Drake University Blue Magazine - Spring 2024

The Ones Enhancing Student Experience

ON STEROIDS LIFELONG LEARNING

LETTER FROM

DEAN CHESNUT

PH’85, GR’85, ’96, ’98

When Drake says lifelong learning, it isn’t just a catch phrase; it’s reality. I have seen that firsthand in the 40+ years that I have been part of the Drake community – first as a student, then an alum, and then as a faculty member and administrator. I can’t think of a day when I didn’t learn something new. From the moment I set foot on campus as a bright-eyed student to my tenure as Dean of Pharmacy & Health Sciences, my journey has been one characterized by opportunities for growth, discovery, personal development, and transformation. It was certainly more than I ever thought possible when I visited Drake more than 40 years ago and had the ‘feeling’ that it was the place for me to study pharmacy. The concept of lifelong learning has been at the heart of my journey—a journey that, in many ways, has been on steroids. Just as steroids kickstart the immune system, so does Drake kickstart lifelong learning.

Whether I was learning the intricacies of chemical equations, pharmacological interventions, the nuances of business principles, educational theory, or leadership and administration, I was surrounded and inspired by a community of fellow learners.

I’ve learned that lifelong learning is about more than just accumulating degrees and accolades. It’s about embracing every opportunity for growth and transformation, no matter how big or small. It’s about approaching each day with an open mind and a willingness to step outside of one’s comfort zone. It’s about recognizing that true success lies not in reaching a destination, but in the journey itself.

As I prepare to embark on the next chapter of my life, I am reminded of the importance of lifelong learning in shaping not only our individual destinies but also in facilitating the creation of others’ learning opportunities. It is through education and enlightenment that we can overcome the challenges, seize opportunities, and create a prosperous future for generations to come.

So, here’s to continued lifelong learning, dear friends. To the journey that never ends, and the countless opportunities it brings for growth, discovery, and transformation. May we continue to learn, lead, and leave our mark on the world, one lesson at a time.

With deepest gratitude and warmest regards,

Renae Chesnut,

PH’85, GR’85, ’96, ’98

College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences Dean

TRANSFORMING STRENGTHENING

From the opening of Mediacom Stadium and the unveiling of Zimpleman College of Business to the revitalization of Morehouse Hall into a stunning new Student Center and the creation of more than 300 new and expanded student scholarships, we are in the midst of a transformative period in Drake’s history.

The Ones Campaign for the Brave & Bold has reached $216 million toward our $225 million goal. The impact of the campaign can be seen and felt across campus as we continue to leverage and empower the transformational work of our faculty and students to build a stronger tomorrow.

The Ones marks the most important and comprehensive campaign in Drake’s history, and it comes at a time when Drake—like all of higher education—is facing increased external pressures. In the last decade, there has been approximately a 10 percent nationwide decline in the number of high school graduates entering college. This precedes the shifting demographics that will lead to smaller high school graduating classes in the years ahead.

As an enrollment-dependent institution, we are charting an innovative and proactive path forward to secure our future. Our plan includes new revenue-generating strategies, adjustments to our curriculum, a review of our academic programs to ensure our academic offerings align with students’ evolving interests and societal needs, and creative approaches to increase enrollment.

While the work we have before us demands we make difficult decisions, we are confident that, together, we can overcome these challenges and build a stronger University for the long term.

LIVES AND

COMMUNITIES

We are Bulldogs—the ones built for change. The ones committed to making a positive difference through education. The ones using knowledge to uplift individuals of all ages and from all backgrounds.

It is in part because of The Ones campaign that we are able to take control of our own destiny and thrive. In this issue we will highlight the transformative power of a Drake education. How it cultivates passions, community, and inspires students for a lifetime. Drake has a powerful story to tell. I invite you to share it with others so they may know the greatness of being a Bulldog.

As a powerful alumni community—80,000 strong and spanning all corners of the globe—now is the time to unleash our full potential. Let us continue to be The Ones to lead Drake into its next great era.

Go Bulldogs!

SEVEN PRIORITIES. ONE VISION.

Creating Access to Opportunity UNIVERSITY FOR ALL

Transforming Every Day PURSUIT OF EXCELLENCE

Revitalizing Democracy

THE RON AND JANE OLSON CENTER FOR PUBLIC DEMOCRACY

Leading With Purpose

EVERY BULLDOG A CHANGEMAKER

Educating for a Digital World

DIGITAL PROFICIENCY PLATFORM

Enhancing Student Experience

STUDENT CENTER IN MOREHOUSE

Strengthening the Heartland

JAY N. DARLING INSTITUTE

Every campus should have a focal point where students come together to create, learn, reflect, and play. From its historic architecture, warm living room, and grand ballroom, Morehouse fosters a strong sense of community. Leveraging its existing assets, Drake will transform Morehouse into a vibrant Student Center that will serve as a nexus for student life on the Drake campus.

Building Community EMPOWERING PEOPLE

In just three short years, John Dee Bright College has redefined the traditional academic path by offering two-year associate’s degrees in integrated arts, sciences, and humanities as well as in business, organization, and professional studies. The college’s unique approach revolves around learning cohorts which builds a supportive community where non-traditional students navigate their academic journey alongside a dedicated group of peers.

This groundbreaking college is named in honor of Drake University’s 1952 graduate, Johnny Bright, whose legacy as an elite athlete and dedicated educator continues to inspire our students today.

We invite you to witness the power of accessible, highquality education through the stories of five remarkable students who showcase the spirit of this new institution.

IT EXTRAORDINAIRE

DeShana Taylor was in the inaugural class at Bright College, drawn to the business organizational and professional studies track. The practicality of Drake’s program, with a predictable schedule and costeffective tuition, made it the right choice for DeShana, a grandmother with a full-time job.

“I wasn’t a high school graduate,” she said. “I had my daughter at 15, finished 10th grade, and got my GED. I enrolled at Bright College for my development and a sense of accomplishment. I knew it would also make me more viable in the workplace.”

After graduating from Bright College, DeShana planned to enter Drake’s law school but was instead drawn into the field of information technology. She is now a senior with a Digital Communications major. Her degree will not just be for herself but will honor her grandmother, Novella Jean Cromer, who helped raise DeShana and instilled the importance of academic achievement.

Beyond her education and IT career, DeShana is involved in the Pyramid Theatre Company, Iowa’s only Black theater. Starting as an actor, she now serves on the board of directors. For DeShana, Pyramid Theatre has been a lifeline, providing a renewed perspective on life and a sense of family beyond blood ties.

“My path hasn’t been the most direct, but it’s gotten me here, which is exactly where I need to be,” DeShana said.

ASPIRING JOURNALIST

Kat Rucker, an Associate of the Arts student with a passion for writing and dreams of entering journalism, appreciates the diverse cohort environment at Bright College, where individuals of all ages and backgrounds work together and support one another.

“It’s just so fun,” she said. “Getting to know everybody and working closely with the professors. I want to continue at Drake and get my four-year degree. My goal is to become a journalist to tell the stories that don’t get told.”

FUTURE PHYSICIAN’S ASSISTANT

Irvin Ceron-polco brings a unique blend of his passion for healthcare, photography, and cultural expression to his academic journey. Currently pursuing a degree in Healthcare Administration, Irvin began his Bright College experience in the fall of 2023, with plans to graduate in May 2025.

Irvin’s connection to healthcare is deeply personal. Diagnosed with kidney failure at the age of four, he has experienced hospitals and scary health situations. He plans to become an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) this summer and pursue a career as a physician’s assistant.

“With Bright College, I have a flexible schedule where I am studying and earning my degree, but still have time to work, volunteer, and do other things I’m interested in,” he said.

Outside of classwork, Irvin is a busy young man. Working as a waiter and photographer, his artistic side finds expression in his involvement with “Los Zapateros,” a Latino dance group where he also lends his choreography skills.

SOCIAL SERVICES HERO

Isaaca Carter envisions creating an outreach resource center, bringing together existing organizations, and serving as an extension of their outreach services. She dreams of a collaborative space where resources are consolidated, ensuring that individuals seeking assistance can easily find the support they need.

“I’m really big on connections and getting people what they need,” she said. “When people get the wrong tools or don’t realize tools exist to help them, it prolongs their journey. I want to share my knowledge of these systems and help other women with their dreams.”

Bright College provided the opportunity to earn a degree to enhance Isaaca’s advocacy and open more doors for her work.

Enrolled in the business track at Bright, she works several jobs, including at Iowa Family Services, where she provides respite for families in need and teaches essential life skills to children, tailoring her approach to meet individual needs. She is also a working mother after adopting her niece Liliana, who has been invited to join class whenever public schools are closed.

“Bright is a really good program to have a normal life,” she said. “Instead of choosing between raising my daughter and going to college at Bright, I can do both.”

Once she graduates in 2025, Isaaca wants to transfer her credits to a Historically Black University (HBU) and live closer to her family in the South.

Deans’ Updates

Gesine Gerhard

COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES

In the College of Arts and Sciences, students learn by doing. Students build communities as learners in a classroom, science lab, studio, or in the field.

They create strong relationships with fellow students in their majors, in music or theatre ensembles, or by doing work in the community. Arts and Sciences students perform on stage, as interns in professional settings, and as presenters of undergraduate research at professional conferences. Below, I highlight three recent student experiences that fostered learning, connection, and community among College of Arts and Sciences students.

Community through art: In March, the Performing Arts Hall lobby was transformed into a stage for an immersive classical music soundscape—a work composed by Nathan Felix, titled16 Pianos in Surround Sound. Students and faculty invited the audience to actively participate in a performance in and around the Anderson Gallery. The concert blurred the boundaries of classical music, installation, and performance art.

Connections that transform lives: Another project involves sociology students looking at the experiences of people living unsheltered in Polk County. For the last two years, a group of sociology students, led by Assistant Professor Elizabeth Talbert, studied the experiences of people living unsheltered in Polk County. The group has built relationships with affordable housing agencies, the staff who run them, and the people who are served by them. The project forms connections and builds community among people who would have otherwise not met each other.

Empowering underrepresented students in tech: Computer Science professors Tim Urness and Meredith Moore have been building a community for students who are underrepresented in technology. As scholarship recipients, these Inclusive Scholars in Digital Proficiency form a cohort of students in various majors who engage with questions of digital literacy and help other Drake students navigate the monumental technological changes in our society. The program promotes excellence in technology and data skills needed by students to become tomorrow’s leaders.

