Volunteers are needed to help welcome more than 10,000 fourth and fifth graders at Exercise Your Character 2019. In partnership with Hy-Vee, The Robert D. and Billie Ray Center at Drake University is seeking volunteers for Tuesday, April 9, from 8 a.m.–12 p.m. at Hy-Vee Hall in downtown Des Moines.

All volunteers will receive a free T-shirt and lunch. The event celebrates good character and includes keynote speakers, music, and fun. Past speakers have included Stefon Diggs, Shawn Johnson, Adam Thielen, and more.

To volunteer, email Hilary at hilary.ortmann@drake.edu and include your T-shirt size. Family and friends ages 18 and up are welcome to register with Drake faculty and staff.

Hilary Ortmann, Assistant Director at The Robert D. and Billie Ray Center

Each month a faculty member, nominated by their dean, is recognized for their efforts to integrate innovative technology into their classroom. February’s digital faculty member of the month is Alanah Mitchell, associate professor of Information Systems, College of Business and Public Administration. Read an interview with Alanah below:

Which course do you use this technology in? 
IS 160: Database Management. In this course, required for all Information Systems students as well as Data Analytics students, we cover foundational database concepts and technologies. It’s also open to students in other majors where students are encouraged to understand data and where and how it’s stored and accessed. 

What type of technology do you use?The students in this class learn Structured Query Language (SQL). We use technologies including a Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI), Citrix Workspace, MySQL, MySQL Workbench, Microsoft Vizio, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerBI, and Tableau. 

In what context do you use this technology? 
Students work in groups to design and implement their own database using real data. Groups begin by identifying data they want to use and developing a data model in Microsoft Visio to present their database plans. The initial data models are converted to specific database design using MySQL Workbench. They then use SQL to create the tables and data in a MySQL database. Additional work is done to identify interesting questions and answers with the data. Finally, groups develop visualizations using Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerBI, and Tableau. 

How does this type of technology align with your teaching pedagogy?Understanding the theoretical foundations of database management is important. However, having the hands-on experience is the best way to really understand “why” as well as other best practices in database management. I don’t expect that every student in this course will go on to work as a database administrator (DBA); however, the majority of the students in this course will work with data and database administrators. 

How long did it take for you to implement this technology? 
Immediately upon my arrival at Drake, four years ago, I was able to identify the right people in ITS to help me. ITS was able to make a server available with the necessary software for my students to learn hands-on. I am really happy with the ongoing success of this arrangement. 

Did ITS assist you in implementing this technology? If so, how?
Every semester ITS helps me create both individual and group storage accounts to make this class successful. The help desk also assists students with initial setup or connection issues.

Are you interested in trying out new technology in your classroom? Want help from ITS staff? Schedule a technology adoption consultation.

Jon Hurdelbrink, CPHS, and Carla Herling, ITS

The Provost’s next Drake Social is fast approaching, scheduled for Wednesday, March 6, from 4–6 p.m. at Shivers Hospitality Suite. 

Faculty and staff who are great examples of our fourth Drake Core Value will be honored. Nominations are due to Drinda Williams by Monday, March 4, at drinda.williams@drake.edu.

All Staff Council will be hosting a faculty/staff Trivia Night during the last hour of the social. All are invited to join a table for the fun! See the separate story on Trivia Night.

Commitment to Mission is defined as: We are united in service to our students and communities. We are optimistic about our future, and act with integrity and purpose as we deliver on our mission. Watch a video to learn what Commitment to Mission means to those around campus.

Drinda Williams, Academic Support Specialist, Office of the Provost

Have you ever noticed the names etched into the south portal of Cowles Library? Did you ever wonder how these scholars were chosen for representation? Did you ever think there might be other scholars worthy of recognition? We have answers…and questions for you.

The names — Galileo and Newton, Plato and Kant, Bacon and Pasteur, Beethoven and Wagner, Euripides and Shakespeare, Michelangelo and Rembrandt — were chosen to represent “the six branches of knowledge—Philosophy, Science, Music, Art, Literature, and Astronomy,” according to a 1939 document by (we think) Mary Bell Nethercut, director of Cowles Library. “The first of each group was one of the older and recognized representations and the other, one typical of a trend of the newer age.”

As we look at the list now, though, with 21st Century perspective, what leaps to mind is that they’re all white men. We believe that there have been other scholars worthy of recognition in the Cowles portal: scholars of color, women scholars, scholars with disabilities. We invite your help in identifying them. Submit a nomination by March 15.

For questions, please reach out to a member of Cowles Library’s Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee: Marcia Keyser and Cameron Tuai, co-chairs; Hope Bibens, Dan Chibnall, Laura Krossner, Kathy Lincoln, and Jill Gremmels, members.

Jill Gremmels, Dean, Cowles Library