SCHOLARSHIPS IN ACTION
29% INCREASE IN FINANCIAL AID APPEALS FROM DRAKE STUDENTS IN 2020-2021.
Please note: Some of the photos you see here were taken prior to the COVID-19 pandemic and the implementation of social distancing measures.
Drake students are thinkers and doers with bright minds and passionate hearts. Scholarship support opens doors for students and illuminates paths to bright, hopeful futures.
Speaking to a Drake student means catching a glimpse of the future. The Bulldogs absorbing the Drake experience today are world-changers, passionate about building and leading in their communities and professions. Although there is reason for optimism, reality looms large. In the past year, we have seen a 29% increase in financial aid appeals, most of which are related to the recent loss of income caused by the pandemic. Students who earned their place at Drake and who are eager to be here face a financial gap. Our goal is for Drake students to be students, channeling their energy into meeting project deadlines or acing an exam. The stress of being able to afford attending class is a burden we can overcome as a community.
The ultimate goal, a diploma, and the experience and clout behind it, is a ticket to great things—not only for the person whose name it bears, but for each one of us. Drake graduates transform lives and strengthen communities, building a kinder, safer, smarter, more just and equitable world around them. Here, we invite you to meet:
• Donors who are empowering student scholarships • Student scholarship recipients who are seizing opportunities to learn at Drake
• Alumni who benefited from scholarships and
launched into careers and communities where they are making a positive impact.
GENEROSITY TODAY BUILDS A STRONGER TOMORROW FOR US ALL.
TO UPLIFT & EMPOWER Craig Claussen's, LW’73, support of LGBTQ+ students is two-fold: provide a pathway to a Drake University education and foster a greater understanding in the wider world. “I want all LGBTQ persons to be able to continue their college educations, so that they can continue to prove to others and educate others that we are more than our sexual orientation—that we have integrity and are good, honest, caring, and nurturing individuals who can improve the world in which we all live,” says Craig. Craig received an undergraduate degree from Iowa State University in industrial administration. He worked at Arthur Anderson CPA in Chicago before coming to Drake Law School. Upon graduation, he practiced law in Denison, Iowa, with the law firm Nash, Eller, Brink & Claussen. In 1986, he and his partner purchased a bed and breakfast
in Napa, Calif. They owned La Residence for 21 years, during which time the property became a renowned 4-star, 25-room luxury inn. He established a scholarship in 2014 to support LGBTQ+ Law School students and Blaine Woodson LW’20, was a recent recipient. Blaine currently works for PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) in their New York City office where he is an associate in their mergers and acquisitions tax practice. “Having the financial support of a fellow Drake Law alum provided me with the opportunity to pursue my dream of being a lawyer. It is so important to empower and uplift LGBTQIA+ voices especially in the law,” says Blaine. “Craig’s contribution to Drake ensures that queer students are able to continue to advocate for marginalized voices as we strive to make the world a more inclusive place for our community." Students like Blaine actualize Craig’s vision. “It is my hope that by creating my scholarship for LGBTQ law students they will continue to gain confidence to know that others realize the trials of being in a minority class, which many people do not understand and accept," says Craig, "I believe that by being educated persons, we will help dispel misconceptions and prejudices.”
IT IS SO IMPORTANT TO EMPOWER & UPLIFT LGBTQIA+ VOICES— ESPECIALLY IN THE LAW —Blaine Woodson, LW'20, scholarship recipient
ACROSS FROM THE KNAPP CENTER, YOUNG LEARNERS ARE FINDING THEIR HOME AT DRAKE UNIVERSITY. A GENEROUS SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM IS FURTHER STRENGTHENING EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR THESE FUTURE COMMUNITY LEADERS.
The Gregory & Suzie Glazer Burt Boys & Girls Club at Drake University, like the six other Clubs in central Iowa, provide care, support, and enrichment for K-12 students. “Great futures start here” is emblazoned on a wall inside the Club on Drake’s campus. And now, thanks to a gift from the Evans Family Charitable Foundation, the bright path students begin at the Club can continue at the college level. The Foundation, with long ties to Des Moines and Iowa, has established a scholarship fund for Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Iowa (BGCCI) graduates who enroll at Drake in an undergraduate degree
program or at John Dee Bright College in an associate's degree program. This new vehicle of support is another chapter in the Evans family’s long history of championing the University. “The scholarship program we are launching will help BGCCI members achieve advanced learning and all the commensurate opportunities they so deserve. Drake University and its Bright College deliver an excellent education and value and will deliver the skills and knowledge needed to succeed,” says Julie Evans, BGCCI trustee and board member of the Evans Family Charitable Foundation.
