University Communications and Marketing will hold professional headshot sessions Friday, Nov. 7, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Old Main, Room 115. The sessions are free to all students, faculty, and staff.
High-resolution portraits are made available for download through SmugMug 3-6 weeks after the photos are taken.
— Jimmy Hoover, University Communications and Marketing
Every interaction—whether in class, at an interview, or meeting someone new—shapes how others see you as a leader. How can you show up with confidence and authenticity so your presence makes a lasting impact?
Join us at the 2025 Sussman Leadership Conference to explore these questions. Featuring keynote speaker Stephanie Salasek, founder of LookUp Communications, you’ll learn practical strategies and tools to build professional presence, elevate emotional intelligence, and create meaningful moments that inspire others as a Drake student leader.
Free for all Drake students—registration includes a gourmet brunch, a keynote address, and several choose-your-own interactive breakout sessions. If you register, please arrive on time and plan to stay for the entire event.
Space is limited! Register by Wednesday, Nov. 5.
Questions? Contact Kristin Economos at kristin.economos@drake.edu.
— Kristin Economos, Senior Director, Adams Leadership Institute
As a reminder, the University will hold a budget town hall on Tuesday, Nov. 4, at 3 p.m. in the Olmsted Center, Parents Hall. All faculty and staff are encouraged to attend to learn more about the fiscal year 2025 results, overall financial health, fiscal year 2026 budget, and a look ahead to future fiscal years.
If you have questions you would like addressed at the town hall, please send them to president@drake.edu.
— Adam Voigts, Chief Financial Officer
As always, you are encouraged to review Drake’s Continuous Improvement Plan. This is our strategic plan and lists out all our objectives along with major University initiatives. Please take time to explore how each of those objectives are embodied in many ways across our campus life. You can do so by clicking on the “Learn more” link or the “+” in each objective area to see more on student, faculty, and staff successes.
This site is continuously updated and can be found any time by going to the drake.edu home page, clicking on ‘Campus Links’ at the top and selecting ‘Strategic Plan’.
— Nate Reagen, Office of the President
Join us for an exclusive Everclass session with David Lubbers, JO’86—former ESPN investigative producer and award-winning sports journalist—now Assistant Professor of Multimedia News Journalism at Drake. Over nearly two decades at ESPN, Lubbers produced stories for E:60, Outside the Lines, and SportsCenter, covering everything from Super Bowls to Michael Jordan. A career highlight: interviewing legendary coach John Wooden—and asking about Drake’s 1969 Final Four matchup with UCLA. With multiple Peabody and Emmy Awards, Lubbers brings unmatched storytelling experience and a deep passion for journalism.
When: Thursday, Oct. 23, at 12 p.m.
Where: Zoom – Register for free
— Andy Verlengia, Alumni Relations
Drake Panhellenic and IFC will be hosting trick-or-treating on 34th Street at the sorority and fraternity houses. The event will be on Thursday, Oct. 30, from 5–7 p.m. We would love to have everyone join us for a fun-filled night of candy, games, and more.
— Ella Bloom, PH’26
Join us Friday, Oct. 24, at 5 p.m. in the Bell Center Studio for an exciting introduction to the art of fencing. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to sharpen your skills, this hands-on workshop covers footwork, technique, and strategy in a fun and supportive environment. All equipment provided—just bring your energy and curiosity. Come experience the thrill of the duel!
— Gail Witte, Rec Services
Our annual opportunity to contribute to United Way of Central Iowa, as a University, is coming again in November. Your optional contribution can be financial, volunteering, and/or needed supplies. We’ll continue to have some fun, giving-level incentives as well. This especially includes the incentive of getting a full-day off on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving instead of a half-day—if we can hit our campaign participation goal!
The campaign will kick-off on Monday, Nov. 10, with an email from United Way of Central Iowa and will conclude on Friday, Nov. 14. Some highlights to share:
More details about this years campaign, giving level incentives, volunteer opportunities, and a supply drive is forthcoming in the next OnCampus.
— Nate Reagen, Office of the President
Cybersecurity Awareness Month: Strengthen Our Digital Safety Together!
October marks Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and the entire Bulldog community is invited to take important steps to boost our collective digital safety and awareness. With the rise of AI-driven threats and evolving online risks, now is the perfect time to learn, participate, and take action to protect yourself and our university.
Access practical guides and the latest security updates on the ITS Internal Site (login required), which includes additional information to help you stay safe and secure online.
Stay Connected and Informed
Faculty & Staff: Mandatory Security Awareness Training
If you have questions about the training or need help, contact the ITS Support Center at the information below.
Need Help?
Whether you’re a student, faculty, or staff member, if you have questions about cybersecurity or need assistance, reach out to the ITS Support Center at service.drake.edu/its or 515-271-3001.
Cybersecurity is our shared responsibility. By staying informed, participating in training, and practicing smart habits, we can build a safer digital environment for everyone. Visit our Internal Site for more resources and join us in making Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2025 a success!
— Becky Klein, ITS
Cowles Library, with support from the Office of the Provost and the Deputy Provost’s Office, is excited to announce another grant opportunity for full-time Drake faculty interested in adopting, adapting, or creating open educational resources (OER) in their courses. OER are free, adaptable, and easily accessible, saving students money while also allowing instructors to customize content to better fit their teaching and students’ learning needs.
See the OER Initiatives Research Guide for more information on the grant and a link to the application.
— Hope Bibens, Cowles Library