Drake to dedicate the William S.E. Coleman Studio Theatre on June 17

Drake University will hold a dedication ceremony for the William S.E. Coleman Studio Theatre, formerly known as Studio 55 (and before that, Studio Theatre), at 5 p.m. Saturday, June 18, as part of a weekend-long theatre alumni reunion. The theater is named for William S.E. “Doc” Coleman, one of the Drake Department of Theatre Arts’ most longstanding and beloved faculty members, serving from 1966 to 2002.

Donations to a memorial fund in Coleman’s honor will be used to renovate the theater space, which Coleman helped to design, and any remaining funds will lay the groundwork for a guest artist program. Read more about Doc Coleman’s impact in the Drake Newsroom.

Adult Literacy Center celebrates 40 years, seeks volunteers

More Greater Des Moines-area adults are seeking assistance in achieving basic literacy skills. But at Drake University’s Adult Literacy Center, which is celebrating its 40th year in operation, demand for services is outpacing the supply of volunteers who are available to tutor participants in reading, writing, and speaking.

The Center has worked with more than 140 adults this year, including 25 individuals who are on a waiting list. That represents a 21 percent increase in demand over last year. Meanwhile, there are currently about 70 tutors who are available to teach. Tutor training will be held Friday, June 17, and Saturday, June 18, at the Drake University School of Education. Learn more about getting involved in the Drake Newsroom.