Category Archives: Archive

For Faculty Archive, For Staff Archive

You’re Invited: Sapphire Awards Celebration

You are invited to relax, connect, and celebrate with colleagues at the All-Staff Council Sapphire Awards on Wednesday, May 9, from 2 to 3 p.m. in Levitt Hall. This annual event honors Called to be True Blue Award recipients from the 2017-2018 academic year, with Sapphire Awards going to top individual and group award winners.

Please join us for refreshments, entertainment, and connection as we come together to honor your hard work and commitment, while giving special recognition to colleagues.

—All-Staff Council

For Faculty Archive, For Staff Archive

How to make the most of Relays

Are you ready for Relays? The week-long festivities (April 20-28) include so much more than world-class athletic competition on the Blue Oval. Here are a few ways for faculty and staff to make the most of their Relays experience.

Watch a paint fight
Street painting has long served as the unofficial kickoff to the festivities surrounding the Drake Relays. Watch as students take part in the tradition and paint a square on Painted Street. The event starts Friday, April 20, at 4 p.m. Beware, if you want to stay paint free, you may want to observe from a distance.

Attend an adorable (slobbery) beauty pageant
Watch as 40 English bulldogs strut their stuff on the pupwalk (no catwalks here!) at The Knapp Center at noon on Sunday, April 22, during the 39th annual Beautiful Bulldog Contest. The bulldogs will compete for the illustrious cape, crown, and throne, and the honor of being the official bulldog mascot for the 2018 Drake Relays. The contest is free to watch and coo over, and you’ll be able to vote for your favorite pup to take home the Porterhouse People’s Choice Award during the contest.

Lace up your shoes
You don’t have to be an elite athlete to run at the Drake Relays. Hit the pavement during the Road Races or the Grand Blue Mile. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Drake Road Races, which will be held Sunday morning, April 22, and include a 5K, 10K, and half-marathon, with all runners finishing on the Blue Oval. Then, on Tuesday, April 24, compete, jog, trot, or walk in the Grand Blue Mile in downtown Des Moines. The one-mile street run is for runners of all ages and aspirations and starts in front of the Pappajohn Sculpture Park before making its way down Locust and Grand.

Grab lunch from a food truck on Forest Avenue
Drake community members looking to get out of the office and explore Relays over lunch can dine at food trucks parked on Forest Avenue on Friday, April 26, and Saturday, April 28. Forest Avenue will be closed to traffic between 27th Street and 29th Street from Thursday, April 26, at 2 p.m. to Saturday, April 28, at 5 p.m. The closure will allow Relays vendors, such as food trucks, to set up outside of the stadium and safely interact with the community. No vehicles will be allowed through the area during this time.

The Vault at Capital Square
A must see event, The Vault at Capital Square allows you to get up close and personal with world-class vaulters as they take to the skies inside the atrium at Capital Square on Wednesday, April 25, from 6 to 9 p.m.

Alumni Awards Ceremony
The entire campus community (no need to be a Drake grad) is encouraged to attend the Alumni Awards Ceremony. The ceremony is an opportunity to celebrate our most distinguished alumni. This year’s award winners demonstrate outstanding professional accomplishments and loyal leadership to Drake and their communities. Faculty, staff, and students are encouraged to register to attend the ceremony on Thursday, April 26, at 5:15 p.m. in Sheslow Auditorium.

Relays Distance Carnival
On Thursday, April 26, distance runners take the track with the 800-meter race beginning at 4:30 p.m. Don’t miss the 3,000-meter steeplechase at 7 p.m.—think seven-and-a-half laps with hurdles and water jumps.

Meet up with fellow Bulldogs and former students
Catch up with former students, old friends, classmates, and perhaps Griff during one of the many receptions and tent parties. Be sure to attend the All-Alumni Tent Party, for a won’t-want-to-miss Friday night party. You don’t have to be a Drake alumna/alumnus to attend! Other meet-ups include the Greek Reunion, Young Alumni Brunch, LGBTQ+ Reception, and SJMC Alumni Reception.

Spot an Olympian
Keep your eyes peeled for greatness. The Drake Relays attract some of the world’s best athletes. On Saturday, April 28, catch a glimpse of Andre De Grasse, a three-time Olympic medalist, set to compete in the men’s invitational 100 meters. In 2016, De Grasse won three medals at the Rio Olympics, including bronze in the 100 meters, behind Usain Bolt.

View a full list of 2018 Drake Relays events. Faculty and staff may visit the Drake Athletics Ticket Office and show valid Drake ID to receive a discounted ticket price to track and field events.

