Recognition Committee

 
Are you “Called to be True Blue”?  Do you know someone or an office that practices excellence, learning, integrity, citizenship and/or fiscal responsibility?  The All-Staff Council Recognition Committee recognizes those who practice “Called to be True Blue” values. Anyone may nominate any staff person or department for practicing these values.  Winners will be announced throughout the year. At the conclusion of the academic year, each “Called to be True Blue” recipient will be recognized at the Best in Show Party.

Take a minute to nominate that hard working colleague or office that you know is making a difference at Drake for you and the University.

To nominate someone, go to the All Staff Channel under the Employee tab in blueView and submit nomination electronically or use this link: Nomination Form

“Called to be True Blue” winners will be announced to the Drake University community and each winner will be eligible for the All-Staff Best in Show Awards at the Best in Show Party.

Recent Called to be True Blue Winners:

Brian Brown (nominated by Dan Hostager):

Brian Brown has always done an outstanding job in directing Drake's prestigious Drake Relays. Brian is not someone who seeks the spotlight or recognition for hisleadership. Through his classiness and the incomparable effort he brings to his work, every day Brian reflects the qualities of excellence, integrity, citizenship and fiscal responsibility and answers the call to be “True Blue”. However, there is no clearer example of how Brian’s leadership benefits Drake than his instrumental role in securing HyVee's recent presenting sponsorship of the Relays. The ripple effect of this partnership will have a positive effect on Drake University and America's Athletic Classic for years to come. Brian brings his energy to all of his interactions with the numerous athletes, coaches, volunteers, students, community members and leaders which ensures that the Drake Relays will continue to be such a signature event for Drake University. 

 Women's Basketball (nominated by Sandy Hatfield Clubb)
The women's basketball staff was hired at Drake in April 2012. In the relatively short period of time that they have been on campus, they have made a huge impact on the culture of the athletics department, the university, and the Des Moines community. Examples of their activities include: - at least one member of coaching staff has been in attendance at every home athletics event hosted this fall - when the football team was leaving for their first away contest and when the men's soccer team was leaving for the MVC conference tournament, the entire women's basketball team and coaches were waiting at the departing buses to cheer the teams onto victory - Head coach Baranczyk is found speaking at events across the city on a weekly basis - Head coach B challenged the team to give to the Bulldog Club and personally matched every dollar they gave - Head coach B is starting a leadership circle for Drake female students - the entire coaching staff hosted a tailgate party at each of the home football games this year with a spread of food and a grill - Head coach B started a new tradition to honor and introduce faculty to the community through evening program called "One on One" - Head Coach B stepped up immediately to participate in a new faculty development program supported by the Provost Office - "Coaching in the Classroom"

 Marilea Chase (nominated by Raylene Rospond)

I have truly been blessed this year with an example of what it means to be TRUE BLUE by watching the citizenship displayed by Marilea Chase in the support of my duties at the University. When I accepted the dual responsibility this year as Dean and Deputy Provost, I did so knowing the extent to which it would affect me personally - the need to learn new areas, the need to balance time and commit time beyond the normal expectations, and the inherent affect of worklife balance that would be a part of that. However, I did not consider the indirect effect it would have on Marilea Chase and the Administrative Assistant to the Dean in the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. She too took on these added responsibilities and she has done so without a complaint and has demonstrated learning, integrity, fiscal responsibility and excellence in the performance of her normal duties and the additional duties that resulted from this change. She has become the conduit for the College in prioritization of issues, communicating with various parties on and off campus, independently handling issues that were within her role and expertise, bridging the divide between the College and Old Main in managing my time and responsibilities. Her performance has been exceptional and her commitment to acting as a true citizen and not complaining about the added responsibilities has been noticed by many in our unit. I truly believe that she deserves this recognition. Without her work and support, I could not perform at the level that has been requested and which I am committed to delivering. 

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2011-2012 "Called to be True Blue" Award Winners

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In previous years, the All-Staff Council Recognition Committee recognized staff with a SPOTlight Award for demonstrating "Superior Performance and Outstanding Talent" with

• Excellence

• Creativity

• Learning

• Community Involvement

• Integrity

• Fiscal Responsibility

2010-2011 SPOTlight Award Winners

2009-2010 SPOTlight Award Winners

2008-2009 SPOTlight Award Winners

* Best in Show Award recipient

2010-2011 Best Ensemble

2009-2010 Best Ensemble

It could be argued that Drake’s dedication to its students begins at orientation.

Like a fine-tuned orchestra, countless individuals from almost every corner of the university came together last summer to conduct five remarkable orientation sessions.  Under the leadership of the individuals listed below, and with notable contributions from the others who put forth their hard work last summer, Drake demonstrated its commitment to providing an exceptional learning environment for its students. The acclaimed performance by these individuals left a strong impression not only on the students, but also on the Drake University staff. Therefore, the All Staff Council would like to recognize these individuals as the “Best Ensemble” for their dedication to achieving a memorable orientation experience last summer.  Bravo!