These are just three of the many experiential learning opportunities that create community and a sense of belonging among students, all while preparing them for a successful future.

Hope Bibens

COWLES LIBRARY

Libraries are often referred to as a third place–a space outside of home and work that provides a sense of belonging and community. According to sociologist Ray Oldenburg, these third places are anchors of community that are essential to civic engagement, democracy, and a sense of belonging. We like to think of Cowles Library as the anchor of the Drake community.

Originally constructed in 1937, our building is a constantly evolving space where everyone can come together. It provides areas for socializing, relaxation, individual study, and collaborative group work. Cowles Library offers long hours of operation, including Midnight Hall, a space that is open to students 24/7. The public is also welcome to use the library facilities and guests can apply for a library card too. Many student and community groups, including Student Senate, are often found meeting in our building. Providing meeting space and providing programming strengthens the student experience and increases community engagement.

But the library is more than a building. We think of ourselves as a program that transforms lives and strengthens communities by equipping students, faculty, and staff with quality information and teaching them to find, evaluate, and use it. In this way, the library prepares students for meaningful personal lives, professional achievements, and

responsible global citizenship. We accomplish this through information literacy instruction that is crucial in our constantly changing society. We strive to provide this to all students, but our student assistants who work with us gain additional experience in the important work that libraries and librarians do. Library faculty and staff have mentored many students who have gone on to careers in public and academic libraries, as well as archives.

Drake University Archives & Special Collections works closely with University departments, student organizations, alumni, and civic organizations to preserve, document, and tell the story of Drake University and the larger community it serves. Through preservation of and access to primary source documents, students can explore hidden histories and build community through storytelling.

Cowles Library is a special place for many students, faculty, and community members. We are always discussing ways to make our library engaging and accessible and to increase our critical information literacy instruction.

Craig Owens

JOHN DEE BRIGHT COLLEGE

Consider some of the great challenges of our time: climate crisis, refugee migration, international warfare, unequal access to medical care, nutrition, and clean water; our heavily polluted news and information environment; the re-emergence of authoritarian nationalism; and widespread distrust of the institutions supportive of active, participatory, democracy worldwide.

These are not policy, economic, or moral issues alone. It’s not enough to take a scientific, philosophical, financial, or historical approach to dealing with the many dilemmas the world faces today. The fact is, we live in what I refer to as an “all-of-the-above” world, where the greatest opportunities for success—both individual and collective—require us to see past the divisive boundaries we often take for granted, like the boundaries between academic subjects, between college and the “real” world, and between old and young, rich and poor, and people of different races, ethnicities, and nationalities (to name a few of just the most obvious divisions).

The John Dee Bright College is designed for the all-of-the-above world, to encourage our students, faculty, and staff alike to see past—and break through—the many boundaries that constrain imagination, limit agency, and perpetuate injustice.

For instance, in a recent seminar on Global Public Health, our students analyzed not just health data, but environmental, political, economic, and cultural factors that shape communities’ key health indicators, like lifespan, infant mortality, and the

prevalence of communicable disease. They worked with experts in statistics, healthcare, political science, and international relations to gain nuanced insight into complex and seemingly intractable problems. In doing so, they came to a fuller understanding of how deeply interconnected the world is, and they have seen more clearly where the levers of change are.

Bright College students empower themselves to become agents of change and improvement in their communities by learning to see the world from many perspectives at once and to act on it and within it in multiple ways.

It’s often comforting to rely on clear boundaries, and it’s comfortable to remain forever within them. It can feel safe, warm, and cozy within the walls of the structures we’ve inherited—both literal and figurative. But transformative change—the kind of change college-going should empower—demands that we confront the discomfort of the unfamiliarity, ambiguity, and complexity of an all-of-the-above world. That’s the world Bright College and its graduates are ready to confront.

Ryan Wise

SCHOOL OF EDUCATION

Our mission within the School of Education is to prepare, support, and inspire our students to lead and serve in a constantly changing world. Creating an engaging and fulfilling student experience that builds a sense of community is central to this effort. We do this in several intentional ways.

First, each of our programs provides students with many opportunities to have a direct and immediate impact in schools and communities through practicum, internship, and student teaching experiences. In their very first course, our undergraduate education majors visit an elementary, middle, and high school and begin to make connections with local teachers and administrators. As students advance through their program, they spend even more time in partner schools and agencies providing support while also gaining invaluable first-hand experience.

Another hallmark of our student experience is bringing the community to our students. Each fall, we host an annual Community Partners Day where more than a dozen local organizations come to the School of Education to share paid and volunteer opportunities. These community partners discuss how their work makes Des Moines a great place to live and work. I have received many compliments from our partners about the power of these connections.

Finally, our students themselves take pride and ownership in creating a vibrant experience and sense of community. The Kappa Delta Pi education honor society and the Drake Education Association plan monthly events including timely speakers and insightful panels that cover a range of topics from education-related legislation to teacher mental health. In addition, student leaders like our SOE senator Ben Connolly help make CollierScripps Hall, home of the School of Education, an inviting place. Each month, Ben picks a theme and transforms our lobby into a visual signal that we are a welcoming, student-centered community.

Catherine Staub

SCHOOL OF JOURNALISM AND MASS COMMUNICATION

I’m pleased to share that the SJMC received an outstanding ACEJMC report that passed us on all eight accreditation standards. The site team praised the “limitless professional opportunities for students” and “students who speak eloquently about the importance of accepting differences among themselves.” You likely remember the creative assignments and professional opportunities that prepared you for your meaningful career. That strong tradition continues, and I share below the latest highlights from the SJMC:

• SJMC faculty and staff incorporated global perspectives into the classroom with international visitors like Dr. Dren Gerguri, a Fulbright scholar and disinformation expert from Kosovo who met with students in February. Dr. Eric Adae and Associate Professor Lakshmi Tirumala led students on the new Drake Experience x Ghana, embedding students in communication and media organizations in Ghana during their J-Term study abroad program.

• Strategic Political Communication faculty are leading class JMC 110 State Capitol Experience to help students better understand how government operates. This class is available to all interns at the Iowa State Capitol, and it features tours and

guest speakers from a variety of government and legislative offices. The experience enables students to build a deeper understanding across all areas of government—not just in the offices where they are completing their internships.

• Juniors and seniors majoring in Magazine and Brand Media will soon jet off to attend a facultyorganized five-day trip to New York City to meet with TV, magazine, PR, social, and digital media professionals. Three days of the trip will include meetings and activities, including a visit to a television set, small group discussions with 20 to 30 industry veterans, recent hires and executives, and tours of major media outlets like The New York Times, DotDash Meredith Corp., Conde Nast, Hearst, and Edelman.

I’d love to share more about the great things happening in SJMC. Please join us on Saturday, April 27, for the official Meredith Hall re-opening celebration during the 2024 Drake Relays.

Chuck Phillips

COLLEGE OF PHARMACY AND HEALTH SCIENCES

One of the best parts of the Drake student experience is the ability to build community. In the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, building community is key to each of our programs. All our programs are committed to combining science with humanity, and our students and graduates are committed to having opportunities to better their communities, their patients, their professions, and themselves.

The student experience builds from their past experiences, their classroom and experiential learning opportunities, campus life, and the cocurriculum. The college is committed to impacting the communities in which we live and work- that means our Drake community, the Des Moines metro and Iowa communities, and the broader national and international communities. These are the places CPHS students go to learn and work to impact health. These are the places students build community in their pursuit of better.

Community is built both on and off campus. While on campus, students are involved in health professional organizations such as professional fraternities, student professional associations, and social organizations. They interact in campus events, cross-college degree programs, and provide health services to the rest of the campus. They work together to learn with, from, and about each other in an interprofessional environment.

While off campus, students learn and provide care at various clinics, hospitals, athletic events, and businesses. They travel throughout Iowa, the nation, and the world to build community and enhance healthcare. This happens during their capstone experiences and the experiential components of their professional programs.

Building

these varied communities is

a hallmark of Drake, the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, and our students. The student experience

is wide and varied. It is what sets Drake graduates apart from others

as they affect change and improve health throughout the world.

Public service meets professional development in the Drake Law Clinic every day. During 2023, our legal clinic students provided more than 11,000 hours of free legal services to 530 clients. All told, our Law School provided over $1.6 million worth of legal advice to the community last year, in subjects ranging from criminal law to children’s rights to immigration.

While classroom learning remains the bedrock of legal education, students cannot become “complete professionals” until they are sitting across the table from a real client who needs their help. Clinical programs, along with a vast array of internship opportunities, provide formative experiences that give students the confidence to succeed as graduates. Moreover, handling these cases connects them meaningfully to the legal community of judges and lawyers, which leads to jobs or other professional development opportunities.

In 1875, the founder of Drake Law School, Justice Chester Cole, decided to move the school to Des Moines to take advantage of the opportunities it provided as the center of law in the state. What was true then remains true today; the classroom truly extends beyond our campus to the city’s courts, agencies, legislature, and law firms.

Spring always brings a full slate of interesting events to our alumni. This year’s Supreme Court Day events on April 4–6 will include an introduction to the incoming dean. The Law Review banquet will celebrate more than 30 years of Professor Keith Miller as their advisor. Professor Miller, who joined Drake Law in 1979, retires after this semester, having made an enormous impact on the lives and careers of so many. Professor Bob Rigg will be retiring as the director of the Criminal Defense program after 30 years in the role.

This year’s Constitutional Law Symposium on April 13 will discuss “Climate Change, the Environment, and Constitutions,” with the usual impressive lineup of nationally recognized scholars, offering both virtual and in-person options. We are excited to introduce our new CLE program in Harlaxton, England this August. Check out this amazing opportunity on our website.

Jerry Anderson DRAKE LAW SCHOOL

ROSCOE JONES, JR. NAMED DEAN OF DRAKE UNIVERSITY LAW SCHOOL

Nationally recognized attorney brings decades of government relations and public policy experience to Drake Law School, building upon its strong 150-year history

Drake University is excited to welcome Roscoe Jones, Jr. as Dean of its Law School, effective July 1, 2024. Jones will become the 22nd dean of the Drake Law School. He joins Drake from Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher’s Washington, D.C. office where he is a partner and co-chairs the firm’s Public Policy Group. Jones is making history as not only the first Black dean of Drake Law School, but also the University’s first Black dean of any college or school.

