As part of Employee Appreciation Month, Human Resources has been sharing shout-outs submitted by faculty and staff.  Thanks to everyone who participated this month.

Even though Employee Appreciation Month is ending, we hope you continue to find ways to show your appreciation to staff, faculty, and student employees across campus.  Sharing positive energy is contagious.  When you look for the good in people, you strengthen relationships, improving not only their lives, but your own.

Read the final shout-outs submitted this week!

“A shout-out to Sara Hughes and Kris Magill, who have time and again stepped in to help (save) the Career Development Office through our busiest times with staff shortages. We appreciate you and all that you do for us on top of your own jobs!” – Katie Overberg

“A shout-out to Brett Lindman for being so easy to work with.  I know that I can count on him for whatever is needed.  Thanks Brett! You are appreciated.” – Cheri McDaniel

“A shout-out to the accounting department: Thank you for researching and implementing the new self-serve system.  Your patience with those of us learning the new system is noted and appreciated. “– Cheri McDaniel

“A shout-out to Natalie Russell and her staff for helping The Ray Center mail out so many packages.  You guys rock!” – Cheri McDaniel

“A shout-out to Linda Feiden for organizing and collecting emails for BUILD professional development sessions. Thanks for your hard work Linda! – Cheri McDaniel

“A shout-out to Sara Sommerlot for everything she did last fall to assist our department in selecting and ordering Drake branded wellbeing incentives.  She helped guide the process through from start to finish and made sure we had it by the deadline.  Thanks so much Sara!” – Linda Feiden

“A shout-out to Ryan Parriott, Lisa Murphy, and their staff in making sure the inaugural Faculty/Staff “Recess” event was successful.  Thank you for your “All in This Together” attitude and your “Generosity of Spirit” in giving your time.” – Linda Feiden

“A shout-out of appreciation to Kelly Foster, Donita Greenough, and Chris Nickell for their work to improve safety and risk related processes and training.  They have demonstrated an ability to implement new processes on topics like vehicle safety and domestic travel in a way that accomplishes the goal of greater safety and security, while at the same time ensuring processes are not unduly burdensome or repetitive. They collectively do a great job working with others across campus and have built strong relationships that make the roll out of new programs more effective and sustainable.” – Venessa Macro

“A big shout out of thanks and admiration to Anne Kremer, Deneen Dygert and the entire Admissions staff for managing and adjusting to many shifts in protocol and programming throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. They have managed through many challenging situations with grace and generous spirits; never relenting in their focus on delivering effective and impactful admission programming.” – Venessa Macro

“A shout-out to the Finance & Administration and ITS teams for their grueling work rolling out and tweaking Finance Self Serve.” – Sara Sommerlot

“A shout-out to the All Staff Council Governance Committee for commitment to running a clean and fair All Staff Council nomination process.” – Sara Sommerlot

Every Tuesday in OnCampus the Deputy Provost shares two articles with a read time of 10 minutes.

There is a lot going on in the Office of the Deputy Provost and the Center for Teaching Excellence.

We have partnered with the School of Education to provide 10 additional spaces in an on-line Intercultural Conflict Workshop facilitated by Dr. Tara Harvey (True North Intercultural, LLC). The workshop will focus on helping participants better understand and navigate their own and others’ preferred conflict styles, so that they can more effectively communicate and engage in a diverse work environment. It is perfect for department chairs, associate deans, and others who might manage in and through conflict (ie: all of us). Registered participants would take, in advance, the Intercultural Conflict Style Inventory, and the focus of the half-day workshop will be on building participants’ awareness using the Inventory.

This is an online workshop, held April 25 from 9 a.m.–12:30 p.m.; preregistration required by April 11. Please note, if you are SOE faculty or staff, your registration is not through this link.

Please consider signing up to be part of the conversation on creating a faculty-to-faculty mentoring program, to inform my work as I look forward to launching a comprehensive faculty mentoring program over the summer. Register here, so we can provide hospitality for everyone on Friday, March 25, from 1:30–3 p.m. in Howard Hall, Room 210. If you cannot attend but would like to be a mentor—or be assigned a mentor—please email and tell me that.

