Drake University Blue Magazine - Spring 2023

FELLOW BULLDOGS

Each fall, during Parents & Family Weekend, legacies gather for a group photo. Stories are retold and memories relived. “Do you remember when …” and “When I was in school …” are frequent phrases from parents and grandparents, while current students share their newfound experiences.

While the University continues to grow and evolve, it is our legacies and traditions that bind us.

I know first-hand how being “true-blue, through and through” can shape not only individual identities but shared family identities. My dad, sister, brother, sister-in-law, and I are all proud Drake graduates. Having a legacy of my own has only served to deepen my connection to Drake.

Now, with the birth of my daughter, I can imagine what this experience might look like as a legacy parent. My daughter, Lola, recently turned one, and it has been uniquely special bringing her to campus, imagining that one day she may walk Painted Street and live in Carpenter Hall just as I did many years ago, while forging her own path.

I am excited to announce that our Office of Alumni Relations recently launched Bulldog Born, Drake’s new legacy program. For those who have already had children or grandchildren attend Drake, you recognize what a special and unique experience it is to share this special place with your family.

And for those with young Bulldogs, this complimentary program will provide small gifts at different age milestones to the children and grandchildren of alumni who register.

If you haven’t already, I encourage you to sign up for Bulldog Born today. It is a great way to share your love of Drake with your family!

Sincerely,

Andy Verlengia, JO’02 Director, Alumni Relations

SEVEN PRIORITIES. ONE VISION.

Creating Access to Opportunity

UNIVERSITY FOR ALL

Transforming Every Day

PURSUIT OF EXCELLENCE

Revitalizing Democracy

CENTER FOR PUBLIC DEMOCRACY

Leading With Purpose

EVERY BULLDOG A CHANGEMAKER

Educating for a Digital World

DIGITAL PROFICIENCY PLATFORM

Strengthening the Heartland

JAY N. DARLING INSTITUTE

Enhancing Student Experience UNIVERSITY CENTER

At Drake, we believe that higher education is both a path to personal success and a springboard for students to use their knowledge and talents to make a positive difference in the world. We dedicate energy and purpose toward entrepreneurial programs and community engagement experiences. We empower generations of students to be the ones who use their passion and potential to do well by doing good in ways that help find solutions to society’s most pressing concerns.

GET TO KNOW DRAKE’S CHANGEMAKER SCHOLARS

Drake’s Changemaker Scholars learn alongside each other in the classroom and community from their first-year through their senior year. They have access to experts in the community, enjoy hands on learning opportunities with start-ups and non-profits, and receive education in entrepreneurism, leadership, and civic engagement.

Lily Zeleny is from Lincoln, Neb., and came to Drake University because of the Changemaker Scholars program. The program aligned with her values, as she was highly involved in human rights and advocacy organizations in high school. She knew she could continue making an impact with service through this opportunity. What’s more, the Changemaker Scholars are like family. “Having a support system in this room is a big part of what keeps me here and keeps me going,” said Lily when asked about her relationship with fellow scholars.

Marra Catherine is from Carlisle, Iowa, and as a first-generation student, she didn’t think college was for her. In high school, she was passionate about making a positive difference in the world, and when she heard about Drake University and the Changemaker Scholar program, she took a leap of faith and applied. As a Changemaker Scholar, Marra not only created positive change in her community, she formed relationships with fellow scholars that will last a life time. “We balance each other out,” said Marra. “We eat dinner together and support each other outside of the classroom.”

LILY ZELENY

MARRA CATHERINE

Eli Benson is from Bloomington, Ill., and after being admitted to Drake University, he was looking for an opportunity to branch out of his comfort zone. While Eli had limited experience in high school volunteering and serving in his community, he had a desire to effect change, so he applied for the Changemaker Scholar program. The program not only ignited a newfound passion for service, it was the place where he found community. He formed great friendships with his fellow scholars and leader, Assistant Director of Community Engaged Learning, Amanda Martin. Recently Eli received a VP position with the Student Alumni Association to further grow his serviceleadership skills.

Britt Kjorlien is from Blaine, Minn., and she is a numbers person majoring in data analytics and computer science. In high school, she was passionate about social justice and sought the opportunity to be more involved in the community through her college experience, drawing her to the Changemaker Scholar program. Britt, too, has been impacted by the friendships formed through the program. “My fellow scholars are so much more than just like-minded classmates,” said Britt. “They are some of my closest friends and the people I confide in to share everything from my day-to-day happenings to that time I decided to switch majors.”

Gunner Onkst is from Tulsa, Okla., and came to Drake to attend the School of Journalism and Mass Communication. Before enrolling, Gunner had the opportunity to sit down with Dr. Kelly Bruhn, associate dean and professor of the School of Journalism and Mass Communication. During their meeting, Gunner determined Drake was the perfect place to call home. Surrounded by the caring faculty and culture of mentorship, Gunner was connected to great opportunities, including the Changemaker Scholar program which challenges its participants to make a difference while gaining valuable leadership experience. “This class isn’t limited to just the classroom,” said Gunner when asked what makes this program special. “The community is our classroom.”

ELI BENSON

GUNNER ONKST

BRITT KJORLIEN

IMPACTING BUSINESSES and

INSPIRING ENTREPRENEURS

In 2021 alone, 33,260 new businesses were created in the state of Iowa. On the national level, small businesses make up 44% of our economy. Committed to developing the next generation of leaders, Drake University has long recognized the importance of entrepreneurship in Des Moines. It was for this reason that the Drake Business Clinic was established in February 2022. While the clinic is open to all entrepreneurs, the vision is to make it the recognized place for entrepreneurs from previously underrepresented groups to learn about entrepreneurship and create successful businesses.

BILL ADAMOWSKI INNOVATION, ENTREPRENEURSHIP,

One of the primary initiatives of the clinic is the Business Accelerator. In just 14 weeks, the program assists underrepresented entrepreneurs in expanding their current business or starting anew. Selected participants are granted the ability to network and collaborate with local business leaders for coaching and additional support. The 14-week accelerator then concludes with a pitch from the new graduates, during which they present their ideas in return for investment dollars. The program has seen such great success in the past year alone that enrollment may need to be limited should applications continue to increase.

Drake Business Clinic leader Bill Adamowski expressed the significance of the program’s location. “The Clinic is ideally located, as part of Drake and the Dogtown neighborhood, with close proximity to many diverse businesses and large corporations, and anchored by a world-class educational institution.” Adamowski also serves as executive director of innovation, entrepreneurship, and human-centered design at the Zimpleman College of Business and has shared his plans to introduce Drake University’s own entrepreneurial students to participants of the accelerator. Ultimately, the clinic further cements Drake’s mission to prepare students for “meaningful global citizenship,” by demonstrating the importance of minority entrepreneurs.

CHASE’S STORY

Chase Spencer joined the Drake Business Clinic as an intern after taking Introduction to Entrepreneurship with Bill Adamowski his sophomore year. “While I wasn’t a business major, it was a great opportunity for me to develop skills required for my career focus, which I am working toward in the law, politics, and society program,” said Spencer. Through his internship experience, Spencer works directly with a local business developing marketing strategies. When asked what he enjoys most about the internship, Spencer replied, “Getting out of the classroom, meeting real people, and helping them solve problems.” Recently, Spencer landed an internship with the Governer of Iowa’s Office and said a highlight of the interview process was discussing his experience with the business clinic at Drake.

CHASE SPENCER

LARA’S STORY

Lara Rahman, a junior majoring in international relations with a minor in rhetoric, media, and social change, started exercising her entrepreneurial skills in high school when she won a $10,000 scholarship after submitting a business plan to the University of St. Thomas. Coming to Drake, she knew she wanted to be further challenged, having already participated in an accelerator entrepreneurship program during high school.

