All posts by Linda Feiden

HR Information Archive

Healthiest State Walk and 5-2-1-0 program

Grab your walking shoes and join this year’s Healthiest State Walk on Wednesday, Oct. 7.

To maintain social distancing, we are not going to meet as a group at a specific time to start the walk. Instead, we are asking everyone to take a break at any time during the day on Oct. 7 and go for a walk—at home or on campus.

If you are working on campus, try out the new Bulldog Mile path. Follow the signs and giant blue paw prints on the sidewalks around campus. A map is posted east of the Olmsted Center. You may also view the route at drake.edu/map under Points of Interest.

Once you finish the Healthiest State Walk, send an email to linda.feiden@drake.edu to enter a drawing for a chance at prizes.

The Iowa Healthiest State walk is celebrated in October as part of Iowa’s Healthiest State Month initiative. In addition to the walk, the initiative is focusing on its 5-2-1-0 program throughout the month. The daily goal is to eat five fruits or vegetables, spend two hours or less of screen time outside of work, get at least one hour of physical activity, and consume zero sugary beverages.

Let’s begin our road to better health with the Healthiest State Walk!

— Linda Feiden, Human Resources

For Students Archive

Send a postcard to your family

The Office of Academic Excellence and Student Success has made the decision to cancel in-person Family Weekend scheduled for Oct. 2–4. This decision aligns with University guidelines and public health recommendations as we continue to manage the spread of COVID-19.

While we are disappointed by this news, we are excited to offer you an opportunity to send your loved ones a postcard to greet them and thank them for their support this semester. You can pick up a postcard from the front desk of any of the residence halls or the Student Life Center in Olmsted. Simply grab a postcard, fill it out and return it to a box at your residence hall front desk or in the Student Life Center in Olmsted by Friday, Oct. 2. We will take care of mailing it.

— Marina Verlengia, New Student Programs

HR Information Archive

Drake joins additional tuition exchange program

Drake is now a participating member of the Council of Independent Colleges and Universities’ Tuition Exchange Program (CIC–TEP), which consists of around 440 member colleges and universities. This change broadens the opportunities for Drake employees and their eligible dependents to attend another institution of higher education tuition-free.

Drake also participates in the tuition exchange program offered through Tuition Exchange, Inc., which has over 670 participating institutions. More information about each of these tuition exchange programs may be found on HR’s Tuition Benefits webpage.

— Mary Alice Hill, Human Resources

Campus Announcements Archive

Get to know Drake’s newest faculty

Drake University welcomed 18 new faculty members and two new deans for the 2020–2021 academic year. Coming from various backgrounds and communities, these new faces will help drive the University’s mission to provide an exceptional learning environment that prepares students for meaningful personal lives, professional accomplishments, and responsible global citizenship.

Learn more about the 2020–2021 new faculty cohort, including why they chose Drake and their field of study.

— Sandra Harris, Provost’s Office

Campus Announcements Archive

The Bulldog Mile

Add some steps to your day while exploring campus with the Bulldog Mile! This bulldog-shaped, one-mile path around and through campus is perfect for easy walking, jogging, or running.

Most signs have been posted and blue paw prints placed strategically around the route. The main sign with a map of the route will be installed outside of Olmsted by the end of the month.

To view the route, go to drake.edu/map, click on the drop down tab next to Points of Interest, and click on The Bulldog Mile.

— Linda Feiden, Human Resources

Campus Announcements Archive

Walktober Step Challenge

Are you looking for some motivation to get moving? The Walktober Step Challenge may be the answer.

You will receive a journal and instructions to track your daily steps both on and off campus during the month of October. Any movement that records steps counts, including walking, working in the yard, and fitness classes. Along the way, you will receive fun facts and have a chance to win individual prizes.

This event is open to all faculty, staff, and students. To register, send an email to linda.feiden@drake.edu. The deadline to register is Friday, Sept. 25.

— Linda Feiden, Human Resources

HR Information Archive

Employee and Family Resources fall webinars

Employee and Family Resources is continuing its series of COVID-19 related webinars through the fall and early winter months. The September webinar is:

COVID Recovery: Emotional Support for Those Impacted By COVID-19
Wednesday, Sept. 30 at 2 p.m. 
The current Pandemic and Derecho are disasters that have disrupted day-to-day activities and increased anxiety and depression for many.  The impact of compounding stress affects every aspect of a person’s life.  Learn what you can do to support yourself during these times. Register here.

Visit Employee & Family Resources’ website for a full list of upcoming webinars. View past webinars here.

EFR offers a variety of Employee Assistance Program (EAP) resources to help you now or anytime.  Reach EAP by phone (800-327-4692) or visit its website at efr.org/login/.  All EAP benefits are confidential and available 24/7/365.

— Linda Feiden, Human Resources

News & Achievements Archive

Dean Ryan Wise honored by School Administrators of Iowa

On Sept. 16, Dean Ryan Wise was presented with a Friend of the Association award during the School Administrators of Iowa Representative Council meeting. This award is not given annually—the winner must be nominated by a member of the Representative Council and then be approved by the other Council members and the SAI staff. According to SAI, “This honor is bestowed on individuals who have given of themselves in special, unselfish ways to enhance education excellence in Iowa.” Congratulations, Ryan!

— Catherine Gillespie, School of Education

Campus Announcements Archive

View a livestream of the 2020 Weaver Medal of Honor lecture

The 2020 Lawrence C. and Delores M. Weaver Medal of Honor, the highest honor given by the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, is being awarded to national pharmacy leader, Charlie Porter, PH’70, of Jefferson, Iowa.

A livestream of Charlie Porter’s lecture is taking place on Friday, Sept. 25, at 11:30 a.m. and can be accessed at drake.edu/cphs/weaver-lecture/.

Learn more about Charlie and the Weaver Medal of Honor.

— Kaylyn Maher, College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences

Campus Announcements Archive

Back to Class with Griff II

Back to Class features speakers from Drake’s campus in a virtual setting. Bulldogs are invited to join from wherever they are to learn about unique topics, hear from voices on campus, and connect with the Drake community.

Griff II (aka George) stepped into the Live Mascot role this summer as Griff I is now happily living the retired life. Griff II is a two-year-old English bulldog, and brings playful energy to his role of recruitment ambassador, campus celebrity, and beloved community figure. Erin Bell, director of the Live Mascot Program, will provide an update on the program and insights into life with Griff II, and answer your questions. (Please submit your questions via the Qualtrics link in your registration confirmation email.)

Register here.

When: Tuesday, Sept. 29, at 6:30 p.m. CDT
Where: Blackboard Collaborate (Note: A link to join will be emailed prior to the start of the event. You do not need to download any software or have a web camera.)

Have a topic you would like to share for the alumni relations Back to Class series or any questions about this Back to Class? Contact Amelia Klatt, assistant director of Alumni Relations, at amelia.klatt@drake.edu or 515-271-3378.

— Amelia Klatt, Alumni Relations