonly Used Apps section of myDrake. My Information will take you to an updated screen that’s a central location for your personal information. It will permanently be located in the Human Resources section for employees and the My Drake Profile section for students. See a sneak peek of the new screen below.  

Enlarge image

MyDUSIS will remain accessible in myDrake through the upgrade, but links will be phased out and changed as we convert to Banner Self-Service. In addition, we will be changing the header on the pages that remain in the old version so that you’re aware of their eventual transition. 

Future improvements will include updates to timesheets and leave reports, grade entry and course registration. As additional phases of the project progress, we’ll share more information with you. 

— Kris Brewster, ITS

Strategic Updates Archive

Planned power outage update

As previously communicated, campus is scheduled to be closed due to a planned power outage Sunday, May 16, at 7 a.m., until Wednesday, May 19, at 7 p.m. This project has been the subject of careful planning efforts since late 2020. Regular meetings with contractors and sub-contractors to review timeline, delivery schedules, and work plans has been ongoing for several months.  

The manufacturer of the key switchgear components originally anticipated shipping equipment to Drake in April. Due to significant disruptions in the supply chain, we were notified last week that this equipment is now scheduled for shipment during the week of May 10. This means that there is a chance the shipment will not arrive in sufficient time for us to effectively complete the project on the previously scheduled dates.

We have established that if by Thursday, May 13, all project components are not on site or confirmed for arrival, a delay will be necessary and there will be no power outage May 16–19. If the project is delayed, the campus will be open as usual on those days and a new switchgear installation schedule will be planned for later this summer, after careful consultation with academic and key operational areas on campus.

Communication will be sent to campus via email on the morning of Thursday, May 13, with information on the project’s status. We remain hopeful that we can proceed as planned. At the same time, it is important that we communicate with the campus community and develop alternate plans in the event  a delay is required.

Thank you for patience and understanding in this matter.

— Kevin Moran, Facilities Planning & Management

Campus Announcements Archive

The history of Dogtown

View a presentation, compiled by Dawson Urquidez, first-year student and Community Engagement intern, on the history of the Drake Neighborhood commercial district known as Dogtown. Learn about the origin and evolution of Dogtown’s business, social, and cultural scene, and how it was once a bustling and beloved community epicenter. The presentation reveals how recent developments are paving the way to revive the rich history of Dogtown and fully embrace its community potential.

Presentation: “Dogtown, a history“

— Ryan Arnold, director, Community Engagement 

Campus Announcements Archive

DART to install two new shelters along University Ave featuring artwork commissioned by Drake

The Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority (DART) plans to install two new bus shelters along University Avenue that will feature artwork commissioned by Drake. The DART maintenance team will prepare and clean the sites on Thursday, April 29, with installation scheduled for Friday, April 30, through Sunday, May 2.

The shelters will be located on the north side of University Avenue near Aliber Hall and Cole Hall. The initiative is part of the city of Des Moines’ infrastructure and streetscape project on University Avenue spanning 25th Street to 31st Street. DART collaborated with Drake, who engaged Liz Lidgett Gallery & Design, to plan public artwork on the two bus shelters.

The artwork by artists and Iowa natives Mollie Wallace and Dana Harrison feature campus and neighborhood inspired designs made possible through funds raised privately by the University. The artwork was reviewed by the Greater Des Moines Public Art Foundation in their capacity as the advisory body on all public art matters for the City of Des Moines and recommended to the Des Moines City Council for approval.

The art project is another example of the recent investments made in the area surrounding campus by the city, developers, local businesses, non-profits, and Drake.

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

Thanks for the Memories by Mollie Wallace

Wallace created a collage that represents the Drake neighborhood. Viewers will be able to spot iconic locations, and noteworthy details that create a snapshot of what you are able to see when riding a DART bus through the area.

Liminal by Dana Harrison

Harrison’s piece is reminiscent of his street art style. Images like mature trees and the architecture that is special to the Drake neighborhood can be seen throughout the artwork. Viewers will be able to spot representations of many places and things special to all those residents who have called the wonderful neighborhood home.

ABOUT THE ARTISTS

Mollie Wallace was born and raised in Des Moines and graduated from King-Perkins Elementary, Callanan Junior High, and Roosevelt High School. After earning her art degree from the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, N.Y., she spent 15 years in New Orleans where her art can be seen in signs, murals, and banners throughout the city. Wallace has served as the artist in residence at the Erin Rose, an iconic French Quarter bar that has been featured in Bon Appetit and many other publications, for the past decade. She has designed everything from Mardi Gras tuxedos to guitars to food trucks. She was the festival artist for the internationally-renowned Internationale de Lousiane in Lafayette, La., in 2018. Her painting became the festival poster. Wallace and her family returned to Des Moines last year.

Dana Harrison (Limone) a Jefferson, Iowa, resident, started writing graffiti in 1996 in his home town of Fort Dodge, Iowa, and studied under the late Sazko from Hamburg, Germany. With almost 25 years of mural experience, you can find some of his recent work at the Edna Griffin building, 10th Street bridge, Platinum Kutz, and much more.

— Michelle Huggins, Facilities Planning & Management

Strategic Updates Archive

Help DART plan for the future of transit

DART is creating a new long-term transit plan, and is seeking input from the the Drake community. Please complete the DART survey to help shape the future of public transit in our region. Even if you don’t ride DART at this time, your insight on what DART can do for you, for Drake, and for our region is meaningful.

The survey should take approximately 10 minutes. The information collected will be reviewed alongside in-depth analysis of ridership, employment and population densities, and travel patterns, to draft recommendations for how DART can evolve to meet the current and future needs of the region. These recommendations will then be shared and additional public feedback will be collected later in 2021. Visit ridedart.com/plan to learn more about the initiative.

DART is a key partner in Drake’s efforts to become a more sustainable anchor institution. Thanks to its partnership, more than 6,400 Drake students, faculty, staff, and retirees can ride metro-area buses for free. Also, read an article in today’s OnCampus announcing two new bus shelters featuring artwork commissioned by Drake University.

— Ryan Arnold, Director, Community Engagement