— University Communications

Campus Announcements Archive

Vote for your favorite finalist in Cowles bulldog naming contest

Cowles Library received more than 120 submissions in its contest to name its beloved bulldog statue. A selection committee comprised of students, faculty, and staff narrowed the field to five finalists. Vote for your favorite now through Sunday, April 22, at 11:59 p.m. The winning name will be announced live at Cowles Library on Friday, April 27, at 11 a.m. The news will also be shared on the library’s Facebook and Instagram pages.

— Carrie Dunham-LaGree, Cowles Library

Campus Announcements Archive

Volunteer at the 109th Drake Relays

The 109th Drake Relays presented by Hy-Vee is right around the corner and we need you to help make it a success. Register to volunteer and invite your friends and family to join. Volunteers receive a free T-shirt, a free meal (if working over lunch), and free entry to the action. Volunteer opportunities begin Saturday, April 21, and run all week long. We hope to see you on the Blue Oval!

— Shannon Saunders, Athletics

Campus Announcements Archive

Paul Morrison Service Week: April 18-25

Paul Morrison Service Week will be celebrated April 18-25 to honor the legacy of the late Paul Morrison. Stop by the Olmsted Breezeway during the week to pick up some swag and let us know why being involved in the community is important to you. Service projects and community events will be happening all week, including a Drake Neighborhood Spruce-Up and Social at Drake Park on Wednesday, April 25.

Drake Neighborhood Spruce-Up and Social

Hosted by the National Alumni Scholars, LEAD 100 students, and the Drake Neighborhood Association, the event will begin at 5:30 p.m. on April 25 in the Walgreens parking lot on 31st Street and University Avenue. Trash bags and gloves will be provided. Students hope to clean-up Greek street, campus, and the neighborhood. This is a great opportunity to serve with friends, connect with community members, and create positive local change while preparing for Relays. After the clean-up, participants are invited to a social with neighborhood residents at Drake Park. Everyone planning to attend is encouraged to register. Students who register in advance will receive a free T-shirt, while supplies last.

View a full list of events during Paul Morrison Service Week. Many require pre-registration. Thanks to the many groups on campus and in the neighborhood who are collaborating to hold this weeklong celebration.

For questions, contact Layne Burdette at layne.burdette@drake.edu, Amanda Martin at amanda.martin@drake.edu or Christina Teufert at christina.teufert@drake.edu.

— Layne Burdette, Class of 2021, & Amanda Martin, Community Engaged Learning & Service

Campus Announcements Archive

Library to begin renovation this summer

Cowles Library will undergo a renovation of its main floor this summer. Preparation begins this week, including moving books and shelves. The renovations include updates to the north entrance, a new Information Services desk, new seating and study space throughout the entire floor, and small-group study areas. The main floor will also receive a fresh coat of paint and new flooring, making it more visually appealing and inviting to students, faculty, and staff. Additional details, including a renovation schedule and renderings will be shared soon.

— Leslie Noble, Cowles Library

Campus Announcements Archive

Relays parking and street closures

Due to multiple events on campus and an increased community presence for the Drake Relays, it is necessary to establish the following parking and road restrictions. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.

Street Closures

  • Forest Avenue will be closed between 27th Street and 29th Street from Thursday, April 26, at 2 p.m. to Saturday, April 28, at 5 p.m. No vehicular traffic will be allowed during this time. The street closure enhances the safety of those attending Relays.
  • 27th Street will be shut down for bus traffic from Forest Avenue to Clark Street from Thursday, April 26, to Saturday, April 28.
  • Meek Street will be shut down for the hammer throw event on Saturday, April 28.

Parking lot restrictions

  • Lot 17 (Facilities) at 27th Street and Clark Street: No parking from Sunday, April 22, to Monday, April 30. Reserved for athlete warm-up area.
  • Lot 18 South (Studio Arts): No parking from Wednesday, April 25, at 2 a.m. to Saturday, April 28, at 5 p.m.
  • Lot 18 North (West Stadium): No parking from Thursday, April 26, at 2 a.m. to Saturday, April 28, at 5 p.m.
  • Lot 16 (Olmsted): Reserved parking from Thursday, April 26, at 6 a.m. to Saturday, April 28th, at 5 p.m.
  • Lots 1 and 2: Pay lots from Friday, April 27, to Saturday, April 28, at 5 p.m. Permits are valid at no charge until 4 p.m. on Friday in Lot 1.

Please note: All residential parking lots are still under 24-hour residential permit only restrictions.

— Scott Law, Public Safety

For Students Archive

Don’t miss these Drake Relays activities

Visit the SAB Facebook event page for a full list of Relays events and activities.

