Category Archives: Archive

Featured Events Archive

Career Talk by Jenna Gibson, Korea Economic Institute of America

Jenna Gibson, Korea Economic Institute of America.

On Monday, April 30, Jenna Gibson of the Korea Economic Institute of America will present a career talk for all students contemplating internationally related post-graduate opportunities. Gibson graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in international studies and journalism. Following graduation, she went on to a Fulbright fellowship in South Korea and a master’s program at Georgetown University before becoming the director of communications at the Korea Economic Institute. The talk will take place from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. in the Medbury Honors Lounge. Lunch will be provided through the financial support of the Principal Center for Global Citizenship. The event is free to attend. For questions, contact Mary McCarthy at mary.mccarthy@drake.edu.

— Mary McCarthy, Department of Political Science

Featured Events Archive

Meet My Religious Neighbor open house

The next “Meet My Religious Neighbor” open house will be held on Friday, April 13, from 5 to 7 p.m., at Temple B’nai Jeshurun, located at 5101 Grand Ave. in Des Moines.

This open house is a Friday night Shabbat (Sabbath) service at Des Moines’ Reform Jewish Temple, Temple B’nai Jeshurun.  The service lasts for approximately one hour, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Prior to that, there will be a wine and cheese reception as well as an orientation session for first-time visitors. Afterward, there is an opportunity to socialize and meet members of the congregation.

Please dress and behave in a respectful manner. Men and women may wear a kippah/yarmulke (provided by the Temple) if they would like. For more information, contact Tim Knepper at tim.knepper@drake.edu.

Meet My Religious Neighbor is a monthly open house series. Each open house allows the public the opportunity to tour a sacred space, learn how religion is practiced in it, and meet the congregation who worships there.

— Timothy Knepper, Professor of Philosophy

Featured Events Archive

Sprout Garden “Get Up and Grow”

The Sprout Garden is proud to partner with Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation for a Global Youth Service Day project from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on April 22. Volunteers will plant the first vegetables of the season, enjoy tasty food, and receive a free Paul Morrison Service Week T-shirt. All are welcome to participate. View the Facebook event for more information.

— Lindsay Finnell, Junior

Featured Events Archive

Conference on Undergraduate Research in the Sciences

Students in the Drake University Science Collaborative Institute (DUSCI) will host a one-day event that will showcase the breadth of research across several disciplines. Guest presenters include neighboring colleges and universities as well as metro area high school students.

The 15th annual DUCURS event is free and open to the public between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Thursday April 12. The event’s keynote speaker will be Elizabeth Stone, Ph.D., associate professor, University of Iowa. Other speakers include Provost Mattison who will give the welcome remarks and President Martin who will give remarks on STEM at Drake during the luncheon.

The day’s events will be held in the Olmsted Center and will begin with registration at 8 a.m. in the second floor lobby. The welcome address and keynote address will be in Sussman Theater; oral presentations and poster presentations will be on the third level of Olmsted Center.

The day will conclude with the presentation of awards for the best poster and best oral presentation in Parents Hall South. Everyone is welcome to attend. View the event agenda.

— John N. Gitua, College of Arts and Sciences

News & Achievements Archive

Georgia Sheriff wins Inspiring Women of Iowa Character Award

Georgia Sheriff, assistant director of programs, The Robert D. and Billie Ray Center.

Georgia Sheriff, assistant director of programs for The Robert D. and Billie Ray Center, was awarded the Character Award during the annual Inspiring Women of Iowa event on April 4. Sponsored by the Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa, the event celebrates inspiring and influential women from around the state. The event honors three women, one in each of the following categories: courage, confidence, and character. The Character Award recognizes women who have shown great character in their relationships and experiences as well as great integrity in how they treat themselves and others. This year, the event received over 80 nominations.

— Amy Smit, The Robert D. and Billie Ray Center

News & Achievements Archive

University marshals selected

Congratulations to Craige Wrenn, professor of pharmacology and newly selected University marshal, and Rachel Paine-Caufield, associate professor of political science and newly selected assistant marshal. They will assume their marshal duties at the start of the 2018-19 academic year.

