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 some of the shout-outs submitted this week!

“A shout-out to Trevon Smith: Trevon is always friendly and helpful for new Drake employees. He has embodied the Drake joyful accountability core value and displays it every day with a smile.” – Teresa Downs

“A shout-out to Brett Lindman: Brett is great to work with at Sodexo and does what he can to make every order count.” – Teresa Downs

“A shout-out to Drinda Williams: Drinda is always organized and has many great ideas. I enjoy being a co-chair with her on the ASC Recognition Committee.” – Teresa Downs

“A shout-out to Ann Guddall: I am newer to BOM meetings and Ann has a wonderful way of explaining topics in an easy-to-follow way. It is a pleasure to work with her.” – Teresa Downs

“A shout-out to Diana Newman for once again taking the lead on covering for CPHS staff absences/openings and assisting in areas beyond her responsibility. Her attention to detail and follow-through helps everyone else to be able to manage their responsibilities. Despite the additional work, she is always positive and helpful, even when she gets asked the same question multiple times!” – Renae Chesnut

“A shout-out to Laura Krossner: Laura has taken over e-reserves, etc. in Cowles Library. She’s been amazing this year as I have a lot of films and other things that need to go on reserve. When I needed a very difficult Interlibrary Loan, she called Duke Libraries, negotiated with their Interlibrary Loan folks, and secured the request. It took her a couple of weeks. I needed this obscure item for a conference paper. She’s just so infinitely helpful and is the type of person who will email me in the evening to tell me she followed through on a request.” – Dina Smith

“A shout-out to Phoenix Ford: I just got out of my evening class, and lo and behold, IT tech Phoenix Ford emailed me at 6 p.m., still working on my laptop. He’s been so helpful to me and others who have had laptop issues. I heard a story from a colleague that he stayed until 10 p.m. one night fixing her laptop so she could fly out of town the next morning.” – Dina Smith

“A shout-out to Nicki Kimm who worked diligently to correctly title and list my FYS course in the fall.  I require film screenings for FYS, and the schedule always seems to be wrong the first time it’s loaded.  Not this time around.  Nicki worked with me closely to get the course scheduled properly and found an old description for a revitalized FYS I plan to teach.  She’s wonderful!” – Dina Smith

“A shout-out to Ashley Rasmussen for always being so quick and efficient. I often have to get bits of information for the Provost’s Office, and Ashley never seems bothered by my repeated emails. She is pleasant and efficient. Thank you, Ashley!” – Drinda Williams

“A shout-out to Emily Fleming: I am so thankful for you and your great attitude no matter what comes along. It has been so wonderful working with you these last several months, especially as we have had to learn so many new things together. I appreciate how you are always willing to take anything on, and how you dig in and find out the best way to tackle a project. You are awesome, and I’m so glad you are here!” – Kristi Longtin

“A shout-out to Allyssa Fluit for helping to cover for staff absences and openings in the CPHS over the past few months. Even though she is new to Drake, she has been a quick learner and has taken on more responsibility to help cover for absences. She has a great can-do attitude and is always willing to pitch in and help!” – Renae Chesnut

“A shout-out to Ann Regan: Ann tackled a big project related to community college transfer credits that has allowed Drake to move forward with an important initiative.  Thanks to Ann, we are way ahead of where we would otherwise be with this project. She cheerfully worked through lots of tedious data, and I appreciate her efforts!” – Lauren McCarthy

“A shout-out to Jean Myers and Atong Nyok for their work keeping Collier-Scripps Hall clean and disinfected. It is nice to see their smiling face when I arrive in the morning.” – Cheri McDaniel

“A shout-out to Tricia McKinney, who has graciously taken on the interim Title IX Coordinator role for the past few weeks.  Tricia has helped ensure we continue to provide important information and support during a time of transition.  Her expertise and willingness to assist is much appreciated and valued!” – Venessa Macro

