All posts by Linda Feiden

For Faculty Archive, For Staff Archive

Participate in the Des Moines Corporate Games

The Des Moines Corporate Games is an eight-week company based competition (June 1–July 31) that promotes teamwork and company pride. Events range from team-based to individual and competitive to recreational. Whether you are a trivia buff or a triathlete, there is an event for you. 

All activities are held in the evening and on weekends, and are free (except for golf cart rental). You may participate in one or more events and they are open to all full-time and regular part-time employees, interns, and retirees. Drake is competing against other local companies for a chance to win individual and team medals as well as the Corporate Games trophy, so we need as many people as possible to be a part of these games and show our Drake pride. 

For registration information, email linda.feiden@drake.edu.

Events: Bags, 3-on-3 Basketball, Basketball Shooting, Blood Donation, Bowling, Burst Your Thirst Online Challenge, 4K & 8K Cross Country Race, Cycling Tour Ride, Disc Golf, Dodgeball, Duathlon, Fitness Walk (Ames & Des Moines options), 4-Person Best Shot Golf, Meals from the Heartland, 5K & 10K Road Race, Sand Volleyball, Spikeball, Track & Field Competition (held on the Drake Blue Oval), Triathlon, Trivia Challenge, Tug of War, Ultimate Frisbee, Yoga, and Zumba (Ames & Des Moines options).

Linda Feiden, Human Resources

For Faculty Archive, For Staff Archive

All In Giving Challenge results

With 1,680 donors coming together to collectively give over half a million dollars, this year’s All In is one for the record books.

Featuring a new site with live countdown, results tracking in real time, nationwide and international heatmaps, and an extensive slate of matching gifts or challenges covering almost every area at Drake, the community of alumni, parents, students, faculty, staff, and friends showed up and went All In.

The day also brought lots of great social media traffic with then and now photos, Drake stories, and fun videos featuring Drake “celebrities,” students, and of course–Griff!

Thank you so much to those of you who took this opportunity to share, celebrate, and support Drake with your gift during the All In challenge. One more very important result is the winner of the Provost Mattison pie raffle. A winner was randomly selected from all faculty and staff members who gave and this year’s lucky recipient of a homemade apple pie is Dustin German, Assistant Director of Ticket Sales and Community Engagement in the Athletics department. Congrats Dustin and thank you to Provost Mattison for offering up your baking expertise each year.

Becca Widmer, University Advancement

For Faculty Archive, For Staff Archive

Tuition rebate FAFSA requirement

The University will now require all students pursuing an undergraduate degree from Drake University to complete the FAFSA prior to July 1 (preceding the academic year enrolled) as part of the Tuition Rebate Application process. For example, undergraduate, degree-seeking students who wish to receive the Tuition Rebate for Fall 2019 must complete the 2019–2020 FAFSA by July 1, 2019.

This requirement ensures that eligible students are considered for the Iowa Tuition Grant, which partially funds tuition and reduces the cost of offering this benefit. In addition, completing the FAFSA ensures that students will be considered for the Federal Pell Grant, which is available to cover the costs of other educational expenses like room, board, or books.

This new requirement is effective April 1, 2019. This requirement may be waived for students who can demonstrate that they would not qualify for the Iowa Tuition Grant. View the Tuition Rebate Policy for details.

For questions or help with the FAFSA, contact Student Financial Planning at (515) 271-2905 or email financialaid@drake.edu.

Ryan Zantingh, Student Financial Planning

HR Information Archive

Welcome new Bulldogs

Please join the Human Resources department in welcoming three new, full-time Drake University employees for the month of March.

Matthew Richardson, Public Safety, Campus Public Safety Officer
Kathryn Hamilton, Arts & Sciences, Research Scholar
Erin Bell, UC&M, Associate Director, Marketing–Live Mascot

— Laura Schwarz, Human Resources

For Faculty Archive, For Staff Archive

Bulldog Applause: Spotlight on the Grounds Crew

Last week, Drake’s All Staff Council Recognition Committee celebrated the Grounds Crew with a surprise treat delivery, compliments of Drake Dining. Read the spotlight below to learn more about the Grounds Department.  Thank you to the team for everything they do to make Drake’s campus beautiful and safe!