Craige and Rachel were nominated by their peers and selected by President Martin, in consultation with Provost Mattison and the deans, for this high honor. The marshals of the University oversee and participate in University commencements, with the marshal serving as Master of Ceremonies. They may also be called on by the President to oversee other University ceremonies.

Stepping down after the 2018 commencement ceremonies are University Marshal Joseph Schneider and Assistant Marshal Professor David Wright. Joseph, Levitt distinguished professor of sociology, has served in the role since December 2013. He was preceded by Lou Ann Simpson. David, professor of journalism and mass communication, has served since May 2003, and was preceded by Lloyd Stjernberg.

— Drinda Williams, Office of the Provost

HR Information Archive

Conversation hours with Human Resources

Members of the Human Resources team will be available Thursday, April 12, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in Olmsted Center’s Drake Room. This is a convenient opportunity for you to talk with HR Partner Services about any HR topic that’s on your mind.  You’re also welcome to schedule a meeting at the HR offices, 3206 University Avenue, if another time works better for you. We look forward to meeting with you and hearing your ideas for making Drake an even better place to work.

— Debra Wiley, Human Resources

HR Information Archive

Des Moines Corporate Games

The Des Moines Corporate Games is an eight-week company based competition (June 3 – July 31) that promotes teamwork and company pride. And, it is a lot of fun!

You may participate in one or more events. Events range from team-based to individual and competitive to recreational. All activities are held in the evenings and weekends, and are free (except for golf cart rental). The games are open to all full-time and regular part-time employees, interns, and retirees. Drake will compete against other local companies for a chance to win individual and team medals as well as the Corporate Games trophy.

We need as many people as possible to be a part of these games and to show our Drake pride. Do you see any sports or events you can participate in to help Drake take home the coveted Corporate Cup?

Contact Linda Feiden at linda.feiden@drake.edu for more information.

Sport/Event Opportunities

Bags Basketball 3-on-3 Basketball Shooting
Blood Donation Challenge Bowling Burst Your Thirst Challenge
Cross Country Race – 4K & 8K Cycling Tour Ride Disc Golf
Dodgeball Duathlon Fitness Walk (Ames & Des Moines)
Golf – 4 person best shot Road Race – 5K & 10K Sand Volleyball
Spikeball Track & Field Triathlon
Trivia (NEW this year) Tug of War Ultimate
Yoga Zumba (Ames & Des Moines)

— Linda Feiden, Human Resources

HR Information Archive

Vacation: Use it or lose it, plan ahead

Time away from work is important for your physical and psychological well-being. Vacation is one means of providing this time to eligible employees. Don’t wait until the last minute, or you may just end up losing vacation time. Vacation cannot be carried over from one fiscal year to the next and must be used by June 30, 2018, or it is forfeited.

We encourage you to look at your calendar and plan your time-off in advance so that it does not conflict with other employees’ time-off and allows for appropriate coverage needs in your department. All vacation is subject to manager approval. Your manager will appreciate the time to communicate conflicts and to plan accordingly.

— Linda Feiden, Human Resources

HR Information Archive

Join Weight Watchers at Work

Our current weekly Weight Watchers at Work series ends May 1. Tuesday meetings include a confidential weigh-in from 12 to 12:15 p.m., followed by a 30-minute class. Classes are held in Opperman Hall, Room 262. Weight Watchers’ unique mix of face-to-face interaction with a trained leader, group support, accountability, digital tools, and the convenience of meeting in the workplace has been a winning combination for many Drake faculty and staff.

The cost is $156 for a 12-week renewable series with a minimum of 15 participants. Payment may be made in a lump sum or split into three payments.

If you are interested in joining the next Weight Watchers at Work series, please contact Linda Feiden at linda.feiden@drake.edu by Friday, April 27.

— Linda Feiden, Human Resources