All posts by Amanda Martin

For Faculty Archive, For Staff Archive

Way Up leadership conference for women in higher ed

The annual Way Up Conference is designed to develop women leaders to enhance Iowa higher education, and is for faculty, staff, administrators and graduate students in higher education, and those aspiring to be leaders in higher ed.

This year’s conference is being held Nov. 2–3 in Des Moines. The theme of the conference is “Thriving Together in a Landscape of Change.” Participants will have the opportunity to reflect on advancements made by women in higher education in Iowa, discuss hot topics faced by many of us, and network with others across the state. Plan to join at Hilton Des Moines Downtown for enriching conversations on leadership, wellness, social justice, empowerment, networking, and so much more.

Registration is open. Visit the website to learn more about keynote speakers and workshop sessions, including Drake’s own Director of Access and Success, Michelle Laughlin. Contact Amanda Martin, amanda.martin@drake.edu, Way Up Conference committee member, with any questions.

For Faculty Archive, For Staff Archive

True Blue nominations open

The All Staff Council Recognition Committee is accepting True Blue nominations. A staff member who is called to be True Blue is someone who:

  1. Epitomizes the values of leadership, teamwork, and integrity, and exhibits their commitment to the Drake community.
  2. Has shown others what it takes to get a task or project done, and accomplishes that by working well with others.
  3. Is able to be honest and fair in the situations they face.
  4. Does all of these things for the betterment of Drake and its values and goals.

If this sounds like someone you know, make your nomination today.

— Betsy Wilson, On behalf of All Staff Council

HR Information Archive

Sign up for an on-campus stroke and cardiovascular ultrasound screening

Every 40 seconds someone in the U.S. has a stroke, and every 3.5 minutes, someone dies of a stroke. Common risk factors include age, obesity, high blood pressure and cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, inactivity, poor diet, and family history.

Health Gauge will be offering vascular screenings on Wednesday, Oct. 18, from 9 a.m. through 2 p.m. in the Olmsted Center, Parents Hall North. This includes stroke/carotid artery, abdominal aortic aneurysm, and peripheral artery disease screenings. You may also add an optional osteoporosis screening and EKG. These painless and non-invasive screenings are open to all Drake employees, spouses/partners, and retirees. The cost is $125 for the three vascular screenings payable at the time of your appointment. The optional add-ons are $35 each. You may pay with cash, check, credit or debit card, or FSA dollars.

Appointments are necessary. Call Health Gauge at 515-244-3080 to get scheduled.

—Linda Feiden, Human Resources

For Faculty Archive, For Staff Archive

International Scholar Reception

Drake University is delighted to be hosting six international scholars from around the world this fall—the most we have hosted at once in more than a decade.  The international scholars are serving in various capacities, including teaching, research, and mentorship, and bring a unique global perspective to our community.

The Office of Global Engagement is hosting a welcome reception for the international scholars in Levitt Hall on Thursday, Sept. 28, from 4–6 p.m. Please come and meet the scholars, help welcome them to campus, and expand your global network!

The scholars include:

  • Ines Rojas – Visiting Assistant Professor of Spanish and Communication & Cultural Literacy
    College of Arts & Sciences and Bright College
  • Zahir Cerkini – Fulbright Scholar
    Law School
  • Suryani Wijaya – Fulbright Scholar
    College of Arts & Sciences
  • Yajuan Jiang – Research Scholar
    Law School
  • Hua Zhang – Research Scholar
    Law School
  • Juan Del Valle Rosales – Research Scholar
    College of Arts & Sciences

Please join us as we celebrate these scholars and their contributions to our campus community.

— Bonnie Ehler, Global Engagement

For Faculty Archive

Call for proposals: J-Term travel seminars 2025

Interested in leading a J-Term 2025 travel seminar? Submit your travel seminar proposal by Sunday, Oct. 15, at 11:59 p.m. through Qualtrics. If you are new to leading travel seminars, please reach out to Global Engagement to set up a meeting to discuss your ideas and learn more about the process.

A travel seminar is a short-term, faculty-led study abroad (or domestic) program. This is an opportunity to teach a course that integrates an academic experience with intercultural and experiential learning while traveling.  To learn more about the travel seminar process, please contact Chelsea Funk, assistant director of Education Abroad, at chelsea.funk@drake.edu.

— Chelsea Funk, Global Engagement

Campus Announcements Archive

Yoga, Self Defense, and Hip Hop, oh my!

Wind down your weekend with a Yoga 101 class designed for beginners on Sunday, Sept. 24, at 2 p.m. in the Bell Center Studio. Need a kickstart to your week? Join us for a Self Defense workshop from 5–6:30 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 25, in the Bell Center Studio. Or, dance the night away with our Hip Hop Dance Night on Friday, Sept. 29, at 6:30 p.m. Don’t forget to sign up for these and our weekly classes below using the Drake Rec app.

Please email wellness@drake.edu with any questions. If you are unable to attend for any reason, no worries. You can cancel your slot in the Drake Rec app, and we will see you next time.

Sunday:
Yoga Restore – 5:00 PM

Monday:
Spin – 12:15 PM
Power Yoga – 5:00 PM

Tuesday:
Pilates – 12:15 PM
Yoga Restore – 5:00 PM
Karate – 6:00 PM

Wednesday:
Yoga Flow – 7:45 AM
Barre Fusion – 12:15 PM

Thursday:
Muscle Mix – 12:15 PM
Zumba – 4:30 PM
Cycle and Stretch – 5:30 PM

Friday:
Yoga Flow – 12:15 PM