Category Archives: Archive

For Faculty Archive, For Staff Archive

Annual Survey of Administrative Services: Your Feedback is Needed

Every fall, we ask for your input on how we fulfill our commitment to elevate service excellence. Your collective input is reviewed and acted upon. For examples from last year, see the responses from SPARC, ITS, and others.

It’s that time of year again and thank you for your input in advance! Your voice helps shape continuous improvement in these areas across campus: Facilities Planning and Management, Finance, Human Resources, Information Technology Services, Public Safety, University Communications & Marketing, and the SPARC (grants) office.

Click here to complete this year’s survey by Oct. 21. It is completely anonymous and often takes less than five minutes to complete. You will only be asked to provide feedback on the areas you work with regularly.

The survey was developed by the Office of Institutional Research & Assessment in collaboration with each area on the survey. Thank you in advance for your participation.

— Nate Reagen, Office of the President

For Faculty Archive, For Staff Archive

Farewell Celebration For Matt Miller Oct. 9

Please join us in recognizing and celebrating Matt Miller, director of conferences and events, for his service to the University. An informal, farewell gathering will be held Thursday, Oct. 9, from 12:30-2:30 p.m. in the Drake Room, Olmsted Center.

Matt is leaving Drake University (his last day will be Friday, Oct. 10). His journey at Drake spans more than two decades—beginning as a student-athlete, continuing through his impactful work with Athletics, and culminating in his leadership in Conferences and Events.

Matt’s dedication, energy, and deep commitment to the Drake community has left a lasting mark. His contributions have shaped countless campus experiences, and his presence will be greatly missed.

We invite you to an informal going-away gathering to thank Matt and wish him well in his next chapter:

📅 Thursday, October 9

🕧 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM

📍 Drake Room, Olmsted Center

Let’s come together to celebrate Matt’s legacy and send him off with our appreciation and best wishes!

— Scott Law, Public Safety & Operational Services

Campus Announcements Archive

Help Griff II Restock The Little Free Pantries During Family Weekend

Griff II is partnering with the Parent Advisory Board to collect items for Little Free Pantries in the Drake Neighborhood during Family Weekend. Bring non-perishable food and/or personal hygiene products to Griff in Olmsted on Saturday, Oct. 4, from 9–10 a.m. He will be there to pose for pictures, receive ear scratches, and field your compliments and positive affirmations. Griff will then make the rounds in the Griffmobile and fill up the pantries to help struggling neighbors. Griff hopes to see you! 

— Erin Bell, University Communications & Marketing

Campus Announcements Archive

Sustainability Committee

Are you interested in being a part of sustainability initiatives on campus? The Sustainability Committee is a great way to get involved. The focus of this year will be on communication and incorporating sustainability into curriculum in all departments. This committee is open to any interested students, staff, and faculty.

If you are interested or have any questions, email sustainability@drake.edu or Sydney.dvorak@drake.edu to be added to the email list. The first meeting will occur in October, based on committee members availability.

— Sydney Dvorak, Sustainability Coordinator

For Students Archive

Provide Campus Tours to Future Bulldogs; Info Session Sept. 24

All Drake students are invited to join the Office of Admission in welcoming future Bulldogs by volunteering to provide campus tours during admission group visit days.

An informational session will be held Sept. 24 from 4–4:50 p.m. in Sussman, Olmsted Center.

After attending an information session, students may sign up to be a member and complete an availability form.  As part of the training, shadowing a tour with a current ambassador will be scheduled as well.

For questions, contact admissioncoleition@drake.edu.  

— Deneen Dygert, Associate Director of Admission

For Faculty Archive, For Staff Archive

Called to be True Blue Nominations Now Open

Throughout the year, faculty and staff may nominate staff members or teams for excellence in learning, integrity, leadership, teamwork, and commitment to the Drake community and mission. The Called to Be True Blue award is a great way to express that commitment to one another. Selected individuals and teams receive a framed certificate and are placed in the running for the coveted Sapphire Award in the Spring.

A staff member (or group) who is Called to be True Blue is someone who exemplifies Drake University’s Core Values:

  1. Joyful Accountability: I am curious and creative, bold and brave. I strive each day to be my best.
  2. Generosity of Spirit: We trust, empower, and presume the best of each other. We practice civility, caring, and respect. We commit to equity and inclusion.
  3. All In This Together: We embrace robust communication and transparency. We thrive through collaboration and teamwork.
  4. Commitment to Mission: We are united in service to students and our communities. We act with integrity and purpose. We are optimistic about our future.

If this sounds like someone you know, submit your nomination today: Called to be True Blue Award Nomination Please forward this link to your teams and spread the word!

— Betsy White, Events Management

Campus Announcements Archive

Governor Ray Day Ice Cream Social Sept. 26

Celebrate the legacy of Governor Robert D. Ray with an ice cream social on Friday, Sept. 26, from 2:30–4 p.m. on The Ray Promenade outside of Collier-Scripps Hall. Ice cream novelties will be served. The rain location will be inside Collier-Scripps Hall on the lower level.

Governor Robert D. Ray, Drake University’s 11th president and Iowa’s 38th governor, made an impact that reached far beyond the state, touching lives around the world. Best known for his humanitarian efforts and transformation of state government, his legacy continues through the work of The Robert D. and Billie Ray Center at Drake University.

The Ray Center invites the entire Drake campus community to join in celebrating September 26 as Governor Ray Day in the state of Iowa.

To learn more about Governor Robert D. Ray’s life and legacy, click here. 

— Emily Brown, Robert D. & Billie Ray Center

For Students Archive

Intro to Capoeira Workshop Series

Join us for this two-part, one-hour workshop series exploring Capoeira, the Afro-Brazilian martial art that blends movement, music, and rhythm. Learn the fundamentals of Capoeira’s flowing kicks, dodges, and acrobatics, while experiencing its cultural roots and community spirit. No prior experience needed—just bring curiosity, energy, and a willingness to move!

— Gail Witte, Rec Services