Drake University Blue Magazine - Spring 2021 by Drake University

DRAKE UNIVERSITY ALUMNI INSIDER

FOR A MOMENT FOR A LIFETIME

SPRING 2021

Fellow Bulldogs, Four years ago I attended Des Moines’ annual Juneteenth celebration held on campus. There were a number of speakers that evening, but one in particular stood out. Striding confidently to the podium and speaking without notes, Catherine Williams, LA’61, was easily the most insightful speaker of the evening.

Catherine Williams, LA’61, shaped a brighter future for children and families in Iowa and around the country.

TRAILBLAZER + ADVOCATE Across her career in human services, she established the first foster parent group for children with developmental disabilities, provided the first statewide training program for foster parents, developed the first subsidized adoption program, and implemented Iowa’s first child abuse registry. Her efforts resonated on a national level with the creation of uniform standards for the delivery of foster care and daycare services. When she retired as the deputy commissioner of the Iowa Department of Human Services in 1981, Catherine was the highest-ranking African American in Iowa state government at the time.

Following the event I met Catherine and quickly learned that at 103 years old, her passion and purpose were unrivaled. Many months later, I contacted Catherine to notify her that she would be receiving Drake’s Alumni Community Service Award (she had previously received the Distinguished Alumni Award, as well). Over several phone calls I had the opportunity to get to know this incredible person, marveling at how many firsts she achieved in her life. While I knew her only for a short time, I am grateful for witnessing firsthand the very definition of a life well lived. Following Catherine’s passing last spring, we learned of her continued commitment to others and her alma mater. Her gifts of nearly $600,000 will provide countless opportunities for future students. As President Marty Martin recently stated, “While the size of Catherine’s gift is significant, her legacy looms even larger, inspiring each of us to live a life of purpose and in support of our communities.”

Please join me in celebrating Catherine’s incredible legacy and in finding ways to connect with those who have shaped your Drake experience. Sincerely,

Andy Verlengia, JO’02 Director, Alumni Relations

Read more about Catherine’s life

More about Relays 2021 1

BLUE | SPRING FALL 2020 2021

SPRING 2021 | BLUE

FOR A MOMENT FOR A LIFETIME 3

BLUE | SPRING 2021

YOUR MOMENTS AT DRAKE SHAPED YOU FOR A LIFETIME. The education, the relationships, the experiences chart courses. Meet a few Bulldogs from the Drake community as they tell the stories of meaningful moments and life paths that were shaped by their Drake experiences. SPRING 2021 | BLUE

FOR A MOMENT FOR A LIFETIME 3

BLUE | SPRING 2021

Providing Innovative Help in a Moment of Global Crisis

During the COVID-19 pandemic, a Drake graduate has kept more than 300,000 patients connected to critical medical care. Ben Lefever, JO’00, is the founder of Certintell, a company that enables health systems to use telehealth to care for patients— especially those in underserved communities— with chronic issues like diabetes, hypertension, and behavioral health conditions. “This national health emergency has highlighted a need that’s always been there,” Ben says. “We hate that it had to be a pandemic to open people’s eyes about the importance of telehealth, but people do now see the value.” Hospitals and clinics whose patients are largely uninsured or who have coverage through Medicaid, also known as safety net providers, partner with Certintell. In exchange, Certintell gives the patients connected devices that monitor their health; for example, a blood pressure meter for someone with uncontrolled hypertension. Certintell trains patients to use the device and assigns them a certified health coach who guides patients in managing their chronic conditions through text messages and a simple online platform. Ben says Certintell’s combination of software and medical professionals, along with his understanding of how to reach underserved communities, differentiates his company from competitors. “[Our customers] are spread so thin,” Ben says. “We’re able to come in and say, ‘Hey, we have providers to engage your patients who need more support.’” The concept for Certintell started with an oncampus interview Ben had at Drake with the pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly. He landed a job as a pharmaceutical sales representative

BLUE | SPRING 2021

COMING BACK TO DES MOINES WAS THE RIGHT MOVE. after college, which led to a job in the San Francisco headquarters of the biotechnology company Genentech. He was part of a project that used telehealth to reach people in rural and underserved communities. That led to the idea for Certintell. Ben decided to return to Des Moines to build the company, and now works with providers in 25 states. “Coming back to Des Moines was the right move,” Ben says. “There are people here who want to support entrepreneurs.”

Ben's return to Des Moines also reconnected him with his alma mater. He is currently discussing opportunities for Certintell to collaborate with the Drake College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences on federal grant opportunities.

SPRING 2021 | BLUE

Providing Innovative Help in a Moment of Global Crisis

BLUE | SPRING 2021

SPRING 2021 | BLUE

FRIENDSHIPS FOR A LIFETIME An education at Drake University extends well beyond the classroom. Students learn about themselves as they develop meaningful connections with those around them. While for many, friendships built in college may quiet over time. But for others, a connection formed in college is the foundation of a life-long relationship. About 20 years ago, the forging of one such friendship began on the fourth floor of Goodwin-Kirk. Calen Dallavais, JO’99, headed to Drake with the expectation the university experience would provide an education that would prepare her for the workforce, but she also looked forward to the relationships she would build with other students. Moving onto the same floor was Rachel Roman, JO’99, who came to Drake with a vision she would be happy, despite knowing few people in Des Moines. Her vision proved correct, when not long after moving in, Rachel met Calen in the “Late Night” hall on the fourth floor of Goodwin-Kirk, as well as 13 other Bulldogs, who felt like they had found a home away from home in the group. “There was an immediate connection for all of us,” says Calen. “We bring out the best in each other, and we have since the day we met.” That friendship only grew stronger after graduation. “Any one of these women would drop what they are doing and drive or fly hundreds of miles if we needed them to,” says Calen. “We have turned out for each other in ways that I never expected, but that also does not surprise me.” “We try to get together as often as we can, although 7

BLUE | SPRING 2021

the pandemic has made that difficult,” says Rachel. In the last year, their connection has gone virtual. From daily texting in group chats, to setting up weekly Zoom calls, the group has remained united despite being miles apart. When one of their own faced a cancer diagnosis, they supported her through chemotherapy and radiation. They turned to one another again when a friend’s child battled cancer, and provided open ears and a virtual shoulder to cry on as one friend lost a family member to COVID-19. One friend’s spouse is a doctor who has served on the frontlines since the beginning of the pandemic, and the group showered her with lunches delivered with love to let her know she wasn’t alone. “And all the while, we’re still able to provide a space for laughter amongst the tears,” says Calen. Although they claim no secret to friendship success, Rachel and Calen said their commitment and bond through the many challenges has made their collective group stronger. “We give each other grace to grow and learn,” says Calen. “We allow each other to be our authentic selves. These women make me stronger. They make me more confident. They have made me their kids’ cool aunt. These women are my family.”

MOMENTS THAT BUILT A LIFE JOURNEY Laurie, FA'70, and Jim Cory, BN'70, met at Drake in 1966 and have been together ever since. After graduating in 1970, the two married that summer. Jim and Laurie worked at US Bank and AT&T, respectively, for almost 30 years, and are now retired.

They credit their Drake education as the reason they were able to succeed in the workplace. “My Drake education helped me by providing an analytical approach to business, which I certainly put to use in a 30-year banking career,” Jim says. Beyond their careers, Drake has played a huge role in Laurie and Jim’s personal lives. Even 50 years after graduating, they are close to classmates from Drake. “We have a group of friends who we have stayed in touch with, and it has been a blessing to have these people in our lives for 50-some years,” Laurie says. Laurie and Jim aren’t the first members of their family to attend Drake. Laurie’s mother graduated from Drake in 1944. Their son, Ted, PH’06, followed in his parents’ footsteps in more ways than one. Like his parents, Ted met his future spouse, Marie, AS’04, at Drake. With all of these ties, Laurie and Jim are committed supporters of the University. The couple exemplifies what it means to be Bulldogs for life.

“We have enjoyed seeing the many improvements made over the last 50 years and appreciate that Drake continues to be focused on preparing students for productive careers,” Jim says. “I have a sustaining feeling of gratitude for the education that Drake provided me and have felt the responsibility to give back,” Laurie says.

EMPOWER THE MOMENTS THAT LAST A LIFETIME During All In, on April 8–9, we’re celebrating impactful moments and supporting an education that lasts a lifetime. When you make a gift during All In, your generosity doubles, thanks to matching gifts from Bulldogs like Laurie and Jim.

Learn more here SPRING 2021 | BLUE

BLUE | SPRING 2021

Learn more here SPRING 2021 | BLUE

TEAMS RISE TO MEET THE MOMENT OF THE SEASON

And both the men’s and women’s teams rose to meet this moment.