CHAMPIONING ACCESS TO EDUCATION
A longtime supporter of Drake University, Ernest Newborn, LA'79, also serves as a member of the board of directors of Strada Education Network—one of the nation’s leading philanthropic organizations in the education space. Strada is dedicated to improving access to college and ensuring students of all backgrounds can complete their education.
The same values that led Ernest to Strada guided his interest in John Dee Bright College. He has philanthropically supported Drake’s efforts to provide an exceptional learning environment to all students through scholarships for several years, but the events of 2020 spurred reflection. “2020 will long be remembered as a year of unprecedented challenges for our country,” says Ernest. “I spent many a day last year reflecting on the deep and disturbing systemic inequities in our country, particularly when it comes to educational and career opportunities.” Upon hearing the story of John Dee Bright, and learning about the mission of Bright College, Ernest was inspired to continue his financial support in the hopes of making a Drake education more accessible to all. “I really believe that we have a moral obligation to create opportunities for those in our community that for whatever reason are not able to access or succeed in the traditional system,” he says.
BIO:
After graduating from Drake in 1979, Ernest went on to receive his law degree from the University of Michigan. He has over 28 years of legal experience, including 25 in the insurance and financial services industry and currently serves as senior vice president, general counsel, and secretary for USI Insurance Services. Through this role, Ernest has ultimate executive responsibility for the legal health of the company and its subsidiaries and affiliates.
Bright College creates a new pathway into Drake University that will be uniquely tailored to meet the educational needs of a diverse array of students. “These students’ skills and aptitudes are not represented by standardized test scores. They are bright, they’re creative, they’re outgoing, and they’re eager to think in innovative ways and deserving of the opportunities that change lives in our community,” says Ernest.
Bright College aligns with Ernest’s work with Strada and he sees how its mission and philosophy connects with a need in the world.
The first cohort of Bright College students will begin in Fall 2021, bringing with them life experiences, perspectives, and ways of thinking and being in the world from which the whole Drake community can learn.
“Both Strada and Drake University share the vision of solving one of society’s biggest problems: Americans being left behind by the often disconnected post-secondary education to employment system,” says Ernest.
“I’m exceptionally proud of Drake for leading in the fulfillment of this moral obligation and helping more Americans achieve better outcomes for themselves, their families, and their communities,” says Ernest.
IMPACT ACROSS ERAS Lou Ann Simpson's Drake University journey began as a student, but graduation didn't mark the end of her Drake experience. After earning her undergraduate and law degrees, Lou Ann, BN'65, LW'68, practiced law, but the lure of Drake pulled again, and in 1974, Lou Ann returned to Drake—this time, as faculty. Lou Ann taught business law at the undergraduate and graduate levels, and held leadership roles within the College of Business and Public Administration and in the Faculty Senate, including three terms as president. Threads of impact weave throughout these career markers, which comes as no surprise to people like Mark Ernst, BN’80, who says he stumbled onto Drake’s campus, seeking to transfer to the University and complete his final year of his undergraduate degree. “The office I happen to have been directed to was Professor Simpson’s. She gave an exasperated look deserving of someone so oblivious to what I was asking, and then went to work constructing a path to a Drake degree in record time,” says Mark. “She opened doors to classes that had long been filled and sent me on my way confident that things would all work out.” In her long career, Lou Ann took hundreds, if not thousands, of ordinary advising appointments like this. But care taken in the small things nurtures life-changing steps.
While Professor Simpson has long forgotten that day in 1979, I have never forgotten that person who took the time to help one more student find their path. — Mark Ernst, BN'80
Lou Ann continued guiding and instructing students until her retirement in 2019, but her generosity expands beyond the gifts of her time and wisdom, as Kyle Antonacci, BN’16, and Eva Greder, class of 2021 know. Both are recipients of scholarships funded by Lou Ann. “Professor Simpson was an integral part of my undergraduate education. As my advisor and business law professor, she encouraged me to ask difficult questions, examine why I wanted to study business, and prepared me for the job market,” says Kyle.
