All posts by Amanda Martin

National Volunteer Week April 7–13

Celebrate National Volunteer Week April 7–13. National Volunteer Week is an opportunity to celebrate the impact of volunteer service and the power of volunteers to come together to tackle tough challenges and build stronger, more resilient communities. During the week, a focus is put on the people and causes that inspire us to serve, recognizing and thanking volunteers who lend their time, talent, and voice to make a difference in their communities.

Stop by the Olmsted Breezeway this week to share why you volunteer and earn the chance to win a free #DrakeServes T-shirt and other swag. Post photos of you and your friends engaging with the community using #DrakeServes.

A number of volunteer opportunities will be taking place throughout the week, including a culminating “Spring Into Seeds” event at the Sprout Garden on April 13 from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.

View a list of events and links to register.

Drake’s commitment to community engagement and service-learning is representative of our long-standing history of involvement and partnership with the Des Moines community. The commitment fulfills our historic mission, enhances teaching, advising, research, scholarship, outreach, and the University community as a whole. As demonstrated by our inspiration statement, “Together we transform lives and strengthen communities,” we seek to be an engaged university that prepares the next generation of civic minded professionals.

Amanda Martin, Community Engaged Learning

Cheerleading tryouts

The Drake University Cheerleading team is hosting tryouts for the 2019–2020 season. Becoming a member of the cheerleading squad allows you endless opportunities that reach beyond that of cheering on athletic teams. You will get the opportunity to travel, build lasting relationships, and be a positive representation of your University. Find more information on the squad, tryout dates, times, and coaches’ contact information. Go Bulldogs!

Holly Schroeder, Cheerleading Coordinator

Environmental science professor and students awarded research grant

Peter Levi, assistant professor of environmental science, and Drake’s Stream Ecosystem Ecology Lab (SEEL) were awarded a 3-year, $200,000 grant to collaborate with two local Watershed Management Authorities (WMAs) to research the impacts of current and future restoration work in Fourmile Creek and Walnut Creek. These streams flow through farmland and suburbs before reaching Des Moines—and they have impaired water quality as a result. The work by Levi and students in Drake’s Department of Environmental Science and Sustainability will track changes to the hydrology, chemistry, and biology of the ecosystems while the WMAs implement infrastructure and restoration activities in the watersheds. The study will provide a holistic assessment on the ecological value of watershed improvement investments and will offer guidance for watershed management efforts.

Tricia Atterberg, Sponsored Programs Administration and Research Compliance

Delta Dental member information

Discover how to find a dentist, view your benefits, and access claims information 24 hours a day, seven days a week online through the Member Connection at deltadentalia.com. With Delta Dental’s Member Connection, you can easily access the information you need to know about your benefits, including:

  • Printable ID card
  • Claim status
  • Eligibility information
  • Maximum and deductibles used to date
  • Benefit levels
  • Frequency and age limits
  • Preventive history
  • Explanation of Benefits (EOBs)

For additional information regarding your dental benefits, please see the attached brochure.

Marlene Heuertz, HR