Don’t forget to vote for All Staff Council! Use the All Staff Council ballot to vote for your new committee members. Voting closes at midnight on Friday, May 1.
— All Staff Council Governance Committee
Category Archives: Archive
Cowles Library Crafternoon May 1
Need a break? Come get crafty at Cowles Library!
Join us for Crafternoon on Friday, May 1, from 3–5 p.m. and add some sparkle to your day. We’ll be bedazzling books or anything you want to decorate.
Bring a book, sunglasses, mug, keychain, or whatever could use a little glow-up, and dive into some hands-on creativity. All supplies provided.
— Joanna Stankiewicz, Cowles Library
April Showers Bring May Flowers (And a New Griff T-Shirt)
May is here, and that means the perfect floral Griff T-shirt!
Each month, we release a new limited-edition Griff design so you can build your collection all year long. Collect all 12 designs, and you will unlock a bonus exclusive at the end of the year.
Show off in May with the newest addition to the Griff t-shirt collection. Featuring a fresh floral design and plenty of school spirit, it’s the perfect way to rep the Bulldogs all month long.
— The Bulldog Shop
You Are More Than Enough: Mental Health Awareness Month
Mental Health Awareness Month, observed annually in May since 1949, was established by the founder of Mental Health America to shed light on the challenges faced by those living with mental health conditions.
While stigma around mental health and treatment has decreased in recent years, there are still people who hesitate to take steps to address mental health challenges, seek care, and talk about mental health with friends, family, and even their medical providers. Did you know that one in five Americans experience a mental illness each year and on average, people live with symptoms of a mental illness for 10 years before seeking treatment, largely due to the stigma?
So, what can you do? How should you observe Mental Health Awareness Month?
- Take care of yourself. Life has many ups and downs. Some problems you may be able to solve on your own, but not always, and that is okay. When you need mental health assistance, reach out.
- Take care of your loved ones. Check up on your family and friends. Sometimes, all a person needs is a shoulder to lean on, or an ear to listen. But if they need more help than you can provide, support them, and assist them to find the right treatment.
- Talk about mental health. The more everyone talks about it, the more normalized it will become, reducing the stigma attached to mental health disorders and helping others to seek treatment.
- Learn more. Attend live or virtual events, access resources.
Human Resources has created a Mental Health Awareness Month webpage that includes a detailed list of resources and upcoming events to assist you.
Remember, it is OK to not be OK. Please reach out when you need help, be there for others who need an assist, and start the conversation.
— Linda Feiden, Human Resources
Celebrating 21 Years of Service and Advocacy: Michelle Laughlin Announces Retirement
After 21 years of dedicated service, Michelle Laughlin will retire from Drake at the end of May. Michelle began her role as Student Disability Services Coordinator in April 2005 and became Director of Student Disability Services in 2020. Over the course of her career, she has supported countless students and takes pride in helping to develop and expand academic coaching services within the Access and Success office.
A guiding quote in her work has been Henry Ford’s reminder: “Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t, you’re right.” Michelle has carried this perspective into her approach with students, encouraging them to view their disabilities not as limitations, but as part of their broader strengths and identities. She often reminds students that while everyone experiences challenges, it is how we respond to them that shapes our ability to navigate difficult days.
Michelle’s contributions have been recognized through the Sapphire Award in 2024, along with extensive service across campus committees. Her involvement has included serving as All Staff Council President, participation on the ASC Recognition and Events Committees, and service on the President’s Committee for Persons with Disabilities.
Reflecting on her time at Drake, Michelle shares: “I know there is more I could list, but right now I’m just thinking of gratitude. Mostly, I just want to say thank you. I have so many wonderful memories here. The people I’ve worked with and the students I’ve met have shaped who I am. I am proud of my time at Drake. I have learned more than I ever could have imagined and wouldn’t trade any of it for anything.”
Michelle’s legacy is one of compassion, advocacy, and unwavering support for students. She will be deeply missed by colleagues and students alike, and we extend our heartfelt appreciation for her 21 years of service to Drake University.
