All posts by Chloe Lepak

Business and Technology Career Fair Sept. 12

The annual Business & Technology Career Fair is coming up on Friday, September 12 from 10:00 a.m. – noon in Parents Hall, Olmsted Center. This event provides students with a valuable opportunity to meet with top employers actively seeking talent and True Blue Skills.

Faculty and staff are encouraged to spread the word and help students prepare to make the most of this event. Employers  will be on campus to discuss internships, full-time positions, and career pathways in business, technology, and related fields.

Students are encouraged to:

  • Register in advance
  • Dress professionally and bring copies of their resume
  • Be ready to introduce themselves and ask questions about career opportunities

The fair is not only for graduating seniors. First- and second-year students can also benefit by exploring career options, building connections, and practicing professional conversations.

Faculty can support student participation by integrating the event into class announcements, encouraging attendance, or offering reflection activities afterward. Faculty and staff are also welcome to attend to meet and network with employer partners.

Don’t miss this chance to connect with leading companies in business and technology and highlight the strengths of our students!

For more information, contact Career Services at career.services@drake.edu.

— Rebecca Muntz, Assistant Director of Career Services

Olmsted Lot Closure for Fall 2025 Career Events

Drake University will host several career-related events during the fall. To accommodate visiting employer representatives, the Olmsted Lot will be closed or restricted on the following day:

  • Friday, September 12 (9:00 AM – 1:00 PM)
    Business & Technology Career Fair
    Parking: The Olmsted Lot will be closed for event parking. Those with parking passes for the Olmsted lot may park in any other Commuter lot with the exception of the Ray Promenade lot (lot 13) on Friday, September 12th.

Students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to plan ahead and use alternative lots or transportation options on Friday, September 12th.

Thank you for your cooperation in supporting this important career development opportunities.

— Scott Law, Executive Director, Public Safety & Operational Services

3rd Fridays: Faculty in Community

The Center for Teaching and Learning is launching a new series of events to encourage community on campus this year. On the third Friday of each month, join faculty and staff at events throughout the day in the Howard Hall Faculty Lounge, Room 212. Events will include a book club, research and teaching talks, and facilitated conversations, culminating with a Faculty Social happy hour.

This month, the third Friday is Sept. 19. View the full schedule on the CTL News & Events page. Drop in whenever you are available!

— Bret Sikkink, Faculty Development Specialist

Books for Breakfast Returns Sept. 19

Join colleagues in the Howard Hall Faculty Lounge on the third Friday of each month this semester to discuss James Lang’s 2021 book “Small Teaching: Everyday Lessons from the Science of Learning“. Email bret.sikkink@drake.edu for a hardcover copy, or you can access the eBook through Cowles Library.

The first meeting will be on Friday, Sept. 19, starting at 9:30 a.m. to discuss the introduction and first chapter.

— Bret Sikkink, Faculty Development Specialist

Tuition Exchange Applications for 2026–2027

Tuition Exchange applications for the 2026–2027 year are available now (complete online via the links provided below). Students receiving Tuition Exchange for 2025-2026 should not complete another application. (Tuition exchange renews automatically, as long as the employee and student remain eligible.)

Full-time Drake employees are eligible to participate in tuition exchange programs, which offer waived or discounted tuition at other participating institutions for employees, their spouse/partner, or eligible dependent(s). More information about tuition exchange at Drake can be found here.

Details about each of Drake’s tuition exchange programs are provided below:

Tuition Exchange, Inc. (TE)
TE has over 700 participating schools. Visit tuitionexchange.org to learn more, view participating schools, and to submit an application.

Council of Independent Colleges & Universities Tuition Exchange Program (CIC-TEP)
CIC-TEP has over 430 participating schools. Visit cic.edu/tep to learn more, view participating schools, and to submit an application.

Ryan Zantingh, Financial Aid Office

Roadmaps to Retirement 2025: Global Lessons and Paths Ahead

Roadmaps to Retirement 2025: Global Lessons and Paths Ahead continues our discussion on strategies to improve retirement security at the retirement system level. The roundtable discussion will focus on the private retirement savings landscape in the US and how it compares to countries such as the United Kingdom and Australia. The roundtable will address both retirement savings accumulation and retirement income options, current policies and regulations, and future goals.

Date: Wednesday, September 17, 2025
Time: 1:00 – 3:30 p.m. CT, networking lunch from noon – 1:00 p.m.
Location: Tom and Ruth Harkin Center (2800 University Ave., Des Moines, IA 50311) or Zoom Livestream
RSVP: Eventbrite

Core Values Recognition at Provost’s Social

Drake faculty and staff who exemplify the Core Value of Commitment to Mission will be recognized at the next Provost’s Social on Thursday, Sept. 25, in the Cowles Reading Room beginning at 4 p.m.

How do we define Commitment to Mission at Drake? We look for colleagues who are united in service to students and community, act with integrity and purpose, and are optimistic about our future.

To nominate a colleague, please use the Qualtrics form. All those nominated will be recognized on a rolling display during the event.  When you nominate colleagues, be prepared to describe how each colleague meets these descriptions. From among those nominated, several will be chosen at random for prizes.

Refreshments will include an assortment of beverages and light snacks. This is a family friendly event. Feel free to bring your children or partner.

— Ann Guddall, Office of the Provost

 

Reminder: 2025 Parking Passes Have Expired

Faculty, students, and staff are reminded that the 2025 parking passes are no longer valid. Please make sure that your present pass has “26” printed on it.  Please ensure you are following all University Parking Policies to avoid citations or towing.

If you have any questions or need assistance, contact Drake Public Safety at publicsafety@drake.edu.

Thank you for your cooperation!

— Scott Law, Executive Director, Public Safety & Operational Services

Ferguson Concert: Darcy James Argue’s Secret Society

Darcy James Argue, “one of the top big band composers of our time” (Stereophile), brings his groundbreaking ensemble Secret Society to campus on for a one-night-only performance. Celebrating their 20th anniversary, the 18-piece group—praised by the New York Times as “renowned in the jazz world”—will perform selections from their GRAMMY-nominated album Dynamic Maximum Tension, hailed as “stunningly eclectic and elastic with swing” (Slate). With a sound that fuses jazz tradition, contemporary sonics, and bold sociopolitical themes, Argue’s work has captivated audiences worldwide. Don’t miss this electrifying evening from one of today’s most innovative big band leaders.  

When: Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at 7:30 PM CDT– Free and open to the public 

Where: Sheslow Auditorium

More information: Ferguson Concert: Darcy James Argue’s Secret Society – Drake University Calendar

— Catelin Haight-Haack, College of Arts & Sciences