Category Archives: Campus Announcements Archive

Campus Announcements Archive

Peek at renovation progress in Meredith Hall

Renovations to Meredith Hall, one of Drake’s most beloved and used academic buildings, are progressing despite winter weather conditions.

Along with mechanical, electrical, and fire sprinkler system installations, new ceiling systems are are taking shape throughout the building. In addition to interior improvements, a much needed refinish of the exterior is scheduled for spring.  

The project is scheduled to wrap up prior to the start of the Fall 2023 semester, and the finished product will be similar to the original 1965 construction, honoring the building’s historic and renowned mid-century architectural-style.

Read more about the Meredith Hall renovation project.

— Rob Ebel, Facilities Planning & Management

Campus Announcements Archive, For Faculty Archive, For Staff Archive

Deputy Provost 2:10: Drake Honors Program, new director and appreciation

Drake University’s Honors Program is marking significant transitions this semester.

Professor of Philosophy Jennifer McCrickerd is enjoying a sabbatical and preparing to step away from her role as Director of Honors after more than a decade of leadership and service. Under Professor MicCrickerd’s guidance as director, Drake’s Honors Program served an expanding group of students, developed tremendous opportunities for faculty, and innovated its curriculum and co-curricular offerings. In short: her commitment to teaching and learning has left Drake Honor’s in a strong place, and we are tremendously grateful for Jennifer’s work.

Professor Matthew Hayden (SOE) is serving as Interim Director of Honors this spring and has also been appointed to serve, without the “interim” moniker, for a three-year renewable term, starting Fall 2023.  Professor Hayden earned his Ph.D. in Philosophy & Education at Teachers College, Columbia University and joined Drake University’s School of Education in 2012 after being awarded the Association for Moral Education’s Kuhmerker Dissertation Award. He also has a M.A. in International Educational Development with a concentration in Human Rights Education, which included a stint as an intern at Human Rights Watch, writing docent educational materials for a global traveling exhibit of Darfurian children’s art. Professor Hayden’s research and teaching are rooted in Philosophy but are highly interdisciplinary—this makes him an excellent choice to lead Honors at Drake.

Professor Hayden has taught in the Honors program and has been a member of the Honors Advisory Council since 2014, consistently teaching Paths courses and multiple Honors cross-listed J-Term Travel Seminars. His favorite type of teaching and learning is when it is unexpected, unintentional, and driven by student curiosity that forces the instructor to throw away the “rule book,” adapt to emerging conditions, and learn himself in order to meet the new demands of the students. Matt tells me that he is looking forward to working with students, professors, and academic departments at Drake—and is especially interested in increasing the diversity of departmental, major, and faculty representation in the Honors program.

Please take a moment to congratulate Matt on his appointment, and offer your gratitude to Jennifer for her work leading Drake University Honors.

— Renée Cramer, Deputy Provost

Deputy Provost 2:10 (two articles with a read time of 10 minutes) is a communication series by Deputy Provost Renée Cramer sharing important scholarship, teaching, and development opportunities.

Campus Announcements Archive

Dean of Admission search update

The University has officially launched its search for a Dean of Admission. Among the top priorities for this key leadership role are designing and implementing a comprehensive and integrated enrollment strategy; developing and executing a data-driven, dynamic plan for recruitment; and promoting maturation in enrollment management across the institution. The position listing can be found here.

The search committee will be working against the following milestones:

  • Friday, March 3 – Deadline for applicants
  • March – selection of candidates; video interviews; final candidate selection
  • April – On-campus interviews; finalist selected
  • Early May – Offer extended

If you have thoughts or questions about the process, please reach out to search committee co-chairs, Kelly Bruhn or Kevin Saunders.

Campus Announcements Archive

Ash Wednesday Catholic Mass

At 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 22, St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church and Student Center is hosting an Ash Wednesday Mass with a free soup dinner to follow. Kick off Lent by receiving ashes on your forehead at this special service, which will include a euphonium solo by
Associate Professor Vince Kenny, director of Drake athletic bands. Following mass, all are welcome to attend a free soup dinner.

— Maddi Cave, JO

Campus Announcements Archive

Ambassador Terry Branstad available for office hours, classes, events

Terry Branstad, former U.S. Ambassador to China and Governor of Iowa, is the Ambassador-in-Residence at Drake University. Branstad is available to meet weekly with Drake students, faculty, staff, and clubs and participate in class lectures each semester. (Schedule a meeting by clicking here, or if the requested length, day, or time is not in the designated meeting times, email ambassador@drake.edu.)

Branstad is a partner at Branstad Churchill Group, LLC, an international consulting firm that provides advice, guidance and solutions to organizations, corporate leaders and investors seeking to navigate the complexities associated with conducting business in China and the United States. He was also recently named president of the World Food Prize Foundation.

Internships are available to Drake students at both Branstad Churchill Group and the World Food Prize. Check Handshake for openings.