Rahman met Bill Adamowski, executive director of innovation,

CHANGEMAKING on and o the c ourt

Dau Jok is a graduate of Drake University’s doctor of philosophy in education program. He grew up playing basketball, played at Roosevelt High School and all four years at the University of Pennsylvania, and after undergrad, played professionally in England. During Jok’s basketball career, he won several awards recognizing his work on and off the court. He used his passion for basketball to be a changemaker in his community. During his time at Penn, Jok started the Dut Jok Youth Foundation, with a focus on empowering Sudanese youth through access to sports and education.

ourt

When Jok joined the doctor of philosophy in education program at Drake, he had an immediate connection with the program’s director, Professor Robyn Cooper. “She was great at fostering [my] skillset and reach in terms of what I wanted to explore. I always knew I wanted to do something with indigenous cultures and language or education and leadership, and she encouraged me to stay true to that,” Jok stated.

While Jok was completing his Ph.D., he was deployed overseas as an active member of the military. He served as an aide-de-camp to a one-star general and the ESC commander, where the mission was sustainment for the Middle East area of operation. This set his Ph.D. completion off track, but to combat this, Jok would visit his base’s Red Cross to conduct research for his dissertation. Ten months after his return to the U.S., Jok defended his ten-article dissertation, of which two have since been published.

Today, Jok continues to make an impact in local education by working with the West Des Moines Community Schools (WDMCS) as the executive director of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Jok strives

to create systems and processes for equity across the board, no matter if he’s working with students, teachers, leaders, or community members. He says one of his biggest challenges is “honoring peoples’ humanity by not accidentally creating inequities in the quest for equality.”

When asked what it means to be a Drake Bulldog, Jok replied with exposure. Exposure, he clarified, to different people and to the intersection of theory and practice. His work through his Ph.D. program helped him understand how to humanize knowledge, theories, and leadership and transfer it into the work he does now not only with the WDMCS, but as an adjunct professor and keynote speaker at various conferences to share the important message of the power of emotional intelligence and leadership.

A BULLDOG THE ODDS

After visiting a college career fair in high school Alexis Davis knew Drake was the place she could pursue her passion, while receiving a top-notch education. During her time at Drake, Davis was on the executive board for the Coalition of Black Students and implemented the annual Black on Black event, a formal that celebrates the accomplishments of the Black student body.

Since graduating as a public relations major in 2013, Davis has gained a breadth of experience and has made an impact in both non-profit and for-profit companies including United Way of Central Iowa and Business Publications Corporation. However, it’s her community involvement and commitment to fighting for others that keeps her fire burning.

In 2015, Davis co-founded the Pyramid Theatre Company of Des Moines, which highlights the presence of Black artists in theatre and provides a means of artistic expression to emerging Black voices. What’s more, Davis’ involvement with Drake University didn’t end when she graduated. Today, she serves

as president of the board for Drake’s Black Alumni Association, and she is on the advisory team for the Phi Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, one of the Divine Nine historically African American Greek-letter organizations.

“As an alumnus, I feel it’s my responsibility to ensure the voices of our students of color keep getting heard, and that my work can elevate their voices when it comes to new opportunities, organizations, or anything else that can advance them in their journey at Drake.”

For Davis, being a Bulldog means working toward equality for all and making change where change is necessary— all of which she exemplifies daily. “A Bulldog defies the odds,” she said. “We go out of our way to make sure that we all have a voice, a space, and a place.”

As an alumnus, I feel it’s my responsibility to ensure the voices of our students of color keep getting heard, and that my work can elevate their voices when it comes to new opportunities, organizations, or anything else that can advance them in their journey at Drake.

BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN HIGH SCHOOLERS AND YOUNG PROFESSIONALS

affording students opportunities to create change as undergraduates that enables them to do so.

The two teamed up with Assistant Professor of Actuarial Science and Risk Management Doug Bujakowski to create a presentation for local high school students about what the actuarial science profession is and why they should consider it, especially if they have an interest in mathematics or statistics. Thus far, the three of them have visited six Des Moines high schools, where they typically speak in upper-level math courses with large minority student populations.

“I feel like everyone should be able to know that the profession exists, and I feel like not knowing is one

thing that has been a barrier for a lot of people in my community,” Trevino said. “So, that’s what we’re doing. We’re trying to introduce it in high school, so students can have the knowledge to make the decision to pursue the field early on.”

Bhagat added that the team specifically wanted to target minority students for their presentation because the actuarial profession is currently dominated by white males.

“You don't see many people who look like me or Celeste,” she said. “Even as I have gone through

“It’s really just getting to talk to them to learn what their thoughts are about the career,” Trevino said, “It’s been a really great experience.”

The team also highlights Drake’s actuarial science program in each presentation. In fact, both Trevino and Bhagat came to the University specifically because of the reputation of the program, and they hope others follow in their footsteps.

“Knowing that Drake’s program was one of the top in the nation and recognized as a Center of Actuarial Excellence by the Society of Actuaries stood out to me,” Bhagat said. “Being in Des Moines, as well, with all the insurance companies meant I really knew that I would be able to find my success here.”

KNOWING THAT DRAKE’S PROGRAM WAS ONE OF THE TOP IN THE NATION AND RECOGNIZED AS A CENTER OF ACTUARIAL EXCELLENCE BY THE SOCIETY OF ACTUARIES STOOD OUT TO ME.

The A rt of

STORYTELLING

Multimedia artist and muralist Jill Wells recently reflected on her time at Drake, discussing the skills she acquired inside and outside the classroom that have helped shape her career and creativity.

Wells attended Drake University as a fine arts student from 2002 to 2005. She still remembers her art history class, learning how to dissect the work, finding the little treasures, and unraveling the story behind a piece of art. “I felt like it was storytelling,” said Wells. “These were skills that were so valuable. I carry it with me in my art today.”

Wells’ most memorable moment at Drake was a result of a tragic loss that she experienced during her senior year. Wells didn’t think she’d be able to complete school due to the grief she endured. “The love and care I received from the entire fine arts staff and faculty was one of the primary reasons why I was able to come back and finish my degree. They could have done the bare minimum, and they didn’t.” Today, Wells maintains strong

relationships with her Drake people, including Associate Professor Angela Battle. “I still reach out to her and send her work to critique because I know she’ll be honest with me,” said Wells.

After graduation, Wells became a substance abuse counselor where she gained a great deal of empathy working with adults and youth in recovery. “When I think about the work I do now—working at the cross-section of multiple communities and cultures—I know I took the right path,” said Wells.

Today, Wells is extending the art of storytelling to the underserved artists she serves through Artist X Advocacy (AXA)—a mentorship program for youth and young adults in Des Moines that she founded in 2020 with a grant from the Iowa Arts Council. Artists who take part in AXA receive a stipend, one-onone weekly mentor sessions, a resume/ portfolio buildout, a chance to create a piece for a public art exhibition, and much more.

“I’ve always wanted to work with younger, emerging artists who don’t necessarily have the support, or the

connections needed to succeed in this field,” Wells said.

She also helps foster the next generation of artists through her involvement on the board for the After School Arts Program (ASAP), which provides underserved youth in Des Moines with an enriching arts experience in a structured, supportive environment.

To learn more about Wells’ work, which is represented around the state at places like the Evelyn K. Davis Center for Working Families and Disability Rights Iowa in Des Moines, visit jillwellsart.com.

“The love and care I received from the entire fine arts staff and faculty was one of the primary reasons why I was able to come back and finish my degree”

CREATING CHANGE THROUGH COMMUNITY

Lerda earned a Public Service Scholarship that came with high expectations. He rose to the challenge, meeting with a faculty mentor multiple times each semester and participating in Public Service Program meetings. Lerda felt a responsibility to pay it forward and continue to give back to his community after graduating.

As a prospective student, Emiliano Lerda met with Dean Jerry Anderson for lunch at the Drake Diner, and Anderson’s sense of community radiated. Anderson’s passion inspired Lerda to enroll at Drake Law School. “[Anderson] and former Associate Dean Russell Lovell were also part of the community that kept me at Drake, because he saw in me the promise of being a changemaker in the community.”

During his time at Drake Law School, Lerda worked closely with Professor Emeritus Neil Hamilton, former director of the Drake Agricultural Law Center. And as an alumnus, Lerda worked with Hamilton and took five groups of Drake Law students to Cuba on an agricultural law educational exchange program with the University of Havana Law School.