The Lou Ann Simpson Scholarship was a generous gift and made paying tuition less burdensome. —Kyle Antonacci, BN'16
“The Lou Ann Simpson Scholarship has been very beneficial in assisting me in paying for college. Thanks to her generosity I was also able to take out fewer loans,” says Eva, “I also could take a job more beneficial to my future career even though it paid less than others because of the scholarship amount I received.”
I was overjoyed to get this, especially from one of my teachers. It really meant a lot to me. —Eva Greder, Class of 2021
Lessons in generosity and dedication from people like Lou Ann point to the beyond-theclassroom education Drake strives to impart. “To find these many years later that she has been helping others with the same dedication and tenacity tells me of her love for Drake and the people who are so fortunate to have crossed her path. I am forever grateful to have been one of those students,” says Mark.
Lou Ann Simpson, speaking at a past Scholarship Luncheon.
FOSTERING CONNECTIONS When Adam Lathan, AS’20, began his career as an actuarial assistant at Principal, it was a decision years in the making. Adam's relationship with the Des Moinesbased Fortune 500 company began with an IT internship during his first year at Drake. His experience blossomed with two additional internships and a scholarship award. Adam received the Principal Actuarial Science Scholarship in 2019 and 2020.
The actuarial science scholarship is one of many funded annually by Principal to recognize exceptional academic performance and grow connections between Drake students and the company. Principal’s support also includes scholarships for business majors, women in computer science/data analytics, diversity in STEM or business, and Crew Scholars. The scholarships reflect Principal’s strong commitment to Des Moines, Drake, and the College of Business and Public Administration. For Adam, that commitment was instrumental in shaping his opinion of the company. “The scholarship I received certainly strengthened my view of Principal and how it supports actuarial students at Drake,” he says, “It was my relationship with Principal throughout my years at Drake that ultimately led me to work here after graduation.”
“THIS SCHOLARSHIP WAS CRUCIAL TO ME BEING ABLE TO DECREASE THE AMOUNT OF STUDENT LOANS I NEEDED TO FINISH MY YEARS AT DRAKE,” —Adam Lathan, AS'20, Data Analytics and Computer Science
But this achievement has not been without challenges, including financial strain, for Rachel. It was a strain that Bill, BN'57 and Jean Buchanan weren't going to let stand in Rachel's way. Having been students themselves, Bill and Jean understood the challenge of covering expenses while attending school. They both worked to help cover costs, but had they not received scholarships themselves, they wouldn't have been able to attend Drake. Those scholarships helped Jean move into her role as a teacher, and allowed Bill to earn his degree in actuarial science.
DEFYING THE ODDS Rachel Mayoros recalls being encouraged to give up. Not one to fall in line, instead, she chose to stand out. Rachel ignored advice from teachers and even strangers to call it quits and brought her tenacity to Drake. A double major in news and writing, Rachel is setting her sights on a December 2021 graduation, a milestone that will set an example for her 12-year-old son, Jayden. “I thrive on being a role model for Jayden, showing him that if I can do it, he can do it,” says Rachel. With diploma in hand, she’ll have defied the odds and become part of the 2% of teenage mothers who earn bachelor’s degrees.
Having reached their own success with scholarship support, the Buchanans decided to pay it forward. They created the Buchanan Scholarship Fund, which is for an undergraduate student from Polk County who demonstrates financial need. It was this scholarship that helped Rachel reach her own goals. "Receiving the Buchanan Scholarship has meant so much to us. It has eased the financial ties that come with higher education and came at the perfect time—in a pandemic no one could have predicted," she says. Rachel does not count her accomplishments only for herself and Jayden. In her ever-determined spirit, she is forging paths for others. "I hope to become an investigative journalist and help the working poor find a path to success," says Rachel, who knows from a lifetime of experience the challenges faced by this community. "I hope I will be able to help hundreds of people with my choice of career."
PIECES OF THE PUZZLE Mutoni Patience came to the United States from Congo as a young child. Her parents instilled in her that hard work and dedication were all she needed to succeed in life. This guidance carried her through high school and her hard work paid off in the form of a Presidential Scholarship at Drake.
