All posts by Amanda Martin

For Faculty Archive, For Staff Archive

Celebrate National Student Employment Week

2026-04-13 Amanda Martin

April 13–17 is National Student Employment Week! Student employees perform invaluable services to the campus community.

Supervisors, would you like to recognize your student employees? Here are a few low- to no-cost ideas:

Bring in treats for your student workers or put together a goodie bag
Write a hand-written note expressing your appreciation
Help students with their career preparation – offer to review their resume or write a letter of recommendation
Decorate office doors, desks, or bulletin boards with signs expressing your appreciation
Highlight students on your social media pages, or submit a student/group spotlight to Career Services to be highlighted on Instagram – just send a photo and quote to Amanda Martin, amanda.martin@drake.edu

We are also thankful to the many on-campus supervisors who support the development of Drake students every day!

— Amanda Martin, Academic Excellence and Student Success

Campus Announcements Archive

Cowles Library April Featured Collection

2026-04-13 Joanna Stankiewicz

In honor of Earth Day, Cowles Library is featuring a collection of books highlighting our planet through both fiction and non-fiction books. Whether your interest is in conservation, sustainability, hiking local trails or reading climate fiction this collection has an earthy read for you.
Stop by Cowles Library or visit our Featured Collections page to explore these and other highlighted materials.

— Joanna Stankiewicz, Cowles Library

HR Information Archive

“Walk this May” Step Challenge

2026-04-13 Linda Feiden

As the weather starts to warm up, it’s time to get outdoors and get moving. If you need a little nudge, join this year’s Walk this May team step challenge!  During the month of May, teams will record their weekly step counts. Team step totals and team rankings will be shared weekly to keep the competitive juices flowing.

To register, send an email to linda.feiden@drake.edu by Monday, April 27, with your list of 4 to 8 team members, team name, and who will be your team captain. Grab your shoes and let’s get going.

— Linda Feiden, Human Resources

HR Information Archive

Join Drake’s Team: Des Moines Corporate Games

2026-04-13 Linda Feiden

Join Drake’s Corporate Games team. This annual company-based competition for organizations in central Iowa runs from May 30 through July 31. With over 20 events to choose from, Des Moines Corporate Games (DMCG) is a great way to meet new people and have fun.

Events range from team-based to individual and competitive to recreational. Try everything from pickleball, golf, and sand volleyball to a fitness walk, 5K run, and bags. You may participate in as many events as you want.

All in-person activities will be held in the evenings and on weekends and are free (except golf cart rental). ALL Drake faculty and staff, student employees, interns, and retirees are invited and encouraged to join Drake’s team.

To participate in this year’s Des Moines Corporate Games, please send an email to linda.feiden@drake.edu for registration instructions.

— Linda Feiden, Human Resources

For Staff Archive

All Staff Council Voting Now Open

2026-04-13 Suzanne Wisslead

All Staff Council voting is now open!  Use the All Staff Council ballot to vote for your new committee members.  Voting will be open through midnight on Friday, May 1.

— All Staff Council Governance Committee

For Students Archive

Student Discounts for Des Moines Menace Games

2026-04-13 Jerry Parker

Calling all Drake students! Cheer on the Des Moines Menace at Mediacom Stadium throughout May with special student pricing. To secure your discounted ticket, click on the following link:

https://www.gofevo.com/group/DrakeMenace

— Jerry Parker, Vice President and Dean of Students

Campus Announcements Archive

Cowles Library Crafternoon April 17

2026-04-13 Joanna Stankiewicz

Need a break? Join us at Cowles Library for Crafternoon! On Friday, April 17, from 3–5 p.m., we’ll be making felt bookmarks. Perfect for a quick creative reset. Stay and craft with us or take materials to go. All supplies are provided.

A second Crafternoon will be held May 1 from 3–5 p.m., with book bedazzling. Bring your favorite book (or any item you’d like to decorate, like a mug or sunglasses) and enjoy some hands-on creativity.

— Joanna Stankiewicz, Cowles Library

HR Information Archive

Employee and Family Resources New App

2026-04-13 Linda Feiden

Employee and Family Resources (EFR) has created a new and improved version of their mobile app to make it easier for Drake employees and their household members to access resources and save content most relevant to them.

New features include:

The DASS-21 (Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21). This is an assessment designed to measure levels of depression, anxiety, and stress. Keep tabs on your mental well-being and receive resource recommendations tailored to help you in the areas you need it most.
Benefit Recommendations. Answer a series of questions regarding mental health and life circumstances and be guided to the benefits that can help you most.

How to access the app:

Step 1: Create a profile on the EFR online portal. You can use your personal or work email address.

Step 2: Download the EFR app from the Apple App Store or Google Play and then sign in.

The use of EFR services—including the app—is completely confidential.

In addition to the app, check out EFR’s CONNECT page for access to their podcasts, blog, and on-demand webinars. More details about EFR benefits for Drake employees can be found on the Drake HR Employee Assistance Program webpage.

— Linda Feiden, Human Resources

For Faculty Archive, For Staff Archive

Sapphire Awards Followed by Provost’s Social Today at 3:30 p.m. in Cowles

2026-04-13 Alicia Hilligas

The Sapphire Awards will take place today, April 14, at 3:30 p.m. in the Cowles Library Reading Room. This annual event, hosted by the All Staff Council, will honor this year’s Called to be True Blue recipients with one individual and one team receiving the coveted Sapphire award.

The April Provost’s Social will immediately follow the Sapphire Awards and begin at 4 p.m. in the same location. Refreshments will include an assortment of snacks and beverages. The Provost’s Social is a family friendly event. Feel free to bring your children or partner.

All faculty and staff are invited to attend both the Sapphire Awards and social. We hope to see you there!