In 2011, after completing an LL.M. in food and agricultural law at the University of Arkansas, Lerda moved to Omaha, Neb., where he served as the executive director for the Immigrant Legal Center, a non-profit organization with a mission to empower immigrants to live with confidence and without fear by providing free legal services, education, and advocacy to welcome its newest community members.

Today, Lerda serves as the co-founder and CEO of Elevator, with the goal of helping small and medium-sized businesses grow.

Lerda says he feels inspired by all of the business owners, but especially the young

people who started with a creative and innovative idea that evolved into a successful business. “It’s rewarding for us to create a collaborative community at Elevator where small business owners help each other and support each other as they’re growing,” Lerda expressed.

Lerda ended with a piece of advice: don’t be afraid to dream big, but focus on the short-term goals to help get you there. Break that big dream into smaller, more immediately achievable goals to keep you moving toward your finish line. Surround yourself with a diverse network of friends who will help give you a different perspective when you feel stuck. And he quips, “like immigrants, Drake Bulldogs get the job done.”

To learn more about Elevator, visit www.elevatorspaces.com

“Don’t be afraid to dream big but focus on the short-term goals to help get you there. Break that big dream into smaller, more immediately achievable goals...”

The fast-track TOWARD A BETTER TOMORROW.

As a high school track athlete from Forest City, Iowa, Troy Trygstad was very familiar with the Drake Relays. He enjoyed the unofficial campus tours, and as a runner, was ecstatic that the University’s homecoming was a track and field meet packed full of exciting events for students, faculty, staff, and the community.

Trygstad was being recruited by many top schools, and while he looked at colleges without pharmacy programs, Drake drew his eye from the moment he had his first official visit. Trygstad knew the opportunity to compete for a Division I school while completing a professional degree was something special. At Drake, he didn’t have to worry about missing a test or missing a track meet because of the integration between athletics and academics. Trygstad earned the 1999 Missouri Valley Conference Most Valuable Indoor Track Athlete designation, and he and his teammates remain Drake’s record holders for the Indoor Distance Medley Relay, competing in the 1999 NCAA Indoor Championships.

Trygstad appreciated that Drake’s College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences offered a dual Master of Business Administration program and figured if he was going to be on campus anyway all summer, he might as well go to business school. He graduated from Drake with a PharmD degree and an MBA. With the

encouragement of his advisor, Professor Lon Larson, he then moved to North Carolina, to earn his Ph.D. in Pharmacoeconomics.

As part of his Ph.D. work, Trygstad collaborated with Community Care of North Carolina to incorporate community pharmacists into primary care and care management. At just 25 years old, he was responsible for about 110 pharmacists across the state, working with 1,500 care managers and providing pharmacy and support services to 2,400 practices. He credits Drake for preparing him for such an accelerated opportunity.

Trygstad is also the mastermind behind the Pharmacy Home Project (PHP). During his work, he noticed that the average Medicare recipient sees

13 different prescribers who fill over 50 unique medications in one year. To combat this, Trygstad built an elaborate system across North Carolina to streamline medication prescriptions called the 646 Demonstration Project, which was the very first Medicare Shared Savings Program in history. This led to a subsequent project that was funded by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services through a $15 million Health Innovation Grant.

Soon, Trygstad’s work became nationally recognized in the pharmaceutical world, and in just one year, grew into a collaborative of 33 states. In 2017, Trygstad started Community Pharmacy Enhanced Services Network (CPESN) USA, which he designed as a nationwide network with local subnetworks and chapters. The first CPESN chapter began in Iowa.

“Here I am in North Carolina supporting primary care for 15 years, yet the very first formal network contract for services that reward pharmacies and primary care for better outcomes emerges back home with CPESN Iowa, and I feel very fortunate that it brought me back full circle to the place I learned about advanced pharmacy practice.”

CPESN now has 49 networks across 44 states, with 3,500 participating pharmacies. It is the fourth largest entity of contracting pharmacies

in the country, and the mission is to keep the 16,000 mom-and-pop pharmacies open, which Trygstad believes helps keep thousands of local communities vibrant and with access to better care delivery. “We want to play a prominent role in how we measure and respond to the health of a patient, and focus on improving wellness, versus just pushing pills out the door,” he shared when asked about his future goals. With CPSEN, Trygstad knows he’s on the right path.

Trygstad previously served for five years as the assistant cross country and distance coach at the University of North Carolina, where he helped train three Olympians, one of whom earned a silver medal after the gold medalist was disqualified in the Beijing Olympics. Still, he can’t think of a better place than Drake for students who have an interest in pharmacy and high-level athletics. Trygstad continues to serve Drake by working with the school to procure grant funding and participates in the DeltaRx program as a mentor to pharmacy students.

To learn more about CPESN USA, visit cpesn.com

Troy Trygstad with wife Peggy and children Ellie, Tyson, and Spencer.

We want to play a prominent role in how we measure and respond to the health of a patient, and focus on IMPROVING WELLNESS, VERSUS JUST PUSHING PILLS OUT THE DOOR.

THE PATH TO A Bright Future

Shir Agha Safi, like many of us, had a childhood goal of attending college. But as a native of Afghanistan, he instead enlisted for 13 years in the Afghan military to fight for his country and was never allowed to continue his education beyond high school.

Safi was emergency evacuated from Afghanistan as a refugee in August 2021 when the Afghan government collapsed. Other Afghans would talk about California or New York as their aspirational locations with numbers that prepopulated a community of fellow refugees before even landing in America, but Safi chose Iowa because he thought it was obscure and he had never heard any other Afghans talk about it. He was traumatized, heartbroken, injured, and exhausted by the war, and he wanted to be as far away from it as possible.

Safi got connected with Des Moines Refugee Support (DMRS), an organization that identifies and bridges gaps for refugee families

as they establish their new lives in Iowa, focusing on immediate and basic needs, early education, activities, and empowering teenagers. Through DMRS, Safi met Erin Bell, director of the live mascot program at Drake. Erin helped Safi adjust to living in America and reignited his passion for serving others. Together, they have been working side by side to assist Afghan refugees to resettle and adjust to life in Des Moines for the past year-and-a-half.

to those who have equally aspirational goals. Because, for him, graduating from Bright College means all of Afghanistan graduates from Bright College.

In addition to his involvement with DMRS, Safi also serves as the executive director of Afghan Partners in Iowa (API), a non-profit founded in June of 2022 which aims to empower Afghan refugees. API is an organization of Afghan refugees helping each other with their needs and challenges as they transition to life in America. Safi shows Afghan refugees how to navigate their new lives by teaching them how to use crosswalks, find stores, navigate the bus system, use hot and cold water, cook on a gas stove, and pay with cards, among many other skills.

Safi’s childhood dream was to earn a college degree. Bell brought up the prospect of John D. Bright College and his hopes of achieving his childhood goal skyrocketed. He never thought he would be able to attend Drake, and no one had ever mentioned that option before. His dreams became a reality when he was awarded a full scholarship to attend Bright College.

Despite losing everything when he fled to America, Safi found everything he needed—a sense of family, a community, his honor, his freedom, and a sense of peace—in Bright College. Now, Safi will graduate with a new goal: to bring his education and knowledge back to Afghanistan. He wants to open schools for women and girls and bring education

Safi continues to expand his education and knows he will win the war between knowledge and ignorance, but this war will be won with the pen, not the gun.

To learn more about Des Moines Refugee Support, visit facebook.com/DSMRefugeeSupport .

I thought to myself, ‘I was serving people in Afghanistan, so why can’t I serve them here?’

REACHING FOR THE STARS WITH COWLES:

NASA-Affiliated Astronomy

Curriculum led by Drake Students

Drake’s Cowles Library, in partnership with its School of Education, is helping students gain real-world experience through a NASA-affiliated grant program.

The program—run through the Iowa Space Grant Consortium—aims to introduce space and astronomy concepts to elementary and middle school students at a younger age, with a special emphasis on reaching girls and students of color who have traditionally been underrepresented in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

The Drake students involved in the project are gaining firsthand experience conceptualizing, collaborating on, and developing the STEM-focused curriculum, which will be used by teachers in the Des Moines metro area.

Dan Chibnall, Cowles’s STEM librarian and associate professor of librarianship, alongside Jerrid Kruse, professor of education, lead the Drake component of the project.

“One of our goals with this program is to show students and educators how we can make complex science accessible and more easily understandable,” said Chibnall. “There’s often an aversion to science because it seems complicated and disconnected from everyday life, when in fact we encounter scientific thinking and scientific progress every day.”

The curriculum is split into units that include interdisciplinary learning opportunities, non-fiction short stories about industry professionals and scientists, and how STEM ideas and technologies are developed. These stories highlight women, people of color, and people working in STEM industries throughout Iowa. Each unit will align with NASA and national teaching standards, and they will be available online for school districts, teachers, and professionals to use at no cost. Equitable access to materials and information is integral to Cowles Library’s mission.

“As a future educator of high school biology, participating in this project has prepared me for the finite details of teaching,” said Emma Marie, a first-year student in Drake’s School of Education who is participating in the program. “It has allowed me to think in the students’ minds and see where my curiosity lies within science, and how to take an idea and expand upon it in ways I would not have otherwise thought to do. I hope to take the skills I have learned from this experience and share a spark of curiosity with all my future students.”

Through this experience, students like Emma are able to hone their skills and expand their knowledge of lesson planning and curriculum development as they prepare for their professional careers. Being able to see the impact of their work firsthand is not only empowering but enriches the Drake student experience and adds valuable educational resources to Des Moines communities and young students.

“These Drake students are creating something that will have a lasting impact on science education in Iowa and will hopefully reach far beyond the borders of our state,” said Chibnall.

Deans’ Updates

How are faculty, staff, and students in the College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences connecting to the community?

Community engagement is a long-standing pillar of the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. Our students are connected to and making an impact on the community through health screenings and vaccination clinics, athletic training services at high school championships and other local sporting events and providing health and wellness services through partnerships with ChildServe, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Iowa, and many other organizations.

How are students making a positive difference or being prepared to make a positive difference in the world based on their experiences in the College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences?

Our college’s values of innovation and entrepreneurial leadership contribute to students being prepared to enter their professions and solve problems. That’s why our curriculum, initiatives, and community partnerships equip students with the necessary skills to identify solutions for pressing concerns in healthcare and improve patient outcomes. The Drake Entrepreneurial Leadership Tools for Advancement (DELTA) Rx Institute provides entrepreneurial internships, competitions, awards, and additional learning opportunities to promote a spirit of innovation among students. Our Student Leadership Development Series, a longitudinal academic year development program, provides our students with additional leadership training and experiences.

What do you wish alumni knew or supported in this effort specific to the College of

Pharmacy & Health Sciences?

We are preparing today’s learners to be tomorrow’s health care leaders and changemakers! It is through the expertise and support of alumni that the College empowers students to fulfill this mission. Several opportunities exist for alumni to support us through career services and events, experiential education, guest speaking, scholarships, white coat sponsorships and mentoring, and involvement with the DELTA Rx Institute, among others.

Renae Chesnut

COLLEGE OF PHARMACY & HEALTH SCIENCES

The most visible sign of the vitality of a University can be seen by examining the success and achievements of its alumni. Which alumni from the College of Arts & Sciences are making significant contributions to their alma mater, their profession, or their community?

One of the best aspects of our Drake community is the strong connection between our current students and our alumni, and the significant contributions alumni make to their alma mater. We recently celebrated the creation of two endowed professorships—the Mark J. Jarrett Professorship in Physics and the Marshall and Judith Flapan Professor of Biology. These two major gifts represent the first endowed professorships of The Ones campaign! Endowed professorships are the highest honor a university can bestow on a faculty member and these gifts exemplify the donors’ commitment to the Drake community. Marshall Flapan (BS’59) and his late wife Judith (FA’86) have generously supported Drake for many years. Marshall gave this latest gift in recognition of the life-changing experiences and excellent preparation he received at Drake that set him on a path to

medical school and a meaningful career in medicine. His gift will ensure that future generations of Drake students will receive the same stellar mentorship from outstanding biology professors. Mark Jarrett graduated from Drake with a BS in Physics, and he is working as an engineer in the aerospace division at Honeywell in Minnesota. Ever since Mark graduated from Drake, he had the dream to create a professorship that would support excellence in teaching, research and mentorship, and he made it happen this year! Mark is also an active board member on our National Advisory Council (NAC) and has contributed to many important initiatives supporting students in the College of Arts & Sciences. Most recently, the NAC established the Dean’s emergency fund that supports students with urgent needs related to the classes they take.

How are students making a positive difference or being prepared to make a positive difference in the world based on their experiences in the College of Arts & Sciences?

Students who graduate from Drake with a major from the College of Arts & Sciences continue to find career paths that enable them to change lives and transform communities. Of our May 2022 graduates, 96% have found jobs or are in graduate school/internship programs six months after graduation!

Gesine Gerhard College of ARTs & Sciences

Alejandro Hernandez

ZIMPLEMAN COLLEGE OF BUSINESS

What is the most inspiring moment you’ve recently witnessed in the Zimpleman College of Business?

In one’s career, there are a few days that stand out because they mark a moment when something you believed in and strived for was made possible. Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023, was one of those days.

On that day, we announced that our college will now be known as the Larry & Kathleen Zimpleman College of Business. This name celebrates the Zimplemans’ decades-long relationship with Drake University and recognizes their continued commitment through a multi-million-dollar philanthropic investment in the future of the college. Their support will allow the Zimpleman College of Business to pursue a range of initiatives focused on corporate social responsibility and provide our students with a deeper understanding of environmental, social, and governance topics.

Larry and Kathi are longtime champions and supporters of Drake. Larry received a degree in actuarial science in 1973 and an MBA in 1979 from Drake’s College of Business. Kathi received her sociology degree from Drake’s College of Liberal Arts in 1976.

Larry is one of the most revered business leaders in Central Iowa, and he is also an admired leader across the global financial services sector. While pursuing his degree at Drake, he began serving as an actuarial intern at Bankers Life Association, the predecessor to Principal Financial Group. Over a four-decade career, he held various senior management and leadership positions at Principal, culminating with serving as the President and CEO starting in 2008, and Chairman in 2009.

How are students making a positive difference or being prepared to make a positive difference in the world based on their experiences in the Zimpleman College of Business?

Indeed, it is the values expressed in our North Star—business as a force for good—that inspired Larry and Kathi to make a significant commitment of their financial, intellectual, and reputational capital to our college. Their support will accelerate the investments we have already made to deliver on our promise to equip students to do well by doing good. These initial programs include:

• In the fall of 2021, we launched the Dean’s Honor Roll for Social Impact. It recognizes students who perform and record at least 20 hours of individual community service and submit a reflection at the end of the semester.

• In 2022, we announced the inaugural winners of the Social Impact Research and Outreach Awards, which recognizes faculty and staff who tackle critical societal issues through their scholarship and work in the community.

• This spring, we are supporting student leaders as they deploy the Positive Impact Rating at our school. Through this international survey initiative—which is designed to capture the voice of students— we will chart the course of our societal impact programs going forward.

Projects like this are part of our commitment to graduate students who are empowered to lead positive change for the economy and for our society. The Zimpleman College of Business will prepare our students for lifelong success by enabling them to do work that aligns with their values and generates economic opportunity and income for themselves and others.

Catherine Staub

SCHOOL OF JOURNALISM & MASS COMMUNICATION

The most visible sign of the vitality of a university can be seen by examining the success and achievements of its alumni. Which alumni from the School of Journalism & Mass Communication are making significant contributions to their alma mater, their profession, or their community?

All the SJMC alumni I’ve interacted with are changemakers in their communities so it’s difficult to single out one person or even a small group of alumni. Emily Abbas, JO’97, GR’09, is a community leader, volunteer leader, and board member for numerous nonprofit organizations throughout the Greater Des Moines area, in addition to her full-time work with Bankers Trust. This month, Emily is hosting a Women in Leadership panel featuring four female Drake alumni from Bankers Trust for SJMC students. I’d be remiss not to mention our SJMC NAC members who all provide actionable insights during our NAC meetings and contribute to the SJMC throughout the year. They graciously give of their time and expertise by conducting mock interviews with SJMC students, serving as guest speakers for SJMC classes, reviewing resumes and portfolios, and providing feedback on final projects. And then there are our SJMC alumni from across the country who are zooming into classrooms and our alumni in the Greater Des Moines area who are coming in as guest speakers. These alumni are giving back to enhance student learning. Truly, every SJMC alumnus I know is giving back to their community, Drake, the SJMC, and/or their profession.

How are faculty, staff, and students at the School of Journalism & Mass Communication connecting to the community?

SJMC students supported our community with more than 15,000 hours of pro bono client work through their SJMC classes in the past academic year. Faculty are essential in these efforts. They connect with various nonprofits to assess their needs and the opportunities for our students. Then faculty guide students in working with and for those nonprofit organizations. The pro bono client work students produce isn’t merely an experiential learning opportunity, it’s professional-quality work that the nonprofit clients implement to improve their outreach and services. In fact, one of last spring’s Advertising and PR capstone campaigns won Best of Show at PRSA Iowa’s annual awards program.

Craig Owens

JOHN DEE BRIGHT COLLEGE

How are faculty, staff, and students at Bright College connecting to the community?

What are the key areas of progress you most want to celebrate?

Midway through their first year, Bright College students enroll in organizational improv, a course that focuses on collaborative interactions in the context of difficult situations and dilemmas. Each year, I see the transformation that occurs in their self-confidence and self-awareness, in the strength of their bonds with one another, and in their renewed commitment to be the best versions of themselves they can be. Collaboration and problem-solving are at the heart of The John Dee Bright College experience, and our students' development as collaborative, team-oriented learners building on strong foundations of trust and mutual respect is certainly worth celebrating!

Bright College's second-year students are engaged this semester in a practicum in partnership with Tobi Parks and Thom Kutz of xBk Live and Station One Records, where they're tackling real-world challenges that affect not just small businesses, but arts organizations more broadly and the communities they are part of. Some of the projects they're contributing to include raising the profile of minority-owned businesses, developing ways for small businesses to give back to their communities, and imagining new ways for public-facing enterprises to enrich the lives of those who work with and patronize

How are students making a positive difference or being prepared to make a positive difference in the world based on their experiences at Bright College?

The John Dee Bright College curriculum is grounded in contemporary, real-world relevance. As a result, our students become more informed and engaged in the world they are preparing themselves to take part in: Whether they're investigating the rise of fake news and disinformation in the media age, taking up questions about the future of representative democracy, or collecting water samples at Camp Creek to evaluate environmental health, our students are literally and metaphorically rolling up their sleeves (and their pant legs) and preparing to take high-impact action in a world that desperately needs their optimism, energy, and wisdom.

Gillian Gremmels

COWLES LIBRARY

How are faculty, staff, and students at Cowles connecting to the community?

Drake University Archives & Special Collections exposes students to the rich cultural and political history of Des Moines and the state of Iowa by preserving and providing access to history of the Drake neighborhood and Des Moines community. We frequently interact with alumni, local community members, and other outside researchers on a variety of reference questions related to the history of Des Moines. Director of University Archives and Special Collections, Hope Bibens often teaches courses on personal archiving and preserving your own documents for community members through the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI). Archives & Special Collections is actively collecting materials related to community and grassroots organizations as well as local elected officials and activists. New materials are constantly being digitized and made available to wider audiences through the Drake Digital Collections.

How are students making a positive difference or being prepared to make a positive difference in the world based on their experiences at Cowles?

At Cowles Library, we cultivate an environment of equitable access to information, resources and services that are representative of the diverse communities we serve. As part of that goal, the Library helps students become lifelong learners, not only in the classroom but also through practical

experience in our work/study program. Each term, the Library employs around 40 students. Working at the Library gives them firsthand experience engaging with and assisting different populations and academic specialties, including outside researchers, public users and alumni. Student workers develop strategic thinking abilities, improve their communication skills and forge new relationships with their peers that span all fields of study. The program provides opportunities to build and gain practical leadership skills through the Peer Research Mentor and Supervisor positions, and students use the information literacy expertise they learn through their job training to answer chat reference questions for students, faculty, staff and community users. The ability to find information adeptly, evaluate it critically, and use it ethically is foundational to making a positive difference. Establishing meaningful relationships with the extended Drake community positions our student employees to uncover, understand, and voice differing perspectives and needs. The Cowles Library helps develop Drake students into collaborators, leaders, positive decision-makers, and constant learners— essential qualities that will equip them to make a lasting difference in the world.

What do you wish alumni knew or supported in this effort specific to

Cowles?

Sadly, as journalist Sarah Kendzior has observed, disinformation is free on the internet while good quality information sources are paywalled. Cowles Library purchases and subscribes to a wide array of databases, journals, books, and media on all disciplines taught at the University, but access to that information is expensive: over $1 million per year with annual inflation of at least five percent. In addition, new resources are coming on the market all the time. We’d love to make even more information available to Drake students, faculty, and staff, and we’d welcome alumni help and support.

Jerry Anderson DRAKE LAW SCHOOL

What is the most inspiring moment you’ve recently witnessed at Drake Law School?

In February, our flagship National Moot Court team (Elizabeth Boyer, Ben Wolf, and Catherine Dukelow, coached by Louis Sloven, LW’15) finished second in the nation, arguing a hotly-contested final round in New York City before a panel of seven stellar judges. Their brief scored second in the nation as well, illustrating not only the talent of the team, but also the strength of our legal research and writing program. Our team has gone to the national tournament 23 out of the last 30 years, dominating our region. This is just one out of our wide array of competition teams, providing excellent opportunities for our students to hone their skills, furthering our mission to create “complete professionals.”

What are the key areas of progress you most want to celebrate?

Princeton Review recently named Drake Law to its list of Best Law Schools, citing very positive student evaluations of our faculty and programs. This year, 90% of our students passed the bar on their first attempt (national average of 79%) and 95% found full-time employment (national average of 83%), two more excellent outcomes.

How are faculty, staff, and students at Drake Law School connecting to the community?

In March, first-year students took a week off class to observe a real trial on campus—from jury selection to verdict—in the 25th annual First Year Trial Practicum. This year, Bloomberg recognized the practicum as a Finalist for its Innovation in Legal Education award, noting that it remains the only program of its kind in the country. Remarkably, you can graduate from most law schools without ever seeing a real trial, let alone participating in one; that never happens at Drake! We couldn’t provide this unique experience without the support of the local judges, prosecutors, and defense

How are students making a positive difference or being prepared to make a positive difference in the world based on their experiences with Drake Law School?

Each October, students, faculty and staff participate in the Mark S. Cady Day of Public Service, in which lawyers across the state engage in legal education, pro bono representation, and community betterment. Named in honor of the late Iowa Supreme Court Chief Justice Cady, LW’83, who had a life-long commitment to access to justice, the third annual event involved 43 different projects, including Drake Law clinics to assist people with powers of attorney, asylum petitions, and veterans’ issues. The day of service helps students understand the enormous need for legal services in our community, while experiencing the joy of helping others with their newly acquired skills.

Ryan Wise SCHOOL OF EDUCATION

What are the key areas of progress you most want to celebrate?

I want to celebrate the deepening focus within the School of Education on becoming a mission- and vision-driven school. Exactly one year ago we adopted a new mission: We prepare, support, and inspire our students to lead and serve in a constantly changing world. We also aligned our vision with the University’s inspiration statement: Together, we transform lives and strengthen communities. Our mission and vision are visible in classroom instruction; take a stroll down the halls of Collier-Scripps and you’ll see inspired teaching that empowers students to collaborate with each other and to apply what they’re learning in real-time in practicums, clinical experiences, internships, and student teaching.

How are students making a positive difference or being prepared to make a positive difference in the world based on their experiences in the School of Education?

Our students don’t have to wait to become alumni to make a positive difference in the world! One hundred and seven students are currently completing practicums or are student teaching in 74 schools in the Des Moines metro and are making a measurable impact in their classrooms.

What do you wish alumni knew or supported in this effort specific to the School of Education?

I hope our alumni know that there are many ways to support the School of Education and that their contributions make a difference. Financial donations help us do cutting edge work, like incorporating virtual reality simulations into classrooms to provide a safe, low-stakes environment for practicing new techniques. Individual giving also helps us fund scholarships, which provides more prospective students the opportunity to earn a Drake education. And gifts of time, whether hosting our students for their field experiences, or serving on groups like our National Advisory Council, help us deepen our impact in the community and improve our approach.

RELAYS TIMELINE OF EVENTS

MONDAY, APRIL 24TH

Beautiful Bulldog Contest

5 – 7 p.m.

Knapp Center

THURSDAY, APRIL 27TH

Class of 1973 - 50 Year

Reunion Weekend

Thursday, April 27Saturday, April 29

Alumni Awards

5:15 p.m. Program

Sheslow Auditorium, Old Main

Let’s DU Drinks

6 – 8 p.m.

Drake Stadium

FRIDAY, APRIL 28TH

Black Alumni Reunion Weekend alumni.drake.edu/black-alumnireunion

Friday, April 28 - Sunday, April 30

Drake Relays Track & Field Events

8 a.m. – 3:45 p.m. and 5 – 9 p.m.

Drake Stadium drakerelays.org

School of Education Alumni

Gathering

4 – 6pm

Corner of Forest Ave. and 27th

All Alumni Tent Party

4 – 8 p.m.

Corner of Forest Ave. and 27th

SATURDAY, APRIL 29TH

Fleet Feet Social Run

8 – 9 a.m.

Fleet Feet Des Moines

Drake Relays Track & Field Events

8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Drake Stadium

drakerelays.org

Campus Tour

11 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Old Main

SEE ALL RELAYS EVENTS

alumni.drake.edu/relays/alumni-events

Young Alumni Brunch

11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Corner of Forest Ave. and 27th

CPHS Alumni and Friends

Gathering

2 – 5 p.m.

Science Connector Building, Room 301

Black Alumni Reunion: Block Party (open to all)

1 – 5 p.m.

28th & University Ave

alumni.drake.edu/relays/blackalumni-reunion-block-party

LGBTQ+ Alumni Mixer

3 – 5 p.m.

Alumni House (2700 University)

NPHC Step Show

7:30 – 10:30 p.m.

Sheslow Auditorium

alumni.drake.edu/relays/nphc-stepshow

Achievements

1970 s

Kevin P. Callahan, FA’75, authored A Sheltering Place, a memoir inspired by his original reoccurring column in his hometown paper.

1980 s

Karen (Peterson) Thielman, FA’82, was awarded the distinction Chevalier dans l’Ordre des Palmes académiques by the government of France in recognition for her service to French culture.

Donna Tweeten, JO’85, promoted to President at Hy-Vee. Tweeten will oversee Hy-Vee’s private brands, merchandising, marketing and digital initiatives. Tweeten’s promotion marks the first time a woman has been named president of Hy-Vee.

David Bjella, FA’85, served as guest artist faculty member at the Tennessee Cello Workshop in Knoxville. Cello student of longtime Drake Professor John Ehrlich. Bjella is Professor of Music at the University of Central Florida.

Robert J. Hilb, LA’85, named CEO at Choice Financial Group.

Dan Allcott, FA’89, served as guest artist faculty member at the Tennessee Cello Workshop in Knoxville. Cello student of long-time Drake Professor John Ehrlich. Professor of Music at Tennessee Tech.

1990 s

Kristi Santi, AS’91, GR’93, ‘95, named Professor, Special Populations at the University of Houston.

Heidi (Sease) Nebel, LW’92, named Vice Chair of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) Patent Public Advisory Committee.

Kathleen O’Connor Adams, BN’94, promoted to a partner at Faegre Drinker

Von E. Hays, LW’96, named executive vice president and chief legal officer/general counsel at Comerica.

Denise (Lenning) Hill, GR’95, LW’96, published “Vaccine Mandates in the Health Care Workplace” with the American Health Law Association. Denise also served as the Vice Chair & presenter at the first National Vaccine Law Conference.

Kevin McKillip, AS’96, played Jean Shepard in ‘A Christmas Story, The Musical’ production at the Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire, Illinois.

Tony Vincelli, BN’96, was part of the first father-daughter team to win the Minnesota Golf Association State Mixed Amateur tournament in the 32year history of the tournament.

Emily Abbas, JO’97, GR’09, Outstanding Woman in Banking by BankBeat Magazine. This award recognizes bankers who have made outstanding contributions to their bank, industry and community.

Vicki J. Wade, AS’97, named Market Developer at Thrivent Financial.

Mike Wienke, JO’98, named Vice President of Marketing at Episode Six.

David Bjella, FA'85, Deland, Fla., and Dan Allcott, FA'89, Cookeville, Tenn., served as guest artist faculty members at the Tennessee Cello Workshop in Knoxville. Both were cello students of long-time Drake Professor John Ehrlich. Bjella is Professor of Music at the University of Central Florida and Allcott serves in the same position at Tennessee Tech.

2000 s

Paul Kraus, AS ‘01, ED ‘01, became Ottawa County Michigan’s fifth Circuit Court Judge and will serve an eightyear term.

Nichelle Dawkins, BN’04, GR’08, elected to the Bedford City Council in a Special Election and now serving as the city’s first Black City Councilmember.

Ricki King, AS’05, JO’05, published an article “Separating Identities of Two Hattie Campbells of Marion and Ralls Counties, Missouri, Reveal Hattie King’s Mother” in National Genealogical Society Quarterly.

Ruby Nancy, GR’05, received the University of Minnesota’s 2022 Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI) Award. This competitive systemwide award honors faculty who have done significant research, teaching or service/leadership to advance justice, equity, diversity and inclusion.

Kate (Petersen) Panning, BN’08, joined Astellas as a Senior Marketing Manager.

2010 s

Crystal (Nance) Everett, JO’10, AS’10, published Meet Mari, a story about the curly haired kid who loves music and movement.

Munashe Kaseke, PH’12, GR’15, won a Silver prize from the Anthem Awards for debut short story collection, Send Her Back and Other Stories.

Ken-Matt Martin, AS ‘12, JO ‘12, named Interim Artistic Director at Baltimore Center Stage.

Lauren C. Horsch, AS ‘14, JO ‘14, named Deputy Chief of Staff for Communications for the North Carolina Senate.

Sam Pritchard, AS’14, BN’14, promoted to Chief of Staff for Congresswoman Ashley Hinson.

Nicholas J. Krob, LW’15, named 2023 Chair of the Licensing Executives Society Iowa Chapter.

Austin Strawhacker, GR’17, named a recipient of the Top 40 Under 40 Young Professionals Award by the national Small Business Development Center association, America’s SBDC.

Krista Allbee, PH’17, GR’17, named Senior Manager, Market Insights for Tecartus at Kite Pharma.

Kate Simon, LW’18, joined Dentons Davis Brown.

Meredith (Ponder) Hanisch, GR’19, named Director of Marketing for Campus Life at Iowa State University.

This past March Drake Alumni participated in a speed networking event. Photo taken by Drake student Emily Postlethwait.

COMMON GROUND SPURS UNCOMMON CONNECTIONS (PART 2)

In the fall 2022 issue of Blue Magazine, we highlighted a group of courageous alumni who are making the case and space for differing viewpoints. sThese Bulldogs initiated an experiment, forming a group with the purpose of communicating a wide variety of social and political views in an open, constructive setting with a goal of working to understand, and be understood. After successful trials, their hope is that the foundation they’ve built is one that inspires others to connect, to find shared understanding with those with whom they have differences but share common ground.

