After decades of service and sponsorship by Drake, the Adult Literacy Center is moving off of Drake’s campus to DMACC’s Urban Campus, located a few blocks off University Avenue.

The Adult Literacy Center improves the quality of adults’ lives by helping them learn to read, write, and comprehend. And, it is the only program of its kind in the Des Moines area. The move will put the Center in a location where students can easily transition into a GED program, receive English language tutoring, or other career preparation services offered by DMACC.

I am very pleased to announce that Anne Murr is returning from retirement to guide the DMACC project. In addition, the current coordinator Vickie Merrifield will manage the program just as she is now with no interruption of service to students. Any funds remaining in the Drake Adult Literacy account will be shifted to DMACC allowing them the resources they need to get everything up and running smoothly.

The Adult Literacy Center provides services to over 100 adults each year. The Center is staffed by volunteers from Drake and the Des Moines community. I sincerely appreciate the many faculty and staff who have volunteered or otherwise supported the center over the years. I hope you will continue your support, which improves the lives of hundreds of deserving adults. Here’s to many more years of service!

For questions, contact Vickie Merrifield, ALCA literacy trainer, at 515-248-7517 or vlmerrifield@dmacc.edu .

—Jan McMahill, Dean, School of Education