Something a bit unusual happened at the installation of the 2016–2017 president of the Iowa Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (IASFAA) this year. On April 8, the gavel passed from the outgoing president to the new president, but the gavel did not travel from one Iowa school to another—it remained at Drake University’s Office of Student Financial Planning (OSFP). Kristi Fuller, assistant director, Drake OSFP and 2015–2016 IASFAA president, installed Chris Ditter, associate director, Drake OSFP, as 2016–2017 IASFAA President.

Kristi and Chris continue a long tradition of Drake leadership in IASFAA. Both Susan Ladd, director of the Office of Student Financial Planning, and former director John Parker served as IASFAA presidents.

—Susan Ladd

Angela James lecture
Faculty, staff, and students are invited to a lecture by South African scholar Angela James, who will present on service-learning research at University of KwaZulu-Natal, one of Drake’s strategic partners in South Africa. The lecture will take place April 20, 9:30–10:45 a.m. in Room B-13 in the School of Education building.

Diversity Statement
The SOE had finalized our diversity statement:

“The Drake University School of Education is committed to diversity and inclusivity. As members of the School of Education, we strive to work toward an affirming learning and teaching environment. We do so by seeking to educate culturally responsive professionals who are able to work effectively with all stakeholders. Aligned with our commitment to academic reflection, collaborative learning and social justice, we seek to facilitate the development of our students as reflective practitioners, critical thinkers, and public intellectuals.”

This is posted online at www.drake.edu/soe/about/mission/

—Catherine Gillespie, Associate Dean, Professor of Education and Mary Collier Endowed Professor

Phillip Chen receives prestigious foundation grant
Phillip Chen, professor of drawing and printmaking at Drake, recently received the 2015/2016 Pollock-Krasner Foundation Grant. The foundation has awarded Phillip $20,000, for his work in printmaking. This is his second major art grant after receiving the Louis B. Comfort Tiffany Award in 2006. Learn more about the grant and Phillip in the Drake Newsroom.

Students present at the Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies undergraduate student conference
Three students in the law, politics, and society program (Phoebe Clark, Alexandria Porter, and Alliyah Greaver) were selected to present research papers at the Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies undergraduate student conference at Iowa State University’s Memorial Union on April 9. They each presented papers on the topic “Transforming Gender and Society.” Professor Nathaniel Holdren has been working throughout the semester with the students in preparation for their abstract submissions and paper research. The conference featured presentations and discussions by students from around the state.

Sigma Alpha Iota annually hosts a Free Day of Music for kids between ages 5 and 12. “Music is Out of This World” will be held Saturday, April 16, from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church (3223 University Ave., near Drake’s campus). During this time, the kids will move between “space stations” learning about different aspects of music, visiting our instrument planetarium, making an intergalactic musical instrument, and learning a space-themed song and dance to perform for their adoring fans.

Guardians, family, and friends are welcome to join us at 11:30 a.m. to watch the performance of the songs and dance they learned throughout the morning. A snack will also be provided during their time with us, so please note in the registration form if they have any dietary restrictions.

Registration will be open the day of the event, but for planning and food purposes, we encourage you to pre-register. You can learn about our event and register a child or children at https://sites.google.com/site/saifreedayofmusic2016/home. We hope that you can join us on our Out of This World adventure! If you have any questions, please email sigmaalphaiota.pichapter@gmail.com.

—Taylor Donaldson