To adjust to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Missouri Valley Conference adopted an unprecedented basketball schedule. During the season, the Bulldogs faced each opponent on their conference schedule twice, on back-to-back days. After the first game, they went to bed, woke up, and played the same opponent again.

BLUE | SPRING 2021

“Although this season was uncertain and even crazy at times, it was filled with incredible growth creativity and perspective,” says women’s coach Jennie Baranczyk. “The women in our program have amazing strength, and the lessons learned this season will not only carry us well into next season, but for the rest of our lives. Be Blue!”

Coach DeVries and the men’s basketball team overcame an unorthodox conference schedule and injured starting players ShanQuan and Roman to earn a No. 11 seed in the NCAA Tournament this season. The team lost just two games in regular season play, finishing 15–3 in conference and 26– 5 overall, and finished second to Loyola Chicago in the Missouri Valley Tournament. The team returned to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2008 and clinched its first tournament victory in 50 years against Wichita State, advancing to the next round, where the team fell to No. 6 USC. Coach Baranczyk and the Drake women’s basketball team also finished second in the Missouri Valley Conference with a 13–5 conference and 16–11 overall record. The Bulldogs were one game short of advancing to the NCAA Tournament, after falling to Bradley University in the Missouri Valley Tournament championship game. Forward Grace Berg, class of 2022, a University of Missouri transfer who became eligible this

season, led the Bulldogs in scoring and was named the Missouri Valley Conference Newcomer of the Year and to the All-Missouri Valley Conference first team. The team finished their season by competing in the 2021 Postseason Women’s National Invitational Tournament.

GO ALL IN FOR ATHLETICS During All In on April 8–9, your gift to Drake Athletics supports the student-athlete experience and funds essential resources that empower our Bulldogs.

Go All In SPRING 2021 | BLUE

TEAMS RISE TO MEET THE MOMENT OF THE SEASON

And both the men’s and women’s teams rose to meet this moment.

BLUE | SPRING 2021

“We got off to a great start, then had to go through a three-week pause and that was a hard thing for our guys to do,” says men’s coach Darian DeVries. “Then you lose two first-team all-league guys in ShanQuan Hemphill and Roman Penn and had to play 14 games in 32 days. These guys had to fight through adversity to play their way into the tournament. This opportunity wasn’t taken lightly by anyone, and all year they’ve had to battle back and trust each other.” “Although this season was uncertain and even crazy at times, it was filled with incredible growth creativity and perspective,” says women’s coach Jennie Baranczyk. “The women in our program have amazing strength, and the lessons learned this season will not only carry us well into next season, but for the rest of our lives. Be Blue!”

GO ALL IN FOR ATHLETICS During All In on April 8–9, your gift to Drake Athletics supports the student-athlete experience and funds essential resources that empower our Bulldogs.

Go All In SPRING 2021 | BLUE

ASK THE EXPERT

MENTAL HEALTH + PANDEMICVERSARY

As we mark one year of living in a pandemic, therapist Melissa Nord, GR’12, offers perspective on what this means for our mental health.

Mental health and the pandemic: What’s the connection? Mental health struggles have drastically intensified with the pandemic; that in itself warrants much more attention. We have all experienced grief and loss to some degree, whether that’s from losing an individual to death or losing opportunities and predictability, or both. The collective trauma we have experienced is profound, too. We are all experiencing this crisis at the same time and are finding that our bodies really aren’t capable of handling continuous, ongoing stress and trauma like we have for the last 12 months. People are experiencing mental exhaustion, anxiety, depression, and overall burnout. We’re feeling isolated, lonely, helpless, and hopeless. We’re yearning to be with others again, but at the same time, are feeling anxious about being around others. People are finding themselves unmotivated and overall emotionally zapped. Our fight-orflight system—the emotional reaction to stress that typically energizes and gets us through situations—is overloaded. When it becomes overloaded and overworked, the constant flow of adrenaline starts to drain, and apathy settles in. Our bodies just aren’t capable of handling the amount of stress and collective trauma we’ve experienced for this long. We have had to constantly adjust to new rules, policies, and schedules, over and over again. Many have faced ongoing costs of multitasking—dividing attention between work and children and other priorities all at once. Many of us are living and working in one place right now, which results in a state of immersive multitasking and blurred boundaries. The multitasking costs are particularly difficult for parents with young children. This tends to weigh more heavily on mothers, who are managing work while simultaneously caring for their children. They often reduce their work hours or even step away from work completely. 11

BLUE | SPRING 2021

How should this global crisis shift the conversation around mental health? I believe there have been more conversations around the lack of access for clients (both physically and financially) and the need for more mental health providers, but there is a lot more discussion to be done to get help to those who need it. It’s my hope that the conversations continue, and that access, funding, and reimbursement increase signi cantly.

What can people do about pandemic burnout? The first thing I’d encourage would be to take a moment to pause and acknowledge what you’re feeling. Have compassion for yourself and recognize that hitting a wall is a completely valid response to these extraordinary circumstances. Identify the things stressing you out the most—maybe it’s the news, a job, or toxic conversations with a friend—and make a plan to address that thing and set some healthy boundaries. Then focus on one or two things you can accomplish each day. Gradually things will change, and you’ll eventually feel like you can tackle everyday challenges again. It’s likely your typical coping skills aren’t working as well anymore, so consider reaching out to a mental health professional for help on ways to manage.

It’s been one whole year. How do we come to terms with that? Reflect on what you’re feeling right now. You might want to write about how you’ve experienced grief during this time—acknowledging those many things you’ve lost and missed out on. Similarly, an art exercise could be helpful. Any way you can express what your experience is and has been would be therapeutic. I’m also a big advocate for mindfulness and meditation, so perhaps you’d like to listen to a guided meditation (Insight Timer is my go-to meditation app) or spend time in a silent, self-directed meditation to simply honor yourself and where you’re at. Yoga and body movement can also be a great way to process and express your experience. I encourage moving in whatever way your body likes and needs right now. Perhaps you can dance it out, take a mindful walk, or do a gentle yoga flow focused on grounding and taking care of your mind and body. Thinking about the duration of it all can be overwhelming, but being able to see the milestones and achievements we’ve made as a society along the way is encouraging and provides some sense of hope.

MEET MELISSA

Melissa Nord, GR’12, owns a mental health practice in Ankeny, Iowa. As a therapist, she uses a combination of talk therapy and nontraditional approaches, incorporating art, writing, play, mindfulness, breathing exercises, and yoga/body movement into sessions with clients. Melissa received a bachelor’s degree from Iowa State University and worked at ChildServe and Youth Emergency Shelter Services, where she saw a need that wasn’t being filled as she worked with kids and spent hours on documentation and contacting parents and DHS workers.

“I wasn’t given the opportunity to sit down and talk with the children, and I knew that’s what could ultimately help them,” Melissa says. “I discovered I wanted to hear their stories and support them how they needed. I wanted to be someone who others could talk to and work with through life’s struggles.” Her classes at Drake prepared her to work with clients, honed her therapeutic orientation, and increased her ability to diagnose clients and find evidence-based methods to work with each client individually. After earning master’s degrees in school and mental health counseling, Melissa worked in the student counseling centers at Iowa State and Drake before starting her own practice a little more than two years ago.

SPRING 2021 | BLUE

ASK THE EXPERT

MENTAL HEALTH + PANDEMICVERSARY

As we mark one year of living in a pandemic, therapist Melissa Nord, GR’12, offers perspective on what this means for our mental health.

BLUE | SPRING 2021

MEET MELISSA

SPRING 2021 | BLUE

Deans’ Updates In the midst of profound social, economic, and environmental changes that started long before the global pandemic, the College of Arts and Sciences finds itself with a renewed responsibility to train future global leaders, critical and engaged citizens, and passionate community advocates who are ready to embrace the changes.

Gesine Gerhard

College of Arts & Sciences We are well positioned to do so. We are adding new programs, such as American politics, medical Spanish, global human rights, and cybersecurity to our academic offerings and providing clear pathways to professional careers through programs such as pre-med, pre-law, and pre-engineering, and we are making classes more accessible to students from underrepresented groups.

Drake’s academic programs are rising to meet this current moment and imparting an education that lasts a lifetime.

Univ er

y sit

ake Dr

GC H A LL

Look for the to learn more about how you can go All In and fund scholarships and our colleges and schools.

All In EN

Of our 2020 graduates, 96.2 percent have landed jobs or are in graduate school six months after graduating—an amazing number in the midst of a pandemic. If anything, the liberal arts will be stronger and more impactful at the crossroads of these societal crises. We continue to bring music, art, and lectures to the community around us, even if audiences are limited or have moved to the virtual space. You might have caught a glimpse of our musical theatre program (the song “Snow”), our choir concert, or jazz or cello music in the Front Row at Drake series (watch now on Facebook and YouTube). We continue to emphasize experiential and applied learning experiences in our science labs with research and internship opportunities for all undergraduates throughout their time at Drake. Our network of alumni is more important and more engaged than ever. We look forward to finishing this academic year on a high note!