“A shout-out to Amanda Martin and Melissa Sturm-Smith for carrying the balls of so many projects while I was out on maternity leave.  They kept all the balls in the air and moving so that I could catch them upon my return.  Thank you!” – Renee Sedlacek Lee

“A shout-out to Trevon Smith: I greatly appreciate how Trevon Smith is always quickly responsive, courteous, and thorough.  I’m so thankful to have him at Drake!” – Valerie Thacker

“A shout-out to the Accounting Team: I love working with you ALL, and I appreciate all you do for this campus!  It’s always a pleasure to work with your team, and I appreciate your expert help.  You never make me feel like I’m asking a dumb question (which I might be) and are always patient when I make a silly mistake.  I can’t imagine all the things you process in a month – you’re a well-oiled machine, with great personalities to boot!  Keep up the amazing work.” – Sara Heijerman

“A shout-out to Natalie Russell: You have done such an amazing job taking over the reins in the mailroom – you’ve made incredible improvements in such a short period of time, and your dedication to “customer service” for the whole campus community is impressive and appreciated.  You clearly love what you do, and you are a breath of fresh air in my work life.  Keep up the great work!” – Sara Heijerman

“A shout-out to Korrine Jackson: You’re always so helpful and great to work with.  I really appreciate your collaboration when I need help with something – you’re always so kind and patient.  I really appreciate you, and Drake is lucky to have you!” – Sara Heijerman

“A shout-out to the Grounds Team: Thank you for keeping our campus clean and beautiful ALL YEAR, but especially for what you do in the spring and summer.  As a plant lover, I appreciate nothing more than walking the grounds and checking out all the impressive landscaping and flower arrangements.  You all do an AMAZING job, and I can’t wait to see this summer’s planters around campus!” – Sara Heijerman

“A shout-out to the IT Department: You are so knowledgeable and quick to respond.  I joke that I try to provide you all job security, but in truth, you make everything happen and you provide everyone else job (and other) security!  Thank you so much for all you do!” – Julie Olinger

“A shout-out to Suzanne Wisslead:  Thank you for all your guidance, support and patience!  I truly appreciate you.” – Julie Olinger

“A shout-out to the Grounds crew: Not only do you keep the grounds beautiful, but you also do an amazing job with snow removal, garbage, and event preparation.  Thank you for all your behind-the-scenes contributions!” – Julie Olinger

“A shout-out to Dr. Cris Wildermuth: I know Cris in several capacities: 1) Her reputation of excellence in teaching from her students in her graduate program. 2) Her YouTube webinars (always with Drake recognition) she offers on various technological skills. When she knew I was going to participate, she made sure I had access via captioning (I am Deaf) which she did herself for several situations.  She also used auto-speech recognition captioning and went back to the video to edit the captions! 3) Her blog (again supporting Drake) which she offers freely to share countless leadership and networking knowledge & skills. 4) Her participation in my ASL and Deaf Culture classes – she is my technology partner and has helped me learn about so many wonderful teaching technology tools. 5) Her beliefs in making student learning meaningful, fun, accessible, understandable, with rigor.  Sadly, Cris will be leaving Drake for new adventures in Florida at the end of this semester. She will be leaving a huge hole, as she is indispensable with her knowledge, ideas, passion, and influence. Those who have worked with her or learned under her have truly been wonderfully impacted in an enormous way that we will never forget Cris and her many amazing contributions.” –  Polly Brekke

Have you ever thought about something special you’d like to do or an amazing place you’d like to visit? It is easy to let the years go by without taking the initiative to do big things that really make you happy.

If you are ready to make a change, join the Bucket List Challenge. The goal is to create your personal bucket list, pick at least one item from your list, set a date, and check it off.

Are you ready? Send an email to linda.feiden@drake.edu to participate.

— Linda Feiden, Human Resources

Over the last couple years, we collectively have been challenged to change everything we do—from educating students and maintaining campus operations, to how we go about our lives at home and in the community. Through it all, employees have continued to make a positive difference in the lives of students, parents, colleagues, and the community.

