In an effort to improve efficiency, achieve faster payment settlement, and be more environmentally responsible, Drake has contracted with Paymerang, a third party vendor, to provide payment services.

This partnership will allow Drake to transmit payments electronically to some vendors (excluding student and employee reimbursements). Paymerang will be executing vendor payments on the University’s behalf starting in March. 

This change will not impact how payments are requested or approved. A payment request form should still be submitted to the accounts payable team with proper documentation and approval. Payments will be processed as normal between 5–7 business days.

If you are contacted by a vendor regarding the partnership or payment, please have them reach out to Paymerang directly. Paymerang will work with the vendor to get them enrolled in their network. They can contact the Paymerang Team by calling 1-877-680-7332 or emailing support@paymerang.com.

Erica McGowan, Finance & Administration

This semester, through a collaboration between the Public Safety, Title IX and Violence Prevention, and Equity and Inclusion departments, Human Resources launched a new series of programming focused on safety and inclusion called Bulldog Bites.

The final session in the series is Wednesday, March 13, at noon in Cowles Library, Room 201. The session is titled, “Title IX/Prevention part 2 – Bystander Intervention for Faculty and Staff.”

The goal of Bulldog Bites is to make our own campus experts accessible to faculty and staff to talk about how we can all make our community feel safe and inclusive.

Those who attend the March 13 session will enter a drawing for Hubbell Dining Hall and annual parking passes.

Mary Alice Hill, Human Resources

We are taking “last minute” nominations to honor Drake faculty and staff who exemplify our fourth Core Value: Commitment to Mission. Those nominated will be recognized at the Provost’s Drake Social, Wednesday, March 6, at Shivers Hospitality Suite, beginning at 4 p.m. Join us for snacks, refreshments, and good conversation. 

Commitment to Mission means we are united in service to students and our communities. We act with integrity and purpose. We are optimistic about our future. Watch the video of Drake colleagues talking about what Commitment to Vision means to them.

Nominations must be received by 5 p.m. today. Send them to Drinda Williams at drinda.williams@drake.edu.

Drinda Williams, Academic Support Specialist, Office of the Provost

Have you ever noticed the names etched into the south portal of Cowles Library? Did you ever wonder how these scholars were chosen for representation? Did you ever think there might be other scholars worthy of recognition? We have answers…and questions for you.

The names — Galileo and Newton, Plato and Kant, Bacon and Pasteur, Beethoven and Wagner, Euripides and Shakespeare, Michelangelo and Rembrandt — were chosen to represent “the six branches of knowledge—Philosophy, Science, Music, Art, Literature, and Astronomy,” according to a 1939 document by (we think) Mary Bell Nethercut, director of Cowles Library. “The first of each group was one of the older and recognized representations and the other, one typical of a trend of the newer age.”

As we look at the list now, though, with 21st Century perspective, what leaps to mind is that they’re all white men. We believe that there have been other scholars worthy of recognition in the Cowles portal: scholars of color, women scholars, scholars with disabilities. We invite your help in identifying them. Submit a nomination by March 15.

For questions, please reach out to a member of Cowles Library’s Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee: Marcia Keyser and Cameron Tuai, co-chairs; Hope Bibens, Dan Chibnall, Laura Krossner, Kathy Lincoln, and Jill Gremmels, members.

Jill Gremmels, Dean, Cowles Library

Drake’s All Staff Council Recognition Committee recently celebrated the Sponsored Programs team with a surprise treat delivery, compliments of Drake Dining. The following spotlight provides a few facts about the Sponsored Programs Department. Thank you to the team for everything they do to make Drake a great place!

How many staff members are in the department?
Four staff member make up the department: Director, Mary Wohlford, Ph.D., director; Tracy Bainter, MPA, ABD, pre-award and compliance; Kristine Plagman, senior accountant; and Tricia Atterberg, accountant.

What is the primary function of the team?
Develop grant proposals with university stakeholders, ensure grant dollars are spent correctly, and provide oversight for human subjects research and animal care and use.

Do you have a mission/vision/motto?
Our Mission is to provide pre-award, post award, and research compliance services.

Informal Mottos: “inspire and achieve”, “it’s all good, it’s all good”, “inspire success”. There are moments when we say, “making the impossible possible”, “turning fantasy into reality”, “get it done,” and  my personal favorite “your monkey, your circus.”

Who has been with the team the longest?
Kristine Plagman has served seven years in the Sponsored Programs department and 11 years at Drake.

Who is the newest team member?
Tricia Atterberg started in the department in August 2018.

What campus buildings do your team members “live” in?
Old Main, Penthouse

What are some recent challenges and accomplishments of note?
There are very few challenges, many accomplishments—the most notable is the increase we have seen in funded grants.

Anything else noteworthy about your department?
“My good colleagues are the most dedicated, kind individuals I have ever worked with.” –Mary Wohlford

Cathy Williams, All Staff Council Recognition Committee

Volunteers are needed to help welcome more than 10,000 fourth and fifth graders at Exercise Your Character 2019. In partnership with Hy-Vee, The Robert D. and Billie Ray Center at Drake University is seeking volunteers for Tuesday, April 9, from 8 a.m.–12 p.m. at Hy-Vee Hall in downtown Des Moines.

All volunteers will receive a free T-shirt and lunch. The event celebrates good character and includes keynote speakers, music, and fun. Past speakers have included Stefon Diggs, Shawn Johnson, Adam Thielen, and more.

To volunteer, email Hilary at hilary.ortmann@drake.edu and include your T-shirt size. Family and friends ages 18 and up are welcome to register with Drake faculty and staff.

Hilary Ortmann, Assistant Director at The Robert D. and Billie Ray Center