A&S STUDENT PROFILE:

Nancy Wurju Senior, Des Moines Sociology

As a Des Moines native, Nancy Wurju transferred to Drake after earning an associate’s degree from Des Moines Area Community College. She wanted to transfer somewhere that wasn’t so close to home, but with her mom’s encouragement, Nancy checked out Drake and found her match. “Drake has meant so much more than I would have thought it would mean. I really enjoy the class sizes and being able to communicate with professors who are so willing to help however they can,” she says. “It’s an environment that has challenged me to be better for a brighter future.” Nancy credits her educational success at Drake to her parents’ relentless support and help from her academic advisers. The pandemic has changed how students connect through activities and clubs, but Nancy seized the opportunities available. “Drake has given me the opportunity to find people who share the same goals and hopes I have,” she says.

All In for A&S

SPRING 2021 | BLUE

Gesine Gerhard

Drake’s academic programs are rising to meet this current moment and imparting an education that lasts a lifetime.

Univ er

y sit

ake Dr

GC H A LL

Look for the to learn more about how you can go All In and fund scholarships and our colleges and schools.

All In EN

A&S STUDENT PROFILE:

Nancy Wurju Senior, Des Moines Sociology

All In for A&S

SPRING 2021 | BLUE

Deans’ Updates We are at an important inflection point for business. The higher purpose of free enterprise—that is, how it adds value to society—is more important than ever. There is clear recognition among corporate leaders that profits and purpose are now inextricably linked. —Alejandro Hernandez, CBPA Dean

Alejandro Hernandez

College of Business & Public Administration The implication for the College of Business and Public Administration (CBPA) is that we must be ready to prepare students for a more complex and challenging world. Future business leaders need to not only have domain expertise but also the skills and experience to interpret and respond to the heightened expectations that people and communities have for the private sector to take a leadership role in solving society’s most pressing issues. This emerging dynamic also has significant repercussions for those who will be leading public and nonprofit organizations.

All In for CBPA

BLUE | SPRING 2021

CBPA has undertaken a process to distill its strategy into a framework that will keep it relevant in this contemporary context. The North Star of this work is the belief that: A CBPA education is a force for good, contributing to the global economy and to society. The framework is guiding the college going forward and has three pillars: • Attracting and retaining students for life by offering them robust career paths while at Drake and once they graduate, and by engaging alumni as lifelong learners, leaders, and supporters. • Excelling at our core competencies by nurturing a high-performance academic culture, engaging in research on topics that align with our vision, and creating an authentically diverse, inclusive, and equitable environment for all. • Distinguishing ourselves in the community by making a positive societal impact through service and thought leadership locally, nationally, and around the world, and becoming a recognized hub for entrepreneurship and innovation.

CBPA STUDENT PROFILE:

Karla Saldago Senior, Wapello, Iowa Information Systems Management

Karla Saldago is a student at Drake, thanks to her sister, and Griff, who helped make the decision to attend Drake even easier. “My sister came to Drake, and she loved it. Whenever I would visit her I knew that I wanted to be here, too,” she says. “I’ve lived in Iowa my entire life. I loved visiting Des Moines, and when I got older I knew I wanted to live here.” While college certainly presents challenges, Karla has found people to support her journey. “I’ll admit college is hard. You’re not only pushing yourself academically, but there’s a lot of personal growth,” she says. “Meeting new friends, living away from home, new places and people. There have been so many times when I felt lost or stressed, and I’ve been able to find support every time.” Success coaches in the CBPA helped Karla map out four years of class schedules so she didn’t need to worry about missing a class she needed. “My academic adviser has helped me so much. She’s always willing to listen and offer great advice for organizing and managing my time,” Karla says. “I’ve also found lifelong friends here,” says Karla, who counts people she met the first week of school as close friends.

SPRING 2021 | BLUE

Alejandro Hernandez

All In for CBPA

BLUE | SPRING 2021

CBPA STUDENT PROFILE:

Karla Saldago Senior, Wapello, Iowa Information Systems Management

SPRING 2021 | BLUE

Deans’ Updates Renae Chesnut College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences

As we reflect on the numerous challenges due to the pandemic, we are proud of the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences' students, faculty, staff, alumni, and partners for coming together and being diligent and resilient in carrying out the College’s mission.

A new initiative was the College’s partnership with Hy-Vee and the Polk County Health Department to provide COVID-19 vaccinations to eligible community members in the University’s Tom and Ruth Harkin Center, the new home of The Harkin Institute. Along with our faculty, student pharmacists vaccinate about 200 people each week and vaccinated more than 1,000 Polk County PK–12 educators during a special clinic.

Other highlights: • Phi Lambda Sigma, a professional leadership society for PharmD students, trained Drake Public Safety Officers on the use of naloxone for drug overdoses. • In the latest U.S. News and World Report’s “America’s Best Graduate Schools,” the pharmacy program advanced to 4th place among private programs, an advancement from 5th place in 2017. • An Interactive Healthcare Center has been created in Cline Hall that can be used as either a simulation teaching laboratory or a clinical patient care area. The space includes a large teaching area plus five patient care exam rooms that include audio and video technology.

CPHS STUDENT PROFILE:

Nick Deveza P1, Arlington Heights, Ill. Pharmacy “I chose Drake initially because of the great pharmacy program that was offered, but it has evolved into so much more,” Nick Deveza says. “The relationships I have created and the people I have met are amazing, as well.”

• The College created a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion work group made up of students, faculty, and staff to address matters related to equity and inclusion within the College.

Nick is part of the Kappa Psi Pharmacy Fraternity and International Students Association. The connections he has made through these activities and clubs have been a source of support throughout his educational journey.

• The Master of Science in health informatics and analytics launched in Fall 2020 as a stand-alone program for healthcare administrators and professionals, and as a joint-degree option for undergraduate health sciences and pharmacy students.

“Connections that I have established with graduates and soon-to-be graduates have given me opportunities to talk and build relationships for the future,” he says.

All In for CPHS

In his first year of pharmacy school, Nick is learning the importance of advocacy. “Being at Drake means being someone who can be an advocate not only in school but in any setting possible,” he says. “The curriculum has taught us to be advocates for problems

In partnership with Hy-Vee and the Polk County Health Department, CPHS trained 300 student pharmacists to administer vaccines and they have given over 4,000 COVID-19 vaccinations to date. 17

BLUE | SPRING 2021

in our day [and] within the healthcare field.”

SPRING 2021 | BLUE

Deans’ Updates Renae Chesnut College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences

CPHS STUDENT PROFILE:

• The College created a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion work group made up of students, faculty, and staff to address matters related to equity and inclusion within the College.

“Connections that I have established with graduates and soon-to-be graduates have given me opportunities to talk and build relationships for the future,” he says.

All In for CPHS

In partnership with Hy-Vee and the Polk County Health Department, CPHS trained 300 student pharmacists to administer vaccines and they have given over 4,000 COVID-19 vaccinations to date. 17

BLUE | SPRING 2021

in our day [and] within the healthcare field.”

SPRING 2021 | BLUE

Deans’ Updates Ryan Wise

School of Education

The School of Education is reaffirming our commitment to our guiding principle of social justice, which assumes the importance of education as a major pathway toward the values of democracy and equity.

SOE STUDENT PROFILE:

Emily Kellogg Junior, Gurnee, Ill. Elementary Education; minor in Spanish; endorsements in reading and ESL

“Being at Drake has meant a lot to me because of the opportunities I have had to grow as a person. Through my classes and talking with peers, I have been able to learn more about our society and who I am,” Emily Kellogg says. Emily studied abroad for a semester, which provided the opportunity to immerse herself in another culture and gain a stronger global perspective. “Having these experiences to learn and grow has made my time at Drake very meaningful,” she says. Emily has taken advantage of the vast opportunities on campus and is a member of the Alpha Phi sorority, Kappa Delta Pi Education Society, and the Donald V. Adams Leadership Institute. Through her involvement, she has been able to forge meaningful, long-lasting connections. “Connections to the Drake community have been an extremely important part of my Drake experience so far. Through my practicum placements, I am able to go into schools in Des Moines to observe practicing teachers,” Emily says. “This has also pushed me to be a better teacher, because I am able to see how I can improve my teaching. I have also made strong connections with my peers.” Emily is excited to be a nanny and a tutor this semester—jobs she landed after being recommended by two of her peers.

