Official Bulldog Guide to Drake Relays Week
do something relays APRIL 21–27, 2014
Welcome to your official alumni guide to Relays Week 2014! Every year, this week serves as the annual homecoming for our alumni and fans as we celebrate all the history and tradition of Drake University and rekindle old friendships with each other. Inside, you’ll find information on reunions, schedules of events, where to stay, and how to make the most out of your time at the Drake Relays. This year, we will be launching two new exciting events that will gather our alumni together to celebrate all things Drake. Join us Friday night for an All-Alumni Tent Party that will feature live music, craft beer, and wine—as well as the chance to reunite with classmates from across the years under one tent. On Saturday morning, our young alumni are invited to be the first to enjoy Drake’s new Alumni House with a social brunch and breakfast bar. Tour the new house and meet up with old friends for this newest tradition. Make plans today to be part of all the festivities this April. Visit www.drake.edu/relays to make your reservations today. See you on campus!
Blake Campbell Director of Alumni Relations
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MONDAY, APRIL 21 Beautiful Bulldog Contest 10:30 a.m. Judging 12–1 p.m. Program Knapp Center #BeautifulBulldog The Beautiful Bulldog Contest, a Drake Relays tradition celebrating its 35th year, is the first of its kind in the nation and continues to be a model for imitators from several states. Come cheer for your favorite bulldog.
TUESDAY, APRIL 22 Grand Blue Mile 6 p.m. 13th and Locust, Downtown The Grand Blue Mile was created by Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield and the Drake Relays to encourage healthy habits and empower positive change. The annual event brings together friends and families in downtown Des Moines to celebrate wellness through a one-mile street run suited for all ages and abilities. To register, visit www.grandbluemile.com. WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23 Downtown Street Painting 1–4:30 p.m. Court Avenue, Downtown Street painting on the Drake campus has long served as the unofficial kickoff to the festivities surrounding the Drake Relays. To honor and build upon this tradition, Drake
University has partnered with the city of Des Moines and the Court Avenue District to duplicate this event downtown. The fifth annual Downtown Street Painting allows businesses, nonprofits, and community organizations to celebrate the Drake Relays with their own sidewalk square. Painting takes place from 1 to 4 p.m. Awards ceremony begins at 4:30 p.m. Want to reserve a square? Contact Liz Tesar at Elizabeth.tesar@drake.edu or visit www.alumni.drake.edu/downtownstreetpainting. Weaver Medal of Honor 2 p.m. Lecture and Awards Ceremony Sheslow Auditorium 3 p.m. Reception Cowles Library The Weaver Medal of Honor, made possible through a generous gift by Lawrence C., ph‘49, and Delores M. Weaver, is awarded annually by the Drake University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences to a recipient who has advanced the education, research, or outreach mission of the college for the benefit of human health; made a substantial impact on the profession of pharmacy; or provided significant financial support to the college that has funded strategic change and progress. 3
FRIDAY, APRIL 25–SATURDAY, APRIL 26 Drake Alumni Association Tent Herriott Circle, across from Drake Stadium The Drake University Alumni Association tent, sponsored by Liberty Mutual, is the perfect place for alumni to touch base with each other and the University throughout the event-packed Relays Weekend. National Alumni Board members and central Iowa alumni volunteers will staff the tent throughout the weekend. There will be prizes, giveaways, a social media hangout, and photo opportunities with a fun backdrop and props, and more. WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23 (CONT.) Pole Vault in the Mall 6:15 p.m. Jordan Creek Town Center 101 Jordan Creek Pkwy., West Des Moines #MallVault Join the crowd at Jordan Creek Town Center as a favorite track event goes indoors for the fifth annual Pole Vault in the Mall, presented by Hy-Vee. THURSDAY, APRIL 24 National Alumni Awards Ceremony 4 p.m. Reception 4:45 p.m. Ceremony Reading Room, Cowles Library Each year the Alumni Office celebrates outstanding alumni. Awards are given in the following categories: Distinguished Alumni, Alumni Achievement, Alumni Loyalty, Young Alumni Achievement, Young Alumni Loyalty, and Community Service. Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony 6:15 p.m. Sheslow Auditorium, Old Main Celebrate the athletes and coaches who exemplify the rich heritage of athletic excellence throughout 105 years of the Drake Relays. 4
FRIDAY, APRIL 25 Drake Relays Track Events 8 a.m.–4 p.m. Drake Stadium Ticket Information: www.drake.edu/relays All-Alumni Tent Party 5–9 p.m. Olmsted Center Parking Lot The Office of Alumni Relations would like to welcome you back to campus with an All-Alumni Tent Party on Friday night. Join us for Relays games, a giant photo booth, special giveaways, and live music from Final Mix. It’s free, and Bulldogs from all class years are welcome to attend. Read more on page 6.