And exciting news: The 2022 Baum Symposium will be comprised of a series of workshops focused on helping Drake faculty and staff respond ethically and compassionately to the shifts in higher education we have seen as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic and demographic trends in our student body.  Featured speaker Cathy Davidson, the author of The New Education: How to Revolutionize the University to Prepare Students for a World in Flux, will speak on the evening of Wednesday, May 5. The event will start at 7 p.m., and will be virtual.

Dr. Davidson is the winner of the 2021 Annual Advocacy Award from the Council of Colleges of Arts and Sciences, the Founding Director of the Futures Initiative at CUNY, and a founding member of HASTAC: Humanities, Arts, Science, and Technology Alliance and Collaboratory.  Her keynote will kick off an entire month of programming meant to help our faculty and staff address the ethical imperative of meeting our students where they are—emotionally, intellectually, and socially.  Please save the date, and watch for more.

— Renée Cramer, Deputy Provost

Every Tuesday in OnCampus the Deputy Provost shares two articles with a read time of 10 minutes.

The annual J-Term Fair will be held on April 14, from 4:30–6 p.m. in Parents Hall, Olmsted Center. I encourage all faculty and staff who are teaching in January 2023 to attend—bring resources for students to learn more about your course and a sign-up sheet for you to be in touch with them.

We provide: the space, the tables, lemonade, and snacks. You provide: enthusiasm about the course you’re offering and a readiness to talk about it!

In recent years the fair has been exceptionally helpful for helping students learn about our travel offerings; I’d love to continue that, while highlighting as many of our on-campus and web-based J-Term courses as possible.

— Renée Cramer, Deputy Provost

The past two years have put this week’s core value to the test on many fronts. Yet, we remain: All In This Together.

• We embrace robust communication and transparency.
• We thrive through collaboration and teamwork.

While we have done our best to brave this storm together, we know that each person’s experience has been unique. And let’s acknowledge it, a lot has been asked of the Drake community as a whole. Students, in some ways, lost a portion of their “normal” college experience. Faculty had to completely change how they teach and interact with students. Some staff were asked to do less, some were asked to do more, some were asked to do much more. No one had a clear idea of what the future would look like and the uncertainty—along with all the other hurdles—has taken a toll.

Where we go from here is pivotal. Channeling appreciation and gratitude will help focus on a path lined with hope. One of the best ways for us to identify that path is to be intentional in the core sentiments embodied in this value. As an institution, we have been working on assuring channels of communication are more robust. We have taken positive strides toward increased transparency in HR—I know other units are doing the same.

Collaboration and teamwork must be embraced both vertically (within a department, up and down the chain of supervision) and horizontally (across teams and units). This is one of the spaces where absolutely everyone can help foster a working and learning environment that values collaboration and teamwork. It truly takes the entire Drake community to deliver the services and support our students, employees, and communities.

This is a great week to send a message to your favorite collaborators and teammates—including those who work outside of your team and your wonderful student workers. Please take a minute to reflect on the faculty, staff, and student workers who are happy to help you. It just takes a minute to send a note of gratitude and thanks, but when you receive such a note—the joy can last indefinitely.

Consistent with the goals of this core value, Drake HR is thrilled to again partner with All Staff Council to host a town hall. We are currently working to pin down the date—it will likely be in May at the close of the term. Whether it will be in person or virtual (or both) is still being determined. As we did last time, ASC will solicit questions in advance to build the discussion around the topics that are most important to you.

While our perspectives, experiences, and thoughts all vary, when it comes to what lies ahead, we are, indeed, all in this together—let’s find comfort in sharing the path before us. If you have the time and the weather cooperates, please join Renée Cramer, Nate Reagen, and Maureen De Armond for a Thursday walk. Come share the literal path with us. Meet us at 12:00 p.m. sharp on Thursday, March 24. We’ll meet on the sidewalk just southeast of Olmsted and walk a Bulldog Mile together (weather permitting). Wear your walking shoes!

— Maureen De Armond, Human Resources; Nate Reagen, Office of the President

Human Resources and the Provost’s Office invite you to take a break and join in on the upcoming Employee Appreciation Month events. 

March 23: Provost’s Drake Social. The Provost’s Drake Socials have resumed! This month’s social will be held in Cowles Reading Room, beginning at 4 p.m. This is a family friendly event.  There will be snacks, beer, wine, soft drinks, and water. If you would like to recognize a colleague for demonstrating our Core Values, please go to this Qualtrics page to provide information.  Everyone entered will be recognized via a scrolling PowerPoint and several will have their names drawn for prizes.