“However, I found out that hard work and dedication still were not enough because even with the Presidential Scholarship I received, the burden of tuition was still too large for my parents,” says Mutoni. The Sheldon Friedland Endowed Scholarship buoyed Mutoni’s commitment and pursuit of excellence. The fund was set up by Sheldon, BN'51, to build a bridge to Drake where there is otherwise a financial divide. “When I received [the scholarship], I learned that hard work and dedication are just two pieces of the puzzle,” says Mutoni, “It is the generosity of people like Sheldon Friedland who lift the barriers of entry to help hardworking students like me succeed.” Mutoni is majoring in international business and marketing with a LEAD minor. She is involved with the NAACP and the African & Caribbean Student Association and is a member of the Student Alumni Association and Phi Chi Theta, a business fraternity. As a student, she has been given the tools and resources necessary to succeed at college. “I know this opportunity would not have been possible at my other prospective colleges and universities,” she says, “I am grateful to have been the recipient of the scholarship. The impact it has made in my life is more than I could ever find the words for."
Mutoni Patience, Class of 2022
ROADBLOCKS, REMOVED One semester.
That's precisely how long Carly Laurent thought her Drake career would be. As Carly approached her first year of college, the financial numbers weren’t adding up. “When I graduated high school, I wanted to go to Drake but wasn’t sure I could afford it,” says Carly, “My parents own a small used car dealership in Minnesota where I am originally from, and all my family’s savings went into keeping it running, so paying for college was mainly on me.” Carly convinced her parents to let her stay at Drake for one semester and see if she could figure out additional funds. Throughout the semester, she persistently sought out scholarships, but a solution was not coming together. And then, another Bulldog graduated a semester early, and a door opened for Carly. When this other student graduated, a spot opened for The Nancy and William Longfield Scholarship. Supported by Nancy, ‘62, and William, BN'60 (pictured above at a past
Carly Laurent, with fiancee, Michael Dunn, also a Drake alum.
Scholarship Luncheon), the scholarship is intended to reduce student loan obligations for students with demonstrated financial need. The scholarships are renewable for all four years of a Drake education and provide significant financial support to multiple students. “It allowed me that extra push to stay at Drake and try even harder,” says Carly. Carly graduated in May 2017 with a degree in public relations. A few weeks after graduation, she had her first job offer with BSB Design, an architectural firm in Des Moines. “I am confident I wouldn’t be where I am today without the help of this scholarship,” says Carly, “Although college comes with many stressors— tuition being one of them—my family and I worried a little less at the end of the day with the extra money so graciously donated. I hope that one day I am able to the same for a Drake student.”
BEYOND GRADUATION
N
THE LAWRENCE K. FISH AND THE LOTTIE AND ROBERT BROWN SCHOLARSHIPS WERE BOTH ESTABLISHED THANKS TO THE GENEROSITY OF LAWRENCE “LARRY” FISH, JO’66.
After graduating with a bachelor’s degree from Drake, Larry earned a master’s degree from the Harvard Graduate School of Business Administration. Fish formerly served as chairman of the America unit for the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS). The RBS America unit owns Citizens Bank, which grew to 27,000 employees in more than 30 states during Larry's tenure, which began in 1992. He is currently the chairman at Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. Larry created the Fish Family Scholarship to provide an annual four-year, full-tuition, room and board scholarship to Drake for the child of a Citizens Bank employee. He also established the Lottie and Robert Brown Scholarship fund, in honor of his grandparents, in 1989. Alum Amanda Laurent Karaz, JO'13, is just one of the students who received these two generous scholarships and says this financial support was “instrumental” to her attendance at Drake. “After graduating Summa Cum Laude in 2013, I was awarded a Fulbright grant and taught English in South Korea for a year,” Amanda says, “It was my first time out of the country, and I had an amazing experience teaching and researching in Jeju Island, South Korea.”
Upon returning to the United States, Karaz joined Teach for America and taught first grade for two years in North Minneapolis. During this time period, Karaz also graduated with a master’s degree in education from the University of Minnesota. Amanda joined the Teach for America headquarters in Chicago in 2018, helping coordinate more than 200 teachers in the area. She now works in fundraising for the organization.
As a first-generation college student, I cannot begin to express how transformational my college experience was. Due to the generosity of the Fish family I was able to graduate with less student debt, and to pursue amazing opportunities. —Amanda Laurent Karaz, JO'13
REALIZING DREAMS CHANGEMAKERS
RESILIENT LEARNERS LEADERS-INTHE-MAKING
NEW HORIZONS
Scholarships are more than just dollars. Empower the Future: alumni.drake.edu/giving
ARTS THAT UPLIFT
INNOVATION OVERCOMING OBSTACLES
For named scholarship opportunities, please contact John Amato, director of development. john.amato@drake.edu (515) 271-2849
GLOBAL ENGAGEMENT BRIGHTER TOMORROWS
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