Who do you know that shows good character by being trustworthy, respectful, responsible, fair, caring, and being a good citizen? Nominate them for an Iowa Character Award.
You can nominate an individual (youth or adult), school, educator, business, non-profit organization or community.
Nominations are due May 1, 2019. Get started at IowaCharacterAwards.org.
Amy Smit, Robert D. & Billie Ray Center
Registration is now open for the annual All Staff Council Kickball Tournament scheduled to take place Wednesday, May 22, from 1:30–4 p.m. in Helmick Commons. Sign up as a team, free agent, or referee.
All Staff Council will accept registrations for up to 8 teams of no more than 12 faculty and/or staff members. Individuals interested in playing may also sign up as a free agent, and will be assigned to a team. Registrations are due by Friday, May 17, at noon. Fans are also welcomed and encouraged to cheer on their colleagues and enjoy some snacks. No fan registration is required. For questions, contact ascspecialevents@drake.edu.
Jill Batten, on behalf of All Staff Council Special Events Committee
Faculty and staff will have the opportunity to see schematics of the planned University Avenue streetscapes at the Provost’s Drake Social Tuesday, April 9, from 4–6 p.m. in Shivers Hospitality Suite. Streetscape developers and Michelle Huggins, Drake University planning and design manager, will be on hand to answer questions about the changes coming to University Avenue.
In addition, there will be hard hat tours of the Burt Boys and Girls Club just across from Shivers. Construction is nearly complete and this is an opportunity for an early peek inside.
Drinda Williams, Academic Support Specialist
Registration is now open for the Global Greens Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program. The vegetables in the shares are all grown using organic practices by former refugees who are establishing small vegetable farming businesses in the Des Moines area and can be picked up just across the street at Lutheran Services in Iowa (3200 University Avenue) on Tuesday afternoons. Be a part of helping Des Moines’ newest residents expand their businesses, support a healthy local food system and eat great vegetables all at the same time! A weekly share of vegetables costs $504, or $28 per week for 18 weeks. Sign up today at www.lsiowa.org/csa.
— Ryan Arnold, Director, Community Engagement
Please join us for a retirement reception in honor of Donna Blunck, director risk and insurance, on April 24 from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. in Old Main, Suite 216. If you are unable to make it, you are invited to stop by at another time prior to April 24 and wish Donna well. We are grateful for Donna’s incredible service to the University.
Venessa Macro, Chief Administration Officer
The University will now require all students pursuing an undergraduate degree from Drake University to complete the FAFSA prior to July 1 (preceding the academic year enrolled) as part of the Tuition Rebate Application process. For example, undergraduate, degree-seeking students who wish to receive the Tuition Rebate for Fall 2019 must complete the 2019–2020 FAFSA by July 1, 2019.
This requirement ensures that eligible students are considered for the Iowa Tuition Grant, which partially funds tuition and reduces the cost of offering this benefit. In addition, completing the FAFSA ensures that students will be considered for the Federal Pell Grant, which is available to cover the costs of other educational expenses like room, board, or books.
This new requirement is effective April 1, 2019. This requirement may be waived for students who can demonstrate that they would not qualify for the Iowa Tuition Grant. View the Tuition Rebate Policy for details.
For questions or help with the FAFSA, contact Student Financial Planning at (515) 271-2905 or email financialaid@drake.edu.
Ryan Zantingh, Student Financial Planning
Please join the Human Resources department in welcoming three new, full-time Drake University employees for the month of March.
Matthew Richardson, Public Safety, Campus Public Safety Officer
Kathryn Hamilton, Arts & Sciences, Research Scholar
Erin Bell, UC&M, Associate Director, Marketing–Live Mascot
— Laura Schwarz, Human Resources
Last week, Drake’s All Staff Council Recognition Committee celebrated the Grounds Crew with a surprise treat delivery, compliments of Drake Dining. Read the spotlight below to learn more about the Grounds Department. Thank you to the team for everything they do to make Drake’s campus beautiful and safe!
How many staff members are in the department?
We currently have eight grounds workers and one supervisor
What is the primary function of the team? Do you have a mission/vision/motto?
Our goal is to support the education, research, and athletic mission of the University by maintaining a safe, beautiful, and functional campus environment.
Who has been with the team the longest, and what is their job title and length of employment?
Dan Downey is the Grounds lead person. He has been with Drake for 28 years.
Who is the newest team member, and what is their job title and month/year of start?
Patrick Williams is the Grounds supervisor. He has been with Drake for 17 months.
What campus buildings do your team members “live” in?
The Grounds staff occupy an office and meeting space on the ground floor of Facilities, Planning, and Management. However, we consider the entire 144 acres of campus as the space where we live and do our work.
What are some recent challenges and accomplishments of note that others in the University might not know about?
This past year brought many challenges including five track meets, the rain event/flooding issues, and an abundance of snow and ice this winter. Despite the many challenges, I am proud of our team for their perseverance and dedication. FPM strives to work as a cohesive unit and that was reflected in our handling of the obstacles this year provided. For example, snow removal is a combined effort between Grounds, Custodial, Public Safety, HVAC, and Skilled Trades.
Anything else noteworthy/interesting/special about your department that bears mentioning?
Drake University was awarded Tree Campus USA designation again this year. We have been a Tree Campus since 2011.
— Cathy Williams, On behalf of All Staff Council Recognition Committee
University Communications and Marketing (UCM) holds open portrait sessions during the fall and spring semesters. The sessions rotate around campus making it more convenient for the campus community. These sessions are free to all faculty, staff, and students. High-resolution portraits are made available for download through SmugMug.
The next headshot day is April 12 from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. at CBPA, Aliber Hall, Room 108.
No appointment necessary.
— Jeremy Sievers, University Communications & Marketing
Graduating seniors, in celebration of your graduation and the enduring mark you’ve left on the University, you are cordially invited to join President Marty and Laura Martin at the 2019 Senior Wine and Cheese Reception on Thursday, May 2. Please RSVP by April 29.
Event Details
When: Thursday, May 2, 5:30 p.m.
— 4:45 p.m. Check in at Pomerantz Stage
— 5:15 p.m. Buses depart from Olmsted Center parking lot
Where: Home of President Martin
Must present a valid government-issued ID to receive a wristband, which is mandatory to board the bus and be served. Cocktail attire is encouraged.
For questions, contact Kim Jones, assistant director, Alumni Relations, at kim.jones@drake.edu or 515-271-3935.
— Kim Jones, Alumni Relations