To help show our appreciation, Human Resources and All Staff Council invite you to take a break and join in on the upcoming Employee Appreciation Month events. Here’s what’s happening this week!

March 9: $5 Wednesday Lunch at the Hubb. If you haven’t taken advantage of Sodexo’s $5 Wednesday lunches at the Hubb (in Hubbell Dining Hall), this is a great week to give it a try. In addition to the $5 lunch, Sodexo will serve special sheet cake and brownies for dessert in honor of Employee Appreciation Month.

March 9: GRIFO! (BINGO). All Staff Council and Human Resources invite faculty and staff to play GRIFO (Drake BINGO). Attend in-person at Parent’s Hall in the Olmsted Center from 3-4 p.m. and say hello to Griff II.  If you are working remotely, register to participate virtually using this link.  A multitude of prizes are available from Griff socks to a FREE parking pass!

March 11: Mindfulness & Moving Forward. Scarlett Lunning, from Employee & Family Resources, will facilitate a special live class via Zoom for Drake employees from 11 a.m. to noon. Please send an email to linda.feiden@drake.edu to register.

In addition, we have brought back the Shout-Out program for Employee Appreciation Month. This is a great way to recognize your colleagues. Simply write a sentence or two thanking a colleague or team for going the extra mile or showing support to others. Submit your shout-outs to linda.feiden@drake.edu between now and March 24. They will be compiled and posted in OnCampus.

And, All Staff Council in coordination with Human Resources has started a High-Five from Griff II program. One hundred magnets with a picture of Griff II ‘high-fiving’ have been distributed across campus. If you receive one, keep it for a few days and then pass it along to another colleague who also deserves a high-five. The magnets can be handed off again and again, with the hopes of reaching as many of Drake’s amazing staff members as possible.

Take some time this month to let others know you appreciate their efforts and know that YOUR efforts are appreciated every day!

— Linda Feiden, Human Resources

Many people start the year out by getting their annual physical.  If that sounds like you and you are on Drake’s health plan, don’t forget to take a copy of the Premium Discount–Annual Physical Form to your appointment. This form can be found on myDrake under the Employee Wellness section of Human Resources.

Those on Drake’s health plan who complete a physical with their PCP between Dec. 1, 2021 and Nov. 30, 2022 and submit a Premium Discount–Annual Physical Form by Dec. 2, 2022, will receive the wellness health insurance premium discount in 2023, which is a savings of approximately $30 per month. 

If you already had your physical since Dec. 1, 2021, please fill out the form and turn it in now.

— Linda Feiden, Human Resources

Nominations for the Madelyn M. Levitt Distinguished Community Service and Employee Excellence Awards are due to Human Resources by Friday, March 4.

Madelyn M. Levitt established the Distinguished Community Service Award to recognize the outstanding contributions of Drake faculty and staff to the Drake community. The nominee must be a current faculty or staff member with at least five years of service at Drake.

The Employee Excellence Award is presented to a staff member who demonstrates exceptional commitment to excellence in the performance of their duties. The nominee must be a current staff member with at least one year of service at Drake.

To nominate a colleague, submit a letter of nomination to Human Resources. Nomination letters may be sent through campus mail or electronically to drakehr@drake.edu.  The letter should detail specific examples of how the nominee exemplifies each of the applicable criteria. Additional letters of support are not necessary.

For additional information, please contact Linda Feiden at linda.feiden@drake.edu.

— Linda Feiden, Human Resources

All Drake faculty and staff are invited and encouraged to nominate a colleague for the Madelyn M. Levitt Distinguished Community Service and Employee Excellence Awards.

