The Office of Institutional Research & Assessment is pleased to announce that Mitchell Stearns has joined us as a Data Analyst. In this role, Mitchell will develop institution-wide capacity for accurate, accessible, and efficient reporting solutions that transform data into actionable information. Mitchell brings an understanding of data systems, efficient forms of data extraction, and valuable data analysis skills.

Currently enrolled as a graduate student in Drake’s counseling program, Mitchell brings a unique person-centered approach to his role as an analyst. Through Mitchell’s unique combination of analytic and interpersonal skills, we aim to continue a standard of providing timely and efficacious data-informed decision-making insights. Please join me in welcoming Mitchell to Drake.

—Kevin Saunders, Director of Institutional Research and Assessment

Drake Magazine and Urban Plains, the School of Journalism and Mass Communication senior capstone website, are two of the 30 finalists for Associated Collegiate Press (ACP) Pacemaker awards for online publications. The print edition of Drake Magazine was also a finalist for a magazine Pacemaker.

The Pacemaker is the top award in college journalism. Drake and Northwestern University are the only schools to have two finalists. Other finalists include such institutions as Indiana University, Ball State, Syracuse University, and University of Oregon.

In the College Media Association’s (CMA) Pinnacle awards contest, Drake scored two of the three finalists for best news story: an Urban Plains story by Colton Warren, JO’16, on an Illinois town’s recovery from a tornado, and senior Molly Longman’s Drake Magazine story on the challenges facing refugees. A story about a 94-year-old hippie by Avery Gregurich, JO’16, is a finalist for best profile. Urban Plains is a finalist for online main page design, multimedia story and podcast. Drake Magazine is a finalist for portrait photography and magazine cover design.

Winners will be announced at the ACP and CMA conventions in October.

—Kathleen Richardson, Dean, School of Journalism and Mass Communication

Drake Athletics is excited to announce an exclusive pre-sale of both men’s and women’s basketball season tickets available to Drake faculty and staff! Season tickets go on sale to the general public on Sept. 15, so be sure to take advantage of this pre-sale to lock in the best seats available.

Men’s Basketball
(See below for seating chart)
Premium Center (C,D,E,N,O,P) – $124 per seat + $250 Bulldog Club donation
Premium Outer (A,B,F,G,M,Q,R) – $124 per seat + $150 Bulldog Club donation
Reserved Center (3,4,5) – $124 per seat + $250 Bulldog Club donation
Reserved Outer (1,2,6,7) – $124 per seat + $150 Bulldog Club donation
General Admission (8-25) – $75 per seat + No Bulldog Club donation

Women’s Basketball
(See below for seating chart)
Reserved Sideline (A-G, M-R) – $50 per seat
Reserved Baseline (S-T) – $40 per seat

All Drake faculty and staff can take advantage of discounted pricing with a valid Drake Card. To purchase your season tickets, contact the Drake Athletics Ticket Office at 515-271-3647 or by emailing tickets@drake.edu.

Questions? Call 515-271-3647 or email tickets@drake.edu.

—Tom Florian, Assistant Director, Ticket Operations and Donor Management

Each year, Drake’s Master of Science in Leadership Development (MSLD) program offers a professional development series focused on leadership development, organizational relations, and higher education topics. Each webinar in the series is free and open to the public. View the offering on the MSLD Professional Development page.

—Molly Shepard-Robinson, Marketing Coordinator, School of Education

All Drake faculty and staff are eligible to receive up to four complimentary tickets to the events listed below. Tickets may be picked up at the Drake Athletics Ticket Office Monday-Friday between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. or at the ticket window on game day. Must show valid Drake Card at time of pick up.

Football
Drake vs. McKendree
Sept. 17 at 1 p.m.
Drake Stadium

Women’s Soccer
Drake vs. Evansville
Sept. 25 at 1 p.m.
Cownie Soccer Complex

Men’s Soccer
Drake vs. Bradley
Oct. 11 at 7 p.m.
Cownie Soccer Complex

More information is available at www.DrakeTix.com/promotions.

Questions? Call 515-271-3647 or email tickets@drake.edu.

—Tom Florian, Assistant Director, Ticket Operations and Donor Management

Drake Intramurals is excited to open registration for the following sports. Join your friends and create some new friendships through sport and recreation!

Volleyball—Due Aug. 31
Bags Tournament—Due Sept. 2
Fantasy Football—Due Sept. 5

Register online at imleagues.com/Drake 

For more information, contact Jordan Grindeland at 515-271-3522 or jordan.grindeland@drake.edu.

—Jordan Grindeland, Assistant Director, Recreational Services—Intramurals/Sports Clubs

Associate Professor of English Lisa West’s essay on participating in an inter-university scholarship and pedagogy project was published in Common-place: The Interactive Journal of Early American Life. Read more about Lisa’s work in the Drake Newsroom.

Drake Wellness is again making massage therapy available to Drake faculty, staff, and students in the Wellness Center. Special Drake rates are offered at $30/30 minutes, $50/60 minutes, $75/90 minutes. Contact massage therapist, Anne Boal directly at 515-988-8760 or anneboalwellness.com to schedule an appointment. Extended morning and afternoon appointment times are available.