Category Archives: HR Information Archive

Congratulations BUILD participants and prize winners

The results have been tabulated: During the past year, 242 faculty and staff participated in at least one Bulldogs United In Learning Drake (BUILD) session and 42 employees earned digital badges.

Bulldogs United In Learning Drake (BUILD) sessions are available to all faculty and staff.  These sessions, lasting from 1 to 3 hours, assist individuals with learning a new skill, improving health, or strengthening professional knowledge. Based on the credit levels of the sessions, individuals work toward digital badges, which demonstrate their commitment to learning.

Congratulations to the following individuals for earning a digital badge during the 2016-2017 BUILD program!  Digital badges will be distributed via email.

  • Level 1 Badges: John Amato, Linda Anderzhon, Lauren Beal, Hannah Bildstein, Alice Cronin, Caron Findlay, Nancy Geiger, James Gieseke, Victoria Haugen, Marlene Heuertz, Linda Judd, Lora Kracht, Gloria Lawless, Kevin Moran, Cookie Moran, Leslie Noble, Melissa Rice, Judy Russell, Mary Sanders, Pamyla Stewart, Jolaine Sweiger, and Valerie Thacker.
  • Level 2 Badges: Tammy Agey, Stephanie Cardwell, Chris Ditter, Patsy Johnson, Heidi Kramer, Lynn McCool, Leslie Merriman, Madeline Mongar-Brodie, Lisa Murphy, Jenny Reitano, Shari Tenney, and Kodee Wright.
  • Level 3 Badges: Sonja Brightwell, Marilea Chase, Wendy Diekema, Linda Feiden, Dianna Gray, Brandi Miller, Jeannie Nielsen, and Deb Wiley.

Additionally, two names were randomly drawn from those who attended at least one BUILD class. The winners are Gloria Lawless and Jenny Reitano.  Each will receive an email with a link to a catalog where they may select a prize of their choice.

If you have suggestions for sessions for the 2017–2018 BUILD program or would like additional information, please contact Human Resources at drakehr@drake.edu.  The program will be available this fall through blueView’s Employee tab, in the Learning and Development channel.  Watch the HR Monthly Minute for the registration announcement.

—Linda Feiden, Human Resources

Welcoming new Bulldogs: June 2017

Several faculty and staff joined the Drake family in June:

Michael Nelson, Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (CPHS)
Michael Daly, Associate Professor, Pharmacy Practice, CPHS
Kelsee Hove, Assistant Professor, Occupational Therapy, CPHS
Yolanda Griffiths, Professor, Occupational Therapy, CPHS
Aaron Katsuma, Coordinator, Men’s Basketball Ops., Athletics
Kaleb Schultz, CPSO 1, Public Safety
Elizabeth Walters, EHS Toddler Teacher, Head Start
Regina Nellis-Becke, EHS Toddler Teacher Associate, Head Start
Naomi Rueger, Administrative Assistant, Office of Admission
Brooke Axiotis, Director, Academic Success, Law School
Ashton Hockman, Assistant Director, Campus Relations, University Communications
Jason Nunemaker, Assistant Director, Digital Communications, University Communications
Danielle (Dani) Edler, Senior Strategist, Digital Communications, University Communications
Daniel Connolly, Dean, CBPA

—Laura Schwarz, Human Resources

Free faculty/staff body composition tests

Drake Wellness is conducting body compositions analyses free for faculty and staff this summer through Aug. 1.

A body composition analysis breaks down the percentage of body weight by estimating both adipose weight and lean weight. This information is useful in determining certain health risk factors. Testing will be performed using the new InBody 270 analyzer. You will leave knowing your basal metabolic rate and body fat percentage and the national standards for these measurements.
To schedule an appointment, email wellness@drake.edu.

—Linda Feiden, Human Resources

Join a summer walking group

Walking at any speed is good for your health. It is low impact and doesn’t require equipment. All you need is a comfortable pair of shoes and possibly a walking partner.

Beside the health benefits, a brisk walk can help clear your mind on a stressful day and decrease your waistline at the same time. Walking on a regular basis can improve your mood and self-esteem, which could lead to a happier and longer life for you!