BLUE | SPRING 2021

Highlights so far include: • Redesigning the Introduction to Education course to focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion and to emphasize the fundamental importance of these issues to effective teaching • Deepening our partnerships with neighborhood schools so that more students have teaching experiences in our local community and so these schools see the School of Education as a resource. • Launching an equity audit within the counseling program to ensure the curriculum reflects racially and culturall diverse authors and perspectives. • Piloting a review of the CollierScripps Curriculum Library to analyze the library’s collection and identify opportunities to increase the diversity of authors, illustrators, and characters.

• Adding a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion page to the Drake School of Education website. • Actively exploring ways to better recruit students of color from local schools, providing them with the means and the support to pursue and complete their education degree at Drake. We are also building relationships in rural communities, including a partnership with Prairie Lakes Area Education Agency in Pocahontas, Iowa, to provide computer science coursework to 60 teachers this summer, as well as a partnership with the Iowa State Education Association to deliver a master’s degree program in the Mason City, Iowa, area.

All In for SOE

• Overhauling our performance measurement system to ensure there is accountability for results in our social justice efforts

SPRING 2021 | BLUE

Deans’ Updates Ryan Wise

School of Education

SOE STUDENT PROFILE:

Emily Kellogg Junior, Gurnee, Ill. Elementary Education; minor in Spanish; Endorsements in reading and ESL

BLUE | SPRING 2021

All In for SOE

• Overhauling our performance measurement system to ensure there is accountability for results in our social justice efforts

SPRING 2021 | BLUE

Deans’ Updates Kathleen Richardson

School of Journalism & Mass Communication

This academic year has been challenging but gratifying for SJMC. Students and faculty are using technology and ingenuity to stay connected, collaborate, and produce multimedia publications and campaigns for clients throughout the country. Cutting-edge tools allow us to create audio and video work remotely, even operating the Meredith Hall studio control room virtually. The students continue to shine in extraordinary circumstances: • SJMC led the nation in the Hearst writing competition after three students won awards in two contests. • Drake Magazine was honored with another Pacemaker, the top award in collegiate journalism.

• A Drake senior was named Outstanding PR Student of the Year by the Iowa Public Relations Society of America. • The strategic political communication major won the Community Champion Award for its campaign for the Alzheimer’s Association. • Drake’s Public Relations Student Society of America was named a “Star Chapter” for the eighth consecutive year. • A Drake student earned an internship with The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon through an International Radio and Television Society of America fellowship. • Students won five awards in the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication competition and four awards in the College Media Association contest. • Two SJMC students are Fulbright Scholar semifinalists. Our centennial party may have been delayed, but we’ll have even more reason to celebrate when we get back together!

All In for SJMC

NOTE : Longtime SJMC professor and assistant dean Joe R. Patrick died January 31, just a few weeks shy of his 97th birthday. We lost a great journalist, a good man, and a legendary teacher and mentor who taught the art of editing to generations of Drake students. Memorial donations going to a student editing award can be made in Joe’s name. A memorial service will take place in Meredith Hall at a later time. 21

BLUE | SPRING 2021

SJMC STUDENT PROFILE:

Carson J.S. Reichardt Senior, Waconia, Minn. News and Sociology Carson J.S. Reichardt knew immediately after touring Drake’s campus that he had found his future home. “I had the chance to get an amazing education and hands-on experience earlier than I could have anywhere else,” he says. Involved with Student Senate, Fraternity-Sorority Life, Peer Mentor Advisory Board, and as a Conference Resident Assistant, Carson was thrilled to be surrounded by peers who shared his eagerness for opportunities. “No one here is content to sit around and wait for opportunities; they’re always out searching for new ways to be involved. Students here run their own businesses, work for presidential candidates, or make their passion projects a reality because they can. I learn as much from the students around me as I do in the classroom, and that’s a great environment to be in,” Carson says . He credits his apprenticeships and internships at KCCI 8 News and Meredith Corporation to the SJMC’s countless ties to local businesses in Des Moines. “I’ve gotten work experience through Drake that I couldn’t have imagined when I first came to college. When the time comes to transition from student life to a full-time job, I feel like I can make that step confidently,” he says.

SPRING 2021 | BLUE

Deans’ Updates Kathleen Richardson

School of Journalism & Mass Communication

All In for SJMC

BLUE | SPRING 2021

SJMC STUDENT PROFILE:

SPRING 2021 | BLUE

Through Drake's unique First-Year Trial Practicum, students had the opportunity to observe the trial of Des Moines Register reporter Andrea Sahouri, which was held in the Drake Clinic courtroom. Sahouri was charged with failure to disperse and interference with official acts in connection with her presence in May at a George Floyd demonstration.

LAW STUDENT PROFILE:

Emelia Edwards L2, Des Moines

The prosecution of a reporter covering a protest raised important issues regarding the First Amendment and press freedoms, which the students discussed with a panel of experts. Sahouri and co-defendant Spenser Robnett were acquitted on all charges after a jury trial. Read more.

Law, MBA

Although Emelia Edwards, a joint JD/MBA student, is only in her second year of law school, she is already looking beyond graduation. “Being at Drake has provided me with endless opportunities—personal and professional— preparing me for the real world postgraduation,” she says. Emelia highlights her gratitude for the Drake alumni network, which made her path to law school possible. “Without Drake’s generous scholarships, I don’t know if I would have ever had the financial means to make my lifelong dream of attending law school a reality,” she says. “I am forever appreciative of all donors who bring the Drake educational experience to life for those who may not otherwise have the opportunity.” Emelia says the relationships forged within the Drake networks also differentiate the school from other universities. “My Drake mentorships and connections are unlike any other. Members of the Drake community are always there to help and support one another. Whether you are a current student, an alum, or on staff, an association with Drake will always be your ticket into meaningful conversation, lifelong mentorships, and endless opportunities,” she says.

BLUE | SPRING 2021

Jerry Anderson Law School

Three longtime law faculty will be retiring at the end of this academic year. We have established a scholarship fund to honor Professors Andrea Charlow, David McCord, and Maura Strassberg for their combined 106 years of service to students. We are also planning a “last lecture” CLE program and retirement party next fall. All In for Law

Associate Dean Andrew Jurs was recently elected to the prestigious American Law Institute based on his considerable expertise in Evidence and Criminal Procedure. Dean Jurs will return to the teaching faculty this summer, and we will welcome back Professor Erin Lain, AS’06, LW’08, as our new associate dean. Lain has served for the last four years as the associate provost for campus equity and inclusion. Our new Wrongful Convictions clinic started in January. The clinic resulted from a unique partnership with the State of Iowa Office of the Public Defender, directed by Jeff Wright, LW’06. Erica Nichols Cook, LW’09, who heads the state’s Wrongful Conviction Division, directs the new clinic, in which students identify, investigate, and litigate cases of convicted individuals claiming factual innocence. Our annual Supreme Court Day events will be virtual this year, highlighted by our awards celebration on April 15. The event to honor the Iowa Supreme Court and our alumni will feature remarks by Jim Overdorf, LW’96, vice president of football administration for the NFL’s Buffalo Bills. If you haven’t attended Supreme Court Day recently, you’ll find it easier to join us this year via the virtual format!

SPRING 2021 | BLUE

LAW STUDENT PROFILE:

Emelia Edwards L2, Des Moines

Law, MBA

BLUE | SPRING 2021

Jerry Anderson Law School

SPRING 2021 | BLUE

Achievements 1960s

1980s

Richard A. Pundt, LW’69, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, offers a timely political satire that humorously brings into focus many of the bizarre events that have taken place in the United States for the past three years in his new novel, The Trumpestiad: A Sad American Comedy (published by Archway Publishing).

Douglas A. Kristensen, LW’80, Minden, Neb., is among 30 Nebraska lawyers chosen for the 2020 Class of Fellows by the Nebraska State Bar Foundation.

1970s William “Bill” Drury, LA’73, LW’77, Phoenix, Ariz., has joined Cyber Dive as a senior executive advisor. Van Harden, JO’73, Des Moines, is retiring from his position as programming director and morning show host at WHO Radio in Des Moines, 50 years after his first broadcast. He was inducted into the Iowa Broadcasting Hall of Fame in 2019. James Brusatte, LA’74, Ottawa, Ill., was awarded the 2020 Prairie State Legal Services Illinois Excellence Award for his contribution to pro bono services. Michael S. Bennett, BN’75, GR’76, Bradenton, Fla., was reelected to a third term as Manatee County supervisor of elections. Kenneth Ferguson, LA’75, Kansas City, Mo., was promoted to professor of law-FAR at University of MissouriKansas City School of Law. Louis Carr, JO’78, Chicago, Ill., was appointed to the board of directors of Cedar Fair Management, Inc.

