SJMC Monday Memo | Nov. 16, 2020

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, even during these crazy times, we asked SJMC faculty and staff to tell us what they were grateful for about their students. Here are some of their answers (with more to be shared in next week’s Monday Memo):

“I am so impressed with my students’ professionalism. They are creating terrific client work despite all of the challenges they’ve faced this year. They are flexible and innovative, and they support one another in their work. I am grateful for the opportunity to work with them every day!” — Kelly Bruhn, professor and associate dean

“I am really proud of our students’ resilience. Their commitment during the challenging times is what is keeping me motivated.” — Lakshmi Tirumala, assistant professor

“I’m thankful for the laughter my students are able to bring to our work together! For as much stress as they are feeling, they are still finding ways to laugh together.” — Sandy Henry, professor

“I am most grateful for the resilience all my current and former students have shown regardless of the curveballs thrown at them this semester. I am also grateful for the grace my J54 students have shown me as we navigate these times. I am incredibly proud of each of them.” — Lindsay Gilbert, adjunct instructor

“I’m thankful for our students’ positive outlooks and persistence.  This has been a hard time for everyone, but they keep charging forward, making the best of things, and finding something good in every situation.” — Mallory Quinn, SJMC dean’s assistant

“I’m so happy my students are staying engaged and meeting together in spite of the barriers posed by COVID.” — Lee Jolliffe, professor

“I’m thankful for our students for taking a caring team approach to this semester. There’s been an ‘all in this together’ attitude that I’ve witnessed in classes that’s helped carry us all through these weird and challenging months.  Students have been engaged and impressive when working with and networking with professionals, so I appreciate and thank them for that, too!” — Carlyn Crowe, SJMC internship coordinator

“I am thankful to once again have an amazing group of students whose eagerness to learn and create and connect is more powerful than any pandemic.” — Chris Snider, associate professor

If you took classes for credit/no credit in spring 2020, those courses may not be showing up in your degree audit as fulfilling general education Area of Inquiry requirements. Mallory Quinn, SJMC dean’s assistant in charge of student services, advises you not to worry: The audits will be reviewed by hand and you will receive credit for the AOIs. Contact Mallory at mallory.quinn@drake.edu if you have any questions.

The Writing Workshop will close for the semester at 9 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 6. Plan ahead for end-of-the-semester projects and sign up now for your appointment.

Deadlines near for scholarship applications

The Des Moines Business Record, a women-owned and -led publication, has launched Fearless. Fearless is described as “a multiplatform initiative with women-centered content, events and media designed to help women and the companies and allies who both value and support them. The elements of this brand can be simplified into one goal: We want to help empower Iowa women to succeed in work and life.” For more information and to sign up for the free newsletter, see https://fearlessbr.com/.

Apply to be an Orientation leader: Click here to learn more about the position. More information about this paid position are scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 3 at 6 p.m. CST and Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2021 at 6 p.m. CST.  Click here to sign up for a session!

Call out to SJMC alums: Help the SJMC connect with admitted students by sharing your Drake experience and offering advice for their future careers. We hope you’ll consider hosting informal conversations or even portfolio critiques for this next generation of professionals. Interested? Please contact SJMC associate dean kelly.bruhn@drake.edu for more information.

SJMC January Term classes: The SJMC is offering a diverse menu of J Term classes:

JMC 76 Advertising Principles
JMC 84 Brand Media Principles
JMC 85 Public Relations Principles
JMC 99 A Peek Behind the Curtain of the Music Business
JMC 99 Media and Sport

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