“The global impact of Dean Jones’ advocacy and policy work on civil and human rights is extraordinary, and we are incredibly fortunate to have him join us as the next leader of Drake Law School,” said Drake University Provost Sue Mattison. “In addition to his expertise, wisdom, and enthusiasm, he has the heart to change lives and communities by building authentic relationships through and beyond any perceived or real differences. Roscoe’s talents and experience leave him uniquely suited to advance the Law School’s mission to prepare students to promote justice, serve their communities, and uphold ideals of ethics and professionalism in their future endeavors.”

Jones served for almost a decade in senior-level roles on Capitol Hill, including Chief of Staff to U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger, Legislative Director to U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein, Senior Counsel to U.S. Senator Cory A. Booker, and Senior Counsel on the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee for then-Chairman Patrick Leahy.

Recognized as one of Lawdragon’s “500 Leading Lawyers in America,” listed as one of The Hill’s “Top Lobbyists,” and named by Chambers USA as a leading government relations practitioner, Jones brings with him a wealth of leadership, policy, and legislative experience.

ROSCOE JONES, JR. NAMED DEAN OF DRAKE UNIVERSITY LAW SCHOOL (CONTINUED)

He served in several roles in the U.S. Department of Justice. He was an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Western District of Washington, an Appellate Attorney in the Civil Rights Division and Special Counsel to then Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Tom Perez in the U.S. Department of Justice.

Jones has been involved in legal education throughout his career, serving on boards and other organizations to advance the ideal of the law. He co-chairs the national board of the American Constitution Society and serves as Secretary of the Board of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law. Jones has taught at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government, and law schools at Yale, Chicago, Georgetown, and Michigan.

JERRY ANDERSON REFLECTIONS ON TIME

“I am grateful to Provost Mattison and the search committee chaired by Professor Danielle Shelton for entrusting me with this responsibility. Drake Law School is a special place dedicated to shaping future government, business, legal, and judicial leaders,” Jones said.

“A Drake Law education is unique due to its focus on theory and practical learning. I am humbled to lead a community committed to an unwavering collegiality and a singular mission to prepare students to promote justice, service, and ethics. I look forward to serving our talented students as dean and working alongside our dedicated faculty, staff, alumni, and supporters to train the next generation of leaders, grow our impact, and improve justice through scholarship, teaching, and service.”

Jones graduated with high honors from Stanford University and earned his J.D. from the University of Virginia Law School, where he was Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Social Policy & Law and co-founder of the Center for Race & Law. He clerked on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit and the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland. He is an elected member of the American Law Institute, Council on Foreign Relations, and American Bar Foundation.

REFLECTIONS AS DEAN

The Drake Law nation is thrilled with the successful conclusion of our dean search. Our new dean, Roscoe Jones, Jr. begins his term on July 1, fitting our brand perfectly in that he comes from a rich practice background, including two judicial clerkships, a decade on Capitol Hill, and leadership at a national law firm. He brings remarkable vision, energy, and an engaging personality to this work.

We attracted a new dean of this caliber because he and the other candidates found Drake to be a very special place. A place fueled by strong alumni support—not only in financials, but in service as mentors, adjuncts, team coaches, and many other ways. This support and engagement translate into a fulfilling learning experience, which leads to happy and successful alumni: a “virtuous cycle” that we thank you for!

As my time as dean draws to a close, I am grateful for this experience. After serving on the faculty since 1991, my commitment to Drake runs deep, so it’s been a true honor to represent this institution. Being a faculty member can be a solitary job; you plan and teach your classes and engage in scholarship largely alone. In contrast, a dean really can’t do anything without the help of others, including alumni, staff, faculty, or central administration. I have greatly enjoyed working as part of our outstanding team to advance the Law School.

I am proud of many things we’ve accomplished together. For example, the average debt burden of our law graduates is now 25% lower than it was eight years ago, despite increasing costs. We achieved this because our faculty and staff make an effort to be good stewards of our resources, and our alumni generously contribute to scholarship funding. We are now ranked #9 in the country among private schools for the value our degree provides as indicated by the success of our graduates measured against their investment.

After meeting so many of our alumni, I’ve been able to see more clearly the power of a Drake Law degree. We have graduates doing amazing things across the country in an incredible range of positions—from the highest levels of government in Washington, D.C. to helping farmers with estate plans in Washington, Iowa. All of them trace their success back to Drake. As dean, you cannot help but be filled with pride at having helped launch so many on their paths.

Law school deans don’t last long on average. When I leave the post after 8 years, my tenure will rank in the top 30 of law deans nationwide. The issues seem to get more complex every year, from free speech controversies to the Next Generation Bar Exam to the impact of Artificial Intelligence on legal practice and legal education.

But at Drake, the challenges seem less daunting with our supportive community of students, faculty, staff, and alumni. During the pandemic we had to turn on a dime to begin teaching and learning online. I could not have been prouder of the attitude of everyone involved in navigating that challenge with grace and positivity. Three years later, the group of 1Ls who started their studies online had an incredible first-time pass rate of 95% on the Iowa Bar exam. This is truly a testament to the grit and adaptability of everyone involved.

Thank you to everyone for being part of Team Drake. I am excited to return to the faculty and continue to pull my oar to propel us forward.

CAMPUS CONFIDENTIAL

Two students recount their moment in the spotlight at the CNN Republican Presidential Debate.

Seven Days with CNN

Eli Benson, a sophomore double majoring in American politics and law, politics, and society, had the unique opportunity to be the body double for Ron DeSantis at the nationally televised presidential debate on January 10 at Drake’s Sheslow Auditorium.

In this recreation, Eli journals about his adventure with the CNN crew.

When he’s not cracking jokes with celebrated political journalists, Eli is a proud member of the Theta Chi fraternity, President of the Drake Student Alumni Association, part of the Changemaker Scholars Program, and a student ambassador who gives tours to prospective Bulldogs.

DEC 2023

I received an email from Professor Rachel Paine Caulfield about CNN coming to campus for the GOP debate. Really wanted to attend. Rumor had it: “Work for CNN, get the best seats at the debate.” Challenge accepted.

I came back early from holidays. One week to go, but radio silence about the CNN job. Panic. Emailed Prof. RPC. Relief! Chosen, along with Ashley Johnson, to join the CNN crew. Yesss!

JAN 5

I met the CNN crew and toured the setup at Sheslow Auditorium. Two satellite trucks and a video production truck arrived from the Rose Bowl. My day? Running errands and stocking up on snacks at Walmart. All their favorite candies? Check. Crew happy? Double-check.

JAN 6

First day of rehearsal. I was assigned to stand in for 5’8” DeSantis... An interesting experience for this 6’3” frame.

I’m too tall… Sent back to runner duties.

JAN 7

The CNN crew is great—they treat us like co-workers and friends. Big snowstorm hitting Iowa. Most of the crew are Southerners and celebrated the snow like a party. They went sledding!

JAN 8

I’m back as the DeSantis stand-in. Got my hunch perfected. The light and camera crews need my head to be his exact height. Snowstorm chaos ensues, but our CNN family is having a blast.

JAN 9

Full dress rehearsal. While mock debating with Ashley, the Nikki Haley stand-in, who walks on stage? CNN’s chief Washington correspondent Jake Tapper and Inside Politics host Dana Bash. They ask me and Ashley to debate the best cheeses. I name-dropped Nick Offerman as one of my favorite actors. Tapper claims friendship. Mind officially blown.

JAN 11

Tapper messaged me a video greeting from Offerman! What is even happening?!? Is this my life? Near blizzard conditions for debate night. CNN crew worries about our winter clothing choices. Told me to dress in black for debate. Another big surprise–I’m given a seat right behind the podium. Hung out with the candidates’ families, talking to Tapper and Bash like friends. Gov. Reynolds across the room. The debate was crazy! Parents and friends saw me on live national TV. Insane experience.

Goodbyes to the crew. CNN paid me $320 cash! Seriously considering summer internship in DC with these connections. Dream gig exceeded all expectations.

Flags, Near-Falls, and Front Row Seats

Among the students eager for a glimpse of political theater, Chris Wilkins, President of the Drake University Veterans Association (DUVA), who’s working toward his MBA, envisioned a role for his group at the Republican National Debate.

Chris recognized the perfect opportunity to showcase the student organization’s color guard as a proud U.S. Navy veteran. “I really wanted to see the debate, but tickets were on a lottery system,” Chris said. “So, I figured the best way to attend was to volunteer.”

The early setup days were chaotic, with everyone working tirelessly to bring the event to life. One night, Chris and fellow color guard member Chelsea Olinger stood for three hours, just waiting for a chance to practice. Their Bulldog persistence paid off, because the highly polished stage floor was so slick they needed different shoes to complete their military-facing maneuvers.

“He was in very nice dress shoes, but not the most conducive to walking on ice,” Chris recalled. “Just as I’m going by, he slips and is about to go down. I caught him, set him back on his feet, and said, ‘Welcome to Iowa.’ and just walked on.”

Turns out the white-haired man was celebrity journalist Anderson Cooper. Chris didn’t recognize him until Cooper’s driver told him.

With the exception of a few hiccups and missed cues, Chris said the Drake DUVA Color Guard made the University and state proud, along with all the other students who lent a hand or their talents to the event. Fortunately, the DUVA’s hard work paid off with unexpected front-row seats behind the families of GOP hopefuls Ron DeSantis and Nikki Haley.

“It was such a heated debate,” he said. “And there we were, just feet away, seeing the reactions from each family like they were watching a boxing match.”

Afterward, politicians, CNN personnel, and local celebrities thanked Chris and his fellow color guard members for their service.

Since his moment in the national spotlight, Chris continues to look for more opportunities to channel the group’s energy into community initiatives. Their mission extends beyond the flag-bearing moments, aiming to support veterans in their journey through college and beyond. They help veterans and their families find the resources to succeed.

Chris is earning his MBA to help grow his business, Human Plus Nature Life Coaching, where he works with veterans and others who need support to reach their goals.

“Most of us joined the military to serve others, and most of us aren’t the heroes we thought we would be,” he said. “But through groups like the DUVA, we help fulfill the need we all have to be of service and help to others.” JAN 10

On the big night of the debate, a classic Iowa twist–a snowstorm. As

BRIDGING WORLDS:

YALI inspires leadership with compassion

Stephanie Kiel knows the feeling of being a stranger in a new land. As a former foreign exchange student, she intimately understands the challenges of navigating unfamiliar cultural norms.

