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Cowles Library February Featured Collection
Stop by Cowles Library and explore the February Featured Collection, a celebration of Black voices, joy, and resilience.
In honor of Black History Month, we’ve gathered a selection of fiction and nonfiction by Black authors—stories that uplift, inspire, and illuminate. From triumphant personal narratives to imaginative tales that redefine possibility, these books showcase the richness and depth of Black storytelling.
Whether you’re looking for a powerful memoir, a moving novel, or a fresh perspective, you’ll find something to captivate and inspire. Come discover your next great read!
— Joanna Stankiewicz, Cowles Library
Final Call for All Staff Council Nominations
Do you know a staff member who would like to make an impact to strengthen the staff experience on campus? Nominate them (or yourself!) NOW for All Staff Council. The following three-year positions are available:
- Chair-Elect: Sits on the Executive Board. Serves their first year as Chair-Elect, their second year as Chair, and their third and final year as Past-Chair.
- Governance Committee: Finalizes the structure of All Staff Council by developing rules. Conducts yearly elections and attends to any rules changes, recommendations, or policies proposed.
- Recognition Committee: Strives to make sure staff members are recognized and rewarded for a job well done, feel appreciated for the work they do, and are welcomed as valued members of the Bulldog community.
- Special Events/Community Service Committee: Develops and implements plans for special events on campus and creates awareness of community service opportunities available for staff participation.
- Special Interest Committee: Explores initiatives, questions, and/or concerns presented to All Staff Council through research, planning, and collaboration with appropriate offices on campus.
Nominations are due Friday, Feb. 14, by midnight. Elections will be held in the spring. Newly elected members will begin their three-year term on June 1, 2025. Learn more about All Staff Council here.
— Ryan Harris, On behalf of All Staff Council
QPR Training: Suicide Prevention
QPR stands for Question, Persuade, and Refer—three simple steps anyone can learn to help save a life from suicide. Just as people trained in CPR and the Heimlich Maneuver help save thousands of lives each year, people trained in QPR learn how to recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to question, persuade, and refer someone to help. Get trained today. Please consider attending an upcoming QPR training. Participants will learn valuable tools to respond to and support anyone that may exhibit the warning signs of suicide.
When: Various dates here. The first training will be held Thursday, Feb. 20, from 3:30 –4:30 p.m.
Where: Olmsted, Rooms 312–313
For questions, contact kayla.bell@drake.edu.
DU England Fall 2025 Info Session
A cohort of Drake students will study abroad Fall 2025 on the DU England study abroad program with Professor Melisa Klimaszewski, our very own British Victorian studies and literature expert. Students enroll in one or two Drake course(s), as well as courses at Harlaxton College, taught by British and visiting faculty.
Courses taken at Harlaxton can be pre-approved to count toward your major(s), minor(s), concentration, and/or AOIs.
Studying abroad on DU England, students are charged Drake tuition and keep their scholarship package, making your experience abroad comparable in cost to staying right here in Des Moines. In addition, you could earn a study abroad scholarship, as we award over $100,000 every year!
If you are interested in learning more about this program, there are several upcoming information sessions to be held in Olmsted, Room 310. The first information session will be held Friday, Feb. 7, at 10 a.m.
If you have questions or want to set up a study abroad advising appointment, please reach out to studyabroad@drake.edu.
— Emily Erschen, Global Engagement
Drake Athletics Hosts “Hoopy Hour” Friday and Saturday
Drake Athletics has announced a unique experience for Bulldog faculty and staff to partake in the celebration of their hometown team with Hoopy Hour at the Knapp Center on Friday, Feb. 7, and Saturday, Feb. 8. The event will allow fans to experience the revamped Mid-American Atrium and Morrison Hall of Honor while getting to enjoy live music.
On Friday, Feb. 7, Hoopy Hour will take place from 3:45-5:00 p.m. in the Mid-American Atrium of the Knapp Center ahead of the women’s basketball contest against Illinois State that begins at 6:00 p.m.
Saturday’s Hoopy Hour event will also occur in the Mid-American Atrium and will be held from 2:45-4:00 p.m. ahead of the men’s basketball game against Indiana State, which begins at 5:00 p.m.