It’s Relays week! The week-long festivities  include so much more than world-class athletic competition on the Blue Oval. Here are a few ways to make the most of your Relays experience.

Carnival Day
The Relays Carnival is today from 4 to 6:30 p.m. in Helmick Commons. Come enjoy the sunny weather, free food, fun activities, and things like bucket hats, fanny packs, pins. Lots of Relays gear will given away.

Lace up your shoes
You don’t have to be an elite athlete to run at the Drake Relays. Hit the pavement during the Grand Blue Mile today, April 24. The one-mile street run is for runners of all ages and aspirations and starts in front of the Pappajohn Sculpture Park before making its way down Locust and Grand.

Grab lunch from a food truck on Forest Avenue
Students looking to grab a bite to eat on Friday, April 26, and Saturday, April 28, can dine at food trucks parked on Forest Avenue. The street will be closed to traffic between 27th Street and 29th Street from Thursday, April 26, at 2 p.m. to Saturday, April 28, at 5 p.m. The closure will allow Relays vendors, such as food trucks, to set up outside of the stadium and safely interact with students and the community. No vehicles will be allowed through the area during this time.

The Vault at Capital Square
A must see event, The Vault at Capital Square allows you to get up close and personal with world-class vaulters as they take to the skies inside the atrium at Capital Square tomorrow, April 25, from 6 to 9 p.m.

Alumni Awards Ceremony
The entire campus community (no need to be a Drake grad) is encouraged to attend the Alumni Awards Ceremony. The ceremony is an opportunity to celebrate our most distinguished alumni. This year’s award winners demonstrate outstanding professional accomplishments and loyal leadership to Drake and their communities. Faculty, staff, and students are encouraged to register to attend the ceremony on Thursday, April 26, at 5:15 p.m. in Sheslow Auditorium.

Relays Distance Carnival
On Thursday, April 26, distance runners take the track with the 800-meter race beginning at 4:30 p.m. Don’t miss the 3,000-meter steeplechase at 7 p.m.—think seven-and-a-half laps with hurdles and water jumps.

Spot an Olympian
Keep your eyes peeled for greatness. The Drake Relays attract some of the world’s best athletes. On Saturday, April 28, catch a glimpse of Andre De Grasse, a three-time Olympic medalist, set to compete in the men’s invitational 100 meters. In 2016, De Grasse won three medals at the Rio Olympics, including bronze in the 100 meters, behind Usain Bolt.

Relays Concert
This year’s Drake Relays concert will feature two artists. Marc E. Bassy and AJR will perform Friday, April 27, at 9:15 p.m. on Forest Avenue. To get hyped up for the concert, listen to this playlist with all the artists’ best songs.

So, whether you are enjoying a paint fight or cheering on your favorite athlete, Relays has something for everyone. Visit the SAB Facebook event for a full list of activities.

Strategic Updates Archive

Boys and Girls Club: Construction to begin in May

Starting next month, after graduation ceremonies, pre-construction activity will begin at the southwest corner of 25th Street and Forest Avenue, the future site of the Gregory & Suzie Glazer Burt Club.

Drake and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Iowa are partnering to bring the new Club to campus. Scheduled to open fall 2019, the new Club will be the third in the country to be built on a private college campus. It will provide after-school and summertime programs focused on education, healthy lifestyles, and character and leadership development to more than 170 K-12 students in its first year.

On May 21, a perimeter construction fence will be erected surrounding the site and access to parking lots 9 and 10 will no longer be available. Pre-construction activity includes the removal of paving, relocating of utilities, grading, and tree removals.

In 2015, Drake’s campus tree care policy was revised for the purpose of identifying standards pertaining to procedures and practices used in establishing, protecting, maintaining, and removing trees on campus. The goal of the plan was to ensure a safe, attractive, and sustainable campus urban forest.

Complying with the plan, and as part of the Boys & Girls Club project, an ISA Board Certified Master Arborist with Perficut Companies completed a tree evaluation in collaboration with Drake’s Grounds Department to assess the health of existing trees, assist in determining the impact of the proposed improvements, and to develop recommendations for tree protection.

Following the evaluation, it was determined that 29 trees must be removed to complete the construction project. However, once construction is complete, 38 new trees will be planted around the new building and streetscape. These trees include: White Pine (4), Prairie Gold Aspen (22), Red Oak (5), and Japanese Tree Lilac (7).

Visit bgcci.org/club-pathways1 to learn more about the Gregory & Suzie Glazer Burt Club. View more information on the project or the Drake Campus Tree Care Plan policy below.

Campus Tree Care Plan
BGCCI Demolition Plan
BGCCI Landscape Plan

— Kevin Moran, Facilities Planning and Management