Sodexo has partnered with Drake to update the Food Service Exclusivity Policy. Beginning July 1, Drake constituents may use a food service provider other than Sodexo if the total cost of the food service is less than $60.  If it is greater than $60, Sodexo should be your provider, unless you first obtain an approved, signed waiver from the appropriate Budget Manager as well as the catering director of Drake Dining (Sodexo). This amount had previously been set at $25.  Please remember that you are responsible for all clean up after the event when you are using an alternate vendor.

Please contact caron.findlay@drake.edu if you have questions.

–Caron Findlay, Office of Finance & Administration

It is with heavy hearts we share the passing of Jack Gerlovich, professor emeritus of science education.

Jack Gerlovich was born on June 14, 1946 and passed away on June 26, 2019. Jack was a resident of Iowa at the time of passing. He was 73.

Jack was a professor of science education in Drake’s School of Education for more than 20 years. He was noted nationally for his work in science safety and conducted essential workshops for pre-service and in-service teachers. With a generous gift from Pioneer Hi-Bred (now known as Corteva Agriscience), he led summer “Science Pioneer” camps for area youth.

Visitation will be held Thursday, July 11, 2019 from 5–7 p.m. at Ernst Funeral Home, 80 NE Dartmoor Drive, Waukee. Funeral Services will be held Friday, July 12, 2019 at 10:30 a.m. at the Immanuel Lutheran Church, 900 South Warrior Lane, Waukee.

Many people mistakenly believe they are not a target for cyber attackers: that their data or accounts are not valuable. This could not be further from the truth. If you use technology, at work or at home, you are a worthwhile target. But you also have the best defense there is against these attacks–you. 

Why they target us 

Attackers have different motivations and believe that by hacking you they can achieve their goals. Here are two common examples of types of attackers and why they target us: 

Cyber Criminals: They are motivated by money, and the internet ensures they can easily target a broad audience. There are MANY ways they can make money from you including:  

• • stealing money from your bank or retirement accounts 

• • creating a credit card in your name and billing you  

• • using your computer to hack other people 

• • hacking your social media or gaming accounts and selling them  

Targeted Attackers: These are highly trained cyber attackers, often working for governments or criminal syndicates. You may feel your job would not attract much attention, but you would be very surprised. 

• • The information you handle at Drake has tremendous value.  

• • You may be targeted to get to a colleague or system you access. 

• • They may target you because of organizations Drake works or partners with. 

The myth: I use an antivirus tool, I’m safe 

Our suite of security tools prevents these attacks from being successful, right? Unfortunately, that’s not always true. Cyber attackers constantly improve their methods to bypass detection and protection technology. If they create new malware, it can spread undetected. Customized phishing attacks bypass email filters, and phone calls can trick you out of your credentials or money. Technology plays an important role in protection, but YOU are the best defense. 

Slow down and take a close look at emails that are particularly urgent, odd, or suspicious. Use a strong, unique passphrase for each of your accounts. Staying cyber-aware is ultimately your best defense.  

I invite you to email informationsecurity@drake.edu to continue this conversation or to report any suspected attacks. ITS will continue to provide phishing education in July using simulations of common attack methods. 

—Peter Lundstedt, ITS 

Check out the new Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion website! Over the past six months various stakeholders around campus have worked to update our equity and inclusion website to include more data, more stories, and more resources for our community. You can find the new page under the about tab at Drake.edu, in the footer of the Drake.edu homepage, or under campus links. The new site features a comprehensive timeline of equity and inclusion milestones at Drake and data about our community. You can also visit the site to see how you can get involved or check on updates around strategic initiatives.

–Erin Lain, Office of the Provost

New clearance Drake merchandise from 25–75% off available at the University Book Store. We have taken new markdowns to make room for fall merchandise and we have a great selection of men’s, women’s, and children’s Drake clothing. So get some Drake spirit before it’s gone!

–Katie Wilz, University Bookstore

To show off our Drake spirit this summer, all polo shirts are 15% off June 18–July 1, at the bookstore website.

Thank you!

–Caron Findlay, Office of Finance & Administration