March 24: Walk the Dog. Join the Deputy Provost for Academic Affairs Renée Cramer, Associate Chief Information Technology Officer Keren Fiorenza, and Executive Director of Human Resources Maureen De Armond for a noon walk. We’ll meet on the sidewalk just southeast of Olmsted at noon and walk a Bulldog Mile together (weather permitting). Wear your walking shoes!

— Linda Feiden, Human Resources

As part of Employee Appreciation Month, Human Resources is encouraging everyone to submit a shout-out for a faculty, staff, or student employee.  Simply write a sentence of appreciation for a colleague and submit it to Linda Feiden at linda.feiden@drake.edu. Deadline to submit a shout-out is March 24.

Read the shout-outs submitted this week!

“A shout-out to the Drake Law School admission office team of Jill Costanzo, Chris Miller, and Brianna Leistikow: This group has done an amazing job of upholding our core values while navigating the challenges of a pandemic and staff shortages in our office over the past two years!”– Kara Blanchard

“A shout-out to Ashley Rasmussen: Ashley gives very clear and detailed information when I work with her.  She makes it easy for me to understand my piece of the puzzle in my role.” – Anonymous

“A shout-out to Nate Reagen: Nate always has a smile on his face and is easy to work with.  He is part of what makes Drake a great place to be.” – Anonymous

“A shout-out to Marlene Heuertz: Marlene is so easy to work with and is always helpful and friendly.  She also has a great sense of humor.” – Anonymous

“A shout-out to Linda Feiden: Everyone who knows Linda enjoys working with her.  She is an ever-smiling, positive face in all situations.  We are lucky to have her here at Drake.” – Anonymous

“A shout-out to Maureen De Armond: Maureen has been doing great things for Drake ever since she joined us this summer.  I can’t wait to see what great initiatives are in store for Drake in the future!” – Anonymous

“A shout-out to Heather Winslow: Heather really dives in and does great detailed work in payroll.  And she does it all with a smile.” – Anonymous

“A shout-out to Trevon Smith: Trevon is always so helpful and professional.  He is friendly and quick with his replies to my many, many inquires!  He is an exceptional addition to HR team.” – Susan Dittmer

“A shout-out to Kristi Longtin: Kristi has the most positive, friendly attitude!  She goes above and beyond working tirelessly on many projects, including assisting with faculty recruitment.  This is a big undertaking with a lot of moving parts.  She is so organized and efficient and handles it all brilliantly!” – Susan Dittmer

“A shout-out to Sara Hughes & Kris Magill: Sara & Kris recently stepped in last minute for a co-worker to assist with the live stream Q&A event with astronaut Raja Chari from the International Space Station.  Astronaut Raja is the husband of Holly Schaffter Chari, LW’02.  Just one of the many ways they demonstrate daily “All in this Together”.” – Susan Dittmer

“A shout-out to Emily Fleming: Emily started at Drake in March 2020, just as the pandemic hit and we were shutting down to work remotely.  She didn’t know her co-workers and learned her job completely in a remote setting.  I applaud her tenacity.  She is always friendly and willing to do whatever is needed.  I appreciate her organizational skills and attention to detail.  She is helpful to students, faculty, and staff.  She has become an integral part of our team.” – Susan Dittmer 

“A shout-out to Ashley Rasmussen: Ashley is always going above and beyond to make sure the faculty and staff get their questions answered. She has been diligent in her help for the Administrative Assistants and the Assistant Deans in the College of Arts and Sciences, even if it’s beyond her purview. She is a collaborative colleague, and she deeply cares about the experiences with training, onboarding, workload, and support for our staff. The college functions as well as it does thanks in part to Ashley’s support and hard work! Thank you!” – Anonymous

 “A shout-out to our Work Study friends in the Office of Student Financial Planning – Allison, Maggie, Maria and Emma: You guys are FABULOUS! Thank you for stepping in and learning new things to help out the Front Desk during busy packaging and awarding season. I appreciate all of you and your hard work that helps keep the OSFP running as smoothly as possible!” – Laney Guintard

“A shout-out to Chris Nickell: CPR Certification class was informative and enjoyable. 10/10 – would take the class again (In 2 years). Thank you for taking the time to teach the class!” – Laney Guintard

