Please join HR in welcoming 10 new, full-time Drake University employees for the month of October.

Amber Welsh, School of Education, Records & Schedule Specialist
Gwendolyn Martin, Robert D. & Billie Ray Center, Customer Service Associate
Lisa Beierschmitt, Pharmacy & Health Sciences, Experiential Learning Specialist
Kristina Smith, Athletics, Assistant Women’s Tennis Coach
Asha Gibson, Athletics, Assistant M/W Sprint, Jumps & Relays Coach
Geri Blaker, Business & Public Administration, Administrative Assistant
Megan Flynn, ITS, Campus Technician
Heidi Eichorn, Human Resources, Senior HR Partner
Elicia Ropte, Law Library, Public Services Associate
Jason Grinstead, Institutional Research, Business Intelligence Manager

— Laura Schwarz, Human Resources

The annual open enrollment period for Drake benefits will be held Nov. 1–Dec. 2. Enrollment instructions for Drake’s medical, wellness, dental, and flexible spending will be provided via the DrakeHR email address. Benefit selections made during this timeframe will be effective Jan. 1, 2020.

— Marlene Heuertz, Human Resources

It is all too easy to get caught up in the spending cycle over the holidays. Scott Nelson, from Legacy Financial, will share tips on how to have a great holiday season yet maintain financial control during a presentation Nov. 6 from 11 a.m.–12 p.m. in the Olmsted Center, Rooms 310 & 311.

Scott will share tricks stores are using to get you to spend more, uncover the real cost and impact of holiday spending, and provide practical solutions to help you stay on track. And, one attendee will receive an early holiday gift! Register here.

— Linda Feiden, Human Resources

On Nov. 12 from 9–11 a.m., Becky Reif and Nathan Overberg, attorneys with Ahlers & Cooney, P.C., will provide an update on current employment law, with a focus on helping managers avoid common missteps and know when to contact Human Resources for assistance. The class will be held in the Omsted Center, Parents Hall South. It is intended for managers. Register here.

— Linda Feiden, Human Resources

A benefits/wellness fair will be held Friday, Nov. 8, from 10:30 a.m.– 1:30 p.m. in Olmsted Center, Parents Hall North.  This “come and go” event provides an opportunity for employees to learn about the wide range of benefits and wellness opportunities available at Drake, ask questions, and visit with colleagues.

Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Iowa representatives, Drake benefit consultants, and Human Resources staff will be present to answer your questions regarding Drake’s benefits.

Afterward, walk next door to Parents Hall South between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. for the All Staff Council Crock Pot Cook-Off to taste delicious crock pot samples and vote for your favorite. All attendees will receive a ticket for $1 off lunch at Hubbell Dining, and may enter a raffle for a chance to win a free parking pass for 2020–2021.  You are welcome to bring a non-perishable item for Drake’s Little Pantry initiative as well.

To enter the crock pot contest, please register at https://tinyurl.com/ASCcook-off.  All entries must be received by Monday, Nov. 4. The top three winners will receive prizes! For more information on the cook-off, please contact ascspecialevents@drake.edu.

— Linda Feiden, Human Resources

Please join Human Resources in welcoming 14 new, full-time Drake University employees for the month of September:

Elise Nikolic, EHS, Environmental Health Specialist
Anthony Betz, ITS, Systems Engineer
Rebecca (Becky) Klein, ITS, Assistant Director, Campus Relations
Kimberlyn (Kim) Davis, Head Start Teacher Associate
Danielle Walburn, Head Start Teacher
Miriah Pettus, Head Start Teacher Associate
Grace Wenzel, Office of Admission, Admission Counselor
Glenn Clark, Office of Admission, Assistant Director, Customer Rltns.Mngmnt.Syst.
Tracy Beck, The RaySociety, Manager, RaySociety
Paulina Mihelich, Athletics, Assistant Equipment Manager
Efrain Costilla, FP&M, Assistant Duty Engineer
Megan Young, CPHS, Administrative Assistant
Donita Greenough, Finance & Administration, Administrative Services Specialist

— Laura Schwarz, Human Resources

How are you when it comes to change?  On Oct. 8, Lisa Gardner from Employee & Family Resources will lead a presentation on the evolution and importance of change management. The class will be held from 1–3 p.m. in the Olmsted Center, Rooms 310 & 311, and discuss how to handle change and the inevitable twists and turns of daily life. It will also explore the concept of resiliency.

To attend the class, register online or send an email to linda.feiden@drake.edu.

— Linda Feiden, Human Resources

Join this interactive session with Scott Raecker, executive director of the Robert D. and Billie Ray Center, on Thursday, Oct. 3, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the Olmsted Center, Rooms 310 & 311, to learn how to integrate Drake’s Core Values into your work experiences.

Our Core Values help guide us in our work and interactions with each other at Drake. Scott will share tips on how to have intentional conversations about values and bring them to life in day-to-day interactions across campus.

To attend the session, register online or send an email to linda.feiden@drake.edu.

— Linda Feiden, Human Resources

What do you know about change management?  On Oct. 8, Lisa Gardner from Employee & Family Resources will lead a presentation on the evolution and importance of change management. The class will be held from 1–3 p.m. in the Olmsted Center, Rooms 310 & 311, and discuss how to handle change and the inevitabe twists and turns of daily life. It will also explore the concept of resiliency.

To attend the class, register online or send an email to linda.feiden@drake.edu.

— Linda Feiden, wellness & recognition specialist, HR

Join an interactive session with Scott Raecker, executive director of the Robert D. and Billie Ray Center, on Thursday, Oct. 3, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the Olmsted Center, Rooms 310 & 311, to learn how to integrate Drake’s Core Values into your work experiences.

Our Core Values help guide us in our work and interactions with each other at Drake. Scott will share tips on how to have intentional conversations about values and bring them to life in day-to-day interactions across campus.

To attend the session, register online or send an email to linda.feiden@drake.edu.

— Linda Feiden, wellness & recognition specialist, HR