Drake is getting ready to host Al Éxito University on campus in July and there is an opportunity for faculty and staff to engage in a volunteering opportunity during this college experience camp designed specifically for Latinx students from around Iowa. This program aims to empower students by equipping them with the tools and confidence they need to succeed in higher education.

The organization is seeking volunteers to assist students in a critical aspect of their journey—crafting a compelling first draft of their scholarship essays. To provide personalized one-on-one support, Al Éxito has a goal of securing 60 volunteers. Following are details about the opportunity:

Volunteer Role Details:

• Task: Assist students in drafting their first scholarship essay.
• Support: Provide personalized feedback and insights.
• Objective: Ensure every scholar leaves with a strong essay draft to kickstart their scholarship applications.

Event Details:

• Date: Tuesday, July 16
• Time: 3:15–6:30 p.m.
• Location: Drake University (More details as the dates gets closer)
• Additional Info: Training and dinner provided. Extensive writing expertise not required. Al Éxito will train volunteers to best support scholars during this event.

Interested faculty and staff are encouraged to sign up through this link:  https://bit.ly/VolunteerAEU24.

— Alejandro Hernandez, Dean, Zimpleman College of Business

The ITS contract with Class Collaborate, formerly Blackboard Collaborate, expires July 1. If you’ve previously used or have been planning to use Collaborate, it won’t be available after July 1. Our Zoom institutional license is available as an alternative and integrated into Blackboard Learn courses. 

To save any recordings you made with Collaborate, download them before July 1 and upload into Panopto. To ask questions or request assistance with this transition, visit the ITS service portal at service.drake.edu/its and submit an Academic Technology Consultation ticket. 

— Becky Klein, ITS

Ice cream week is coming! From July 9–13, Provost Mattison invites you to gather some colleagues, take a walk down to Black Cat Ice Cream on Cottage Grove, and enjoy a free cup or cone of one of their amazing ice cream or sorbet flavors.

You can pick up your ticket for one free cup at the Provost’s Office in Old Main from July 9–12.

— Madison Bemus, Office of the Provost

Drake is proud to host 25 Mandela Washington Fellows as part of the Young African Leaders Initiative for six weeks this summer. Join us to welcome the Fellows at a reception at the start of their time on Drake’s campus.

The Drake community, along with those partners who will be interacting with the Fellows during their time here are welcome to attend. The Reception will be held Tuesday, June 25, at 4:45 p.m. in Parents Hall South in the Olmsted Student Center.

Please contact yali@drake.edu with any questions regarding this reception or the program in general.

— Sara Heijerman, Student Services Center

Drake is excited and honored to be an Institute Partner for the 2024 Mandela Washington Fellowship, the flagship program of the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI). Beginning in mid-June, Drake will host 25 of Africa’s emerging business leaders for a six-week program on our campus. One of the highlights for Fellows during the Institute are the Home-Hosted Meals and one-on-one time with Focus Project Coaches to develop action plans to identify and address a need in their business, organization, or community.

Applications for both Home Hosts and Focus Coaches are now officially open.

Home Hosts: https://drake.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9pD3Sff2lec0IXs 

Focus Coaches: https://drake.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_72vxzAMQ8GYXDNQ 

To learn more about the YALI program, visit https://www.drake.edu/yali/.If you have any specific questions about the YALI program and how to get involved, please contact Jorona Johnson (jorona.johnson@drake.edu) or Lance Noe (lance.noe@drake.edu). 

— Jorona Johnson, Global Engagement

All Staff Council is bringing back the highly anticipated staff and faculty kickball tournament on Tuesday, May 21, to celebrate the start of summer. Register your team or as a free agent today. Registration has been extended and must be submitted by Thursday, May 16.

Important Details

• First round begins around 1:30 p.m. and final round begins around 3:30 p.m.
• Single elimination
• Teams of 10 to 12

Spectators welcome and encouraged. Yard games and refreshments will be provided—we look forward to seeing you there.

All Staff Council will also draw a winner for the parking pass at this event, names collected for events throughout the semester.

— Courtney Conrad, On behalf of All Staff Council

Brad Toussaint, who started working at Drake University in 1984, will be celebrating his retirement on Friday May 3. After 40+ years with the University, Brad’s last day is Friday.

Please stop by the Dial Center from 2–4 p.m. on Friday to congratulate Brad on his retirement and celebrate his many contributions.

— Jerome Hilscher, ITS

All Staff Council is bringing back the highly anticipated staff and faculty kickball tournament on Tuesday, May 21, to celebrate the start of summer. Register your team or as a free agent today. Registration must be submitted by Monday, May 13.

Important Details

• First round begins around 1:30 p.m. and final round begins around 3:30 p.m.
• Single elimination
• Teams of 10 to 12

Spectators welcome and encouraged. Yard games and refreshments will be provided – we look forward to seeing you there.

— Courtney Conrad, On behalf of All Staff Council

You are invited to join us at the next Provost’s Drake Social on Monday, May 13, in the Schickler Courtside Club, adjacent to the Knapp Center, beginning at 4 p.m. 

During this event, faculty and staff who celebrated (or will be celebrating) a milestone service anniversary or retirement between July 1, 2023, and June 30, 2024, will be recognized on a rolling display at the event.  There will be cupcakes, soft drinks, wine, beer, and light snacks.

Please take a moment to stop by, enjoy some treats, and congratulate your colleagues.

— Linda Feiden, Human Resources