If you would like to form a walking group this summer at Drake, please contact Linda Feiden at linda.feiden@drake.edu.

—Linda Feiden, Human Resources

$10 chair massages

Step away from your work and take a 10-minute vacation with a relaxing chair massage.

On June 14 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Olmsted Center, Drake Room (upper level), licensed massage therapist Anne Boal will be giving chair massages. Cost is $10 for a 10-minute chair massage paid directly to Anne Boal at the time of your appointment. Exact cash or check only please.

Beside the benefit of washing away some stress and re-energizing your day, one name will be drawn after this event to receive a gift certificate for a free 10-minute chair massage!

Click HERE to select your appointment time. You may register for one or two time slots.

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

—Linda Feiden, Human Resources

Welcome new Bulldogs

Several staff members joined the Drake family in May:

Britney Samuleson, Administrative Assistant 2, The Harkin Institute
Nathan Jones, CPSO 2, Public Safety
Tad Stansberry, CPSO 1, Public Safety
Heidi Knobloch, Administrative Assistant 2, Dean of Students
Scott Valentine, Electrician, Facilities Planning & Management
Jill Burkle, Staff Accountant, Finance & Administration
Breanna Schwarz, Teacher Associate Substitute, Head Start
Ronald West, Campus Technician, Information Technology Services

—Laura Schwarz, Human Resources

Wellness screening early bird prize

If you are on Drake’s health plan you can save approximately $300 in 2018 by simply completing a biometrics screening and an online wellness assessment this year. Think what you could do with an extra $300!

There are three screening options:

  • Complete a screening with your physician and have your doctor fill out a Physician Wellness Screening Results Form. This option is available through Aug. 31.
  • Complete your screening at a participating Hy-Vee location. This option is available Jul. 1 through Sept. 15.
  • Complete your screening on campus through UnityPoint Health. The on-campus dates are Oct. 4-6, 9, 11, 13, 17, and 19.

You are welcome to select the option that works best for you. That being said, there are a set number of spaces available for the on-campus screenings, so we recommend as many employees as possible consider the physician or Hy-Vee option. To sweeten the deal we are offering an EARLY BIRD PRIZE! If you complete your screening (through your physician or going to a participating Hy-Vee dietitian) and the online assessment at www.wellmark.com by Sept. 30 your name will be placed in a drawing for a chance to win your choice of a prize from an online wellness catalog. This drawing includes those who have already completed their screening and assessment in 2017.

Additional information about this year’s biometric screenings and wellness assessments can be found under the employee tab of blueView. The Wellness Portal is on the right-hand side of the page.
Please note that you must complete a biometric screening and wellness assessment annually to retain your wellness premium discount.

Questions may be directed to Linda Feiden, assistant director, wellness & engagement, at linda.feiden@drake.edu or 271-1880.

—Linda Feiden, Human Resources

Healthy 4U BINGO

This is your last chance to sign up for Healthy4U BINGO— a great way to have fun and win prizes, all in the name of better well-being! The goal is to fill up a blank BINGO card (or two) with healthy activities you complete from a list and then play a game of Healthy4U BINGO for prizes.

How does it work?

Participants will receive a packet which includes directions, a list of Healthy4U BINGO activities, and a blank BINGO card. During the month of June, simply complete various activities from the list and record them on the blank BINGO card. There’s a broad range of activities to choose from, and you can complete them from home or work so everyone can participate.

Then at noon on Thursday, June 29, in the Paul Morrison Room and/or Friday, June 30 in the Olmsted Center Conference Room 310/311, bring your completed BINGO card(s) and join us for a fun game of Healthy4U BINGO for prizes! You are welcome to participate one or both days! If interested in participating, send an email to Linda Feiden at linda.feiden@drake.edu with the subject line “BINGO.” Deadline to register is noon on Wednesday, May 31.

—Linda Feiden, Human Reosurces

$10 chair massages

Step away from your work and take a 10-minute vacation with a relaxing chair massage.

On June 14 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Olmsted Center Drake Room (Upper Level), licensed massage therapist Anne Boal will be giving chair massages. Cost is $10 for a 10-minute chair massage paid directly to Anne Boal at the time of your appointment. Exact cash or check only please.

