The philanthropic contributions of nearly 500 members of the faculty and staff were recognized during the first faculty and staff donor appreciation breakfast on May 8.

During the event, John Smith, vice president for University Advancement, presented the inaugural Philanthropy Bug Award. The Philanthropy Bug Award recognizes faculty and staff members who embody Maddie Levitt’s spirit of philanthropy and service to Drake University.

Maddie Levitt was a longtime volunteer, friend, and tireless advocate for Drake University. Throughout her years of service to Drake, her beloved yellow Volkswagen Bug was a constant presence outside Old Main, and it became a symbol of her enduring commitment to bettering Drake University for future generations of students.

This year, Dan Alexander, Deb DeLaet, and Jen Harvey received the Philanthropy Bug Award for their efforts to create and rally significant faculty and staff support for The Catalyst Fund.

The Catalyst Fund helps address the financial needs of low to moderate income students from historically or currently underrepresented groups. The Catalyst Fund is designed to help students who are at risk of dropping out due to financial difficulties by providing scholarships and emergency funds. So far, two students have received $15,000 in scholarship support that have helped them complete their degrees and $6,000 in emergency funds have been distributed.

We have become aware that book buying companies may periodically solicit inquiries via email to Drake faculty requesting that they contact them to sell their textbooks. This is a reminder that this practice is discouraged and addressed in the Faculty Manual Section 2.163 Sale of Examination Copies.

Caron Findlay, Finance & Administration 

During the summer months, individuals often participate in flexible work schedules, commonly referred to as “Summer Hours.” Summer Hours involve working longer hours four days of the week, and then the fifth day, individuals work a half day.

For weeks that include a holiday, please remember the holiday only represents eight hours. The extra time that is typically worked should be made up on the remaining days of the week, or omitted for the week. The University will be closed for the Fourth of July holiday this year on Thursday, July 4, and Friday, July 5.

If you would like to participate in the Summer Hours, the Flextime Understanding form should be completed and returned to Human Resources prior to the commencement of the arrangement. This form is available on the Employee Home page of myDrake (Employee Forms under Human Resources).

Linda Feiden, Human Resources

Inclement weather forecasts have prompted us to move the final Provost’s Drake Social indoors to the Shivers Hospitality Suite. The event will be Tuesday, May 7, from 4–6 p.m.

This final social will also be a time to honor this year’s retirees, as well as those celebrating milestone work anniversaries. We will be serving ice cream sundaes, lemonade, and iced tea.

Drinda Williams, Provost’s Office

Registration is now open for the annual All Staff Council Kickball Tournament scheduled for May 22 from 1:30–4 p.m. in Helmick Commons. Sign up as a team, free agent, or referee. All Staff Council will accept registrations for up to eight teams of no more than 12 Drake faculty and/or staff members. Individuals interested in playing may also sign up as a free agent, and you will be assigned to a team. Registrations are due by Friday, May 17, at noon. Fans are also welcomed and encouraged to cheer on their colleagues and enjoy some snacks. Fans are do not need to register. Questions? Contact ascspecialevents@drake.edu.

— Jill Batten, CPHS Director of Student Affairs, ASC Special Events Committee

It’s golf season! Do you want to get to know some fellow Drake University faculty/staff members? Sign up to participate in the 10 week golf league open to all faculty and staff.

For more information, contact Ryan Parriott at 271-3522 or ryan.parriott@drake.edu, or view the Golf League website.

— Ryan Parriott, Recreational Services

Please join us at a reception for Carlyn Marron, assistant director of international student and scholar services, who is departing Drake and “retiring” from her career in international education. Stop by Drake International on Friday, May 10, from 2-4 p.m. to thank Carlyn for her ten years of service and wish her well as she begins this new chapter.

Bonnie Ehler, International Programs and Services