BLUE | SPRING 2021

Danlias F. Howe, LW’81, Debary, Fla., was ordained into the Office of Holy Ministry in the Lutheran Church (LCMS) and installed as a pastor at Wellspring Church in DeLand, Fla. Marian Mathews Clark, GR’82, Iowa City, Iowa, is the author of These Doors: A Novel, which was recently published by Culicidae Press. Christopher Hart, FA’82, McComb, Miss., scored Ranch Hands, a film from Running Wild Films, which won Best Western/Mob/Psycho short at the MLC Festival awards. Since that film, Christopher has scored Bastard’s Crossing and three upcoming Westerns. Camille Y. Lilly, BN’83, Chicago, Ill., was reelected to another term representing the 78th District in the Illinois House of Representatives. Mary Gurney, PH’87, Peoria, Ariz., was named a fellow by The American Pharmacists Association (APhA) and was recognized for her long record of outstanding service to APhA, including her role as moderator for the APhAAPRS ENGAGE community and contributions to the profession through her extensive work with the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy FPGEE/PCOA exams. Tim L. Stonehocker, BN’87, Lincoln, Neb., joined Kemper Corporation as president of Kemper Life.

Dan Belzer, AS’88, Los Angeles, Calif., released an album of his original contemporary Christian music, Living in the Light. He is a Los Angeles-based musician and UCLA theater professor. J. Vance Jorgensen, LW’88, Mason City, Iowa, was named to the Iowa Rock ’n Roll Music Association board.

1990s Amy Farlinger, PH’98, Mesa, Ariz., was promoted to senior clinical pharmacist with the Allwell Medicare plan line of business.

David Berdan, LW’95, Alexandria, Va., is general counsel at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, effective Nov. 16, 2020. Suzanne Bruss, LW’97, Lenexa, Kan., joined Hinkle Law Firm LLC, where she is a defense attorney representing persons and entities sued for wrongful death, personal injury, or negligence. She also defends clients sued for employment-related matters and professional negligence.

Russell M. Adams, GR’93, Orange City, Iowa, was named 2021 Iowa Superintendent of the Year by the School Administrators of Iowa. Sara Judson Brown, JO’93, Sauk Rapids, Minn., published Siren’s Cove (Perigalacticon Series, Book 1) published by Copyrobot Publishing. Jeremy Glenn, BN’94, Chicago, Ill., an employment and labor attorney, was named a top practitioner in Illinois by Super Lawyers. Super Lawyers represents the top 5 percent of all practicing lawyers in each state, identifying preeminent attorneys based on surveys and interviews with thousands of attorneys, plus consideration of civic service and pro bono activities. Elizabeth “Beth” Nigut, LW’94, Des Moines, was named the HR Professional of the Year by the Des Moines Business Record.

Scott Gojkovich, JO’97, Urbandale, Iowa, was promoted to senior vice president of marketing at NCMIC Group, Inc., in Clive, Iowa.

Katie Suda, PH’99, Pittsburgh, Pa., was one of 21 American College of Clinical Pharmacy members elected as Fellows of the ACCP. Fellow recognition is awarded to ACCP members who have demonstrated a sustained level of excellence in clinical pharmacy practice and/or research.

Timothy C. Meals, LW’99, Nevada, Iowa, was reelected Story County attorney.

2000s

Nicholas P. Hillard, JO’00, Fairway, Kan., joined the Wendt Law Firm as a personal injury attorney. Kenneth D. Kasper, GR’00, Creston, Iowa, was named the Garner-HayfieldVentura superintendent of schools.

Coreen K. Sweeney, LW’90, Des Moines, was elected chair of Nyemaster Goode, P.C. Nicole B. Theophilus, AS’91, Omaha, Neb., was appointed executive vice president and chief human resources o cer at Wabtec.

Casey Decker, AS’97, West Des Moines, Iowa, was named the chief information officer of Hy-Vee.

Lance L. Whitacre, GR’00, Hudson, Wis., was promoted to senior vice president of manufacturing and logistics at Anderson Corporation. Sean Coughlin, AS’01, Nixa, Mo., was named offensive line coach at Eastern Michigan University.

TRANSFORM LIVES, STRENGTHEN COMMUNITIES National Alumni Board member Tim Coonan, AS’96, LW’02, and Student Alumni Association board member Marisa Morris are public policy wonks with very different opinions.

“Marisa and I could not be more diametrically opposed politically, which has lead to some great conversations,” says Tim, the government relations special counsel at Dentons Davis Brown Law Firm. But Bulldogs presume the best of each other. So they both said that despite their differences, they have benefited from participation in their boards’ joint mentor/mentee program. “Tim and I have a great relationship,” says Marisa, the mentee and a senior majoring in law, politics, and society. “And he has helped me get to internships in my field.” Tim, the mentor, said he mentors students out of both a feeling of personal responsibility and a love of his alma mater. He is impressed with the caliber of students Drake is attracting and knows Marissa is destined for great things. “I was helped by so many people,” Tim says. “Now I’m at a point in my career when I can give back. I can help students, and I can help make Drake, Drake.” SPRING 2021 | BLUE

Achievements 1960s

1980s

Douglas A. Kristensen, LW’80, Minden, Neb., is among 30 Nebraska lawyers chosen for the 2020 Class of Fellows by the Nebraska State Bar Foundation.

BLUE | SPRING 2021

1990s Amy Farlinger, PH’98, Mesa, Ariz., was promoted to senior clinical pharmacist with the Allwell Medicare plan line of business.

Scott Gojkovich, JO’97, Urbandale, Iowa, was promoted to senior vice president of marketing at NCMIC Group, Inc., in Clive, Iowa.

Timothy C. Meals, LW’99, Nevada, Iowa, was reelected Story County attorney.

2000s

Casey Decker, AS’97, West Des Moines, Iowa, was named the chief information officer of Hy-Vee.

“Marisa and I could not be more diametrically opposed politically, which has lead to some great conversations,” says Tim, the government relations special counsel at Dentons Davis Brown Law Firm. But Bulldogs presume the best of each other. So they both said that despite their differences, they have benefited from participation in their boards’ joint mentor/mentee program. “Tim and I have a great relationship,” says Marisa, the mentee and a senior majoring in law, politics, and society. “And he has helped me get two internships in my field.” Tim, the mentor, said he mentors students out of both a feeling of personal responsibility and a love of his alma mater. He is impressed with the caliber of students Drake is attracting and knows Marissa is destined for great things. “I was helped by so many people,” Tim says. “Now I’m at a point in my career when I can give back. I can help students, and I can help make Drake, Drake.” SPRING 2021 | BLUE

2000s James Hall, LW’01, Des Moines, was named the general counsel for the Ports of Indiana. Christopher C. Diebel, JO’03, GR’11, Des Moines, was named the director of public affairs for The Iowa Business Council. Neal Fisher, AS’03, Crofton, Md., was promoted to lieutenant colonel of the United States Army and graduated from National Intelligence University in Bethesda, Md., with a master of science of strategic intelligence in July. Lesa Dencklau, AS’05, Mt. Pleasant, Wis., was tapped to lead the competitive dance team at West Virginia Wesleyan College. Ricki King, AS’05, JO’05, Windsor Heights, Iowa, is serving as a member of the Iowa Historical Foundation Board. Jason Martell, AS’05, Chippewa Falls, Wis., joined the law firm of Wiley Law, S.C., in Chippewa Falls. Melissa Odorzynski, PH’05, Sarasota, Fla., was named chief operating officer of Aspen RxHealth to support their rapid growth. David F. Morain, LW’06, Adel, Iowa, is the new city attorney for Jefferson, Iowa. Taryn F. (Dozark) Frideres, AS’07, BN’07, Alexandria, Va., was named chief operating officer for the state of Iowa by Gov. Kim Reynolds. Elizabeth (Glockhoff) Tesar, BN’07, GR’14, Norwalk, Iowa, was named to the Association for Healthcare Philanthropy’s Forty Under 40 list. Erica Crannage, PH’08, Columbia, Ill., was one of 21 American College of Clinical Pharmacy members elected

BLUE | SPRING 2021

as Fellows of the ACCP. Fellow recognition is awarded to ACCP members who have demonstrated a sustained level of excellence in clinical pharmacy practice and/or research.

Kenneth M. “Ken-Matt” Martin, AS’12, JO’12, New York City, is the director of Ghost Gun, a play being presented digitally by the Goodman Theatre in Chicago, Ill.

Amanda Wilwert, AS’08, Kansas City, Kan., was elected to partnership in Foulston Siefkin LLP. Amanda advises a broad range of healthcare clients in a variety of transactional and business issues, including administrative and regulatory requirements, compliance, risk management, licensure, and Medicare conditions of participation and conditions for coverage.

Rob Unger, BN’12, Highlands Ranch, Colo., has joined the Atlas Brokerage team.

Michael R. Bousselot, LW’09, Ankeny, Iowa, was appointed as the director of the department of management by Gov. Kim Reynolds. Erica Jensen, GR’09, Johnston, Iowa, was named senior vice president and chief communications officer at Meredith Corporation.