Branstad holds the record for being the longest-serving governor in American history (1983-99, 2011-17) and was appointed ambassador to China (2017-20) in part due to his long-standing relationship with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Formerly, Branstad served as president of Des Moines University (2003-09) and Lieutenant Governor of Iowa (1979-83). In 1972, while attending Drake Law School, he decided to run for the Iowa House of Representatives, where he served in from 1973-79. He is quick to point out that he selected blue and white for his campaign colors as a tribute to Drake University.

— Luke Clausen, JO, AS

Campus Announcements Archive

Be Authentic Career Conference

Attend a career conference Friday, March 3, from 12–4 p.m. that celebrates being unstoppable and authentically you. Sessions will be available both in-person in Sheslow Auditorium and Levitt Hall, as well as live on Zoom.

Throughout the day, you will build your True Blue Skills (career competencies), network with alumni and employers, and experience nationally recognized speakers who will challenge you to be authentic in the pursuit of your goals.

Links to live Zoom sessions will be accessible on the conference website: https://www.drake.edu/careerconference/.

— Amanda Wroblewski, Academic Excellence and Student Success

Campus Announcements Archive

$10 flash sale for Grand Blue Mile

Registration for the 14th annual Grand Blue Mile presented by Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield is now open with a two-day flash sale ending on Wednesday, Feb. 15. Register today and you can join thousands of other Grand Blue Mile enthusiasts by registering for ONLY $10—which includes an official participant shirt. Gather your friends and family to part in Midwest’s premier one-mile run/walk community event on Tuesday, April 25, in Downtown Des Moines or participate virtually in your hometown. Sign up now at GrandBlueMile.com.

— Tanner Nissen, Athletics

Campus Announcements Archive

Sign up for the Sustainability Committee

Want to champion Sustainability initiatives on Drake’s Campus? Sign up to be on the mailing list for the Sustainability Committee. The first orders of business the committee will go over include the draft of the Sustainability Strategic Plan, the Drake Transportation Survey, and ideas to revamp our Blue is Green program. Obtaining feedback on the Strategic Plan is integral to making sure the plan reflects the university’s shared values as it outlines the sustainability goals and strategies we will pursue over the next ten years.

The committee aims to foster socially, economically, and environmentally sustainable practices and culture throughout Drake’s campus.  It will provide sustainability oversight, serve to make policy recommendations, and assist in the implementation of policies and practices aimed at advancing long term-environmental sustainability.

Please fill out this Google Form so you can be added to the mailing list to find out more information. If you have any questions about the committee or the Sustainability Strategic Plan, send an email to Hannah Remke, the Sustainability Coordinator, at hannah.remke@drake.edu.

— Hannah Remke, Facilities Planning and Management

Campus Announcements Archive

Use your Bulldog Bucks off campus

Bulldog Bucks are funds you can load onto your Drake ID card that can be used both on campus and off campus at some of our local neighborhood businesses or in the GrubHub app.  You can load funds at your convenience, and these funds carry forward from semester to semester while you are an active cardholder at Drake.  Visit the website www.acceptinglocations.com/drake to see which neighborhood businesses, along with restaurants on the GrubHub app, can accept your Bulldog Bucks. Funds can also be added at that website, or in the myDrake portal.

Current participating local merchants are Gursha Ethiopian Grill, Dough Co Pizza, Fernando’s Mexican Grill, Hummus Mediterranean Grill, and Lucky Horse Beer and Burgers…along with the many other restaurants on the GrubHub platform.

Please note that this program (and the Bulldog Bucks account in general) are available for both student and employee use.  Also, Bulldog Bucks are not your meal plan funds – those funds are called “Dining Dollars” and can only be used on campus at Drake Dining locations.  Bulldog Bucks can be used for on and off campus food, Drake Bookstore purchases, and printing transactions.

If you have any questions about this program, or are having trouble using your Bulldog Bucks at a local merchant, feel free to email studentservices@drake.edu.  We’ll be happy to help you troubleshoot or answer questions. The most common issues are trying to spend Dining Dollars instead of Bulldog Bucks, or trying to spend more than is in your account.  Both of those options will result in a denied transaction, and you’ll either want to split your payment method or use another.

We hope you’ll take advantage of ordering food both on and off campus with our different dining options. 

—  Sara Heijerman, Manager, Campus Card Office

Campus Announcements Archive

Mental health first aid training, register today

Students, faculty, and staff are invited to register for a Mental Health First Aid training led by professor of occupational therapy Dr. Christine Urish. This training will benefit Pi Theta Epsilon, the occupational therapy student academic honor society.

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is an evidence-based training program administered by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing that teaches you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges.

The training will take place on March 25, 2023, from 8:30 am – 4:30 pm in the Occupational Therapy Building (Room #009) on campus located at 3003 Forest Ave across from McDonald’s.

Please email Dr. Urish christine.urish@drake.edu to register or ask questions. Space is limited.

The enrollment cost is $100 and that includes registration and a manual. Checks can be made out to Pi Theta Epsilon. Cash is also accepted.

— Kaylyn Maher, College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences