All posts by Ashton Hockman

Shameka Brown selected as Newman Civic Fellow

Drake student Shameka Brown has been selected as a national Newman Civic Fellow for 2019–2020. She joins as one of 262 students from across the U.S. for next year’s cohort. 

The Newman Civic Fellowship is a one-year fellowship for community-committed college students from Campus Compact member institutions. The fellowship honors the late Frank Newman, one of Campus Compact’s founders, who was a tireless advocate for civic engagement in higher education.

Shameka is a third year at Drake University, studying Sociology and African American/African Diaspora Studies. For the last few years, she has worked in the community and with nonprofit organizations to advocate and increase the efforts of educational opportunities for high school and college students. She is currently working with the Iowa Department of Human Rights and local community members to help provide educational resources and opportunities to help students of color succeed academically.

Through the fellowship, Campus Compact provides a variety of learning and networking opportunities emphasizing personal, professional, and civic growth. The fellowship also provides pathways to apply for scholarship and post-graduate opportunities.

“We are proud to recognize each of these extraordinary student leaders and thrilled to have the opportunity to engage with them,” said Campus Compact President Andrew Seligsohn. “The stories of this year’s Newman Civic Fellows make clear that they are committed to finding solutions to pressing problems in their communities and beyond. That is what Campus Compact is about, and it’s what our country and our world desperately need.”

Amanda Martin, Assistant Director of Community Engaged Learning

University Communications and Marketing is hiring summer interns

University Communications and Marketing is looking to fill three internships for summer: Communications Assistant, Graphic Designer, and Marketing Assistant.

Each position will require roughly 25–35 hours per week, with no Friday afternoons. (The office is closed on Friday afternoons during the summer.)

Applicants should have a sincere passion for the University and a strong commitment to strengthening its brand and reputation. To apply and view the full job descriptions, visit Handshake, the University’s primary job and internship search platform.

— University Communications & Marketing

Big Ideas scoring process update

Thank you to the many members of the Drake community who either submitted or assisted in the creation of a Big Idea.

More than 50 submissions were received and reviewed by the Big Ideas Steering Committee. Next month the proposals will proceed to the Board of Trustees for additional review and discussion. Following the April Board meeting, select Big Ideas will be further developed and tested for external funding feasibility, as the University gears up for its next comprehensive fundraising campaign.

As the process progresses, the Big Ideas Steering Committee and University Advancement will keep the campus informed on what ideas are selected to move forward.

I sincerely want to thank the members of the Steering Committee for their time and diligence in scoring the ideas, and for their strategic leadership throughout this process.

Together, as a campus, these forward-thinking, interdisciplinary ideas will strengthen the University and positively impact the world.

John Smith, Vice President, University Advancement

Advertising senior wins regional honors

Advertising and graphic design senior Josie Carrabine has won a gold award and two silvers in the regional American Advertising Awards contest, sponsored by the American Advertising Federation.

The student work was judged by professionals from Chicago, Denver, and Austin, TX. Josie’s work had previously been honored in the local contest. It will now advance to the national competition. Winners will be announced at the ADMERICA Conference in Florida in June.

Kathleen Richardson, Dean, School of Journalism and Mass Communication

Save the Date for All In 2019

Check out this video to see what All In is all about. Watch now.

We are just nine days away from the biggest advancement and fundraising event of the year and the excitement is building online and on campus.

In addition to spreading the word about All In, be sure to RSVP and attend the Des Moines All In Happy Hour on Thursday, April 5, from 5–7 p.m. at Gilroy’s Kitchen + Pub + Patio at 1238 8th Street, West Des Moines. Register to attend here. This event is open to the entire Des Moines Drake community and is a great opportunity to catch up with alumni, parents, and friends of Drake so let your networks know you’re going and you’d love to see them there. 

Also, returning for the third year to sweeten the deal is Provost Mattison’s Faculty/Staff Pie drawing. Each faculty or staff member who makes a gift during All In will be entered into a drawing to win a delicious homemade apple pie from Provost Mattison herself. 

For more information on All In this year and to follow along with our challenges and sign up as an ambassador, visit drake.edu/allin. If you have any questions about All In please feel free to contact Becca Widmer, director of annual giving, at becca.widmer@drake.edu.

Becca Widmer, director of annual giving

Eugene and Susan Lutz to receive 2019 Weaver Medal of Honor and deliver lecture

The College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences will award its highest honor, the 2019 Lawrence C. and Delores M. Weaver Medal of Honor, to Drake graduates and national pharmacy leaders Eugene (Gene), PH’66, and Susan, PH’68, Lutz of Altoona, Iowa. They will receive the Weaver Medal of Honor and deliver a lecture at 2 p.m. Wednesday, April 24, in Sheslow Auditorium. The lecture is open to all faculty, staff, and students.

The Weaver Medal of Honor is awarded annually to an individual who has advanced the college’s education, research or outreach mission for the benefit of human health; has made a substantial impact on the profession of pharmacy; or has provided financial support that has led to strategic change and progress in the College.

Eugene and Susan Lutz have a long-standing record of serving the pharmacy profession and their community. They owned and operated Lutz Pharmacy and Lutz Long Term Care Pharmacy in Altoona for 38 years, and now co-own Lutz Pharmacist Services, a consulting and relief pharmacist firm. The Lutzes are both past presidents of the Iowa Pharmacy Association (IPA) and have been inducted as APhA (American Pharmacists Association) Fellows. They have both received the IPA Bowl of Hygeia, the College’s Alumni Achievement Award, and the Altoona Chamber of Commerce’s Bill Newell Award. 

View the full news release

D.C. Experience Scholarship deadline extended

The deadline to apply for the D.C. Experience Scholarship has been extended to Monday, April 15. This scholarship helps students with financial need cover the cost of pursuing an internship with a congressional office, government agency, or nonprofit in Washington, D.C. View the scholarship application.

The D.C. Experience Scholarship helps to eliminate the financial barriers for qualified students by providing funding for transportation and housing. Students who are looking to complete internships in D.C. this summer are strongly encouraged to apply.

Important Note: You do not need to have an internship at the time of applying for the scholarship. If you have any questions, please contact Emily Schettler, emily.schettler@drake.edu.

Zachary Mecham, VISTA Special Projects Coordinator for The Harkin Institute

Nominations open for Adams Leadership Convocation Awards

The Adams Leadership Convocation is an annual, campus-wide event that celebrates the achievements of student leaders and organizations at Drake University. As part of this special ceremony, please consider nominating Drake students and student organizations who’ve exhibited strong leadership and excellence throughout the 2018–2019 academic year. Nominations can be submitted by any Drake student, faculty, or staff member. View a full list of awards and the nomination form. Nominations are due Sunday, March 31, at 11:59 p.m.

In addition to submitting your nominations, please save the date for this year’s Adams Leadership Convocation on Friday, April 19, at 12 p.m. in Sheslow Auditorium (appetizer reception following). If you have any questions, please contact Kristin Economos, director of student leadership programs, at kristin.economos@drake.edu.

Kristin Economos, Director of Student Leadership Programs

Drake University Home Incentive Purchase Plan

The Drake University Home Incentive Purchase Plan provides financial support to full-time Drake employees who purchase an owner-occupied, single-family dwelling in the Drake neighborhood. Drake University will provide up to $3,500 for reimbursement of loan origination fees and/or closing costs for purchases made adjacent to campus. View additional information about the program, including applicable boundaries.

Marlene Heuertz, Benefits Specialist, Human Resources