University Communications and Marketing will hold professional headshot sessions Thursday, Feb. 29, from 1:30-3:30 p.m. in Old Main, Conference Room 115. The sessions are free to all students, faculty, and staff. High-resolution portraits are made available for download 2–4 weeks after the photos are taken. Images can be downloaded at https://drakeuniversity.smugmug.com/Headshots-1.
— Jimmy Hoover, University Communications and Marketing
Drake is proud to once again partner with CNN in hosting a nationally televised GOP presidential primary debate. The GOP primary debate will be held in historic Sheslow Auditorium on Wednesday, Jan. 10—just five days before Iowa’s first-in-the-nation caucuses.
This is the fifth presidential election cycle in a row that Drake has hosted a nationally televised debate, having hosted three democratic debates and now three republican debates since 2007. The debate will air live on CNN, CNN International, CNN en Español and CNN Max.
Drake’s mission statement promises students an exceptional learning environment, and hosting the debate exemplifies this commitment. The debate brings national attention to our University, and we expect a number of national and international press as well as many other visitors to the campus.
In addition, the Drake Men’s Basketball Team will host Indiana State at the Knapp Center on Wednesday evening. Both teams are currently tied for first place in the Missouri Valley Conference.
In order to facilitate these two events, the following traffic accommodations, as well as road and building closures, will be in place.
Wednesday, Jan. 10:
Thank you in advance for assisting us in making these events successful and safe.
— Scott Law, Executive Director for Public Safety
It is with great sadness that we share that Professor Emeritus of History Julian Archer passed away on Nov. 23. Julian was an accomplished history professor who served Drake for 42 years. In addition to his role as a faculty member, he lead multiple alumni travel excursions and was a long serving member of the Bucksbaum Committee. Julian will be deeply missed by his colleagues and by generations of students. He was preceded in death by his wife Jane. A memorial is being planned for next spring. Our deepest condolences go out to his children, Jane, Elisabeth, and Laird.
Professor of Biology Thomas Rosburg was among 16 of Iowa’s premiere scientists featured in the recently published book “Tending Iowa’s Land: Pathways to a Sustainable Future.” Tending Iowa’s Land, which was edited by Cornelia Mutel and published by the University of Iowa Press, was awarded first place for non-fiction nature by the Midwest Independent Publishers Association for 2023. The book is organized around four sections that speak to the environmental challenges we face in the degradation of soil health, the deterioration of water quality, global climate change, and the loss of biodiversity. Professor Rosburg’s contribution was a chapter entitled “Iowa’s Rich Biodiversity Legacy: A Vision for the Future”. Learn more about the book.
Join colleagues from across campus for a $5 lunch at Hubbell on Wednesday, Dec. 6, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Members of All Staff Council’s Events & Community Service committee will host the lunch, so you will have a friendly face to talk to. Come and go as your schedule allows.
— Elissa Johnson, On behalf of ASC Events & Community Service Committee
It is with great sadness that we share that Professor Emeritus C. Walter Clark passed away on Nov. 9; he was 88 years old. Walter had a long and impactful career at Drake from 1963 to 1998 as professor and chair of the Department of Political Science.
Walter is remembered fondly by his faculty colleagues and by generations of students who he taught how to engage in political conversations. The Department’s Outstanding Senior Award in Politics is named in his honor and his family has supported that prize since its inception.
He is survived by his wife of 55 years, four of his five children, his older sister, and many grandchildren. He loved educational travel, learning about world cultures and the environment. He had a significant and lasting impact on so many people around the world. He will be deeply missed. Walter’s celebration of life will be scheduled in the near future. You can share a memory and read his full obituary here.
— Gesine Gerhard, Dean, College of Arts and Sciences
Brandi Miller, assistant director of new student programs in the Office of Financial Aid, has earned the FAAC designation from the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators’ accredited Certified Financial Aid Administrator (CFAA) Program.
Brandi joins the ranks of an elite group of almost 500 other financial aid professionals from across the country who earned the FAAC designation after successfully demonstrating industry-related experience, passing a comprehensive knowledge exam, and affirming commitment to the standards for ethical behavior that have long been a hallmark of the financial aid profession.
The FAAC designation indicates that Brandi possesses the foundational knowledge and skills to effectively administer Title IV federal student aid programs at colleges and universities across the country as a financial aid professional. It is also evident of Brandi’s hard work and commitment to Drake and the financial aid industry.
Please join me in congratulating Brandi on this major accomplishment.
— Adam Voigts, Chief Financial Officer
We’re putting on our hard hats and prepping for construction. You’re invited to a kickoff event to celebrate the renovation and revitalization of Morehouse Hall! Join us Thursday, Nov. 16, at 1 p.m. in the Morehouse historic living room on the first floor as we commemorate the beginning of the University’s latest development project that will transform the former residence hall into a lively student center.
To properly launch the revitalization of a facility as unique as Morehouse Hall, we’re inviting ALL students, faculty, and staff to take part in this special event!
The event will feature student and staff speakers to detail the impactful project that will create a gathering place and home base for more than 150 student-led organizations on campus, including a dedicated intercultural space for students.
This is project is being funded by The Ones: Drake’s campaign for the Brave and Bold, in support of our goal of enhancing student experience. Every campus should have empowering spaces where students can come together to create, learn, reflect, and play. The revitalized space will be built on the values of community and inclusion and serve as a place where students can get plugged into the issues and causes they care about, collaborate with peers and community members, and lead and innovate beyond classroom walls.
We hope you will join us for this exciting celebration! Light desserts and refreshments will be served.
Drake Women’s Basketball takes on Iowa State University on Sunday, Nov. 12. This is also Faculty and Staff Appreciation Day for Drake Women’s Basketball. Drake Faculty and Staff can receive up to two complimentary general admission tickets to the game on Nov. 12. You can also purchase additional general admission tickets at our group rate of $7 per ticket. Reserve your tickets.
— Ryan Severson, Athletics
A reminder to those teaching J-Term and Spring 2024 courses to indicate your textbook and course material adoptions in the FAST adoption tool by November 7, 2023. If you will not require students to purchase a textbook for a course, mark those courses as “No Text Required” in FAST so students don’t see a “To Be Determined” message when they purchase course materials.
If you have questions about course material adoptions, contact the Drake University Bookstore Team at drake@ecampus.com.
— Andrew Welch, Cowles Library