How many staff members are in the department?
We currently have eight grounds workers and one supervisor

What is the primary function of the team? Do you have a mission/vision/motto?
Our goal is to support the education, research, and athletic mission of the University by maintaining a safe, beautiful, and functional campus environment.

Who has been with the team the longest, and what is their job title and length of employment?
Dan Downey is the Grounds lead person. He has been with Drake for 28 years.

Who is the newest team member, and what is their job title and month/year of start?
Patrick Williams is the Grounds supervisor. He has been with Drake for 17 months.

What campus buildings do your team members “live” in?
The Grounds staff occupy an office and meeting space on the ground floor of Facilities, Planning, and Management.  However, we consider the entire 144 acres of campus as the space where we live and do our work.

What are some recent challenges and accomplishments of note that others in the University might not know about?
This past year brought many challenges including five track meets, the rain event/flooding issues, and an abundance of snow and ice this winter. Despite the many challenges, I am proud of our team for their perseverance and dedication. FPM strives to work as a cohesive unit and that was reflected in our handling of the obstacles this year provided. For example, snow removal is a combined effort between Grounds, Custodial, Public Safety, HVAC, and Skilled Trades.

Anything else noteworthy/interesting/special about your department that bears mentioning?
Drake University was awarded Tree Campus USA designation again this year. We have been a Tree Campus since 2011.

— Cathy Williams, On behalf of All Staff Council Recognition Committee

Campus Announcements Archive

Professional Headshots this Friday at Aliber 108

Headshot Drop-In Day

University Communications and Marketing (UCM) holds open portrait sessions during the fall and spring semesters. The sessions rotate around campus making it more convenient for the campus community. These sessions are free to all faculty, staff, and students. High-resolution portraits are made available for download through SmugMug.

The next headshot day is April 12 from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. at CBPA, Aliber Hall, Room 108.

No appointment necessary.

— Jeremy Sievers, University Communications & Marketing

For Students Archive

Senior Wine and Cheese Reception: Registration open

Graduating seniors, in celebration of your graduation and the enduring mark you’ve left on the University, you are cordially invited to join President Marty and Laura Martin at the 2019 Senior Wine and Cheese Reception on Thursday, May 2. Please RSVP by April 29.

Event Details
 When: Thursday, May 2, 5:30 p.m.
— 4:45 p.m. Check in at Pomerantz Stage
— 5:15 p.m. Buses depart from Olmsted Center parking lot
Where: Home of President Martin

Must present a valid government-issued ID to receive a wristband, which is mandatory to board the bus and be served. Cocktail attire is encouraged.

For questions, contact Kim Jones, assistant director, Alumni Relations, at kim.jones@drake.edu or 515-271-3935.

— Kim Jones, Alumni Relations

For Students Archive

J-Term travel seminar deadline

The J-Term priority deadline is quickly approaching. Apply by April 15 to meet the priority deadline for your preferred Drake University travel seminar course. J-Term 2020 travel seminars include destinations to the Bahamas, England, Finland, Hawaii, India, Israel and Jordan, Italy, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Panama, Rwanda, Thailand, and Washington D.C. Scholarships are available.

Search for programs and submit your application online. For questions, email studyabroad@drake.edu.

Karen Williams, Education Abroad Advisor

For Faculty Archive, For Staff Archive

Short’s international travel tips

It is always best to book international flights through a Short’s travel agent rather than online. You can search online, however there are certain international airlines that do not participate in the ticket inventory available to agencies such as Short’s. The agent will be able to locate the lowest available price for your international trips.

If you have questions, contact jputz@shortstravel.com or caron.findlay@drake.edu.

— Caron Findlay, Director, Purchasing and Business Services