The Study Abroad Fair will be held Wednesday, March 4, from 4–6:30 p.m. in Parents Hall North, Olmsted Center. The fair is an opportunity to explore study abroad programs available at Drake, meet faculty leaders, learn more about upcoming J-Term opportunities, hear about student life abroad from alums, and discover your next adventure.
— Emily Erschen, Education Abroad Coordinator
The State of Iowa is happy to announce the eligibility criteria for inaugural awards under the Health Care Professional Incentive Program (HCPIP). The application will become available on Feb. 1 and close on March 31.
The HCPIP provides awards in the form of an income bonus or a payment against a recipient’s federal student loan(s) for those who agree to work in an eligible health occupation and practice in an eligible location.
For 2025-2026 awards, the eligible occupations include:
· Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioners (includes all categories)
· Licensed Professional Counselor (Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, Mental Health Counselor)
· Nurse Educator
· Occupational Therapist
· Physical Therapist
· Physician Assistant (includes all categories)
· Physicians (MD and DO)
· Registered Nurse
· Social Worker (licensed social workers qualified to provide mental health counseling).
Information about the eligible practice areas (counties), award amounts, and the application process is available at educate.iowa.gov/hcpip.
Questions about HCPIP can be directed to grants@iowacollegeaid.gov.
— Kristi Fuller, Financial Aid Office
You asked, we listened! Introducing Lounge, a new application that centralizes student led events happening on campus, student organization communications and management, and student organization event planning.
Want to know what is going on this weekend? Lounge can help with that. Want to know what registered student orgs are active on campus Lounge can tell you that. Is you org or club in need of a centralized space to store documents for future members? Lounge does that too! Are you tired of searching multiple different websites to fill out forms and request rooms and order food? Lounge has it all!
The app is compatible for both mobile and desktop users and it’s free to download. This is to be used not only by student organizations, but all students on campus.
Please download the app using the QR code on the attached flyer, visiting the website here or email Tiffany Hach (tiffany.hach@drake.edu) with any questions.
— Tiffany Hach, Director of Student Life
Bulldog Shop has launched an exclusive new series, called Griff of the Month. This collection celebrates Griff as more than a mascot, but as a symbol of Drake pride and Bulldog tradition.
Each month, a new specialty Griff design will be released, giving fans the chance to collect all 12. Complete the full set, and you will unlock a bonus exclusive design at the end of the year.
To kick off the series, we’re launching TWO new designs for February:
— Bulldog Shop
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
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
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
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
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!
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