“A shout-out to the Office of Student Financial Planning Team – Kristi, Ryan, Michele, Chris, Brandi, Denise, Suman, Sheila, Merrie, and Matt: Relative to most of the team, it’s only been a short time since I started in the OSFP and everyone made the transition so much better than I could have hoped. I learn new things from each of you every week, and I love being a part of working together to overcome challenges and always looking for ways to improve the Financial Aid process for students and their families. This is an All-Star team who wants to set students up for success at Drake and beyond. You are appreciated and YOU ARE ALL AMAZING!” – Laney Guintard

“A shout-out to Scott Law, Kayla Bell, Maureen De Armond, Christine Marchand, Samantha Matt, Kristin Economos, Alanah Mitchell, Jennifer Harvey, Jazlin Coley, Sarah Derry, Marlene Heuertz, Erin Lee Schneider, Chris Nickell, Angela Shultz, Christine Urish and the Occupational Therapy students: They have all taken time out of their busy schedules to lead BUILD classes for faculty and staff this academic year.  Our offerings would not be as robust and informative without their expertise.  They truly exhibit a ‘Generosity of Spirit’!” – Linda Feiden

“A shout-out to Carla Herling for helping to organize additional Microsoft Teams training classes for faculty and staff.  We would not be able to offer these types of technical classes without her help. Thanks Carla!” – Linda Feiden

“A shout-out to Teresa Downs for her ‘Generosity of Spirit’ in taking time to sit down with me and help explain any technical questions I have.  Her teaching style is perfect, and she always does it with a smile.  Thank-you Teresa!” – Linda Feiden

“A shout-out to All Staff Council: Thank you for collaborating with HR on a number of projects and events this academic year.  Most recently – the GRIFO (BINGO) event for faculty and staff.  It was a huge success!  Although these events require extra work, in addition to your regular workload, you do it with “Joy” and “Generosity”.  We are lucky to have such quality individuals working at Drake!” – Linda Feiden

“A shout-out to the SPARC team: Thank you for your dedication in service to growing our grants portfolio and in supporting research compliance!” – Mary Pat Wohlford

“A shout-out to the faculty and staff who have written grants this year or who have received awards: Thank you for all you do to grow Drake’s extramural portfolio!” – Mary Pat Wohlford

“A shout-out to the OTD program faculty for their dedication to excellence in teaching and ongoing commitment to our students. What is more remarkable is their laser focus following the unexpected resignation of two of our faculty before the start of the spring semester. I am blessed to work with such a talented group of people!” – Leslie Jackson

“A shout-out to Teresa Downs: Teresa has a true gift and talent for instructing others. International admission credentials have an industry reputation of being daunting and complicated.  Afterall it is a big world.  But Teresa made this once ‘mysterious’ portion of admission credentialling much less intimidating to our newest admission processing team members.  She delivered the topic with a direct approach combining practicality and comfort.  Thus, our team not only has the knowledge but now also the confidence on how to dive into reviewing these abundant credential types from around the globe.  All in this Together.” – Amy Nichols

“A shout-out to Gerardo Rodriguez, Anthony Doss and Dale Purdy: Thank you for assisting me whenever or wherever it is needed. You have been a tremendous help through all our staff and supply shortages. It has not gone unnoticed. I appreciate all of it. Thank You!!!” – Marla Johnson

“A shout-out to Kyle Schura in Admissions for being my Slate go-to. I know Kyle is managing many projects but is always willing to provide timely customer service with a positive attitude!” – Amanda Martin

“A shout-out to Grace Wenzel in Admissions for volunteering her time on a selection committee in our office and going above and beyond to gather information. Always a joy to work with!” – Amanda Martin

“A shout-out to Renee Sedlacek Lee for putting on an innovative Changemakers event during the Global Citizen Forum. It was fun and inspiring!” – Amanda Martin

“A shout-out to Reb Ebel in FP&M for all of his courteous and timely help in our office move and the Sprout Garden move – Rob is amazing and brightens my day!” – Amanda Martin

“A shout-out to Karen Pomeroy: It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day, but the work you do matters. Your dedication to your work is helping lead us to success. Thank you for all that you do, Karen!” – Kailee Springer

“A shout-out to Maddie Kovach: You have transitioned so well into the Drake community and into the CBPA family. We are fortunate to have an innovator like you working alongside us and I am so appreciative of all your efforts to catch up to speed in the middle of a semester. I’m looking forward to watching you grow in your new role!” – Kailee Springer

“A shout-out to Charitie Schaer: Even in your new role, you are excelling. Thank you for helping guide us through the awards ceremony this spring semester and ensuring our prospect students are well taken care of!” – Kailee Springer

Please join the Provost on Wednesday, March 23, for the return of the Provost’s Drake Social in the Cowles Library Reading Room at 4 p.m. This is a family friendly event.