Transition & Next Steps
Michelle will be in and out over the next month, so please direct any Access and Success inquiries to access.success@drake.edu. The Director of Accessibility position has been posted and is expected to be filled by June 1 to ensure continuity of service. Please feel free to share this message with your team as appropriate.
— Jenny Tran-Johnson & Sydni Jennings, Academic Excellence and Student Success
Join Drake’s Team For The Des Moines Corporate Games
Join Drake’s Corporate Games team! This annual company-based competition for organizations in central Iowa runs from May 30 through July 31. With over 20 events to choose from, Des Moines Corporate Games (DMCG) is a great way to meet new people and have fun.
Events range from team-based to individual and competitive to recreational. Try everything from pickleball, golf, and sand volleyball to a fitness walk, 5K run, and bags. You may participate in as many events as you want.
Activities are held in the evenings and on weekends and are free (except golf cart rental). ALL Drake faculty and staff, student employees, interns, and retirees are invited and encouraged to join Drake’s team.
To participate in this year’s Des Moines Corporate Games, please send an email to linda.feiden@drake.edu for registration instructions or click HERE for an instruction PDF.
— Linda Feiden, Human Resources
Sign Up For Free Generative AI Update
Professors Chris Porter and Chris Snider will host their annual Hot GPT Summer generative AI update on May 15 at noon. Learn about major updates in the world of generative AI from the past six months at this free virtual event. Sign up here.
— Chris Snider, Professor of Digital Media
Celebrate Global Advising Week: May 2–8
On May 2, 1979, NACADA: The Global Community for Academic Advising was founded. Every year, we take this week to honor the Faculty Mentors and Advising Specialists who provide the roadmap for student success.
To all our Drake colleagues who advise, mentor, and support: Thank you for all you do!
Here is how you can join the celebration next week:
For Students: Show Your Appreciation
- Send a thank-you note: Take a moment to send a thank you to the advisors and mentors who have supported your journey.
- Share your story: Email your college or school Associate Dean (
listed here under College/School Advising Administrators) and let them know how your advising specialist, faculty mentor, and/or other advisors and mentors have made a difference for you.
Faculty & Staff: Connect and Recognize
- Connect and be inspired: Join colleagues for the webinar Advising Philosophies through an Appreciative Lens, hosted by the Office of Advising on Wednesday, May 6 at 11 a.m. in JSC 250 (Hayes Student Commons).
- Spread the positivity: Send a Starfish Kudos to advisees and mentees who are showing up, staying engaged, and taking charge of their success.
To all our Drake colleagues who advise, mentor, and support students, THANK YOU!
— Jill Batten, Strategic Director of Advising & Career Services
Retirement Celebration For Provost Sue Mattison May 6
After ten years of dedicated and impactful service to Drake University, we invite you to join us in celebrating Provost Sue Mattison.
Throughout a decade of commitment, Sue has helped guide our campus through moments of both challenge and growth—from thoughtfully navigating the uncertainties of COVID, to playing a key role in continued academic excellence. Her steady leadership, insight, and care for students and colleagues alike have left a lasting mark on our institution.
Please join us as we gather to honor her legacy, share memories, and wish Sue the very best in her next chapter.
DATE: Wednesday, May 6
TIME: 1–3 p.m.
LOCATION: Levitt Hall, Old Main
Light refreshments provided; short program around 1:30 p.m.
— Cheryle Anania, Office of the President
Drake Social To Celebrate Service Anniversaries And Retirees
You are invited to the Provost’s next Drake Social on Wednesday, May 13, from 4–5:30 p.m. in the Schickler Club, adjacent to the Knapp Center.
During this event, faculty and staff who celebrated (or will be celebrating) a milestone service anniversary or retirement between July 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026, will be highlighted. Their names will be scrolled on video screens around the room.
Refreshments will include an assortment of snacks and beverages. The Provost’s Social is a family friendly event. Feel free to bring your children or partner.
Please take a moment to stop by and congratulate your co-workers.
— Anne Marie Greenwood, Office of the Provost