2010s Staci Bennett, GR’10, Des Moines, was named executive director of the Des Moines Downtown Chamber of Commerce. Nicholas Janning, AS’10, Urbandale, Iowa, was named director of the Urbandale Public Library. Brittney Miller, AS’11, Minneapolis, Minn., became a shareholder at Moss & Barnett. Brittney assists clients in all family-related matters, including parenting, support, division of assets, stepparent and same-sex adoptions, antenuptial agreements, and many other issues confronting modern families.

Deidre (Howard) DeJear, JO’13, Des Moines, was appointed to the Temporary Redistricting Advisory Commission for the state of Iowa. Samuel T. Pritchard, AS’14, BN’14, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, was named U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson’s district director. Kevin P. Walsh, LW’14, Grand Island, Neb., is the newest partner at Smith, Johnson, Allen, Connick & Hansen law firm in Grand Island. Craig L. Brown, LW’15, Spring, Texas, was appointed to The Renewables Consulting Group (RCG). An energy market specialist, Craig will work from RCG’s New York office and its London headquarters. Emily Botten, PH’16, PH’20, Rockford, Minn., started a new position as an occupational therapist at Park Nicollet Health Services. Haley Chelsvig, AS’16, Jacksonville, Ill., joined the staff at St. Andrew’sSewanee School. Cory A. Marquardt, BN’16, GR’19, Wausau, Wisc., is the new head boys basketball coach at Newman Catholic High School in Wausau.

Memories from

& 1970

1971

Arriving hours early for home basketball games at Vets Auditorium. Participating in Bulldog Tales and Sweetheart Sing and building parade floats for the Drake Relays. Hanging out at The Kennel, The Point, or Hubbell Dining Hall. Who could forget Jim Duncan in journalism, Marjorie Cunningham as the dean of women, speech class with Hattie Jones, and, of course, the venerable Don Adams?

Cheers to 50 years! While an in-person reunion is in the works for 2022, we don’t want to miss an opportunity to toast to the classes of 1970 and 1971. Graduates are invited to a virtual get-together to reconnect with one another, hear about what’s happening at Drake, and toast to this important milestone. Get-togethers will be held in the evenings of May 11–13. RSVP online and watch for a mailed invitation, too.

RSVP to the Get-Together

Alexander “Alex” Timm, AS’11, BN’11, Columbus, Ohio, cofounder and CEO of Root Insurance, was named CEO of the Year for 2020 in the large business category by ColumbusCEO. SPRING 2021 | BLUE

BLUE | SPRING 2021

as Fellows of the ACCP. Fellow recognition is awarded to ACCP members who have demonstrated a sustained level of excellence in clinical pharmacy practice and/or research.

Kenneth M. “Ken-Matt” Martin, AS’12, JO’12, New York City, is the director of Ghost Gun, a play being presented digitally by the Goodman Theatre in Chicago, Ill.

Rob Unger, BN’12, Highlands Ranch, Colo., has joined the Atlas Brokerage team.

Memories from

& 1970

1971

Cheers to 50 years! While an in-person reunion is in the works for 2022, we don’t want to miss an opportunity to toast to the classes of 1970 and 1971. Graduates are invited to a virtual get-together to reconnect with one another, hear about what’s happening at Drake, and toast to this important milestone on May 12. RSVP online and watch for a mailed invitation, too.

RSVP to the Get-Together

Alexander “Alex” Timm, AS’11, BN’11, Columbus, Ohio, cofounder and CEO of Root Insurance, was named CEO of the Year for 2020 in the large business category by ColumbusCEO. SPRING 2021 | BLUE

Weddings

Births

Leslie (Caraballo) Brown, JO’82, and Clifton Brown, Oct. 2, 2020

Shannon Muench, AS’01, and Christopher Giles, a son, Zachary Liam Giles

Kelly Caldbeck, PH’01, and Ted Thoms, AS’92, Oct. 10, 2020

Corey Dossett, PH’09, BN’09, and Dana M. Dossett, AS’09, a daughter, Norah Catherine Dossett

Kayla J. (Stein) Wankum, PH’16, and Cameron Wankum, Nov. 7, 2020

Dorothy Loy, PH’11, GR’11, a son, Charles Chrzaszcz Loy

Anna (Fischer) Michel, PH’17, and Kyle Michel, GR’16, Oct. 17, 2020

Kathryn Owen, PH’11, and Ben Urick, PH’11, a daughter, Caroline Elizabeth Urick

Christopher Caracci, PH’18, BN’18, and Kelly (Meyer) Caracci, AS’16, Nov. 6, 2020

Abby Delaney, JO’13, and Madison Delaney, a son, Andrew Francis Delaney

MY COOL JOB

—Linda Yang, ED’08, JO’08, on participating in the National Alumni Scholarship weekends.

Dalton Fabian

Linda Milam

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF EQUITY, INCLUSION, AND DIVERSITY, WEST DES MOINES COMMUNITY SCHOOLS

DATA SCIENCE ANALYST, UNITYPOINT HEALTH

PROJECT ENGINEER, NASA’S HUMAN EXPLORATION AND OPERATIONS MISSION DIRECTORATE

“We’re dealing with our future leaders in a setting where they’re coming to learn and grow,” Anthony says. “There is no better environment to make sure we are getting it right.” Anthony is the first executive director of equity, inclusion, and diversity in the district. He also offers equity consulting services to private companies and nonprofits through an organization he founded called the Center for Equity Focused Learning.

BLUE | SPRING 2021

Linda was a Carpenter Scholar as a student and after graduation, she received a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant fellowship to teach English in Hong Kong. Linda then completed a two-year master’s of science in management at the London School of Economics. Today, she lives in London and is the head of public relations for GoCardless.

This year felt like the most inclusive yet, the one where no deserving student had to be limited by the cost or logistics of travel in order to compete for a scholarship. I hope we'll always keep some form of virtual participation open. This way we can continue to spot talent and leadership in any circumstance and create a more diverse student body, for which everyone would be the richer.”

Anthony Ferguson Jr.

Anthony Ferguson Jr., GR’17, ’20, is responsible for making equity a constant priority for everyone in his school district, from students to board members.

“My favorite part of the process was interviewing the candidates. I was blown away by how much they'd achieved already, and equally excited and humbled to hear how passionate they were about coming to Drake to start the next chapter of their lives. In spite of all the hardship the pandemic has brought to our lives, it's also been a positive force for change in terms of the NAS selection process.

Dalton Fabian, PH’08, is helping save lives through data. He is a lifelong programmer, and the role combines that passion with his pharmacy training. For example, one tool Dalton uses predicts the likelihood a patient will be readmitted to the hospital within 30 days. Providers can use that knowledge to help prevent the readmission. “Essentially, the goal behind everything we do is to predict the future from data that we have in the past,” Dalton says.

Linda Milam, AS’88, is helping humankind get to Mars. Linda works for NASA’s Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate. She analyzes the schedules of several concurrent projects that converge toward a common mission—returning to the moon, then heading to Mars. Milam evaluates the likelihood that projects will be successful and whether that success will happen on time and on budget. “It’s like the world’s greatest science project,” Linda says. “Who wouldn’t want to be a part of that?”

SPRING 2021 | BLUE

Weddings

Births

Leslie (Caraballo) Brown, JO’82, and Clifton Brown, Oct. 2, 2020

Shannon Muench, AS’01, and Christopher Giles, a son, Zachary Liam Giles

Kelly Caldbeck, PH’01, and Ted Thoms, AS’92, Oct. 10, 2020

Corey Dossett, PH’09, BN’09, and Dana M. Dossett, AS’09, a daughter, Norah Catherine Dossett

Kayla J. (Stein) Wankum, PH’16, and Cameron Wankum, Nov. 7, 2020

Dorothy Loy, PH’11, GR’11, a son, Charles Chrzaszcz Loy

Anna (Fischer) Michel, PH’17, and Kyle Michel, GR’16, Oct. 17, 2020

Kathryn Owen, PH’11, and Ben Urick, PH’11, a daughter, Caroline Elizabeth Urick

Christopher Caracci, PH’18, BN’18, and Kelly (Meyer) Caracci, AS’16, Nov. 6, 2020

Abby Delaney, JO’13, and Madison Delaney, a son, Andrew Francis Delaney

MY COOL JOB

—Linda Yang, ED’08, JO’08, on participating in the National Alumni Scholarship weekends.

Dalton Fabian

Linda Milam

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF EQUITY, INCLUSION, AND DIVERSITY, WEST DES MOINES COMMUNITY SCHOOLS

DATA SCIENCE ANALYST, UNITYPOINT HEALTH

PROJECT ENGINEER, NASA’S HUMAN EXPLORATION AND OPERATIONS MISSION DIRECTORATE

BLUE | SPRING 2021

Anthony Ferguson Jr.

