W-2 forms are available online through myDrake’s Employee Dashboard. To access and print your W-2, look to the “Taxes” section of the Employee Dashboard. Within this section, click “W-2 Wage and Tax Statement” and select the tax year for 2024. Instructions are available for your reference. If you have questions, contact Human Resources at 271-3133.
— Lisa Etnyre, Human Resources
Join Career Services and the Office of Alumni Relations for breakfast, networking, and a keynote address from Drake alumna and Senior DEI Associate at the Weitz Company, Shekinah Fountain, on using LinkedIn as a tool for professional networking and career engagement. The event will take place Friday, Feb. 28, in the Olmsted Student Center, Parents Hall South, from 8:30–10 a.m.
Did you know?
Event Agenda
8:30 AM – Check-In
8:45 AM – Breakfast & Networking
9:00 AM – Keynote Address
9:30 AM – Open Networking
Our keynote address, delivered by Drake alumna and Senior DEI Associate at The Weitz Company, Shekinah Fountain, will highlight using LinkedIn for professional networking and career development.
Students will also have opportunities for networking with alumni who graduated from different colleges, schools, and majors at Drake and are now working in all different professional areas.
Space is limited. Registration required via EventBrite.
Thanks to our event sponsor, The Principality Group of Wells Fargo Advisors.
Questions? Contact career.services@drake.edu.
— Jill Batten, Office of Advising
Get ready to hit the streets of downtown Des Moines! Grand Blue Mile registration opens Feb. 11, and for two days only, you can secure your spot for just $10—the lowest price of the year. Whether you’re aiming for a PR, walking with friends, or making it a family tradition, this is your chance to be part of the Midwest’s premier mile. Don’t miss out—sign up during the flash sale, February 11–12, and save!
— Ben Huftalin, Drake Relays
The Harkin Institute is thrilled to announce this Fall’s Sussman Lecture, “Students Are Humans First” with Dr. Sara Goldrick-Rab. Dr. Goldrick-Rab will discuss the challenges students face in meeting their basic needs while earning a college education. She explored this topic in her award-winning book, Paying the Price: College Costs, Financial Aid, and the Betrayal of the American Dream. The book documents the failures of policymakers and higher education institutions to make college affordable. Her scientific studies identifying and addressing college students’ basic needs for food, housing, childcare, transportation, and health supports sparked the internationally-known #RealCollege movement and inspired federal and state data collection and legislation, as well as countless privately-funded programs.
Date: Thursday, February 20, 2025
Time: 7:00–8:00 p.m. CT
Location:
Tom and Ruth Harkin Center (2800 University Avenue, Des Moines, IA, 50311)
The Harkin Institute YouTube Channel (Stream link will be sent to virtual attendees before the event)
Cost: Free
Accommodations: American Sign Language (ASL) and live captioning (CART) will be provided for in-person and virtual attendees. Any additional accommodation requests can be made by emailing harkininstitute@drake.edu.
— Kathryn Kuckelman, The Harkin Institute
Drake Real Estate offers several options when it comes to housing off campus. Check out our website and contact Brandi Wright at brandi.wright@drake.edu with any questions.
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
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:
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 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.
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 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