For alumni who may be interested in starting their own dialogue groups, please contact us.

Dick De Zeeuw: dezeeuwdick@gmail.com

John Heckel: jh2@humboldt.edu

Rick Sline: rsline11@gmail.com

Weddings

Kate (Petersen) Panning, BN'08 and Matthew Panning, Oct. 28, 2022.

Meghan Kearney Wypych, JO'19, and James Wypych, AS'16, May 29, 2022

Meredith (Ponder) Hanisch, GR'19 and William "Coleby" Hanisch, BN'16, May 21, 2022.

DRAKE UNIVERSITY ANNOUNCES THE LARRY AND KATHLEEN ZIMPLEMAN COLLEGE OF BUSINESS

In early February, Drake renamed its College of Business and Public Administration the Larry and Kathleen Zimpleman College of Business (Zimpleman College of Business) in celebration of the Zimpleman’s decades long relationship with and continuing commitment to Drake, and in recognition of a multimillion-dollar philanthropic investment in the future of the college.

The couple’s support will allow the Zimpleman College of Business to pursue a range of initiatives focused on corporate social responsibility and equipping students with a deep understanding of environmental, social, and governance related topics. The gift will enhance hands-on learning experiences that connect students to the higher purpose of business, provide additional scholarship support for students, and be a catalyst for developmental opportunities that allow faculty to continue to grow and serve as thought leaders in their disciplines.

Larry and Kathi are longtime champions and supporters of Drake. Larry received a degree in actuarial science in 1973 and later went on to earn his MBA in 1979, both from Drake’s College of Business. Kathi received her sociology degree from Drake’s College of Liberal Arts in 1976.

The announcement marks a major milestone in decades of support from a donor who is one of the most respected and revered business leaders in Central Iowa and across the international financial services sector. This will be the second named college at Drake and the first named in honor of a philanthropic commitment.

