All posts by Andy Verlengia

Campus Announcements

Everclass: Behind the Badge, A Conversation with Retired FBI Agent Utley Noble, LA’85, JD’88

Tune into Everclass on Friday, Nov. 7, at 12 p.m. and step inside the world of high-stakes investigations with Utley Noble, LA’85, JD’88, a retired FBI agent whose career spanned some of the nation’s most consequential cases. From leading a multi-state search in a nationally known student abduction to collecting evidence at Ground Zero after 9/11, Noble has seen it all. In this Everclass session, he shares how investigators uncover truth amid chaos—revealing lessons in ethics, leadership, and problem-solving that extend far beyond law enforcement. Whether you’re drawn to forensic science or the mindset behind major investigations, you’ll gain rare insights from a life dedicated to uncovering the truth.

The conversation will be held on Zoom and registration is free.

Register here

— Andy Verlengia, Alumni Relations

For Students

Undergrad Night at Drake Law Nov. 11

If you are considering law school—at Drake or anywhere—Drake Law School’s chapter of Delta Theta Phi invites you to Undergrad Night at Drake Law on Tuesday, Nov. 11, at 6 p.m. Associate Dean Gaughan will share brief remarks, followed by a candid Q&A with current Drake Law students, and a tour of the law school.

The event is open to any undergraduate student. The conversation will cover law school broadly (applications, academics, careers, and day-to-day life) with examples from the Drake Law experience.

Please RSVP by filling out this link: https://forms.gle/MjbUwjVHw636vLZH6. More information to come.

If you have any questions, please reach out to Zach Noonan (zach.noonan@drake.edu) or Noah Crist (noah.crist@drake.edu).

— Zach Noonan, Drake Law

Campus Announcements

Cowles Library November Featured Collection Celebrates Native American Heritage Month

At Cowles Library, we are committed to curating a diverse range of materials, both digital and physical, for the entire campus community to explore. Each month, our librarians highlight collections that connect with current topics and reflect the wide range of academic and personal interests across campus.

In honor of Native American Heritage Month, Cowles Library is featuring a collection celebrating the voices and stories of Indigenous authors. This selection includes both fiction and nonfiction works that span traditional tales, contemporary narratives, and historical accounts.

Visit Cowles Library or explore our Featured Collections page online to discover these and other highlighted materials.

— Joanna Stankiewicz, Cowles Library

Campus Announcements

Drake Theatre Arts Presents Julius Caesar Nov. 20–23, Tickets On Sale Now

The Drake Department of Theatre Arts is proud to present the final mainstage show of the fall semester, Julius Caesar. Adapted and directed by Professor Michael Rothmayer, this show follows Caesar, his ultimate assassination, and the events that ensue. The show runs Nov. 20–23 with evening performances at 7:30 p.m. and a matinee on Sunday Nov. 23 at 2 p.m. in the Performing Arts Hall of the Harmon Fine Arts Center. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online or in person at the FAC box office.

The Ides of March are upon us!

— Ella Appelbaum, College of Arts & Sciences

HR Information

Time is Running Out to Receive Your Wellness Premium Discount

If you are on Drake’s health plan and have not turned in your Premium Discount-Annual Physical Form  – time is running out.  This is an annual requirement to receive the discount.

Employees on Drake’s health plan who wish to receive the wellness health insurance premium discount in 2026, need to complete a physical exam with an in-network provider between Dec. 1, 2024 and Nov. 30, 2025, and submit a completed Premium Discount-Annual Physical Form  by Dec. 1, 2025.

If you cannot get an appointment with your doctor by the Dec. 1, 2025 deadline, or you do not have a primary care provider, you may contact the Broadlawns Community Clinic by Drake (2970 University Ave.) at 515-216-5100 to make an appointment.  Let them know you are from Drake and need to make an appointment for a wellness exam.  Most individuals can get in within two or three days, but please do not wait until the last week to contact them or they may not have available openings.

Besides receiving a premium discount, an annual physical is a great way to receive important health information through age and gender specific examinations, schedule recommended preventative screenings, and create a doctor-patient relationship.

Please contact linda.feiden@drake.edu with questions.

— Linda Feiden, Human Resources

HR Information

Stop By the Benefits and Wellness Fair Tomorrow

Visit this year’s Benefits and Wellness Fair Wednesday, Nov. 5, from 9–11:30 a.m. in Levitt Hall, Old Main.

Representatives from many of our benefits partners will be present to answer your questions.  In addition, we will have a variety of wellbeing resources:

  • Employee & Family Resources (EFR) will be on-hand to share resources and answer questions. In addition to counseling, EFR offers financial and legal consulting, eldercare and childcare resources, life coaching and more.
  • Samantha Matt, our on-campus dietitian, will answer your nutrition questions. She and Gail Witte will also be facilitating a Mindful Moves & Meals: Wellness for Busy Professionals class on Wednesday, Nov. 12, from 2–3 p.m. in the Paul Morrison Room in the Knapp Center. Click HERE to register.
  • Representatives from the Drake Kinesiology department will offer free blood pressure checks. It is always good to know this number in tracking your health.
  • We will have staff from Recreational Services ready to share information on upcoming Group X classes, and much more.

Fill out a BINGO card during the fair and you will be placed in a drawing for a chance to win a prize. Most importantly, this is an opportunity for you to be sure you understand and take advantage of the benefits and perks offered to you as an employee of Drake University and help prepare you to make benefit elections during open enrollment (from Oct. 31 to Dec. 1 this year), which will take effect on Jan. 1, 2026.

— Linda Feiden, Human Resources

For Faculty, For Staff

University Budget Town Hall is Today at 3 p.m. in Olmsted Center

The University will hold a budget town hall today (Tuesday, Nov. 4) at 3 p.m. in the Olmsted Center, Parents Hall. All faculty and staff are encouraged to attend to learn more about the fiscal year 2025 results, overall financial health, fiscal year 2026 budget, and a look ahead to future fiscal years. 

If you have questions you would like addressed at the town hall, please send them to president@drake.edu.

— Adam Voigts, Chief Financial Officer

For Faculty, For Staff

United Way of Central Iowa Campaign Starts Monday

Our annual opportunity to contribute to the United Way of Central Iowa, as a University, is coming next week! Your optional contribution can be through monetary support, volunteering, and/or by donating needed supplies and food. We have some fun, giving-level incentives which includes the incentive of getting a full-day off on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving instead of a half-day—if we can hit our campaign participation goal of 30%!

The campaign will kick-off on Monday, Nov. 10, with an email from United Way of Central Iowa and will conclude on Friday, Nov. 14. Some highlights to share:

  • The campaign is part of our commitment as an anchor institution and to the Des Moines community
  • One hundred percent of the funds donated remain in central Iowa (Polk, Dallas, and Warren counties)
  • Serves more than 10,000 people in the 50311 zip code
  • United Way financially supports many organizations that are partners with Drake including the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Iowa

This site contains all there is to know about the campaign with more details about the supply & food drive, volunteering opportunities, and giving level incentives.

You are encouraged to participate in a way that works for you!

— Nate Reagen, Office of the President