Hy-Vee Night at the Drake Relays 5–9 p.m. Drake Stadium
Young Alumni Brunch 10 a.m.–12 p.m. Alumni House 2700 University Ave. Cost: $20 The Office of Alumni Relations invites young alumni (0-10 years out) to enjoy a special brunch (complete with mimosa and bloody mary bar!) on Saturday morning. Read more on page 9. Alumni House Dedication 2–4 p.m.
Court Avenue Celebration and Concert 8 p.m-12 a.m. Court Avenue, Downtown Whatever your Friday plans are, make sure to end up at Court Avenue for a Relays celebration and concert. SATURDAY, APRIL 26 Drake Relays Track Events 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Drake Stadium Ticket Information: www.drake.edu/relays
Join us as we cut the ribbon on the new Alumni House at 2700 University Ave. The 1901 structure has a long history at Drake, including stints as a residence for University presidents and most recently as home to the American Judicature Society. Stick around after the dedication for a reception and check out your new digs. Read more on page 8. SUNDAY, APRIL 27 Hy-Vee Road Races at the Drake Relays 7:30 a.m. Hy-Vee Half Marathon 8 a.m. 10k Road Race 10:30 a.m. 5k Road Race 12 p.m. Awards Ceremony, Drake Stadium Close out your relays weekend with the Hy-Vee Road Races and participate in a 5k, 10k, or half marathon. Then join us as we celebrate the races and acknowledge the winners at the awards presentation in Drake Stadium. All races start on Forest Avenue in front of the Knapp Center. Information: www.hy-veeroadraces.com. To RSVP for Relays events, go to www.drake.edu/relays
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All-Alumni Tent Party Bring all Drake alumni together at Relays for the first time ever? That’s the plan. On Friday, April 25—the first night of the 2014 Relays Weekend—Drake alumni from all years are invited to come together under one tent to reunite with each other and the University that brought them all together. All Bulldogs are welcome to join the fun, but we will be celebrating the following classes in particular: 2009 (5-year), 2004 (10-year), 1999 (15-year), 1994 (20-year), 1989 (25-year), 1984 (30-year), 1979 (35-year), 1974 (40-year), and 1969 (45-year). The event is free to attend and there will be Relays-themed games, a giant photo booth, special giveaways, live music, and other surprises you won’t want to miss.
Providing the live music portion of the night’s entertainment will be Final Mix, led by Del “Saxman” Jones, as’71—a former Drake wrestler and Iowa Blues Hall of Fame inductee who has played and toured with the likes of James Brown and Tina Turner. The band is known for serving up a highenergy brand of R&B, Jazz Fusion, Blues, Hip Hop, Rock & Roll, and original material. They’ve performed across the country and around the world, sharing the stage with Al Green, Buddy Guy, the Commodores, and many more. Who: All Drake Alumni What: Tent Party When: Friday, April 25, 5-9 p.m. Where: Olmsted Parking Lot Cost: FREE (food and drinks available for purchase) Register online at www.drake.edu/relays
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ALUMNI HOUSE DEDICATION With more than 67,000 Drake alumni worldwide, the establishment of an Alumni House has been on the wish list for Drake’s Office of Alumni and Development for many years. “Drake alumni have long needed a place to call their own,” says John Smith, as’92, gr‘00, vice president for alumni and development. “The newly established Alumni House will create that place and bring new life to the experience our alumni have when they come back home to Drake University.” The Drake University Alumni House officially opened its doors in January. It has already served a variety of purposes: 8
a primary point of contact for all visiting alumni; a support for relationship building amongst development staff; a home to the alumni relations staff; and a gathering place for receptions and other special events for alumni, the campus, and the community. Join us the Saturday afternoon of Relays Weekend for the official dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony. A reception will follow. Alumni House Dedication 2700 University Ave Saturday, April 26 Ribbon cutting at 2 p.m. Reception to follow
D-CLUB REUNION As a Drake letter-winner, you are part of the proud legacy of successful Bulldog athletes. The experiences you’ve had with your Drake Athletics family—celebrating poignant victories, cheering for your teammates, and laughing on late-night bus trips—bond you together. Strengthen that connection, relive memories, and celebrate the tradition of the Drake Relays at the D-Club Reunion during Relays Weekend this year. Check out the full calendar of events—including the Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, Bulldog Welcome Reception, and road races and closing ceremonies—but make sure to join your fellow D-Club alumni at the All-Alumni Tent Party on Friday, April 25, in the Olmsted Center parking lot. And as a D-Club member you’ll have the opportunity to take part in special events designed just for you. Find out more and register at www.drake.edu/relays. Make sure to connect with other D-Club members before the reunion at www.facebook.com/groups/drakedclub.