Beside the benefit of washing away some stress and re-energizing your day, one name will be drawn after this event and that person will receive a gift certificate for a free 10-minute chair massage!

Click HERE to select your appointment time. You may register for one or two time slots.

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

—Linda Feiden, Human Resources

Service recognition celebration

Join us on Thursday, May 11, as we honor Drake employees who reached 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, or 35 years of service from Sept. 4, 2016, through June 30, 2017, and those who are retiring or have recently retired.

This year’s event will be part of the May 11 Drake faculty/staff social from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at the Shivers Hospitality Suite, adjacent to The Knapp Center.

Please take a moment to stop by and congratulate your co-workers!

30-Year Anniversaries
Donna Blunck, Finance and Administration
Deneen Dygert, Undergraduate Admission
Teresa Koch, Cowles Library
John Stacy, Facilities Planning and Management
Denise Stowman, Student Financial Planning

25-Year Anniversaries
Pamela Brennan, Cowles Library
Ginney Camden, College of Business and Public Administration
Bruce Gilbert, Cowles Library
Susan Ladd, Student Financial Planning

20-Year Anniversaries
John Baker, Facilities Planning and Management
Teresa Bartschat, RaySociety
Michael Downey, Facilities Planning and Management
Rodney Henshaw, Cowles Library
Marla Rigby, Facilities Planning and Management
Georgia Sheriff, Robert D. and Billie Ray Center
Terry Thorpe, School of Education

15-Year Anniversaries
Christine Ditter, Student Financial Planning
Danette Kenne, College of Business and Public Administration
Marcia Keyser, Cowles Library
Justin Mead, Facilities Planning and Management
Christopher Mielke, Information Technology Services
Brandi Miller, Student Financial Planning
Clayton Mitchell, Information Technology Services
Kristine Mogle, Cowles Library
Lance Noe, College of Business and Public Administration
Umihana Omerhodzic, Facilities Planning and Management
Michael Spoerl, Law Library

10-Year Anniversaries
Susan Abel, Head Start
Sonja Brightwell, Office of Residence Life
Mary Cecil, Campus Mail Operations
Alice Cronin, Office of Residence Life
Dennis Graham, Facilities Planning and Management
Jean Hansen, School of Education
Victoria Haugen, Head Start
Jodi Hofer, Alumni and Development
Allison Pohlman, Athletics
Salvador Roman, Facilities Planning and Management
Kathryn Schott, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
Thomas Stier, Athletics

5-Year Anniversaries
Maria Almanza-Arriaga, Facilities Planning and Management
Cheryle Anania, President’s Office
Linda Anderzhon, Alumni and Development
Jennie Baranczyk, Athletics
Debra Booth, Law School
Emma Daily, University Communications
Denise Ganpat , International Center
Amanda Harris, Head Start
Sandra Harris, Provost’s Office
Antonio Joya, Facilities Planning and Management
Kelly Kennedy, Head Start
Mark Kloberdanz, Counseling Center, Dean of Students
Toma McClintic, Head Start
John Meyer, Athletics
Riley Myers, Facilities Planning and Management
Brett Niederhauser, Public Safety
Peggy Nielsen, Head Start
Jennifer Rhoads, Head Start
Skylar Scott, Public Safety
Priya Shenoy, Cowles Library
Gareth Smith, Athletics
Nicolle Smith, Head Start
Thad Smull, Alumni and Development
Tyler Spoon, Information Technology Services
Daniel Taylor, Cowles Library
Suzanne Wisslead, International Admission
James Wu, Information Technology Services
Alyssa Young, University Communications

Retirees
Gretchen Beckley, International Center
Robert Cooper , College of Business and Public Administration
Larry Cox, Information Technology Services
Steven Faux, Psychology, College of Arts and Sciences
Neil Hamilton, Law School
June Johnson, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
Jane Lynch, Office of Admission
Leslie Mamoorian, Office of Admission
Karen Mendenhall, Head Start
Raynette Meyers, Alumni and Development
Joyce Sharp, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
Daniel Walker, Facilities Planning & Management

—Linda Feiden, Human Resources