Drake faculty and staff recognized for the Drake Core Values will be honored, and several names will be drawn for prizes. You must be present to win! All those recognized will receive an email to let them know a colleague appreciates all that they do.

There will be soft drinks, wine, beer, and light snacks.

— Drinda Williams, Provost’s Office

Global Engagement invites nominations for the Principal Global Practitioner/Scholar-in-Residence program for 2022–2023

This program aims to attract talented individuals to Drake from academia or the professions who have outstanding international expertise to teach a course, mentor students, give public lectures, work on joint research with faculty, and aid the global capacity-building of the institution as a whole through fruitful collaborations. Nominations will be considered for fall, spring, or the full academic year.

Nomination Instructions
Candidates should be nominated by faculty or administrators within the academic unit to which they will be attached. (Candidates must be non-Drake faculty or employees). Please submit the following supporting materials:

• A nomination letter discussing the qualifications of the candidate and expected contributions to the department and Drake University as a whole
• Candidate’s biographical information
• A letter of interest from the candidate
• A letter of support from the department chair and college/school dean

Nominations should be sent to Annique Kiel, executive director of Global Engagement and International Programs, by March 31, 2022. Units considering a nomination are encouraged to consult with Annique prior to submission. (annique.kiel@drake.edu)

Among the criteria to be considered for the nominee:

1. A record of recognized leadership in a global context and distinguished professional accomplishment in their field
2. A documented commitment to international understanding and global citizenship
3. An ability to bring global perspectives and experiences to the Drake community
4. A willingness and ability to offer a course(s) that complements the existing curriculum and meets rigorous academic standards.

In recognition of their contributions, Global Practitioners/Scholars receive a stipend, a travel allowance, an appropriate workspace in the host college/school, and access to university facilities. Global Practitioners/Scholars will be affiliated with an appropriate academic unit for at least one semester and offer at least one course per term.

This program is proudly sponsored by the Principal Center for Global Citizenship, housed within the Office of Global Engagement.

— Hannah Sappenfield, Global Engagement

Let’s take time this week to reflect on our core value embracing a Generosity of Spirit. What a beautiful core value for a university to have. Each of us absolutely has the capacity to live this value in how we engage each other, our students, and our community.

Generosity of Spirit

• We trust, empower, and presume the best of each other.
• We practice civility, caring, and respect.
• We commit to equity and inclusion.

Often, we speak of the term ‘generosity’ as a concept tied to giving something of value and—let’s face it—a lot of things that have value cost money. Luckily, much like hope, generosity of spirit doesn’t cost a penny. However, it does take thought and care.

Trusting, empowering, and presuming the best of each other helps people feel a sense of belonging and supports a sense of purpose. One of the beautiful side effects of presuming the best in others is that it also helps us presume the best in ourselves. When one person radiates this kind of positivity, if reflects back on them, too. There are fascinating studies about how negativity and positivity spread—much like a virus. If a person walks through a workspace and is mean to everyone, they leave some of their foul mood in the room. Similarly, if a person walks through that same workspace and spreads kindness on the way, they leave the room feeling uplifted. Think about the impression you leave on each room you exit!

Let’s channel our Generosity of Spirit in showing appreciation to each other. Ask how can employees—and all other members of the Drake community—feel appreciated if they are not accepted for who they are? Having equity and inclusion embedded in our core values is as important as it is beautiful. But equity and inclusion do not always come organically—we must commit to these principles, and we have to work at them. We must be intentional in building a campus environment where everyone feels welcomed and a sense of belonging. This really does require us to appreciate and value what each unique person brings to the table.

Hiring Tip: For people who are involved in searches, let’s be certain we vet candidates for our core values. We want to be hiring people into our community who already hold this kind of generosity in their spirit. We want to add to our community people who will presume the best of others, who will be civil and respectful, and who already embrace our desire to build a diverse and inclusive community where everyone is welcomed and experiences a sense of sincere belonging.

