The holiday season can be a challenge when it comes to taking care of ourselves, so we are bringing back the Stop, Drop, and Roll holiday challenge to help.  ‘Stop’ the potential holiday weight gain, ‘Drop’ some of the bad habits, while picking up a few good ones, and ‘Roll’ into the New Year on a healthier path.

Each week we will focus on a different topic from healthier eating and physical activity to sleep, taking a breath, and making social connections.

Even if weight gain isn’t a problem or priority for you, this program will cover wellbeing topics pertinent to everyone.

Send an email to linda.feiden@drake.edu by Friday, Nov. 22 to register.

—Linda Feiden, Human Resources

Save the date: Tuesday, November 26

It’s the season for thankfulness and giving, and Bulldog Shop wants to show our appreciation to all Drake faculty and staff. For one day only, all Drake employees can DOUBLE THEIR DISCOUNT on in-store purchases at Bulldog Shop. Enjoy your 15% off staff discount plus an additional 15% off. Simply show your employee ID at checkout to redeem. Don’t miss out! Set that reminder in your calendar now!

—Bulldog Shop

 As President Martin shared in a recent message to campus, the University will hold a budget town hall on Tuesday, December 3rd at 3 p.m. in the Olmsted Center, Parents Hall. All faculty and staff are encouraged to attend to learn more about the fiscal year 2024 results, overall financial health, fiscal year 2025 budget, and a look ahead to future fiscal years. 

If you have questions you would like addressed at the town hall, please send them to president@drake.edu.

Provost’s Social immediately following the town hall 

The Provost’s Social will be held following the town hall in Olmsted 312, across from Parents Hall.  Refreshments at the social will include an assortment of beverages and light snacks. 

— Adam Voigts, Chief Financial Officer & Sue Mattison, Provost 

The season of giving is upon us and it is time for our annual United Way of Central Iowa giving campaign! Your optional contribution can be financial or needed supplies for area Des Moines Public School food pantries, or both. We have reinstated some fun, giving-level incentives as well.

The campaign will kick-off on Monday, November 18 with an email from Mary Sellers from United Way of Central Iowa. Some highlights to share:

• The campaign is part of our commitment as an anchor institution and to the Des Moines community
• One hundred percent of the funds donated remain in central Iowa (Polk, Dallas, and Warren counties)
• 10,544 people were served last year in the 50311 zip code
• United Way financially supports 15 organizations that are partners with Drake including the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Iowa

For any financial contributions to the campaign, we have reinstated giving level incentives to celebrate our participation. From free parking passes, many Starbucks gift-cards, basketball game tickets, and more! See this page for the details and thank you to our many campus partners who made these incentives possible.

New this year: a supply drive in partnership with Des Moines Public Schools (DMPS) will be Tuesday, Nov. 19 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Olmsted Breezeway.  DMPS has requested:

• Plastic grocery bags (yes, the hundreds of these you have at home)
• Peanut butter
• Canned fruit & vegetables
• Cereal: bagged or boxed
• Rice: bagged or boxed
• Beans: canned
• Paper products: toilet paper, paper towels, and diapers

Overall, our 2024 United Way of Central Iowa campaign goal is to exceed 33% participation from our full-time faculty and staff.

If you have any questions or do not receive the email from Mary Sellers on November 18^th and wish to participate, please reach out to Nate Reagen.

Thank you for your support and generosity in advance!

—Nate Reagen, President’s Office

Thousands of K-8 students will join The Ray Center and Drake Women’s Basketball Team on December 16 for a morning full of fun, character education, and basketball! The Ray Center is looking for volunteers from approximately 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. to help thousands of students on and off buses, find their assigned seats, carry in coolers with sack lunches, assist teachers, help with concessions, etc. If you are interested in volunteering for this fun event, please email Megan at Megan.Wesselink@drake.edu with your name and t-shirt size. Please RSVP by the end of the day on Thursday, November 7, to receive a free game day t-shirt. Go Bulldogs!

—Megan Wesselink, Robert D. & Billie Ray Center

SPARC Speed Dating Event

November 7, 2024

3:30 – 5:30 pm

Howard Hall 212

No, this isn’t a singles event.  The SPARC Speed Dating event is a fun, networking event where faculty bring their project ideas to share, learn what others are doing, and possibly identify “matches” or collaborators for your projects.  The attendees will spend 5 minutes with each other discussing project ideas as they move throughout the room.  SPARC staff will also be on hand to discuss identifying funding matches and answer questions.   Refreshments will be available.  RSVP by noon on November 6 to lori.byrd@drake.edu.

—Lori Byrd, Sponsored Programs Administration & Research Compliance

At Crew, we want to celebrate all of the incredible mentors who have been part of our journey since our program began in 2013. Your guidance and support have made a lasting impact on our scholars, and now it’s time to show our gratitude!

If you’ve been a mentor or are currently one, we’d love to celebrate with you! Join us at the Medbury Honors Lounge on October 28th, between 9-11 am for a casual, come-and-go breakfast! Enjoy bagels, donuts, coffee, tea, and hot chocolate-and grab some fun Crew swag as well.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your continued participation and dedication.

We hope to see you there!

—Jazlin Coley-Smith, Provost’s Office

Drake faculty and staff who exemplify the Core Value of Joyful Accountability will be recognized at the next Provost’s Social, Monday, Oct. 21, in Schickler Club (formerly Shiver’s Courtside Club) beginning at 4 p.m.

To nominate a colleague, please use the Qualtrics form. All those nominated will be recognized on a rolling display at the event.

How do we define Joyful Accountability at Drake? We look for colleagues who are curious, creative, bold, and brave, and who strive each day to be their best!

When you nominate colleagues, be prepared to describe how each colleague meets these descriptions. From among those nominated, several will be chosen at random for prizes.

Refreshments will include an assortment of beverages and light snacks. This is a family friendly event. Feel free to bring your children or partner!

—Madison Bemus, Provost’s Office