All posts by Anne Marie Greenwood

For Faculty Archive, For Staff Archive

Nominate A Colleague: Drake Core Values Recognition At Provost’s Drake Social Feb. 17

Drake faculty and staff who exemplify the Core Value of All In This Together will be recognized at the next Provost’s Social on Tuesday, Feb. 17 in the Cline Atrium beginning at 4 p.m. 

How do we define “All In This Together” at Drake? We look for colleagues who embrace robust communication and transparency, thriving through collaboration and teamwork. 

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! 

— Anne Marie Greenwood, Office of the Provost

Campus Announcements Archive

Call For Nominations: Madelyn Levitt Awards, Nominations Due Feb. 6

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. 

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 are due February 6th.

 Nominations for the Madelyn Levitt Teacher of the Year Award.pdf 

 Nominations for the Madelyn Levitt Mentor of the Year Award.pdf 

 Nominations for the Madelyn Levitt Scholar of the Year Award.pdf 

— Anne Marie Greenwood, Office of the Provost

For Faculty Archive

Applications Open For Ronald Troyer Research Fellowship, Due Feb. 27

The Ronald Troyer Research Fellowship Endowment was created to recognize Provost Ronald Troyer’s unwavering commitment to supporting faculty research and development at the highest level. At this time, the application process for the Troyer Research Fellowship is open and applications are due on Feb. 27. Interested applicants should click  here to access the call for applications.

— Anne Marie Greenwood, Office of the Provost

Campus Announcements Archive

Pedestrian Safety On Forest Avenue

Drake University has been working with the City of Des Moines on ways to improve pedestrian safety on Forest Avenue. Recent changes include removing parking to allow for greater visibility, improved cross-walk signage from both directions, and most recently, speed feedback signs near 30th and 24th streets. However, these are temporary measures as the city is planning significant improvements to Forest Avenue. More on the research and recommendations for this project can be found here. Work is tentatively slated to begin next year.

— Nate Reagen, Office of the President

Campus Announcements Archive

Bellentine’s Day Hot Chocolate Bar

Warm up this Valentine’s day at the Rec Center’s Hot Chocolate Bar. Stop by the Rec Center on Friday, Feb. 13, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for free hot chocolate, festive toppings, and cozy vibes. Bring a friend, partner, your workout buddy, or treat yourself after a workout—because everyone deserves a little love and sweetness this Valentine’s Day!

Campus Announcements Archive

Page To Screen: The Story Behind Ellen Won Steil’s Optioned Novel

Discover the real story behind a rising literary career with bestselling author and Drake graduate Ellen Won Steil, JO’07. Tune into this Everclass session on Feb. 26 at 7 p.m. as Ellen reflects on her path from Iowa to the bookshelves, sharing the quiet persistence, reinventions, and even failures that fueled The Lives of Others, Becoming Marlow Fin, and Fortune. She will also discuss what it is like to have one of her books optioned for development as a series on Peacock and how her background in journalism and law sharpened her voice as a storyteller. Perfect for creators seeking motivation, insight, and a candid look at the publishing world.

Register: https://drake-edu.zoom.us/meeting/register/-Up2zZbmQQW1dFm8gg_EDA#/registration

— Andy Verlengia, Alumni Relations

 

For Students Archive

Transfer Student Social Feb. 5

Calling all transfer students! The Transfer Student Organization is hosting a fun social on Thursday, Feb. 5, at 2 p.m. in Fisher-Stelter Hall (Johansen Student Center). Expect bingo, snacks, and lots of chances to connect with other transfer students. Whether you’re new or just looking to meet more people, this is the place to be!

— Marina Verlengia, New Student and Parent Programs

Campus Announcements Archive

“AI In Elections” Speaker Panel

Philosophy. Politics. Law. Artificial intelligence in American elections is raising important questions about our society and civic life. Join three distinguished speakers at the Drake University Law School who will tackle AI’s real-life impact in past and future elections, followed by free refreshments. This event is free and open to the general public.

Speakers:
– Drake Philosophy Professor Jennifer McCrickerd, PhD
– Nebraska State Senator Tony Vargas
– Nyemaster Goode, P.C. Attorney Robert L. Palmer

Please RSVP at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ai-in-elections-sease-award-speaker-panel-tickets-1981856234347.

— Anthony J. Zarzycki, Law School

Campus Announcements Archive

Drake’s The Comparison Project Hosts “Roads to Religion”

On Sunday, Feb. 15, from 3–5 p.m., Drake University’s The Comparison Project, in conjunction with the “Iowa Interfaith Exchange,” will host “Roads to Religion” in the Olmsted Center (Parents Hall) on Drake’s campus. The event, which is free and open to the public, features dozens of local religious communities, collectively representing 10+ religious (and spiritual) traditions. These communities will be arranged throughout the hall as on a map of the metro. Visitors will receive a map to guide their exploration.

 The event also includes musical and cultural performances by several of the participating communities. Food and drink will be provided by Drake’s catering service.

The Comparison Project engages in the practice of comparative philosophy of religion, increases understanding of local-lived religion, and cultivates interfaith literacy and leadership. It is supported by Drake’s Center for the Humanities, Drake’s Stringfellow and Hay Lectureships, Drake’s Slay Fund for Social Justice, Drake’s Principal Cener for Global Citizenship, Humanities Iowa, and Cultivating Compassion: The Dr. Richard Deming Foundation.

The ”Iowa Interfaith Exchange” includes Drake’s The Comparison Project along with CultureALL, the Des Moines Area Religious Council, and Interfaith Alliance of Iowa.

For more information, please visit: http://comparisonproject.wp.drake.edu, or email: comparisonproject@drake.edu.

— Timothy D Knepper, Professor of Philosophy/Comparison Project Director

 

 

For Staff Archive

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, February 20 by midnight. Elections will be held in the spring. Newly elected members will begin their three-year term on June 1, 2026. Learn more about All Staff Council here. 

— Thad Smull, Office of Alumni Relations