In Memoriam

William E. Johnson, FA ‘52, GR ‘56, Des Moines, IA

Gene P. Montalbano, LA ‘52, Bend, OR

1940 s

Barbara A. (Stiles) Kent, LA ‘42, Shoreview, MN

Carol F. (Meeker) Flickinger, ED ‘44, Washington, IA

Phyllis Koch, LA ‘47, Park City, UT

Howard L. Hunt, BN ‘48, Big Sandy, TX

G eorgene R. (Bristle) Stapleton, ED ‘48, Cedar Rapids, IA

Eunice Z. (Dahm) Viktor, non-degree LA ‘48, Morton, IL

Garold F. Heslinga, LW ‘48, Oskaloosa, IA

Beverly E. (Linn) Sturtz, ED ‘48, Boone, IA

Robert W. Smith, BA ‘49, LW ‘49, Liverpool, NY

LeRoy A. Nylen, BN ‘49, Clive, IA

Edward R. Duffie, Non-degree ‘49, Savannah, GA

1950 s

Roberta J. (Mills) Harding, Non degree ‘50, Iowa City, IA,

Helen (Tam) Zibit, BA ‘50, Saint Louis, MO

Barbara A. (Shepherd) Ostrander, FA ‘50, Holts Summit, MO

Nancy J. (Wood) Niederhause, Non-degreed Alumni ‘50, Kansas City, MO

Frances (Carmichael) Konsella, Non-degree ‘50, Chippewa Falls, WI

William W. Helms, BN ‘50, LW ‘51, Saint Paul, MN

Albert G. Johnson, LW ‘51, Cannon Falls, MN

Mary L. (Bottorff) Ballensky, BA ‘51, Sigourney, IA

Wendell S. Anderson, FA ‘51, Los Angeles, CA

Marion F. (Fosket) Clapp, LA ‘51, Rockford, IL

Darlene (Maher) Evers, FA ‘51, Albuquerque, NM

James Stark, ED ‘51, West Des Moines, IA

Mary L. (Evans) Hart, ED ‘52, Alpena, MI

Arnold C. Schultz, LA ‘52, Grundy Center, IA

Shirley M. (Borland) Van Zante, JO ‘52, Windsor Heights, IA

Joyce C. (Barquist) Boehm, ED ‘52, Ogden, IA

Donald L. Neumann, JO ‘52, Des Moines, IA

Margaret S. (Watters) Roby, ED ‘53, Norwalk, IA

Robert M. Thompson, GR ‘53, Storm Lake, IA

Ray M. Hickman, BA ‘52, LW ‘53, Littleton, CO

Shirley Goldberg, LA ‘53, Sarasota, FL

Richardson A. Anderson, BA ‘53, LW ‘58, Broomfield, CO

Rudolph F. Kuchan, BN ‘50, LW ‘54, Mission Hills, KS

Anna M. (Sunstrom) Gearhart, ED ‘54, Waukon, IA

Joseph A. Weber, LA ‘54, Arlington Heights, IL

Sally C. (Spencer) Lowry, FA’54, GR’58

Kenneth P. Nedderman, BN ‘55, Euless, TX

Ruth E. (Tucker) Dykstra, ED ‘55, Knoxville, IA

Reverend John W. Gardner, LA ‘56, Newton, IA

David Arthur Simonson, ‘56, Indialantic, FL

Lois James, ED ‘56, Des Moines, IA

Glen A. Johnson, M.Ed. ‘56, Osceola, IA

Frederick Jones, ED ‘56, Waterloo, IA

Eldon R. Linn, BN ‘56, Arlington, VA

Lowell L. Yager, non-degree LA ‘56, Ames, IA

Evelyn J. (Pearson) Thompson, BA ‘56, Cedar Rapids, IA

Daryl C. Stuhr, GR ‘56, Ottawa, IL

Glenda (Rossiter) Murray, ED ‘56, Napa, CA

Raymond C. Dykstra, Non degree ‘56, Methuen, MA

Leo E. Oxberger, LA ‘54, LW ‘57, The Villages, FL

Carol S. (Seid) Johnson, LA ‘57, Denver, CO

Winifred I. (Nellis) Johnson, ED ‘58, Waukee, IA

Bill Bolen, ED’58, Montezuma, IA

Lowell L. Hinsch, BN ‘59, Tyler, TX

Wilma M. (Beason) Jenssen, ED ‘59, Albany, NY

Garland W. Seibert, ED ‘59, GR ‘63, Clive, IA

Gary C. Wendell, LW ‘59, Niceville, FL

Irene A. (Reed) Sweatt, ED ‘59, Spring Hill, KS

1960 s

Frank L. North, FA ‘60, Land O Lakes, FL

Carolyn J. (Shepard) Guariglia, ED ‘60, Peoria, IL

Gerald (Gary) L. Anderson, BA ‘60, Cedar Rapids, IA

Charles H. McDonald, BN ‘60, M. Psych, ‘83, West Des Moines, IA

Lafrenda S. (Ebbert) Fitzgerald, BA ‘60, Howell, MI

Duane R. Dubois, LW ‘61, New Berlin, WI

Donald D. Schuler, ED ‘61, Naples, FL

Louis M. Callaway, Jr., LA ‘61, Ann Arbor, MI

Doris I. (Buechler) Finck, ED ‘61, West Des Moines, IA

Donna F. (Freeman) Jensen, ED ‘61, South Sioux City, IA

Grace C. (Coffie) Green-Dickerson, ED ‘62, GR ‘67, Des Moines, IA

Don R. Smith, FA ‘62, GR ‘63, Greenwood, IN

Lynn E. McClannahan, BA ‘62, Des Moines, IA

Jerry D. Shipman, BN ‘62, Madison, WI

Lawrence Bernard Engman, Non-degree ‘62, Palm Desert, CA

Sally P. (Andersen) Hebeisen, FA ‘62, Naples, FL

Larry G. Leonard, BN ‘63, Waukee, IA

Marjorie J. (Lippold) Sivers, FA ‘63, Omaha, NE

Karen A. (Burdick) Illingworth, JO ‘63, Greensboro, NC

Rosemary S. (Shaw) Sackett, LW ‘63, Okoboji, IA

Ruth E. (Holaday) Hellyer, ED ‘63, GR ‘63, Urbandale, IA

Robert S. Sieman, PH ‘66, Clive, IA

Charles Reed, PH ‘66, Des Moines, IA

Leonard E. Bonker, FA ‘63, Gr ‘66, Harlingen, TX

Ronald C. Johnson, BN ‘63, Naperville, IL

Ronald L. Anderson, BN ‘63, New York, NY

Gene R. Miller, ED ‘64, Perry, IA

Donald D. Kluver, BN ‘64, Storm Lake, IA

Clarine F. Abramowitz, ED ‘64, Johnson, IA

Joan W. (Walton) Frohock, LW ‘64, Des Moines, IA

Sandra J. Carley, ED ‘65, Las Vegas, NV

Dennis J. Yarbrough, BN ‘65, Bigfork, MT

Martin W. Peterson, BN ‘65, Algona, IA

Michael E. Henry, ED ‘65, Manteca, CA

Helen (Golightly) Gebhart, ED ‘65, Sun City, AZ

Mary J. Saul, ED ‘65, Virginia Beach, VA

Virginia B. (Millard) Leeson, ED ‘65, Osceola, IA

David K. Luckman, LA ‘64, Fairfield, IA

Diane (Loots) Mahmoud, LA’64, Reston, VA

John W. Oyer, BA ‘65, New Braunfels, TX

G. Wallis Reed, BN ‘65, Spirit Lake, IA

James D. Mapes, BN ‘65, Ankeny, IA

Lynne E. (Blakesley) Hellquist, ED ‘66, Libertyville, IL

Albert H. Graziano, ED ‘66, GR ‘70, GR ‘80, Des Moines, IA

Burrus M. “Buzz” Carnahan, BA ‘66, Washington, D.C.

Thomas M. Bertch, ED ‘66, Cedar Falls, IA

Sandra S. (Schultz) Landsness, BA ‘66, Atlantic, IA

William J. O’Brien, LA ‘66, LW ‘70, Las Vegas, NV

Richard J. Moses, PH ‘67, Milan, IL

Phyllis J. (Stevens) Wirtz, ED ‘67, Hampton, IA

Bobbi J. (Olson) Haun, FA ‘67, Kenosha, WI

John A. Elgin, GR ‘67, West Des Moines, IA

James B. Neylon, LA ‘68, GR ‘05, Knoxville, IA

Madelyn S. (Sabin) Thorsland, ED ‘68, Dakota City, NE

Beryl J. (Anderson) Deskin, ED ‘68, Minneapolis, MN

Frederick A. McLaughlin, FA ‘68, GR ‘78, Des Moines, IA

Joyce D. (Loftus) Shaffer, ED ‘69, LA ‘79, West Des Moines, IA

Alan N. Koufer, LA ‘69, LW ‘72, Nashville, TN

Shirley A. (Hicks) Newton, ED ‘69, Bella Vista, AR

Alan N. Koufer, LA’69, LW’72, Nashville, TN

1970 s

Eldon E. Ervin, GR ‘70, Grand Island, NE

Warren L. Davison, ED ‘70, Marshalltown, IA

John P. Miller, Jr., ED ‘70, GR ‘81, Windsor Heights, IA

Anita J. (Johnson) Westerhaus, FA ‘70, ED ‘84, ED ‘95, Bloomington, IN

Larry Adams, non-degree ‘70, Boone, IA

Cynthia S. (White) Cawthorne, ED ‘71, Lansing, MI

John F. Lambertsen, BN ‘71, Oro Valley, AZ

M. Joyce Paquette, GR’71, Bonita Springs, FL

Terrance G. Rutherford, LW ‘71, Atlantic, IA / Panama City Beach, FL

Wendy L. (Ward) Wallace, ED ‘71, Dallas Center, IA

Nancy J. Neiman, ED ‘71, Milo, IA

Donna M. Hull, ED ‘71, Omaha, NE

Timothy D. Robson, FA ‘71, Cleveland, OH

Janet M. McMahill, FA’71, GR’76, Ankeny, IA

Karlene G. (Youngbear) Armajo, LA ‘72, Fort Washakie, WY

Ms. Lynne E. (Cunconan) Ballantini, ED ‘72, Des Moines, IA

Thomas J. Hart, JO ‘72, Valparaiso, IN

Donna J. (Copeland) Lennartson, LA ‘73, Burnsville, MN

Steven F. Letofsky, LW ‘73, Denver, CO

Raymond Cornell, LA ‘73, Montezuma, IA

Joseph C. Scolaro, LA ‘73, Dallas, TX

David A. Schafer, BN ‘74, Davenport, IA

Michael J. Galer, BA ‘74, Lockwood, MO

Thomas G. McCuskey, LW ‘74, Keokuk, IA

David S. Bailey, LW ‘74, Elk Grove, CA

Jack D. Lybarger, LA ‘74, Coxs Mills, WV

Richard L. Petersen, LW ‘74, Madison, WI

Jenifer L. Mercer-Klimowski, LW ‘74, West Des Moines, IA

Michael R. Prey, LA ‘75, Altoona, IA

Virginia Bradish, LA ‘75, LA ‘76, Clive, IA

Hugh K. Schilling, BN ‘75, Cape Coral, FL

Michael J. Green, LW ‘75, Waukee, IA

Lori R. (Giljohann) Hestenes, BA ‘76, Fergus Falls, MN

Robert J. Beilstein, ED ‘77, Fort Mill, SC

Margaret E. (Kiser) Newlin, BA ‘77, Davenport, IA

Bradford W. Harvey, JO ‘78, Des Moines, IA

William A. Peller, BN ‘79, McHenry, IL

Andrew S. Kondrath, ED ‘79, Spirit Lake, IA

Pamela J. (Spencer) Spencer-Olson, LA ‘79, Des Moines, IA

1980 s

Richard Suchanuk, ED ‘81, Highland, IN

Harold Bassett, GR ‘81, Denver, CO

Juanita M. McBeth, ED ‘81, Des Moines, IA

James W. Cleverley, LW ‘82, Newton, IA

Dale Putnam, LW ‘83, Decorah, IA

Carl R. Johnson IV, BN ‘83, Sturgeon Bay, WI

David J. Erbes, LW ‘84, Johnston, IA

Marian L. (Perry) Mills, ED ‘86, Alpharetta, GA

Rebecca E. (Staup) Soltanzadeh, BA ‘88, GR ‘94, Urbandale, IA

Thomas H. Wilson, JO ‘82, Houston, TX

Gary W. Henderson, GR ‘81, Ankeny, IA

1990 s

Betty J. Gause, GR’91, Des Moines, Iowa

Kay K. (Anderson) Bretthauer, AS ‘96, Clive, IA

John A. Wales, GR ‘97, Bussey, IA

2000 s

Donald R. Vickroy, GR 05, East Moline, IL

Julie Ann (Cummings) Thomas, LW ‘04, West Des Moines, IA

James R. Gibler, BN ‘06, Ottumwa, IA

2010 s

Tyler J. Updegraff, BN ‘18, Silverthorne, CO

Paul H. Wieser, AS ‘18, West Des Moines, IA

Cathy J. Carney, Non-degree Alumni, Davenport, IA

FACULTY & STAFF

Walter H. Warrick, Professor (Emeritus), Annapolis, MD

Thomas M. Tronick, Retired Director of Residence Life and Associate Dean of Students, Boone, IA

SAVE

THE DATE

SAVE THE DATE

FRIDAY APR 28

FRIDAY APR

...for reconnecting with old friends and meeting new ones at the All-Alumni Tent Party.

WHEN: Friday, April 28th, 4-8 p.m.

WHERE: Corner of Forest Ave. and 27th

LEARN MORE: alumni.drake.edu/AlumniTentParty

All Drake Alumni are invited to celebrate together at the All-Alumni Tent Party. Join us Friday, April 28, from 4–8 p.m. for music, giveaways, and plenty of fun.