“I knew how difficult it could be to acclimate to a new place and space,” Kiel reflected.

This empathy led her to join the Office of Global Engagement during her sophomore year to serve as a resident assistant for 25 Fellows who were part of Drake University’s 2023 Mandela Washington Fellowship cohort. The Fellowship is the flagship program of the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI), a signature program of the U.S. government that invests in Africa’s next generation of leaders.

Kiel offered live-in support for the Fellows, representing 19 African countries, and helped them adjust to life in Des Moines by actively participating in their academic sessions, leadership training, and site visits.

As a senior graduating this May with majors in politics, economics, and law, politics, and society, Kiel is grateful for her YALI experience.

“The Mandela Washington Fellows are some of the most incredible, accomplished, and visionary changemakers I have ever had the pleasure of meeting,” she said. “I was inspired by their drive and motivation to better their communities and the world, which is exactly what I want to do in my personal and professional life.”

How the Program Works

Drake has been selected for the Mandela Washington Fellowship every year since 2016. The University provides exceptional leadership training and hands-on practical learning to all Fellows that can be applied in their home nations.

Thirty faculty and staff engaged with the 2023 program, jointly managed by the Office of Global Engagement and Zimpleman College of Business. Community engagement is a crucial element of Drake, with a goal that the entire community of Des Moines is a resource for learning, explained Annique Kiel, executive director of Global Engagement and International Programs.

“YALI at Drake benefits the Fellows in their leadership development while enhancing the global perspective and cultural awareness of Drake’s campus and beyond. The mutually beneficial nature of the program is equally special and important,” she said.

In total, 22 partners from varius sectors participated in 2023, including 1 Million Cups entrepreneurship program, Blank Park Zoo, Greater Des Moines Partnership, John Deere, Principal Financial Gropu, and the community of Manning.

“Each year, we take the Fellows to Manning, Iowa, with a population of 1,500,” said Lance Noe, Associate Professor of Practice-Public Administration and Director of the Center for Professional Studies. “The entire community interacts with the Fellows over three days. It’s an incredible partnership and testament to Iowa’s commitment to this program.”

Profiles of 2023 YALI Fellows

Postpartum Services for Mothers

Adaeze Menekpug is from Nigeria and runs a family care company called Omugwo, which provides postpartum care services for mothers and children.

“As a health startup, our goal is to reduce the number of neonatal deaths and lifelong health issues that women suffer as a result of not being properly cared for during postpartum,” she said.

To achieve this, her company trains and engages indigent women, equipping them with skills and knowledge and connecting them to families needing their services.

Since 2018, Menekpug’s company has trained over 600 women.

Radio Drama Highlights Struggles

Aisha Abdullahi Bubah started The Strong Voices Project to highlight the struggles of an average Nigerian, including sexual and gender-based violence, conflict, COVID-19, and economic issues.

Season two of her drama series aired on two radio stations in December 2023, in both English and Hausa, focusing on the story of a young female rape survivor.

“The story navigates her traumatic experience, including the mental health issues and social stigma she faced, and how she overcame them,” Aisha said.

The radio drama reached more than 500,000 listeners, promoting mental well-being, and encouraging community efforts to help survivors heal.

Empowering Disabled Women Through Art

Felana Rajaonarivelo is a visionary artist and photographer from Madagascar and the CEO of the production company Fireflies. This celebrated documentarian creates films that highlight the daily struggles of women with disabilities. Her film, “DEBOUT!” was selected for several prestigious film festivals.

“DEBOUT! Not only raised awareness but also financially supported disabled women,” Rajaonarivelo said, “contributing to their professional projects and empowering 600 women through the solidarity fund of the Association of Disabled Women of Madagascar.”

Following her Fellowship at Drake, Rajaonarivelo plans to establish a business clinic in Madagascar to empower young women through tailored programs, workshops, and mentorship, infusing creativity into their journey toward financial independence.

Heritage, & Heart History, DISCOVERING GHANA’S

His students affectionately dubbed it the DrakeXGhana trip. For public relations professor Dr. Eric Kwame Adae, it was a chance to experience his home country of Ghana through the eyes of 13 Drake University students on a trip of a lifetime.

For three weeks each January, Drake students can participate in J-Term—a time in which students and faculty engage in intensive, focused learning opportunities, with no distraction or juggling of other courses. It is an opportunity to study subjects that are often difficult to fit into a regular semester schedule. These experiences have immersed students in everything from healthcare studies in India to an exploration of art history in Italy. During this particular J-Term trip students immersed themselves in the rich culture, history, and media landscape that defines the West African nation. Fellow digital media production professor Lakshmi Tirumala joined Adae in planning the two-week adventure.

Before setting foot in Ghana, students researched pre- and post-colonial history, the slave trade, post-independence events, politics, religion, social structure, and the media landscape. English is the official language in Ghana, but Adae, born and raised in the capital Accra, led language seminars to ensure students could communicate simple phrases in Twi, one of the common native languages.

Naming Ceremony

Once they landed, the trip began with a naming ceremony. “In Ghana, you are given what we call ‘day names,’” explained Adae, sharing that his middle name, Kwame, means “a male child born on Saturday.”

Next, Adae and Tirumala arranged a personal fair, where local artists displayed and sold intricate bracelets, earrings, and formal Ghanaian garments made with locally sourced textiles. The journey continued with visits to notable places, including the W.E.B. DuBois Museum, the National Museum of History and Ethnography, and the Kwame Nkrumah Museum. It was from this former British polo field that Ghana declared its independence in 1957.

Many sites, like the Assin Manso Ancestral Slave River Park and the Cape Coast Castle, provided a poignant connection to Ghana’s role in the transatlantic slave trade. Adae prepared students as best he could, “but many were shocked and triggered by the sites we visited,” he said. “It is very emotional to stand where so many slaves stood and begin to understand their terrible experience.” Slave River Park was the last place enslaved people were allowed to bathe in African waters before boarding slave ships.

Embedded with Media Teams

One of the trip’s standout experiences was embedding students in the daily operations of several Ghanaian media outlets. “I was placed with a luxury clothing brand, Chocolate Clothes, where I learned and experienced the fashion and art market in Western Africa,” shared Payton Blahut, a public relations and art history double-major, on her LinkedIn page.

Multimedia journalism major, Candace Carr, was placed at the Media Foundation for West Africa. “MFWA’s mission to defend freedom of expression throughout West Africa is truly brought to life by its talented, multigenerational, and multidisciplinary staff,” she wrote on LinkedIn.

Meanwhile, Tori Oliver, a senior in advertising and marketing, visited the ad agency Inova DDB. “We got to sit in on brainstorming sessions for real clients, and some of our ideas made it into the next step forward, so it was really exciting,” she shared in a video interview.

Culture, Food, and Fun!

The agenda included many exciting and fun side trips, like the renowned Nkyinkyim Museum, the kente-weaving village of Bonwire, Wli Agumatsa Waterfalls where they cooled off beneath the falls, Prempeh II Museum, the Ntonso Adinkra village, Kakum National Park where they walked across a 100-foot high rope bridge, the Ahwiaa woodcarving center, and the Tafi Atome Monkey Sanctuary where monkeys sat on the students’ shoulders to eat bananas!

“It was interesting to experience my own country through the students’ eyes,” Adae recalled. They picked up on things that I used to take for granted, things I never noticed because of over-familiarity. It was very fulfilling to see how much fun they were having.”

The DrakeXGhana trip not only opened students’ eyes to the beauty and complexity of Ghana but also created a deeper appreciation for cultural diversity, historical significance, and the role of media in today’s world. Immersive J-Term experiences like this help Drake with its mission to shape the next generation of well-rounded and culturally aware young leaders. Adae is already planning the next DrakeXGhana trip!

Check out this studentproduced video of their Ghana experience!

The Growing Importance of Societal Impact

Isabella Lopez, a junior majoring in Finance and International Business with minors in Management and Business Law, recently attended the 40th IMPACT Conference in Nacogdoches, Texas, joining other students, faculty, and nonprofit professionals focused on building a more just and humane world. Lopez attended workshops about Thriving in Intersectionality: Belonging at Work, Engaging Neurodiverse People, and Exploring Global Pathways.

She also presented a workshop on student service leadership, showcasing Drake University’s community involvement, focusing on students’ volunteerism and the platforms Drake provides to support students in generating positive societal impact.

A recent McKinsey & Co. report surfaced 10 Generation Z consumers (the current generation of college students) believe companies are responsible for addressing environmental and social issues. McKinsey reported that this generation has strong

Growing up in a small town in northeast Iowa, my parents always emphasized the importance of giving back, helping those in need, and making a positive impact in every aspect of your life.

racial justice and sustainability values and high expectations for the brands, institutions, and employers they align with.

Lopez is an excellent example of this purposeminded generation. She serves as the junior class representative, is a member of the leadership council for the Zimpleman College of Business and represents as a Social Impact Student Liaison. In this later role, she manages the deployment of the Positive Impact Rating (PIR) survey, which ranks business schools based on students’ perceptions of the institution’s positive societal contributions across the business school.

community. She knew she had found her match after visiting Drake and learning about campus life.

Tragically, Lopez lost her mother to cancer just a few weeks before the start of her sophomore year. Her work honors the values taught by her parents, and she intends to find a role in the financial services industry that will allow her to focus on efforts to ensure financial inclusion for everyone.

“By being in these positions, I can continue to make both of my parents proud by setting myself up for a bright future and helping improve the environment that all other business students are in every single day,” she said.

WHY PIR RESULTS MATTER

The Zimpleman College of Business earned a Level 4 “Transforming School” category in the latest PIR survey, solidifying its place among the world’s top business schools dedicated to positive societal contributions. Level 4 is the second-highest tier of PIR-rated schools worldwide. Zimpleman College of Business is one of only seven U.S. business schools with a Level 4 rating. None have achieved Level 5. Other notable schools include Colorado State, Fordham, Drexel, and St. Joseph’s.

The Zimpleman College of Business, in collaboration with students, faculty, and advisory boards, has identified three key focus areas for its societal impact efforts:

Propelling First-Generation Student Success:

Recognizing the importance of social mobility, Zimpleman aims to support and uplift its 22% first-generation student population, providing opportunities for success and empowerment.