Madelyn M. Levitt established the Distinguished Community Service Award to recognize the outstanding contributions of Drake faculty and staff to the Drake community. Recipients are chosen on the following criteria:

• A demonstrated personal commitment to volunteerism and community service
• An outstanding record of leadership or substantial involvement in community projects, services and activities contributing to the quality of life in our region, state and/or the nation
• Professional and personal values and behavior that typify the ideals of “giving back to others” and “making a difference in the lives of others”

The nominee must be a current faculty or staff member with at least five years of service at Drake.

The Employee Excellence Award is presented to a staff member who demonstrates exceptional commitment to excellence in the performance of their duties. Criteria for the award includes:

• Exceptional performance as an employee of Drake University
• Outstanding dedication to providing courteous, prompt and quality service
• Demonstrated commitment to University programs, initiatives, and services
• Professional values and behavior that demonstrate exceptional service to others and a commitment to Drake University

The nominee must be a current staff member with at least one year of service at Drake.

To nominate a colleague, submit a letter of nomination to Human Resources. Nomination letters may be sent through campus mail or electronically to drakehr@drake.edu.  The letter should detail specific examples of how the nominee exemplifies each of the applicable criteria. Additional letters of support are not necessary. Nominations are due to Human Resources by Friday, March 4.

For additional information, please contact Linda Feiden at linda.feiden@drake.edu.

— Linda Feiden, Human Resources

Drake’s exciting new partnership with Broadlawns Medical Center took effect on Jan. 1, 2022. As a reminder, Drake health plan participants who choose Broadlawns providers for their care, will experience special pricing, including:

• no co-pays for urgent care/walk-in clinic visits
• no co-pays for primary care visits
• no co-pays for specialist visits
• a lower out-of-pocket maximum
• lower deductibles for emergency room visits, as well as for both outpatient and inpatient care

You can review the pricing in greater detail on page seven of Drake’s new digital benefits guide.

There are several Broadlawns providers who are currently accepting new patients, and we want to provide introductions to two of them who have existing ties to Drake:

Nick Galioto, MD, is already known to many at Drake. “Dr. G” has served as the primary care physician for Drake student athletes since 2006.  He also recently oversaw services for the Drake Student Health Center. Dr. Galioto serves as the director of the Transitional Year Residency Program, is the associate director of the Family Medicine Residency Program, and is the associate director of medical education at Broadlawns Medical Center. His clinical expertise goes beyond primary care medicine and includes  sports medicine, cardiovascular disease, and dermatology. He currently works out of the Broadlawns Family Health Center located at 1761 Hickman Road.

Julie Rice, tLMHC, is a mental health therapist who also has close ties to Drake. Julie Rice earned her master’s at Drake and served as  an intern at the Drake Student Counseling Center. Her clinical interests include cognitive behavioral therapy, rational emotive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy. Julie currently works out of the Broadlawns Outpatient Mental Health Clinic  also located at 1761 Hickman Road. You can read more about Julie Rice in this article, A Daily Dose of Self-Care, that was published in Des Moines Magazine in November.

If you have questions about the new Broadlawns partnership or would like to see other aspects of Broadlawns services featured in OnCampus, please reach out to drakehr@drake.edu.

— Maureen De Armond, Human Resources

All Drake faculty and staff are invited and encouraged to nominate a colleague for the Madelyn M. Levitt Distinguished Community Service and Employee Excellence Awards.

Madelyn M. Levitt established the Distinguished Community Service Award to recognize the outstanding contributions of Drake faculty and staff to the Drake community. Recipients are chosen on the following criteria:

• A demonstrated personal commitment to volunteerism and community service
• An outstanding record of leadership or substantial involvement in community projects, services and activities contributing to the quality of life in our region, state and/or the nation
• Professional and personal values and behavior that typify the ideals of “giving back to others” and “making a difference in the lives of others”

The nominee must be a current faculty or staff member with at least five years of service at Drake.

