The philanthropic contributions of nearly 500 members of the faculty and staff were recognized during the first faculty and staff donor appreciation breakfast on May 8.

During the event, John Smith, vice president for University Advancement, presented the inaugural Philanthropy Bug Award. The Philanthropy Bug Award recognizes faculty and staff members who embody Maddie Levitt’s spirit of philanthropy and service to Drake University.

Maddie Levitt was a longtime volunteer, friend, and tireless advocate for Drake University. Throughout her years of service to Drake, her beloved yellow Volkswagen Bug was a constant presence outside Old Main, and it became a symbol of her enduring commitment to bettering Drake University for future generations of students.

This year, Dan Alexander, Deb DeLaet, and Jen Harvey received the Philanthropy Bug Award for their efforts to create and rally significant faculty and staff support for The Catalyst Fund.

The Catalyst Fund helps address the financial needs of low to moderate income students from historically or currently underrepresented groups. The Catalyst Fund is designed to help students who are at risk of dropping out due to financial difficulties by providing scholarships and emergency funds. So far, two students have received $15,000 in scholarship support that have helped them complete their degrees and $6,000 in emergency funds have been distributed.