Supporting Mission-Driven Businesses:

The college’s Entrepreneurial Centers are pivotal in guiding future entrepreneurs to become changemakers in their respective fields. This aligns with the mission to create business leaders with a strong sense of social responsibility.

Accelerating Financial Inclusion and Financial Literacy: Zimpleman College is committed to responsibly promoting access to affordable financial products and services, fostering financial inclusion and literacy within the student body and beyond.

Central to this work is our North Star: Equipping business students to do well by doing good—empowering them to contribute to the global economy and society, Hernandez said. 2. 3. 1.

From Bookstacks to Storymaps:

The Journey of an Aspiring Archivist

Alumna Allie Shambaugh-Miller loved wandering the labyrinth of books and knowledge at Cowles Library, where she worked for two years as a circulation assistant and then as a student supervisor.

With a History major and Sociology minor, she had no idea that her library work-study job–which entailed helping students with the printers and inter-loan library requests, would soon change her career path.

“I never planned on going into librarianship,” she said. “But one class I really wanted to take was Hope Bibens’s J-Term course, Introduction to Archives.”

Discovering Her Passion

During the three-week program, Shambaugh-Miller learned about the principles of archival theory and was handed a small collection of materials to archive.

“My first project was processing the manuscripts and correspondence of a female alumna who was an author,” she shared. The course ignited a passion, leading her to apply to the Drake University Archives & Special Collections student position the following fall.

Shambaugh-Miller worked alongside Bibens, Director, University Archives & Special Collections, Associate Professor of Librarianship, and Benedict Chatelain, Archives Associate, who hand-picked a special collection for her to work on. “They were very conscious of the work they were giving me, helping

me determine if this was the kind of career I wanted to have,” she said. “They were thinking ahead and helping me build my resume.”

Her new job was to sort through 22 boxes about the Harlan family, spanning three generations of Iowa men from the 1800s to the late 1970s. With meticulous care, she dove into the complete archival process—inventory, planning of arrangement, physical labeling, preservation, and creating accessible online exhibits.

Shambaugh-Miller’s eyes sparkled as she described her work about A. W. Harlan, an Iowa resident with a life story akin to Forrest Gump. (A. W. popped up in the most fascinating places, like the California gold rush, the selection of Brigham Young as the Mormon’s new leader, a shipwreck in Mexico, a Confederate prisoner of war, and the first Ferris wheel at the Chicago World’s Fair.) Through scanning diaries, photographs, and documents, she brought the collection to life and proudly created a digital Storymap to highlight the contents.

“I had a phenomenal experience,” she recalled. “It showed me that I could still pursue my love of history but reshape it for a more economically viable career.”

Returning to Academia

Shambaugh-Miller is now getting her master’s in library science with a concentration in archival management from Simmons University in Boston. She plans to explore diverse archival opportunities, from government and city archives to universities and corporate collections. Her ultimate goal is to work for a university in a library like Cowles.

“My dream job is to return to a university’s special collections,” she said. “I think they’re just really special places, not only to interact with the institution’s history but also to see the personal collections and donor relations within that tight-knit community that shares this common experience.”

Explore Your Drake History

Uncover your own Drake history at the Drake University Archives & Special Collections on the second floor of Cowles Libary. Discover yearbooks, student publications, and the rich history of many student organizations.

If you’re not in town, dive into the online archives:

Immerse yourself in the fascinating Harlan Family Collection:

Lastly, experience Shambaugh-Miller’s Storymap on A.W. Harlan:

HOOPS IN THE HEARTLAND CHAMPIONS

AT DRAKE

In the last two years, Drake has been the only NCAA DivisionI athletics program that has had both men’s and women’s basketball teams win back-to-back conference tournament titles. From Selection Show celebrations and traveling to NCAA Tournament sites, to watch parties around the country, Drake alumni, students, friends, and fans showed amazing support for the Bulldogs during the 2024 NCAA Tournament.

