The Law School is hosting a free clinic on Powers of Attorney and Living Wills this Friday, Oct. 23. Choose from one of three convenient sessions: 10 a.m., 2 p.m., or 5 p.m. Each session will include a 30-minute overview followed by a one-on-one appointment with a Drake Law student to complete the required documents. The program is free but registration is required. Register here.
— Theresa Howard, Law School
The Drake University Constitutional Law Center is pleased to announce James A. Gardner as presenter of the 2020 Judge James Grant Iowa Constitution Lecture. His lecture titled “Is Iowa a Liberal Democracy?” will be delivered virtually on Thursday, Oct. 29, at 3 p.m.
Gardner is the Bridget and Thomas Black SUNY Distinguished Professor at SUNY Buffalo Law School. He is a highly regarded specialist in constitutional and election law. He is a top national authority on American state constitutional law, as well as the principles of federalism upon which it is built. He is a prolific scholar who has published six books, as well as numerous book chapters, articles and review essays. Gardner recently was recognized as one of the 10 most frequently cited scholars in the field of election law by the influential Election Law blog.
The Drake Constitutional Law Center initiated the Judge James Grant Iowa Constitution Lecture Series in 2012 to feature prominent experts on the topic of the Iowa Constitution. Judge James Grant participated in drafting the Iowa Constitution and was known for his public service, integrity, and dedication to the law. The lecture series is made possible by the generous gifts of Patrick Grant, LW’76, and the Grant family.
— Theresa Howard, Law School
For the first time in its 155-year history, Drake Law School is offering a spring enrollment option, a choice no other law school in Iowa—and few in the country—offers. Prospective students have the option of beginning law school in January 2021, rather than waiting until June or August, the traditional start dates.
Priority application deadline is Nov. 1.
— Theresa Howard, Law School
Please welcome Kyle McVay as the new University Bookstore manager. Kyle is an Iowa native, born and raised in St. Charles and Indianola. After High School, Kyle attended Simpson College. While he attended classes, he also worked at the Simpson bookstore. In 2010, he started as a temporary employee, moved on to a part-time role, then to team lead, and finally in 2013 became the store manager. Kyle has spent the last 10 years being customer service focused and relationship driven and will be a great addition to the Drake team. Kyle will be starting on Monday, Oct. 26. If you are in the bookstore next week, please stop by and introduce yourself.
— Kelly Foster, Finance & Administration
With more than 31 years of service to her alma mater, Diane Caldbeck, ED ‘72, associate vice president for University Advancement, will retire on Dec. 31. Diane came to Drake to lead the Alumni Relations team and has never stopped building relationships and advocating to advance the mission of Drake University. Over the years, Diane became instrumental in Drake’s fundraising success.
Chair of Drake’s Board of Trustees, and long-time friend, Peggy Fisher, said of Diane at the October Board meeting, “My nickname for Diane is “relentless,” but relentless in a good way! I don’t think I’ve ever had the guts to say no when she’s asked me for a gift. In fact, I’m not sure she’s ever even “asked” — she just tells me what she wants me to do!”
Diane’s legacy expands well beyond her professional representation to Drake. Diane married Drake graduate Bill Caldbeck, and their three children—Kelly, Peter, and Megan—all graduated from the University. As a family they have been actively involved, including their children establishing an endowed fund in Diane’s honor titled “The Caldbeck Challenge.” Earnings from the fund support fostering a culture of philanthropy among our students.
Diane’s legacy is as big as the University itself. She has done what we all hope to in life; make a profound and positive difference. All in University Advancement and throughout the Drake community celebrate, with Diane, her upcoming retirement.
— John Smith, University Advancement
Yesterday, Oct. 12, was Indigenous People’s Day—a day to celebrate and honor Indigenous people, while recognizing the issues of persecution and discrimination they have faced for centuries.
In support of this day, the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion would like to draw attention to Drake’s Land Acknowledgement web page.
A land acknowledgement is a formal statement presented at the beginning of public events and gatherings that recognizes and honors indigenous peoples as traditional stewards of the land. If you are planning to give a formal presentation, lecture, or speech on campus, please consider adding this land acknowledgement statement to the beginning of your speech.
As stated by the U.S. Department of Arts and Culture, “Acknowledgment is a simple, powerful way of showing respect and a step toward correcting the stories and practices that erase Indigenous people’s history and culture and toward inviting and honoring the truth.”
For more information on Indigenous and Native Peoples in Iowa – check out the Office of Native Americans, an Office of the Department of Human Rights of the State of Iowa.
— Tony Tyler, Associate Dean of Students
Back to Class features speakers from Drake’s campus in a virtual setting. Bulldogs are invited to join from wherever they are to learn about unique topics, hear from voices on campus, and connect with the Drake community. Visit the alumni website for a list of upcoming classes.
The next class is Monday, Oct. 19, at 7 p.m. featuring Executive Director Scott Raecker who will share about The Robert D. & Billie Ray Center and the center’s mission to enhance civility through ethical leadership and character development, as well as the services that are now provided globally from early childhood to the corporate, community and public service arena.
In addition, if you missed the popular Back to Class with Griff II on Sept. 29, no problem. View a recording of the session.
Do you have a topic you would like to share for the alumni relations Back to Class series or any questions about the series? Contact Amelia Klatt, assistant director of Alumni Relations, at amelia.klatt@drake.edu or 515–271–3378.
— Amelia Klatt, Alumni Relations
LifeServe Blood Center will set up a blood donation center in Cartwright Hall, Kern Commons on Friday, Oct. 23, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The blood drive is sponsored by Drake Law School in honor of the inaugural Cady Day of Public Service.
Every life-saving blood donor will have a health screening at their donation, learn their blood type, and receive a test for COVID-19 antibodies to help the state health department better understand the virus and identify more convalescent plasma donors.
Appointments are required. Sign up at https://donor.lifeservebloodcenter.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/170613.
— Theresa Howard, Law School
Here are some cybersecurity tips to help you stay safe this National Cybersecurity Awareness Month and beyond:
Follow @ITServices on Twitter and retweet a #DrakeCyberSmart tip until Oct. 23 to learn more tips on how to stay safe online and be entered in a prize drawing.
Open to all current Drake students, faculty, and staff members. Full contest rules at drake.edu/its/cybersecure.
— Carla Herling, ITS
Medicap is partnering with Sigma Phi Epsilon to host the fourth annual Flu Shot clinic on Sunday, Oct. 25, from 12–3 p.m. The clinic is open to the entire Drake community. For each shot administered, Medicap will donate 12 meals to the Food Bank of Iowa.
Please fill out the attached form before the clinic to allow your insurance to be run and billed beforehand. In the event that the vaccine is not covered, the price will be $35.00.
Getting your flu shot is more important than ever this year to decrease the burden on the health care system. Reach out to Nevin Radechel with any questions or concerns at nevin.radechel@drake.edu.
— Nevin Radechel, P4