The Employee Excellence Award is presented to a staff member who demonstrates exceptional commitment to excellence in the performance of their duties. Criteria for the award includes:

• Exceptional performance as an employee of Drake University
• Outstanding dedication to providing courteous, prompt and quality service
• Demonstrated commitment to University programs, initiatives, and services
• Professional values and behavior that demonstrate exceptional service to others and a commitment to Drake University

The nominee must be a current staff member with at least one year of service at Drake.

To nominate a colleague, submit a letter of nomination to Human Resources. Nomination letters may be sent through campus mail or electronically to drakehr@drake.edu.  The letter should detail specific examples of how the nominee exemplifies each of the applicable criteria. Additional letters of support are not necessary. Nominations are due to Human Resources by Friday, March 4.

For additional information, please contact Linda Feiden at linda.feiden@drake.edu.

— Linda Feiden, Human Resources

For those faculty and staff who are interested in finding new ideas to boost your nutritional goals, there are a couple good options.

Samantha “Sam” Matt, MS, RDN, LDN, is Drake’s on campus dietitian and a wonderful resource.  Sam offers free one-on-one nutrition counseling for faculty and staff.  Nutrition topics include healthy eating, cooking/shopping tips, disease management, weight management, sports nutrition, food allergy management, and general health and wellness.  For more information, or to schedule an appointment, contact Sam at samantha.matt@sodexo.com.

In addition, Hy-Vee is hosting Wellness Wednesdays and a Virtual Freezer Prep event.

Wellness Wednesdays

Tune in virtually for a live complimentary wellness session over your lunch hour. Each week learn about hot trending nutrition topics and delicious foods and/or recipes to add to your routine. Register Here

• February 2nd- Heart Healthy Hummus
• February 9th- Heart Healthy Cooking Oils
• February 16th- Smoothie Boosters
• February 23rd- Dietitian’s Dessert

Virtual Freezer Meal Prep Workshop

Free up time in your week by prepping ahead in this virtual class. In under an hour, prepare 5 freezer meals to feed 4-6 people. Cost is $10. Register Here

• February Menu: Egg Burritos, Tomato Basil Cheese Tortellini, Balsamic Honey Pork Tenderloin with Pears, Maple Glazed Salmon, Mississippi Pot Roast
• March Menu: Ranch Pork Chops, Beef Stroganoff, Chicken Burrito Bowl, Lasagna Ravioli, Teriyaki Shrimp Stir-fry

— Linda Feiden, Human Resources

February is American Heart Month—a great time to be reminded about the importance of practicing heart-healthy habits. Not-so-fun fact: Every 36 seconds in the U.S. someone dies from cardiovascular disease, and heart disease is the number one cause of death in the United States.

Do you know your risks? Risk factors include smoking, inactivity, high blood pressure, obesity/overweight, high cholesterol, and family history of heart disease. Although you can’t fix family history, no matter your age, you can take simple steps to lower your risk for a heart attack or stroke.

Know your numbers. Get your annual physical and review your medical conditions with your primary care physician. This includes controlling your blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar levels and weight.

Choose healthy foods and beverages. Add some heart-healthy recipes into your day and reduce the amount of sodium, sugar, and bad fats from your diet.

Get moving. Regular physical activity is a must for all ages. It could be as simple as walking more and sitting less. And don’t forget to add some resistance training. Moving your body has benefits beyond a healthy heart. It can help reduce stress, keep your joints healthy and improve brain function.

If you smoke – QUIT.  There are a number of online resources to help you reach this goal.

In addition, if you are not vaccinated against COVID-19, the American Heart Association (AHA) joins Drake in encouraging you to do so!

“Getting vaccinated against COVID-19 is especially important for heart and stroke patients because people with such underlying conditions are more likely to develop complications from the disease.” The AHA offers more details on the importance of vaccination and heart health here.

If you want to get started toward a healthier heart but don’t know where to begin, follow this 28-Days Toward a Healthy Heart chart.  These small steps could make a giant leap in your health!

— Linda Feiden, Human Resources