In Memoriam

1940 s

E. LaVonne Schumann, ED’46, ED’70, Ames, IA

Shirley L. Kalahar, ED’47, Moline, IL

Richard P. Walters, LA’47, Clive, IA

Audrae L. Bailey, LA’47, Sioux Falls, SD

Joan G. Thaler, LA’47, Cedar Rapids, IA

Gene O. Chauser, LA’48, Boca Raton, FL

Donn K. Haglund, LA’48, Whitefish Bay, WI

Donna Laushman, ED’48, Lawrence, KS

Bonita Sawinski, FA’48, Port Saint Lucie, FL

Darlene M. Prashak, BN’48, Cedar Rapids, IA

Merrie Manbeck, LA’48, Venice, FL

James A. Harris, FA’48, FA’55, FA’48, GR’55, Derwood, MD

Charles S. Crusinberry, LA’48, Corona, CA

Margaret E. DeRuyscher, BN’48, GR’79, Des Moines, IA

Marie E. Sunderman, ED’48, Ames, IA

Dorothy L. Clinton, FA’49, Des Moines, IA

Richard A. Morris, BN’49, GR’77, San Luis Obispo, CA

Joyce Tremble, FA’49, GR’75, Estes Park, CO

Donna M. Carlson, LA’49, Minneapolis, MN

Evelyn L. Wilson, FA’49, Springfield, IL

Edwin, M. Specht, ED’49, Ramona, CA

Norman L. Bacon, JO’49, Studio City, CA

1950 s

Audrey Dell (Perdue) Williams, ED’50, Lake City, IA

Walter H. Schmidt, PH’50, Port Townsend, WA

William Wendland, BN’50, Paradise Valley, AZ

Gerald G. Winkleman, LA’50, St. Louis, MO

Clarence J. Beck, FA’50, La Habra, CA

Donald Deburn, BN’50, St. Petersburg, FL

Roger J. Brown, BN’50, Sussex, WI

John P. Fry, LA’50, Springfield, OR

Oburn Herrick, ED’50, GR’66, Johnston, IA

Dale E. Hetland, BN’50, Waconia, MN

Marilyn R. Immel, ED’50, Clive, IA

Joseph H. King, ED’50, Roseville, CA

Richard M. Kotz, D.O., LA’50, Des Moines, IA

Larry D. Kraus, BN’50, Tarzana, CA

Geraldine G. Langland, ED’50, Des Moines, IA

Thomas Lydon, ED’50, GR’51, Portland, OR

Marion Kitzman, FA’50, Ames, IA

Michael R. Peterson, FA’50, Phoenix, AZ

JoAnn Y. Erwood, LA’50, GR’52, West Des Moines, IA

Enid B. Farrand, LA’50, GR’53, Forest Hill, MD

Richard G. Maultra, BN’50, Indianapolis, IN

Jesse J. McReynolds, BN’50, Lenexa, KS

Michael F. Rito, BN’50, West Chicago, IL

Wesley C. Sampson, BN’50, Toledo, OH

Shirley L. Lake, LA’50, Coronado, CA

Kathleen Spargur, LA’50, Santa Barbara, CA

Eugene Schulman, LA’50, Denver, CO

Sue Leven Sager, FA’50, Ft. Lauderdale, FL

Harold Johnson, JO’50, Medina, TN

Barbara Spooner, ED’50, Blue Bell, Pennsylvania

Charles L. Bates, BN’50, Brea, CA

Edward A. Smith, BN’50, Brooklyn, MD

Dean E. Creger, ED’50, Sun Lakes, AZ

Donald H. Glasson, BH’50, Ottumwa, IA

S. Loraine B. Hull-Smithers, FA’50, Santa Monica, CA

Carlton Korn, PH’50, Saint Paul, MN

James D. Roth, ED’50, GR’61, Tucson, AZ

James P. Mitchell, ED’50, ED’55, GR’67, Des Moines, Iowa

Leila Sawtelle, PH’51, Marshalltown, IA

William L. Ward, ED’51, University Park, IA

Dr. Roy W. Overton, Jr., LA’51, West Des Moines, IA

Arnold Helland, PH’51, Glen Allen, VA

Jeanette Baker, JO’51, Scottsdale, AZ

Thomas M. Eckey, LA’51, Des Moines, IA

Waid Davidson, BN’51, Corpus Christi, TX

Eugene A. Knepper, BN’51, Cedar Rapids, IA

Ellias N. Manoles, M.D., LA’51, Minneapolis, MN

James M. Meston, BN’51, Pittsburgh, PA

Mary V. Mingus, ED’51, Coon Rapids, IA

Maryls (Mantz) Williams, LA’51, Chico, CA

Richard Sussman, LA’51, Palm Beach Gardens, FL

Warren H. Wilson, BN’51, West Des Moines, IA

Deborah A. Turner, ED’51, Shell Lake, WI

Marilyn T. Collison, ED’51, Oro Valley, AZ

Louise W. Sorenson, ED’51, Upland, CA

Mary H. Owen-Ovemyer, LA’51, Carmel, IN

Terry L. Malone, ED’51, Anaheim, CA

Seymour I. Kleinberg, LA’51, Bornx, NY

Jean Evers, FA’51, El Paso, TX

Richard B. Miles, BN’51, Cedar Park TX

Donald Siefken, ED’51, GR’68, Mason City, IA

Mildred Robinson, ED’52, Bullhead City, AZ

J. Patrick Downey, BN’52, West Des Moines, IA

Dan F. Osen, PH’52, Bloomington, IN

Carol M. Rice, BN’52, Indianapolis, IN

Joan L. Roberts, ED’52, Boulder, CO

Raymond B. Wilson, LA’52, Sanford, FL

Grant W. White, LW’52, St. Simons Island, GA

Florence P. Green, FA’52, Lincoln, NE

Ware H. Taylor, BN’52, West Burlington, IA

Thomas F. Sheehan, BN’52, Keswick, VA

Russell E. Johnson, PH’52, Des Moines, IA

Jolly A. Davidson, FA’52, Clarinda, IA

Russell D. Adams, ED’52, Harlan, IA

John B. Williams, BN’52, Trussville, AL

Yvonne E. Harward, FA’52, FA’59, Douds, IA

John D. Mertz, BN’52, West Des Moines, IA

Martha Martin, FA’52, Des Moines, IA

Mary A. Lockard, ED’52, Russell, IA

Deo C. Plecas, ED’52, Scottsdale, AZ

Marjean M. Poston, ED’52, Corydon, IA

Dale Jensen, JO’52, ED’58, Mason City, IA

Patricia R. Martin, ED’53, Clare, IA

John D. Hunt, BN’53, Des Moines, IA

Sharon A. Pedersen, JO’53, Harris, IA

James A. Stout, LW’53, Albuquerque, NM

Loren “Ted” Sloan, LW’53, Davenport, IA

Robert Siegel, BN’53, Boynton Beach, FL

Milton S. Olson, BN’53, Durham, NC

Virgil D. Moore, LA’53, LW’57, Des Moines, IA

Norman E. Miller, ED’53, GR’65, West Des Moines, IA

James K. McNeley, LA’53, Cortez, CO

Anna M. Anderson, ED’53, Bloomington, MN

Pastor George Larson, LW’53, Evansville, MN

John “Bob” Kurrle, BN’53, Des Moines, IA

Sheldon Hyman, LA’53, Lake Worth, FL

Stuarat B. Henderson, PH’53, Arcadia, CA

Neva G. Burba, FA’53, Largo, FL

Jack Jennett, ED’53, GR’59, Cedar Falls, IA

Dewey M. Johnson, ED’53, Flagstaff, AZ

Marjorie C. (Haas) Young, ED’53, ED’58, Zelienople, PA

Sue C. Wagoner, ED’53, Albuquerque, NM

William G. Hansen, LA’53, DV’58, Sun City, AZ

Robert D. Snater, FA’53, GR’70, GR’77, Santa Rosa, CA

Ann L. White, FA’53, Huntington Woods, MI

Franklyn G. Mapes, FA’53, GR’58, Henderson, TX

Glenn M. VanLaningham, LA’54, Edina, MN

Betty J. Miller, GR’54, Minnetonka, MN

Wayne L. Morgart, ED’54, Union, IA

Mary Ferguson, ED’54, ED’56, Dayton, IA

Faber L. Hood, PH’54, Mesa, AZ

Merlin H. Lee, LA’54, Clive, IA

Thomas J. Ferguson, LA’54, Tuscon, AZ

CHarles W. Pahl, LA’54, Saint George, UT

Jim I. Myerly, LW’54, Agoura Hills, CA

Dwane E. Mickelson, FA’54, GR’54, Riverside, CA

Gerald Mills, ED’54, Wisconsin Rapids, WI

Robert H. Egemo, BN’55, Lake Lake, FL

Edward J. Dwyer Jr., ED’55, Auburn, ME Floyd Brackett, LA’55, Tucson, AZ

Edward F. Lowman, BN’55, Washington, DC

Daryle Rowley, BN’55, Harrisonurg, LA

Craig W. Textor, JO’55, Ames, IA

John W. Sackett, ED’55, GR’61, Cedar Rapids, IA

Franklin D. Peterson, BN’55, West Des Moines, IA

Carolyn M. Berry, JO’55, Clarinda, IA

Harold E. Tuttle, FA’55, GR’68, Sioux Center, IA

David L. Sisam, ED’55, Greenviulle, SC

Kathleen M. LeBlanc, FA’55, Greensboro, NC

Thomas Dunn, LA’56, Kilgore, TX

Dean W. Nelson, LA’56, Tampa, FL

Dr. Donald B. Gibson, GR’56, Cleveland, TN

Eugene G. Macomber, ED’56, Hanover, MA

Rev. Herschel C. Dugan, DV’56, Olathe, KS

Chandos C. Smith, Jr., LA’56, Crossville, TN

Norman L. Den Hartog, ED’57, BG’57, Ames, IA

Paul W. Danforth, LA’57, Des Moines, IA

Howard D. Hamilton, LA’57, Palm Bay, FL

Newell Foust, BN’57, Indianola, IA

Dale Cunion, FA’57, Polk City, IA

Robert Robenseifner, BN’57, Hershey, PA

Daniel “Dan” Miller, ED’58, Des Moines, IA

Daniel J. Callahan III, ED’58, Sioux City, IA

Eleanor J. (Hurlbert) Salisbury, ED’58, Eugene, OR

Willard “Bill” Leeman, ED’58, Haverhill, MA

Joseph R. Jester, LA’58, Urbandale, IA

Eldon E. Cowles, ED’58, Des Moines, IA

Donald D. Carlson, ED’58, Sun City West, AZ

George A. Cohon, BN’58, Toronto, ON

Wayne E. Legg, LW’58, Phoenix, AZ

James M. Russell, JO’58, GR’60, Rochester, MN

Miriam Seim, JO’58, LA’60, Des Moines, IA

Neva R. Davisson, ED’58, Perry, IA

Russell “Russ” D. Colton, BN’58, Sandy Springs, GA

James J. Kane, LW’58, Windsor Heights, IA

Kern Severtson, ED’59, GR’61, North Little Rock, AR

Janet R. (Hopkins) Metcalf, PH’59, Leon, IA

William “Fred” Baldon, ED’59, Adel, IA

Eldon C. Drennan, DV’59, Columbia, MO

Donald J. Sabol, PH’59, Thousand Oaks, CA

Robert I. Glass, GR’59, Ankeny, IA

Lewis E. Campopiano, BN’59, Meridian, ID

Moses A. Bundukamara, PH’59, Silver Spring, MD

1960 s

Frances Amdahl, ED’60, McCallsburg, IA

Jack Walsh, ED’60, GR’60, Cumberland, WI

Doris D. Thurman Hall, GR’60, LaGrange, GA

Dale McCargar, BN’60, Ankeny, IA

Dennis R. Henrickson Jr., ED’60, GR’60, Estherville, IA

Marcus B. Lamoreux, ED’60, Eldora, IA

Douglas G. Engelhardt, FA’60, GR’60, Paducah, KY

Martha Elstrom, JO’60, LA’60, Minneapolis, MN

Irene (Evelyn) Johnson, ED’60, Mason City, IA

William C, Salomon, GR’60, GR’75, Des Moines, IA

Shirlee L. Steinbach, ED’61, GR’76, Stuarts Draft, VA

Virginia L. Agan, ED’61, Bussey, IA

Karen J.Tagatz, LA’61, Sioux CIty, IA

Otto A. Faaborg, ED’61, Ames, IA

Mary E. Hines, ED’61, GR’61, Marshalltown, IA

Clarisa E. Hiley, ED’62, Avoca, IA

Donald L. Bogenrief, BN’62, Columbus, OH

Robert “Bob” Taylor, BN’62, Naples, FL

David H. Watkins, LA’62, Minnetonka, MN

Dr. Vernon Dee Pace, ED’62, GR’62, Bloomington, IN

John Wilton Brewer, BN’62, Hingham, MA

Carroll Caudle, JO’62, Forest City, IA

Roy M. Irish, BN’62, LW’ 64, Clive, IA

Blanche L. Deal, ED’62, Bellevue, NE

Vona A. (Larson) Burbank, ED’62, GR’62, Urbandale, IA

Charlotte M. Erickson, ED’62, Phoenix, AZ

Bette J. McNeill, ED’63, Maryville, MO

William A. Christian, PH’63, Arlington Heights, IL

Robert R. Huibregtse, LW’63, Orange City, IA

Diane D. Templeton, ED’63, Sister Bay, WI

William “Bill” Robinson, GR’63, GR’70, GR’77, Marshalltown, IA

Dorothy A. (Fink) Callaway, ED’63, Conrad, IA

Phyllis M. Oetken, ED’63, GR’68, Mason City, IA

David Thompson, PH’63, Granville, IL

Anne L. Driscoll, ED’63, GR’68, Des Moines, IA

B. Edward Kuntz, ED’63, ED’71, Ottumwa, IA

Glendora L. Schuldt, ED’63, GR’72, West Des Moines, IA

Jane Simon, ED’64, Ames, IA

Robert J. Brownrigg, LA’64, GR’64, Kansas City, KS

Evelyn D. Wergeland, ED’64, Eagle Grove, IA