Happy hour drinks will be served, and live music performances will take place for both events. Providing the live music on Friday will be the Dogtown Rhythm Band and Saturday will feature local artist, Damon Dotson.
Dogtown Rhythm Band is a blues ensemble recently formed by Drake professors David Lubbers and Tom Buckmiller. Lubbers, a 1986 Drake Graduate and former men’s basketball player, currently serves as an assistant professor at Drake’s School of Journalism and Mass Communication. Buckmiller, is the Director of the LEAD program at Drake and is in his 15th year as a faculty member.
Dotson is a singer/songwriter based out of Des Moines, Iowa. Originally from Okoboji, Iowa, Dotson has opened for legendary performers like BB King, Willie Nelson, The Beach Boys, Huey Lewis and The News, as well as modern artists like Matt Nathanson, The Band Perry, Edwin McCain, and The Lone Bellow. He has also been named Des Moines’ “Best Local Musician” by City View magazine.
Game tickets are required to attend the Hoopy Hour events on both days. For Drake faculty & staff on Friday, the event ticket is $10 and includes a ticket to the game. For Drake faculty & staff on Saturday, the event ticket is $15 and includes a ticket to the game. Event tickets can be purchased HERE using the promo code DSMUSA2.
— Greg Kay, Athletics
Deadline Approaching for DU Spain Faculty-in-Residence, Spring 2026
Drake University is seeking interested faculty to apply for the DU Spain Faculty-in-Residence position to teach and support student learning on Drake’s semester-long, cohort-model, study abroad program in Seville, Spain.
The DU Spain Semester Faculty-in-Residence application is live through Qualtrics for Spring 2026. To learn more about this opportunity including eligibility, compensation, responsibilities, and to officially apply, go to https://drake.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0NiU9mtxxVKgC3A
Submissions are due Monday, Feb. 10, 2025. If you have questions or want to learn more about this opportunity, please reach out to Maria Rohach, director of education abroad, at maria.rohach@drake.edu to schedule time to meet.
— Maria Rohach, Global Engagement
Bundle Up With Bulldog Gear
Grab your winter essentials from the Bulldog Shop today to keep you ready for anything the season throws your way. Check out two of our must-have pieces:
- Windbreaker Jacket: Lightweight and breathable, perfect for those unpredictable Iowa days.
- Bomber Jacket: Sleek, warm, and ready to elevate your Bulldog style.
This is the perfect time to refresh your winter wardrobe—come visit us in-store or shop online.
— The Bulldog Shop
Inviting Nominations for the Madelyn Levitt Awards
In 1994, the Madelyn Levitt Awards were created in honor of Madelyn Levitt’s commitment to Drake and her ongoing interest in faculty and staff achievement and academic excellence. Each year they are awarded to various individuals in recognition of their excellence in a respective area of achievement consistent with Drake University’s mission and core values.
This year, the Provost’s office has added the Madelyn Levitt Scholar of the Year Award to the list in honor of Madelyn Levitt’s awards. Each year a member of the Drake University faculty will be honored with this award for their scholarship excellence as detailed in the call for nominations accessible below.
Invitations for nominations for the various awards are accessible via the respective links below. All Drake faculty, staff, and students are invited and encouraged to nominate a Drake faculty member for the appropriate award(s) per the instructions included therein.
Nominations for the Madelyn Levitt Teacher of the Year Award.
Nominations for the Madelyn Levitt Mentor of the Year Award.
Nominations for the Madelyn Levitt Scholar of the Year Award.
— Madison Bemus, Office of the Provost
Provost’s Social and Special Exhibition Today, 4 p.m., Cline Atrium
The February Provost’s Social will be held Tuesday, Feb. 18, in the Cline Atrium beginning at 4 p.m.
This month’s social will include a special exhibition on AI facial recognition-defeating textile art, with a themed raffle and short presentation by Professor Sayoko Blodgett-Ford. Please join us to explore this fascinating intersection of technology and art.
Refreshments will include an assortment of beverages, cupcakes, and light snacks. This is a family friendly event. Feel free to bring your children or partner.
— Madison Bemus, Office of the Provost