Last fall, the All Staff Council Recognition Committee presented Called to Be True Blue Awards to seven deserving staff members. A staff member or team that is True Blue epitomizes the values of excellence, integrity, leadership, teamwork, and commitment to the Drake community. Here’s a little information about our honorees with excerpts from their nominations.

Linda Feiden, Wellness & Recognition Specialist, Human Resources
“Linda is always positive, always smiling, and epitomizes joyful accountability for Drake University.” “Linda truly embodies the word ‘partner’ and is a shining example of someone willing to work across departments to promote new initiatives, build relationships and create our vibrant campus culture. Drake is a better place because Linda works here!”

Jenny Reitano, Director, Graduate Student Programs, CBPA
“When I think of a leader within the CBPA that continuously works together for the betterment of our team, Jenny instantly comes to mind. She is a strategic leader focused on our team goal of fostering a sense of community across graduate programs.”

Diana Newman, Business Manager, CPHS
“Diana epitomizes the values of leadership, teamwork, and integrity, and exhibits her commitment to Drake on a daily basis. We are very fortunate at Drake and in the CPHS to have Diana Newman on our team. She is a deserving employee that has consistently gone above and beyond.”

Suzanne Wisslead, Assistant Director, Admission
“Suzanne surpasses expectations when questions arise…and never under delivers! I appreciate her view of bettering Drake University from the very first point of contact.”

Marina Verlengia, Director, New Student and Parent Programs, Academic Excellence and Student Success
“Marina is an incredible member of the Drake community who made an instant impact in her very first year here, and continues to challenge herself to grow programs, try new things, and improve the impact of her programs on students.”

Erin Bell, Live Mascot Director, Athletics
“From striving to find new and unique ways to share Griff with the world, to always being friendly and warm with our constituents and fellow staff, to saying yes and finding ways to squeeze in one more appearance in a jam packed calendar to embodying our mission, Drake is lucky to have Erin Bell.” “Erin Bell not only shows us all what it means to be True Blue, she is forging a path to inspire all of us to go beyond that and to help those around us.”

Congratulations to all of our True Blue honorees!

Do you know of a staff member or department that has gone above and beyond to exemplify True Blue spirit? Nominate them today!

Nominations are now being accepted for the Madelyn M. Levitt Employee Excellence and Distinguished Community Service Awards. Nominations are due to Human Resources by Friday, March 29. Late nominations will not be accepted.

Distinguished Community Service Award
Madelyn M. Levitt established the Distinguished Community Service Award to recognize the outstanding contributions of Drake faculty and staff to the Drake community. Recipients are chosen on the following criteria:

• A demonstrated personal commitment to volunteerism and community service
• An outstanding record of leadership or substantial involvement in community projects, services and activities contributing to the quality of life in our region, state and/or the nation
• Professional and personal values and behavior that typify the ideals of “giving back to others” and “making a difference in the lives of others”
• The nominee must be a current faculty or staff member with at least five years of service at Drake

Employee Excellence Award
The Employee Excellence Award is presented to a staff member who demonstrates exceptional commitment to excellence in the performance of their duties. Criteria for the award include:

• Exceptional performance as an employee of Drake University
• Outstanding dedication to providing courteous, prompt and quality service.
• Demonstrated commitment to University programs, initiatives and services.
• Professional values and behavior that demonstrate exceptional service to others and a commitment to Drake University 
• The nominee must be a current staff member with at least one year of service at Drake.

To nominate a colleague, submit a letter of nomination to the Levitt Award Committee, care of (c/o) Human Resources. Nomination letters may be sent through campus mail or electronically to drakehr@drake.edu. The letter should detail specific examples of how the nominee exemplifies each of the applicable criteria. Additional letters of support are not necessary. 

The screening committee will review all nominations and make appropriate recommendations to the President’s Council.

The 2019 recipient of the Madelyn M. Levitt Employee Excellence Award and Distinguished Community Service Award will be announced during the Sapphire Awards on May 9 at 1 p.m. in Levitt Hall or during the Faculty Honors Luncheon.

Linda Feiden, Wellness & Recognition Specialist

Road Trip to Drake, formerly known as the Chicago Bus Trip, is a 15+ year tradition and we want everyone to be a part of it. This Sunday and Monday, Drake is hosting over 180 prospective high school seniors for an overnight visit that will help solidify that Drake is the place they all will call home next fall. Let’s showcase why we love being a bulldog and why we bleed blue. On Monday, Feb. 18, we ask that all faculty/staff wear Drake blue.

Josefina Lopez Valdivia, Admission Counselor