Margaret Robbins, ED’64, Vista, CA

Clayton Kennedy, ED’64, Urbandale, IA

Ell C. Fredin, ED’64, GR’64, Gilmore City, IA

North Liberty, IA

Dr. LeRoy E. Lindsey, FA’64, GR’68, Tampa, FL

Reathel Bean, LA’64, Evanston, IL

Jeffrey R. Seagrave, FA’64, Virginia Beach, VA

Janice M. Adamson, FA’65, Omaha, NE

Harold Isley, ED’65, GR’66, Indianola, IA

Robert A. Preikschat, LA’65, GR’65, Sebastian, FL

John P. Roehrick Sr., LA’65, LW’66, Des Moines, IA

Ila Mae Huyser, ED’66, Grinnell, IA

Jack Braby, ED’66, Huntington Beach, CA

Charles D. Montgomery, LA’66, GR’78, Des Moines, IA

Mary S. Oler, ED’66, Urbandale, IA

Kenneth Keil, PH’66, Des Moines, IA

Harry C. Bevington, BN’66, Des Moines, IA

Julie M. (Harrington) Best, FA’66, Longboat Key, FL

Robert W. Anderson, BN’66, Grinnell, IA

Nada Bottke, ED’66, Iowa Falls, IA

Jerry L. Thorne, FA’66, Des Moines, IA

Martin McGrane, JO’66, West Des Moines, IA

Gloria Anderson, ED’66, Eagle Grove, IA

Paula Maxheim, LA’66, GR’83, Des Moines, IA

Margaret L. Fisher, ED’67, Sioux City, IA

Ruth B. Skaggs, FA’67, Daphne, AL

Philip Miller, LA’67, LW’67, West Des Moines, IA

Peggy Zook, ED’67, GR’75, Longwood, FL

Ann McDonough, GR’67, Port Charlotte, FL

Barbara L. Prior, ED’67, GR’74, ‘86, Des Moines, IA

Donald F. Job, GR’67, Oskaloosa, IA

Mona M. Schwarck, ED’67, Conrad, IA

Bonne D. Cook, ED’67, Rowan, IA

George Oster, ED’67, Ames, IA

Barbara E. Carter, ED’67, Marshalltown, IA

Genevieve V. Carroll, ED’67, GR’70, GR’77, Saint Charles, IA

Frank Dodge, LA’67, West Des Moines. IA

Eldred “Sally” McCubbin, ED’67, Twin Lakes, IA

Charles H. Doherty, PH’67, Hudson, OH

Bertha M. Jezek, ED’67, Mount Ayr, IA

Gary Bowers, ED’67, Cherokee, IA

Mary E. Hanson, FA’68, Albuquerque, NM

Sharon A. Mills, LA’68, Ormond Beach, FL

Zelma L. Beebout, ED’68, Columbia, IA

Charles Keegan, GR’68, Des Moines, IA

Helen L. Billings, FA’68, Johnston, IA

Gloria Heinkel, ED’68, Hampton, IA

Jo Ann Lankelma, ED’68, Plano, TX

Betty (Becky) Tjaden, ED’68, Iowa Falls, IA

Betty L. Spillman, ED’68, Bloomfield, IA

Cleone B. Stamper, ED’68, Greenfield, IA

Dorthy “Dot” Matthews, ED’68, Windsor Heights, IA

Leone Purdum, ED’68, Creston, IA

Marjoire L. (Hall) Cram, ED’68, Chandler, AZ

Muriel J. Legore, ED’68, Mount Vernon, IA

MaryLee Baade, ED’68, Titonka, IA

Bernece T. Frohling, ED’68, Lohrville, IA

Christopher J. Scheer, JO’68, Arlington, VA

Peter W. Lindquist, BN’68, Gettysburg, PA

Carma I. Hutchins, ED’68, Exira, IA

Twyla M. Ewing, ED’68, Corydon, IA

Eva Shannon, ED’68, Oceola, IA

Helen C. Rehor, ED’68, Nevada, IA

Merle South, ED’68, Winterset, IA

Mary A. Boyd, FA’69, Maxwell, IA

Rex V. Robbins, BN’69, Des Moines, IA

Edward F. Masters, LA’69, Joliet, IL

Terrance Kurtz, LA’69, Waukee, IA

Marilyn J. Hall, ED’69, Emmetsburg, IA

Mary Ellen Ebann, FA’69, McHenry, IL

Margaret E. Stripling, ED’69, Algona, IA

William “Will” Prather, GR’69, Knoxville, IA

Jeannette Iske, ED’69, West Liberty, IA

H. Lorraine (Armstrong) Everson, ED’69, Stanwood, WA

Janet C. Lowe, ED’69, Perry, IA

Norma L. Stuart, ED’69, Altoona, IA

Aletha “Jean” Cooper, ED’69, Rockford, IL

Vivian M. Ladwig, ED’69, Des Moines, IA

Lenore LaFoy, ED’69, Audubon, IA

William Linthicum, GR’69, Des Moines, IA

Elnora C. Nebola, GR’69 Atlantic, IA

1970 s

Monique Hulling, LA’70, Salem, OR Carroll Kraus, GR’70, Milwaukee, WI

Dorothy J. Flygstad, ED’70, Garland, TX

Alma J. Sims, ED’70, Des Moines, IA

Florecita C. Romero, PH’70, Glendora, CA

Darwin R. Hansman, GR’70, Des Moines, IA

Cleo L. Duff, ED’70, Scranton, IA

M. Joan Tasler, ED’70, Jefferson, IA

Leonard H. Deaver, BN’70, Mableton, GA

Bernard D. Fors, GR’70, West Des Moines, IA

Jeanne Sandholm, ED’70, Newton, IA

Marjorie H. Conger, ED’70, Centerville, IA

Robert Klonglan, BN’70, Glendale, AZ

Marilyn Patterson, ED’70, Austin, MN

Doris A. Andresen, ED’70, Nevada, IA

Ralph E. Snyder, ED’70, Des Moines, IA

David Anctil, GR’70, Altoona, IA

Dorothy P. (MacIntosh) Burke, GR’70, Waukee, IA

Frederic N. Scripps, ED’70, Dallas TX

Margie Parker, ED’70, Hope, AR

Robert L. Stenander II, LW’70, Galesburg, IL

Carol B. Goewey, ED’70, Tempe, AZ

Darlene M. Bassett, ED’71, Casey, IA

John Strudwick, LA’71, Plantation, FL

Robert L. Goetting, GR’71, Winona, WI

Walter Gas, ED’71, GR’71, Dunedin, FL

Lyle A. Hellyer, ED’71, GR’75, Ottumwa, IA

Wanda A. Davidson, ED’71, Murray, IA

Alita V. Siascoco, ED’71, GR’82, Urbandale, IA

Gloria F. Edwards, FA’71, Des Moines, IA

Sula Jordison, ED’71, Fort Dodge, IA

Ruth J. Lienemann, ED’71, Adel, Iowa

Sylvia I. Hayek, ED’71, Des Moines, IA

Patricia Morey, GR’71, Greene, IA

Violet A. Carlson, ED’71, Fort Dodge, IA

Lola Strauser, ED’71, Creston, IA

Ruth J. Erickson, ED’71, Belond, IA

Jack J. Barron, FA’71, Johnston, IA

Viola Anderson, ED’71, Paton, IA

Gary Baker, ED’71, Ogilvie, MN

Helen H. Watts, LA’71, Urbandale, IA

Patricia J. Taylor, ED’72, Fort Dodge, IA

Thomas C. Sage, GR’72, Houston, TX

Lawrence A. Knecht, LA’72, LW’75, Kansas City, MO

Carol L. Coon, ED’72, GR’74, Johnston, IA

Ingrid O. Brady, ED’72, Ames, Iowa

Margaret E. Petersen, ED’72, Redfield, IA

Darlene Caldwell, ED’72, Des Moines, IA

Marjorie Clark, GR’72, Knoxville, IA

Henry G. Tillman, LA’73, Hillsborough, NJ

Sharon L. Marek, FA’73, Clive, IA

Dorothy G. George Stelting-Emerson, ED’73, Poplar Branch, NC

Mary Campbell, FA’73, Des Moines, IA

Barbara J. Sawyer, GR’73, Glenwood, IA

Benjamin R. Rosencrants, LA’73, Hot Springs, AR

Doris E. (Klaus)Thompson, ED’74, Ute, IA

Elwin Haseltine, LA’74, GR’74, Dallas, TX

Rosemaire Tolson, ED’74, Des Moines, IA

William A. Miller, LA’74, Knoxville, IA

Patricia J. Peterson, PH’74, Pleasant Hill, IA

LaDeane Osler Casey, GR’74, Scottsdale, AZ

Paul H. Gillispie, LA’74, West Des Moines, IA

Terrence L. Arnold, LA’74, Ankeny, IA

Dorothy L. Spiker, GR’74, Newton, IA

James N. Berkey, GR’74, Clinton, IA

Lisbeth Lurey, FA’74, Kansas City, MO

Mary Ann Little, LA’74, Hummelstown, PA

Dennis E. Peters, BN’74, Bradenton, FL

James “Jim” Sayre, LW’74, West Des Moines, IA

Carolyn B. Hill, LA’75, Galena, IL

Donald L. Bonner, ED’75, Estherville, IA

Paula Tuttle, ED’75, Sheldon, IA

Virginia Unger, ED’76, Jefferson, IA

Cecelia J. Tangeman, GR’76, Luverne, MN

Rolland R. Funk, BN’76, Newton, IA

Janet Dutcher, FA’76, Des Moines, IA

Robert E. Kelson, BN’76, GR’76, Dallas, TX

Brig. Gen. Junior H. Burkhead Ret., LA’76, Albuquerque, NM

Lavon H. Cooper, LA’77, Des Moines, IA

Marian Herr, ED’77, Greenfield, IA

Richard Bonwell, GR’77, Park Hill, OK

Patricia B. Ritter, GR’78, Arlington, VA

George N. Karnas, LA’78, LW’81, Des Moines, IA

Paul Porter, GR’78, Waterloo, IA

Catherine (Dueland) Hjelmaas, GR’78, Eugene, OR

Bernard J. Burns, Jr, GR’78, West Des Moines, IA

David Milliner, ‘79, South Holland, IL

Robert W. Thomas, GR’79, Ottumwa, IA

1980 s

Henry Vande Kieft, JGR’80, Pella, IA

Debora Carlson, LA’80, Council Bluffs, IA

Jayne Thorson, LA’80, Ann Arbor, MI

Betty Ann Pedersen, ED’80, Manilla, IA

Margaret W. Hoffmann, FA’80, ED’84, West Des Moines, IA

Alaine A. Stratner, ED’81, GR’81, Littleton, CO

Raedeen “Mary” Manor, ED’81, Baynard, IA

Vincent Weber, LW’81, Ankeny, IA

Mary E. McManus, LA’81, LA’84, Urbandale, IA

Patricia L. Cooper, LA’81, GR’96, Urbandale, IA

Mary E. Carter, GR’81, Ames, IA

Frances A. Prueitt, GR’81, Woodward, IA

Dorothy Porter, ED’82, Knoxville, IA

Naomi R. Tuftee, ED’82, Clarion IA

Alice Heitland, ED’83, Thornton, IA

John “Tag” Wherry, LA’83, Des Moines, IA

Anita F. Bales, BN’83, Alexandria, VA

Maria Antonieta Socarras, ED’83, West Des Moines, IA

Dorothy L. Faber, ED’84, Forest City, IA

Mary L. Flansburg, FA’84, Denver, CO

Joanne L. Hailey, BN’84, Urbandale, IA

Thomas E. Meese, FA’84, Apex, NC

William J. Schellenberg, LA’84, GR’84, Jacksonville, FL

Violet M. Offutt, GR’84, Durango, TX

Marie M. Hart, GR’84, Des Moines, IA

Edward J. Cunningham, LA’85, Shelbyville, KY

Jeffrey P. Caswell, GR’85, Parkville, MO

David R. Learning, LA’85, Des Moines, IA

Debbie Duncan Reed, JO’86, Quincy, IL

Beverly Z. Jeppeson, GR’86, Spencer, IA

Jerry Kjergaard, GR’87, GR’93, Willmar, MN

Frances M. (Lowery) Kola-Bankole, GR’88, Des Moines, IA

Dorothy A. Wurster, GR’88, Decorah, IA

1990 s

Randy J. Sackett, GR’90, Des Moines, IA

Dr. Mary J. Dawson, GR’90, Nevada, IA

Joellen “Jody” (Pechacek) Graham, GR’90, Sioux City, IA

Margaret (Peggy) E. Kussart, AS’91, Kansas City, MO

Darlene E. Shipp, PH’93, Waterloo, IA

Eloise Sward, GR’93, Sully, IA

Dan Marburger, GR,94, Perry, IA

Jonathan L. Engelstad, BN’98, Ankeny, IA

Randall L. Krueger, BN’98, Urbandale, IA

2000 s

Kimberly A. Murphy, AS’01, Los Angeles, CA

Julie E. Schendel, GR’02, Davenport, IA

Meagan J. Coil, AS’06, Chicago, IL

Leo “Tico” H. Kirk, GR’06, West Des Moines, IA

Dr. Deborah A. Turner, LW’07, Windsor Heights, IA

Elizabeth “Beth” G. Schmidt, GR’09, Omaha, NE

2010 s

Joshua J. Jeun, AS’13, Clive, IA

2020 s

Jessica L. (Caelwaerts) Blindauer, PH’20, GR’20, Green Bay, WI

FACULTY & STAFF

Joseph A. Fisher, Professor Emeritus, Newton, IA

Achievements

1950 s

Penny Furgerson, PH’59, Des Moines, IA, named an Inspiring Women of Iowa Award finalist by Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa. Penny is the Co-Founder of Gateway Dance Theatre, which is a multi-faceted, multi-generational urban arts program with a vision to advance a diverse arts movement for all ages, broaden arts outreach to increase cultural sensitivity, and champion social justice.