Anthony Ferguson Jr., GR’17, ’20, is responsible for making equity a constant priority for everyone in his school district, from students to board members.

SPRING 2021 | BLUE

“If there’s any place to address difficult issues, it’s at a college or university. That is our work. It’s to get our students thinking about these issues. Whether they directly impact their lives or they impact the lives of other students, we want them to be thinking about that so when they graduate from Drake, they’re going into a community that they’re readily able to support and be civically involved in.”

Check out recordings from past virtual events and RSVP to upcoming events.

—Jerry Parker, dean of students,

1930s Harriette (Johnson) Essman, ED’39, Des Moines

1940s Julia (Rahm) Greteman, LA’44, Carroll, Iowa Jane Amorosi, BN’45, Downers Grove, Ill. Audrienne Swedlund, ED’45, Stratford, Iowa Harold “Hal” Jackson, JO’49, Davenport, Iowa Roy Messerschmidt, BN’49, West Des Moines, Iowa

1950s

Robert Timmins, BN’51, Ocala, Fla. Robert L. Beneventi, LW’52, Des Moines Guy Grimes, LA’52, Des Moines James A. Lorentzen, LW’52, Des Moines Charles E. Streeter, GR’53, Cincinnati, Ohio Clark A. Colby, ’54, West Des Moines, Iowa Ruth (Babcock) Klotz, BN’54, LW’55, Des Moines Waltressa “Wally” (Lundgren) Nelson, ED’54, Prairie Village, Kan.

Keith L. Kraft, LA’50, Park Rapids, Minn.

Donald N. Pochter, BN’54, GR’72, West Des Moines, Iowa

Paul G. Purinton, ED’51, Ocala, Fla.

Marvin Simonsen, GR’54, Des Moines, Iowa

Paul L. Sloan, ED’51, GR’62, Urbandale, Iowa

Sigurd E. Anderson II, LA'55, Des Moines

BLUE | SPRING 2021

Russell Cayler, ED’63, Dixon, Calif. Helen M. Tirsell, GR’63, Livermore, Calif. David E. Uddin, PH’63, Centerville, Ohio

Jerry, along with Don Adams, led a conversation about Drake, then and now, during a recent Back to Class virtual event.

In Memoriam

Ronald W. Oppenheim, LA’62, Winston-Salem, N.C.

Janet Saluri, ED’64, Des Moines Ronald L. Sorenson, LA’64, Green Valley, Ariz.

Sheila J. (Wittenmeyer) Goar, LA’56, Dallas, Texas Myron Swan, FA’56, Revere, Mo. John F. “Jack” Byrnes, BN’57, Waukee, Iowa

O. Richard “Dick” Maeglin, BN’59, Muscatine, Iowa Caroll R. McKibbin, LA’59, GR’60, San Luis Obispo, Calif.

Lawrence E. Carlson, PH’57, Ottumwa, Iowa

Rose “Darlene” (Janssen) Owens, ED’59, Sac City, Iowa

Jean (Shawhan) Hamilton, LA’57, Des Moines

1960s

Andrew G. Oppedahl, LA’57, Dubuque, Iowa

Robert L. Beisch, ED’60, Ottumwa, Iowa

Patricia Rood, ED’57, Ames, Iowa

Ray Hensel, FA’60, Shoemakersville, Pa.

Robert F. Frost, LA’58, Ironton, Mo.

Bridget “Bea” (Kiser) Sweet, ED’60, GR’67, Des Moines

Ann L. (Eno) Holm, ED’58, Lincoln, Neb. Roger J. LaBrasca, JO’58, Racine, Wis. George W. Sullivan, LW’58, West Des Moines, Iowa

Harry L. Keay, BN’61, Calumet City, Ill. Ronald E. Roberts, LA’61, Waterloo, Iowa Luella L. Weber, ED’61, Marshalltown, Iowa

James Dreibelbeis, PH’59, West Liberty, Iowa

Victor A. Zanona, BN’61, GR’66, Des Moines

Kathryn “Kay” Hill, ED’59, Ankeny, Iowa

Janet L. (Jennings) O’Hair, ED’62, Mesa, Ariz., and Indianola, Iowa

Francis Wayne Bryant, DV’65, Wilsonville, Ore. Fran Chalfant, LA’65, Carrollton, Ga. Ronald Franklin, DV’65, Marion, Iowa Dennis Edwin Davis, ED’66, Grand Rapids, Minn. James Hellquist, LA’66, Libertyville, Ill. Marjorie (Wood) Faulkner, ED’67, GR’90, Osceola, Iowa James A. Miller, JO’67, Quincy, Mass. Sally M. Morrow, ED’67, Sun City West, Ariz. Lois M. Seeley, ED’67, Panora, Iowa James G. Snyder, PH’67, Spring Hill, Fla. Thomas L. Heabel, BN’68, Naples, Fla. Marvin E. Suhr, GR’68, Fremont, Neb.

1970s

Wayne E. Woods, LA’75, Urbandale, Iowa

Robert C. Capps, BN’70, Liberty, Mo. Gregory G. Brunk, LA’71, Waterloo, Iowa

Teresa R. Fitzsimmons, ED’76, Des Moines Debra K. Peek, FA’77, Des Moines

Suzanne (Cohn) Engman, LA’71, LW’79, Palm Desert, Calif.

1980s

George Enich, PH’71, Chicago, Ill.

Sandra Harsha, GR’81, Urbandale, Iowa

Darlene (Grau) Hotopp, ED’71, Des Moines

Scott D. Meyer, BN’81, Richmond, Va.

Brenda Y. LaBlanc, LA’72, Des Moines

Robert “Bob” Rogers, LA’81, West Des Moines, Iowa

Darrell Lundien, BN’72, Boone, Iowa Harry D. Glider, BN’73, Mesa, Ariz. Nancy McGrath, ED’73, GR’93, Billings, Mont.

Harlan S. Miller, FA’83, Macon, Ga. Vickie (Chandler) Anderson, LA’85, GR’88, Silvis, Ill.

Timothy Colwell, JO’75, Tulsa, Okla.

Thomas M. Barnabo, ED’87, West Des Moines, Iowa

Zenobia M. MitchelWhite, ED’75, AS’97, Des Moines

Rodney E. Courtney, BN’87, Des Moines

1990s Marilyn K. O’Brien, GR’92, Windsor Heights, Iowa Steven G. Mosena, GR’98, Clive, Iowa Paul M. Hauer, LW’99, Milwaukee, Wis. Jennifer O’Toole, PH’99, Urbandale, Iowa

2000s Brenda K. Quade, LW’01, Rockford, Ill. Matthew Alan Hoag, PH’02, Urbandale, Iowa Jesse R. Johnston, AS’03, GR’04, LW’15, West Des Moines, Iowa R. Dale Owen, GR’04, Rock Island, Ill.

SUBMIT A CLASS NOTE Have a job update or an accomplishment to share? How about a new baby Bulldog in your family or a marriage to celebrate? Submit a Class Note for the fall issue of Blue here.

Veda Mae Jones, ED’69, Indianola, Iowa SPRING 2021 | BLUE

Check out recordings from past virtual events and RSVP to upcoming events.

—Jerry Parker, dean of students,

1930s Harriette (Johnson) Essman, ED’39, Des Moines

1950s

Keith L. Kraft, LA’50, Park Rapids, Minn.

Donald N. Pochter, BN’54, GR’72, West Des Moines, Iowa

Paul G. Purinton, ED’51, Ocala, Fla.

Marvin Simonsen, GR’54, Des Moines, Iowa

Paul L. Sloan, ED’51, GR’62, Urbandale, Iowa

Sigurd E. Anderson II, LA'55, Des Moines

BLUE | SPRING 2021

Russell Cayler, ED’63, Dixon, Calif. Helen M. Tirsell, GR’63, Livermore, Calif. David E. Uddin, PH’63, Centerville, Ohio

Jerry, along with Don Adams, led a conversation about Drake, then and now, during a recent Back to Class virtual event.

In Memoriam

Ronald W. Oppenheim, LA’62, Winston-Salem, N.C.

Janet Saluri, ED’64, Des Moines Ronald L. Sorenson, LA’64, Green Valley, Ariz.

Sheila J. (Wittenmeyer) Goar, LA’56, Dallas, Texas Myron Swan, FA’56, Revere, Mo. John F. “Jack” Byrnes, BN’57, Waukee, Iowa

O. Richard “Dick” Maeglin, BN’59, Muscatine, Iowa Caroll R. McKibbin, LA’59, GR’60, San Luis Obispo, Calif.

Lawrence E. Carlson, PH’57, Ottumwa, Iowa

Rose “Darlene” (Janssen) Owens, ED’59, Sac City, Iowa

Jean (Shawhan) Hamilton, LA’57, Des Moines

1960s

Andrew G. Oppedahl, LA’57, Dubuque, Iowa

Robert L. Beisch, ED’60, Ottumwa, Iowa

Patricia Rood, ED’57, Ames, Iowa

Ray Hensel, FA’60, Shoemakersville, Pa.