YOUNG ALUMNI BRUNCH The Office of Alumni Relations welcomes back Drake’s most recent graduates to celebrate a new Relays tradition: a Young Alumni Brunch on Saturday morning. Join us for brunch and two complimentary breakfast cocktails from the mimosa and bloody mary bar. You’ll also be among the first to receive a behind-the-scenes tour of the Alumni House while catching up with fellow alumni who’ve graduated within the past 10 years. Young Alumni Brunch Saturday, April 26 10 a.m.–12 p.m. Drake Alumni House, 2700 University Ave. Cost: $20 (includes brunch buffet and two drink tickets) 9
RELAYS TICKETS While you are enjoying all the great activities taking place outside Drake Stadium, don’t forget to grab tickets for your favorite events inside. Make sure to cheer on your Bulldogs and get an up-close look at some of the biggest track and field stars in the country, including many Olympic medalists. Ticket Information: www.drake.edu/relays RELAYS SOCIAL MEDIA www.facebook.com/drakerelays @Drakerelays @Drakerelays
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Don’t forget to check in on Foursquare during all Drake Relays events for tips, things to do, event information, parking suggestions, and trivia.
HOTEL BLOCKS April 25-26 The following hotels have blocks of rooms available for alumni attending reunions during Relays Weekend. Make sure to ask for the Drake Reunion Group rate. Des Moines Marriott Downtown 700 Grand Ave. Des Moines 515-245-5500 800-228-9290 25 rooms blocked April 25-26 $124 + tax Release Date—April 4
Embassy Suites 101 East Locust Street Des Moines 515-559-0086 20 rooms blocked April 25–26 $159 + tax Release Date—March 26 Reservations can be made for the Embassy Suites online at: embassysuites.hilton.com West Des Moines Marriott 1250 Jordan Creek Pkwy. West Des Moines, IA 866-202-9771 or 515-267-1500 25 rooms blocked April 26–27 $119 + tax Release date—April 3 www.alumni.drake.edu/relayshotels 11
Drake Relays Week MONDAY, APRIL 21 Beautiful Bulldog Contest 10:30 a.m. Judging Begins 12–1 p.m. Program Knapp Center TUESDAY, APRIL 22 Grand Blue Mile 6 p.m. 13th and Locust streets, Downtown WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23 Downtown Street Painting 1–4:30 p.m. Court Avenue, Downtown Weaver Medal of Honor 2 p.m. Lecture and Awards Ceremony Sheslow Auditorium 3 p.m. Reception Cowles Library Pole Vault in the Mall 6:15 p.m. Jordan Creek Town Center THURSDAY, APRIL 24 Alumni Awards Ceremony 4 p.m. Reception 4:45 p.m. Ceremony Reading Room, Cowles Library Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony 6:15 p.m. Sheslow Auditorium, Old Main
FRIDAY, APRIL 25 Drake Relays Track Events 8 a.m.–4 p.m. Drake Stadium Alumni Tent Party 5–9 p.m. Olmsted Center Parking Lot Hy-Vee Night at the Drake Relays 5–9 p.m. Drake Stadium Court Avenue Celebration and Concert 8 p.m.–12 a.m. Court Avenue, Downtown SATURDAY, APRIL 26 Drake Relays Track Events 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Drake Stadium Young Alumni Brunch 10 a.m.–12 p.m. Alumni House Alumni House Dedication 2–4 p.m. Alumni House SUNDAY, APRIL 27 Hy-Vee Road Races at the Drake Relays 7:30 a.m. Hy-Vee Half Marathon 8 a.m. 10k Road Race 10:30 a.m. 5k Road Race 12 p.m. Awards Ceremony, Drake Stadium
Office of Alumni & Development 2507 University Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50311-4505 13-14.6564a