Drake HR is happy to share a new resource for those involved in searches—we have created a long list of behavior-based interview questions arranged by the most closely correlating core value. We encourage you to refer to it as you think about how we can assure we add new employees to our community who already buy into embracing a Generosity of Spirit—as well as our other core values.

— Maureen De Armond, Human Resources; Nate Reagen, Office of the President

As part of Employee Appreciation Month, Human Resources is encouraging everyone to submit a shout-out for a faculty, staff, or student employee. Simply write a sentence of appreciation for a colleague and submit it to Linda Feiden at linda.feiden@drake.edu. Deadline to submit a shout-out is March 24.

Read the shout-outs submitted this week!

“A shout-out to Kristy Hilchen, Amy Nichols, and Valori Bross: You are doing a great job to learn about how to process ‘the world’ for international applications. You are truly All in this Together.” – Teresa Downs

“A shout-out to Austin Higgins: Austin is always friendly and reliable in Student Services and is easy to work with.” – Teresa Downs

“A shout-out to Korrine Jackson: Korrine is one of the most detail-oriented people I have ever met. It is amazing to me how she can keep track of so many different financial components at the same time and make it look so easy.” – Teresa Downs

“A shout-out to Suman Rose: I don’t get to work with you often, but you radiate positivity and a passion for what you do.  You inspire me to work harder at my job, and Drake is so lucky to have you!” – Sara Heijerman

“A shout-out to Dan Chibnall, Erica McGowan, Linda Feiden: Thank you for organizing the Drake Book Club!  It’s so fun to have a “casual” way to meet co-workers that I don’t normally get to see, and I really appreciate having extra input and help coordinating this “extracurricular” program!” – Sara Heijerman

“A shout-out to Deneen Dygert: I’ve enjoyed working with you this year and am so impressed by your seemingly boundless energy and upbeat attitude.  Thanks for being you!” – Sara Heijerman

“A shout-out to Maureen De Armond: I don’t know you well, but I’m so glad you are here! You were an impressive leader of the CWA group, and I can see that you are passionate about your job and making Drake a great place to work. I appreciate you and am looking forward to getting to know you better! – Sara Heijerman

“A shout-out to Annette Watson: Annette Watson successfully hosted the first fully in-person Career networking event in almost two years!  The Marketing Speed Networking event was a huge success with more than 128 people participating.” – Chrystal Stanley

“A shout-out to Leah Berte for her stellar work on the PCDS Instagram account.  We have seen a tremendous amount of growth this year through her leadership.  Her creative opportunities for employers have also expanded our relationship with employers.” – Chrystal Stanley

“A shout-out to Amanda Martin: Amanda is a rock star.  She shifted to the new Changemaker Scholars in rapid fashion, and from the outside, she appeared to do it without breaking a sweat (even though we all know what a challenge it was).  Well done!” – Chrystal Stanley

“A shout-out to Melissa Sturm-Smith:  Melissa has provided strong leadership while also covering for two staff members who were on maternity leave.  She did all this with a sense of humor and strength.  Drake is lucky to have her.” – Chrystal Stanley

“A shout-out to John Kippes: Professional and Career Development is delighted to partner with John Kippes to serve the students in the John Dee Bright College.  We are looking forward to celebrating the first professional experiences this summer.” – Chrystal Stanley

“A shout-out to Ashley Rasmussen: Thank you Ashley for all that you have done and continue to do for the Admin Staff of A&S.  Your willingness and availability to answer our questions and lend a listening ear when things are stressful is very much appreciated.  You have gone above and beyond on numerous occasions with the transition of new staff and training and in giving us the tools we need to do our jobs well and effectively.  Truly an asset to the College of Arts & Sciences and a true model of Drake’s Core Values.” – Alice Fynaardt

“A shout-out to All Staff at Drake University Head Start: It has been a very difficult two years for all of us, but I want to thank you all for working together to keep the children who are enrolled in the Head Start program as safe as possible.  I have heard that it takes a village to raise a child and the Drake University Head Start village is the team I would choose every time to help raise my children and grandchildren.  Thank you for all you do every day!” – Heidi Ball

