Protex Central, a fire protection service provider, will be on campus Monday, March 16, through Wednesday, March 18, to complete an annual inspection of fire panels on campus. During this process, the horns and strobes will be activated for a very brief moment.

For questions, contact Mitch Wieczorek at mitchell.wieczorek@drake.edu.

— Mitch Wieczorek, Facilities Planning and Management

Recreational Services would like your feedback regarding our facilities, programs, and services. Please take our short survey, which will provide valuable feedback on how we can improve our services. Thank you in advance for your participation.

Next Wednesday, Feb. 26, is Ash Wednesday and the start of the Lent season for Christians. Some of your fellow classmates and colleagues may be wearing a cross sign on their forehead in celebration and may be off campus observing the holiday. Additionally throughout the 40-day period of lent, please be mindful that some of your classmates and colleagues may be fasting. Find more information on various holidays happening throughout the year.

— Erin Lain, Associate Provost, Campus Equity & Inclusion

Nominations are now being accepted for the Madelyn M. Levitt Employee Excellence and Distinguished Community Service Awards. Nominations are due to Human Resources by Tuesday, March 31, at 4:30 p.m. Late nominations will not be accepted.

Distinguished Community Service Award
Madelyn M. Levitt established the Distinguished Community Service Award to recognize the outstanding contributions of Drake faculty and staff to the Drake community. Recipients are chosen on the following criteria:

• A demonstrated personal commitment to volunteerism and community service.
• An outstanding record of leadership or substantial involvement in community projects, services and activities contributing to the quality of life in our region, state and/or the nation.
• Professional and personal values and behavior that typify the ideals of “giving back to others” and “making a difference in the lives of others.”
• The nominee must be a current faculty or staff member with at least five years of service at Drake.

Employee Excellence Award
The Employee Excellence Award is presented to a staff member who demonstrates exceptional commitment to excellence in the performance of their duties. Criteria for the award include:

• Exceptional performance as an employee of Drake University
• Outstanding dedication to providing courteous, prompt and quality service.
• Demonstrated commitment to University programs, initiatives and services.
• Professional values and behavior that demonstrate exceptional service to others and a commitment to Drake University
• The nominee must be a current staff member with at least one year of service at Drake.

To nominate a colleague, submit a letter of nomination to the Levitt Award Committee, care of (c/o) Human Resources. Nomination letters may be sent through campus mail or electronically to drakehr@drake.edu.  The letter should detail specific examples of how the nominee exemplifies each of the applicable criteria. Additional letters of support are not necessary.

The screening committee will review all nominations and make appropriate recommendations to the President’s Council.

The 2020 recipient of the Madelyn M. Levitt Employee Excellence Award and Distinguished Community Service Award will be announced during the Sapphire Awards on May 7 at 1 p.m. in Levitt Hall or during the Faculty Honors Luncheon.

Please consider nominating a colleague for the second annual Philanthropy Bug Award. Submissions are due to Emily Weaver by Friday, March 20.

The Philanthropy Bug Award recognizes faculty and staff members who embody Maddie Levitt’s spirit of philanthropy and service to Drake University. Maddie Levitt was a longtime volunteer, friend, and tireless advocate for Drake University.

Throughout her years of service to Drake, her beloved yellow Volkswagen Bug was a constant presence outside of Old Main, and it became a symbol of her enduring commitment to bettering Drake University for future generations of students.

If you would like to nominate a colleague who you think exemplifies Maddie’s spirit of philanthropy and generosity please submit their name, title, and a short paragraph explaining why you believe they are deserving of the award to Emily Weaver, director of donor engagement, at emily.weaver@drake.edu by Friday, March 20.

Last year’s recipients included Dan Alexander, Deb DeLaet, and Jen Harvey. These three faculty members were recognized for their efforts to establish the Catalyst Scholarship and Emergency Fund.

Award winner(s) will be celebrated at a Faculty/Staff Donor Appreciation Breakfast on May 6.

— Emily Weaver, University Advancement

Drake’s All Staff Council Recognition Committee recently recognized Law School staff with a Bulldog Applause. Read the Q&A below to learn more about the Law School team.

How many staff members are in the department? 
The Law School employs 28 support staff and administrative personnel in areas including admission, student services, career development, marketing, alumni relations, advancement, Legal Clinic administration, and general support to the faculty and deans. 

Who has been with the team the longest? 
The longest serving member of the team is Kara Blanchard, assistant dean for admission and financial aid. Kara joined the Law School in 1996—24 years ago.

Who is the newest team member? 
The newest member of the team is Elicia Ropte, public services associate in the Drake Law Library. Elicia joined the Law School staff last fall.  

What campus buildings do your team members “live” in? 
Law School staff work in Cartwright Hall, Opperman Hall, and the Neal and Bea Smith Law Center. 

Anything else noteworthy/interesting/special about your department that bears mentioning? 
Serving on the Law School staff is like being part of a big family. We support each other’s ups and downs, someone always has your back, and we throw a mean pot luck!

The Olmsted parking lot (lot 16) will be closed for the campus Job Fair Thursday, Feb. 13, from 6 a.m.–5 p.m. We apologize for the inconvenience. The closure is necessary to accommodate this large, campus-wide program. Yellow–Zone 1 passes will be honored in all non-premium commuter lots on Thursday (not lot 13/Ray Promenade or lot 18/Stadium lot).

— Scott Law