1960 s

Douglas S. Lang, BN’69, Dallas, TX, was selected as one of four recipients of the 2024 Texas Bar Foundation’s Outstanding 50 Year Lawyer Award, which recognizes attorneys whose practice has spanned 50 years or more and who adhere to the highest principles and traditions of the legal profession and service to the public. Additionally, Douglas was honored with the St. Thomas More Society of Dallas’s 2024 William Roper Award. The award is presented to “those who exemplify the ideals of service and sacrifice in the pursuit of justice so conspicuously reflected in the life and death of St. Thomas More.”

1970 s

Dr. Mary Chapman, ED’73, GR’82, Des Moines, IA, named to the Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) Foundation Board.

1980 s

Michelle A. (Farrell) Emerson, JO’88, Leawood, KS, has joined the American Academy of Family Physicians as the Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications.

Fred James, LW’88, Des Moines, IA, elected as Foundation President for the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA).

1990 s

Rick Harris, JO’90, LW’90, Des Moines, IA, elected to Management Committee of Lamson Dugan and Murray LLP.

Kendra B. Kelly, JO’94, West Des Moines, IA, promoted to Operations Leader at Meyocks.

Kevin J. Bennett, AS’97, Minneapolis, MN, promoted to Program Director at GHR Foundation.

Mary Langowski, AS’99, GR’05, named Executive Vice President and President, U.S. Healthcare at Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc.

2000 s

Justin Alliss, AS’00, GR’14, honored as a member of the Woodland 175th Anniversary Committee, who was named by the City of Des Moines Parks and Recreation as the Volunteer Group of the Year.

Jeffrey D. Rowe, LW’01, named Chief Executive Officer of Syngenta Group.

Anne E. “Beth” Crocker, LW’01, Seneca, SC, received the annual American Agricultural Law Association (AALA) Distinguished Service Award.

Jacque Olson, LW’01, Storm Lake, IA, named as Communities Events Coordinator at Storm Lake United.

Kyle Yencer, GR’01, West Des Moines, IA, hired as Senior Commercial Loan Officer at Veridian Credit Union.

Scott Krolak, BN’03, Johnston, IA, received the 2023 Prometheus Award for Emerging Technology Leader from the Technology Association of Iowa.

Raina S. Green, BN’04, Allen, TX, hired as Manager of Enterprise Proposal Development managing government health insurance proposals.

Kathleen Law, LW’04, Des Moines, IA, sworn in as Vice President of the Iowa State Bar Association.

Nicole Cabreriza, AS’05, Des Moines, IA, named to LGBTQ Advisory Council of City of Des Moines Civil & Human Rights Commission.

Shelley (Bechler) Hurst, ED’05, GR’11, Decorah, IA, promoted to Development Office Event and Program Manager at Luther College.

Erica Axiotis, GR’06, Des Moines, IA, has been named President of the UnityPoint Health Des Moines Foundation.

Matthew J. Sargent, GR’06, Haslet, TX, has accepted a tenure-track appointment at the University of Southern Mississippi in the School of Accountancy.

Joseph R. Quinn, AS’07, West Des Moines, IA, announced by Faegre Drinker as part of their 2023 new associate class.

Bridgette (Huntley) Uhlemann, AS’08, LW’11, Des Moines, IA, honored as a 2024 Des Moines Business Record Forty Under 40.

Manisha Paudel, AS’09, Des Moines, IA, announced as a new member of the Des Moines Business Record’s racial equity advisory board.

2010 s

Joshua A. Young, BN’10, Houston, TX, published a book titled Competition of One: The Art of Winning Within.

Blair M. Nelson Marlin, JO’10, Denver, CO, named Vice President of Marketing and Brand at TEGNA.

Sarah Noll Wilson, GR’12, West Des Moines, IA, named an Inspiring Women of Iowa Award finalist by Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa.

Jennifer Gruenisen, LW’12, Johnston, IA, named as Alumni Director of the Global Insurance Accelerator.

Nana Coleman, BN’13, Des Moines, IA, honored as a 2024 Des Moines Business Record Forty Under 40.

Lauren (Ehrler) Kollauf, JO’13, Des Moines, IA, honored as a 2024 Des Moines Business Record Forty Under 40.

Anna (Lammers) Stoermer, ‘13, Urbandale, IA, honored as a 2024 Des Moines Business Record Forty Under 40.

Matt Blake, LW’15, Urbandale, IA, hired as Of Counsel at Dickinson, Bradshaw, Fowler & Hagen, P.C.

Thomas J. Florian, BN’14, GR’16, West Des Moines, IA, promoted to Vice President of Membership & Strategic Marketing at West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce.

Napoleon Douglas, AS’14, Des Moines, IA, named Artistic Director of Pyramid Theatre Co.

Matt Blake, LW’15, Urbandale, IA, hired as Of Counsel at Dickinson, Bradshaw, Fowler & Hagen, P.C.

Shannon (Sanders) Draayer, GR’16, Des Moines, IA, honored as a 2024 Des Moines Business Record Forty Under 40.

Kathryn K. Marwitz, PH’16, Silver Spring, MD, was presented with the 2023 Early Career Award from the Pharmacy Section of the American Public Health Association.

Alyssa Zipperer, BN’16, Des Moines, IA, promoted to Associate Director of Social Media and Influencer Marketing.

Marcela Hermosillo-Tarin, GR’17, Des Moines, IA, announced as a new member of the Des Moines Business Record’s racial equity advisory board.

Lisa Grefe, GR’17, West Des Moines, IA, named an Inspiring Women of Iowa Award finalist by Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa.

Kourtney Kirkpatrick, GR’18, Altoona, IA, honored as a 2024 Des Moines Business Record Forty Under 40.

Dalton S. Fabian, PH’18, Waukee, IA, recently responsible for teaching sections on different data sources available in pharmacy and the basic concepts of data manipulation for the American Society of Health System Pharmacists’ newly released certificate program titled “Basics of Data Analytics.”

Alec Wilcox, AS’18, BN’18, Des Moines, IA, honored as a 2024 Des Moines Business Record Forty Under 40.

Josh Hughes, AS’19, LW’21, Des Moines, IA, named to LGBTQ Advisory Council of City of Des Moines Civil & Human Rights Commission.

Jackson G. O’Brien, LW’19, Windsor Heights, IA, joined Fredrikson as an associate in its Litigation, Construction and Real Estate & Construction groups. 2020 s

Justin W. Taber, PH’20, Lees Summit, MO, employer, Heritage Biologics, was named the 2023 Top Specialty Pharmaceutical Company by Life Sciences Review.

Andy Johnson, LW’23, Polk City, IA, named Chief Operating Officer of Serve Credit Union.

Weddings

Evan J. Zobel, BN'86, and Terri Ann Zobel,

Michelle M. (Stiles) Brandos, AS'17, and Seth Brandos, West Des Moines, IA

Births

Abbygayle I. (Anderson) Garner, AS’16, ED’16, and Austin J. Garner, JO’16, welcomed baby Genevieve Rose Garner.

Chelsey D. Teachout, JO’13, GR’23, and Edward M. Wollner, welcomed baby John Preston Wollner.

RELAYS EV ENTS TIMELINE

SUNDAY, APRIL 21ST

Beautiful Bulldog Contest, presented by Ramsey Subaru

1 p.m. Rescue Festival and Kids Zone

2 p.m. Pageant Knapp Center

THURSDAY, APRIL 25TH

Class of 1974 - 50th

Reunion Weekend

Thursday, April 25–Saturday, April 27

Alumni Awards Ceremony

5:15 p.m. Sheslow Auditorium, Old Main

Let’s DU Drinks at the Blue Oval

6–8 p.m. Drake Stadium

Registration Required

FRIDAY, APRIL 26TH

Drake Relays Track and Field Events

8 a.m.–3:45 p.m. and 5–9 p.m.

Drake Stadium drakerelays.org

All-Alumni Tent Party

4–8 p.m. Alumni TentCorner of Forest Avenue and 27th

School of Education

Alumni Gathering

4–6 p.m. Alumni Tent–Corner of Forest Avenue and 27th

SATURDAY, APRIL 27TH

Fleet Feet Alumni Social Run/Walk

8–9 a.m. Fleet Feet Des Moines 521 E. Locust Street

Drake Relays Track and Field Events

8 a.m.–5:30 p.m. Drake Stadium drakerelays.org

Young Alumni Brunch

11 a.m.–1 p.m. Alumni Tent–Corner of Forest Avenue and 27th

Registration Required

LGBTQ+ Alumni Mixer

12:30–2:30 p.m.

Patty and Fred Turner Jazz Center Harmon Fine Arts Center

Campus Tour

1 p.m. South Stairs Entrance, Old Main

BCMB 25th Anniversary Celebration

1–3 p.m. Science Connector Building, Room 301

Registration Required

CPHS Alumni Gathering

3–5 p.m. Science Connector Building, Room 301

Black Alumni Tent Party

3–6 p.m. Alumni Tent–Corner of Forest Avenue and 27th

Relays SJMC Celebration and Meredith Unveiling

5–8 p.m.

Meredith Hall