“A shout-out to Ron Barry and Kay Zrostlik: Thank you so much for helping to support me and all of the staff at Drake University Head Start.  You never complain and always come through!  You will never know how much I appreciate my Health and Nutrition Team!  You are both the BEST!  Thank you! – Heidi Ball

“A shout-out to the entire Drake University Head Start team: We just wrapped up our week-long, on-site federal monitoring review.  It was an intense week with lots of questions, interviews, data sharing, monitoring, examination and evaluation, and the ENTIRE staff stepped up and shined bright all week long. The work is not always easy, especially these past couple of years, and yet the staff show up and do great things every day.  Thank you is not sufficient.” – Lisa Proctor

“A shout-out to Matt Probasco: Thank you for keeping track of such a gigantic amount of detail to help manage the finances of the University.  Drake is better because of you!” – Nate Reagen

“A shout-out to Jenny Tran-Johnson: Thank you for keeping track of all our registered students!  The detailed reports that come out of your office have been tremendously helpful in so many ways.” – Nate Reagen

“A shout-out to Tammy Eltayb for the compassion and support she has for her custodial team and all the work they have done during COVID.” – Kevin Moran

“A shout-out to Venessa Macro: Thank you Venessa for assisting me / us with some of our contracts at the Ray Center.  Your time and expertise is always appreciated!” – Jason Lamping

“A shout-out to Anne Kremer for tirelessly leading our admission team through all the hard work and strategic thinking to recruit future Bulldogs.  The last two years have brought some interesting shifts in recruitment processes and trends, but our team benefits from her leadership, mentorship, and guidance through every step of the cycle.” – Lisa Flynn

“A shout-out to Craig Owens for all the hard work that has been done to lift John Dee Bright College into action.  Craig was a committed partner in recruiting our inaugural cohort and continues to advocate for the faculty, staff, and students involved.  Seeing the community that has been built has been rewarding, humbling, and certainly paves the way for future students considering Drake and Bright College.  Thanks for your leadership!” – Lisa Flynn

“A shout-out to Jenny Jones & Ron Ackerman for being amazing academic advisors for our CBPA graduate students! If you look at their schedules, you’ll quickly realize it’s prime time for advising as these two have appointments back-to-back throughout the day to help fit in appointments for our students. Thank you both for being amazing advocates for our students!” – Dianna Gray

“A shout-out to Betsy Wilson: Betsy is so friendly and always positive. Your joy is infectious. We so appreciate you in the SOE!” – Catherine Gillespie

“A shout-out to Amber Welsh: Amber is professional and thorough and always looks on the sunny side. You balance so much with grace. We appreciate you in the SOE!” – Catherine Gillespie

“A shout-out to Kyle Schura: Kyle is an incredible teammate, employee, and asset to Drake University. He is always willing to go the extra mile to get the job done, and he does it with a smile and laugh. His consistent effort and empathy make working with him a truly positive experience. He has helped the Office of Admission grow and get better in countless ways. I am very appreciative of Kyle, and he is very deserving of a shout out, THANK YOU KYLE!” – Glenn Clark

“A shout-out to Natalie Russell: As Manager, Drake Postal Operations Center, Natalie goes the extra mile to make certain our needs are met at The Robert D. and Billie Ray Center, Home of CHARACTER COUNTS!.  She helps us to aim for our goal that every early childhood center in Iowa will receive one of our Early Childhood Kits.  And… that’s a lot of kits to be distributed!  Natalie has been a joy to work with during this process.” – Deb Taylor

“A shout-out to Grace Wenzel for willingly taking on new tasks and using her creativity for new initiatives.  No matter what is asked of Grace, she always happily digs in and helps make progress in the admission space.  She is a true Transfer Student Champion and helps her students learn about the Drake experience with an amazing Bulldog vibe!  Keep up the excellent work!” –Rachelle Setsodi

“A shout-out to Amy Guiter: Amy joined the Admission team prior to the year and has instantly become an asset.  Amy’s attention to detail, professionalism, and caring nature to ensure every visitor’s needs are not only met but exceeded is truly appreciated.  As a mother of a student who is navigating her college search, Amy is quite keen to the importance of each interaction and service our office and the campus community provides.  Amy is a team player and has forged relationships both in our office and across campus to engage faculty and staff in the important work of recruitment.  Drake is very fortunate to have Amy Guiter managing the individual visit program as the Campus Visit Facilitator!” – Deneen Dygert