Robert F. Frost, LA’58, Ironton, Mo.

Bridget “Bea” (Kiser) Sweet, ED’60, GR’67, Des Moines

Ann L. (Eno) Holm, ED’58, Lincoln, Neb. Roger J. LaBrasca, JO’58, Racine, Wis. George W. Sullivan, LW’58, West Des Moines, Iowa

Harry L. Keay, BN’61, Calumet City, Ill. Ronald E. Roberts, LA’61, Waterloo, Iowa Luella L. Weber, ED’61, Marshalltown, Iowa

James Dreibelbeis, PH’59, West Liberty, Iowa

Victor A. Zanona, BN’61, GR’66, Des Moines

Kathryn “Kay” Hill, ED’59, Ankeny, Iowa

Janet L. (Jennings) O’Hair, ED’62, Mesa, Ariz., and Indianola, Iowa

1970s

Wayne E. Woods, LA’75, Urbandale, Iowa

Robert C. Capps, BN’70, Liberty, Mo. Gregory G. Brunk, LA’71, Waterloo, Iowa

Teresa R. Fitzsimmons, ED’76, Des Moines Debra K. Peek, FA’77, Des Moines

Suzanne (Cohn) Engman, LA’71, LW’79, Palm Desert, Calif.

1980s

George Enich, PH’71, Chicago, Ill.

Sandra Harsha, GR’81, Urbandale, Iowa

Darlene (Grau) Hotopp, ED’71, Des Moines

Scott D. Meyer, BN’81, Richmond, Va.

Brenda Y. LaBlanc, LA’72, Des Moines

Robert “Bob” Rogers, LA’81, West Des Moines, Iowa

Darrell Lundien, BN’72, Boone, Iowa Harry D. Glider, BN’73, Mesa, Ariz. Nancy McGrath, ED’73, GR’93, Billings, Mont.

Harlan S. Miller, FA’83, Macon, Ga. Vickie (Chandler) Anderson, LA’85, GR’88, Silvis, Ill.

Timothy Colwell, JO’75, Tulsa, Okla.

Thomas M. Barnabo, ED’87, West Des Moines, Iowa

Zenobia M. MitchelWhite, ED’75, AS’97, Des Moines

Rodney E. Courtney, BN’87, Des Moines

1990s Marilyn K. O’Brien, GR’92, Windsor Heights, Iowa Steven G. Mosena, GR’98, Clive, Iowa Paul M. Hauer, LW’99, Milwaukee, Wis. Jennifer O’Toole, PH’99, Urbandale, Iowa

2000s Brenda K. Quade, LW’01, Rockford, Ill. Matthew Alan Hoag, PH’02, Urbandale, Iowa Jesse R. Johnston, AS’03, GR’04, LW’15, West Des Moines, Iowa R. Dale Owen, GR’04, Rock Island, Ill.

SUBMIT A CLASS NOTE Have a job update or an accomplishment to share? How about a new baby Bulldog in your family or a marriage to celebrate? Submit a Class Note for the fall issue of Blue here.

Veda Mae Jones, ED’69, Indianola, Iowa SPRING 2021 | BLUE

AD: We noticed that a lot of Black alumni wouldn’t give

unless it was advancing Black students. Now we’re starting to ask those questions about how we can give to support Black students directly and to programs like Coalition of Black Students (CBS), Crew, Flight, and Unity Roundtable.

Univ er

y sit

ake r D

All In EN GC L L HA

Why are you part of the board?

24-HOUR GIVING CHALLENGE APRIL 8–9, noon to noon

For a Moment, For a Lifetime During All In 2021, we are recognizing the moments, big and small, that add up to an education that lasts a lifetime. Join us as we celebrate Bulldogs and support Drake University. Go All In

AD: I’m on the board because I’ve been there. I struggled.

IN CONVERSATION

ALEXIS DAVIS TIRA MAYS

Black Alumni Association

Alexis Davis, JO’12, GR’17, president, and Tira Mays, ED’11, LW’17, vice president, lead the newly formed Black Alumni Association (BAA). The group connects Black alumni and students to build relationships, open doors, and provide a network of support while advocating for an equitable and inclusive Drake community.

What are your goals and vision for BAA? AD: We want to re-engage Black alumni and former

students and create connectivity between students and alumni through networking opportunities and events. We are also working with campus leadership to share our perspectives and give input on new programs and developments like John Dee Bright College and the soccer stadium project.

TM: We are looking to make sure the University is

developing and maintaining the proper resources for Black students that will lead to their success and retention. The BAA board is a step in the right direction. It has given us an opportunity to understand what’s happening on campus. This is the start of a new future.

AD: I want to see the faith between alumni and current

students strengthened. With the presence of this board, it has given faith to students to know that we, the Black alumni community, will work for them.

TM: We’re here to help students. I want to see a campus

BLUE | SPRING 2021

reflective of a diverse community and conducive to all persons. It’s helpful for students to see people who look like them as graduates. Financial aid is big to the retention piece and empowers students to be able to continue at Drake.

I thought about dropping out due to finances, lack of support, and my mental health. The CBS board and alumni kept me going. [Vice Provost] Wanda Everage [LA’72] and Sentwali Bakari [dean of students] helped me retain my focus and stay. I want to be that resource and that person who students can go to for support.

TM: I was one of maybe two Black students when I was

in school for my master’s in education and law degree. It was hard to see people who didn’t look like me have more support than I did. I felt like I didn’t have a support system. I’m always willing to give back to students of color because I know what it feels like to be the lone soldier.

How can alumni support the BAA work? AD: Alumni, students, and former students: Join our network. Attend BAA events, whether virtual or future in-person events. We’re also looking to build our archive and would love to receive photos, videos, or past documentation from Black student organizations. It’s important for us to have that history.

TM: We are always looking for Black alumni to come back, offer mentorships, and form relationships with students. Drake is a predominantly white university, so it’s easy to become isolated as a Black student.

AD: At Drake you are surrounded by excellence, and our

Black students have taken that and run with it. But they don’t have the opportunities white students do in terms of internships and apprenticeships because of their networks. We need to build that network of Black alumni. We need to create that so our students have opportunities and can be fruitful.

JOIN THE NETWORK Drake University Black Alumni Association Connect with the Black alumni community and stay up to date on events, networking opportunities, and ways to support and mentor Black students.

Drake University Black Alumni Association Follow on Facebook

AD: We noticed that a lot of Black alumni wouldn’t give

Univ er

y sit

ake r D

All In EN GC L L HA

Why are you part of the board?

24-HOUR GIVING CHALLENGE APRIL 8–9, noon to noon

AD: I’m on the board because I’ve been there. I struggled.

IN CONVERSATION

ALEXIS DAVIS TIRA MAYS

Black Alumni Association

What are your goals and vision for BAA? AD: We want to re-engage Black alumni and former

TM: We are looking to make sure the University is

AD: I want to see the faith between alumni and current

students strengthened. With the presence of this board, it has given faith to students to know that we, the Black alumni community, will work for them.

BLUE | SPRING 2021

TM: We’re here to help students. I want to see a campus reflective of a diverse community and conducive to all persons. It’s helpful for students to see people who look like them as graduates. Financial aid is big to the retention piece and empowers students to be able to continue at Drake.

TM: I was one of maybe two Black students when I was

AD: At Drake you are surrounded by excellence, and our

Drake University Black Alumni Association Follow on Facebook

Build Your Legacy at Drake An estate gift to Drake means your legacy will impact Bulldogs for generations to come. When you include Drake in your estate plan, you contribute to an exceptional learning environment that prepares students for life and equips Drake to transform lives and strengthen communities.

WHY BULLDOGS GIVE

Lowell “Milo” Plavec, LA’70, counts his Drake friends as family. The group of about two dozen Bulldogs now extends across the country, but they remain close. When one of their own, William “Papa” Papastefan, BN’71, passed away, the group created a scholarship to honor him. It's a way to pay forward the support they received as students, and provide future Bulldogs the opportunity to make meaningful, lifelong relationships. For Milo, paying it forward also includes a planned estate gift.

“Drake is a good home for a lot of people. It was perfect for me and an important place for my friends and me. That’s why I give.” — Lowell “Milo” Plavec, LA’70

MAKE A LASTING IMPACT AT DRAKE.

plannedgiving.drake.edu

Questions? Contact: John Amato, GR’02 Director of Development john.amato@drake.edu 515-271-2849