The Robert D. and Billie Ray Center annually recognizes Iowans who demonstrate the Six Pillars (trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and good citizenship) of CHARACTER COUNTS! Individuals, organizations, schools, and communities can all be nominated. Award recipients are honored at the 2023 Iowa Character Awards dinner, with a one-hour Iowa Character Awards prime-time special, and at a special hometown event organized by The Ray Center. Nominations are accepted until May 2, 2023. Submit nominations now at IowaCharacterAwards.org.

— Megan Wesselink, Robert D. & Billie Ray Center

All Drake cardholders have an option to load Bulldog Bucks onto their campus ID cards to spend either on or off campus. We are excited to have a new addition to our off campus program, and encourage you to visit Rico’s as they join the program this week!

Bulldog Bucks can currently be used at Rico’s, Gursha, Dough Co, and at any restaurant participating on the GrubHub app.  Fernando’s, Hummus, and Krispy Krunchy Chicken will also be rejoining the program this summer once they receive new register hardware.

You can also use Bulldog Bucks on campus at any Drake Dining location, at the bookstore, and at campus printers.

(Just a reminder that Bulldog Bucks are different than Dining Dollars. Dining Dollars are just for on campus food, since they are a part of the campus meal plan.  Bulldog Bucks can be spent on or off campus).

We welcome Rico’s to our off campus program, and hope you can stop in to check out their menu.

— Sara Heijerman, Student Services Center

We’re celebrating the Drake Relays with a giveaway. GrubHub has provided a pair of Apple AirPods and two GrubHub gift cards for interacting with our Bulldog Bucks program this week (thanks GrubHub!).

Enter to win with one or more of the following methods, each will result in an entry to win. Three winners will be selected and contacted by Drake email on May 1.

• Use your Bulldog Bucks at an off campus location this week (Rico’s, Gursha, or Dough Co.)
• Place a GrubHub order (make sure your campus card is affiliated on the app, regardless of the payment method you use, so we can see your transaction!)
• Enter the Drake Relays giveaway in the GrubHub app (no charge, just an entry)

— Sara Heijerman, Student Services Center

Wanda E. Woods Everage, LA’72 is a Drake legend who was with the university for over 23 years and served as the Vice Provost for Student Affairs and Academic Excellence upon her retirement in 2012. For Relays Week 2023, Wanda will return for the Black Alumni Reunion and will host two events on Friday, April 28, 2023 for the Drake community.

Goodbye to Morehouse Hall: Join Dr. Wanda Everage for an interactive Q&A Session about her time spent in Morehouse Hall as an undergraduate student and celebrate the change of Morehouse Hall into the Sammons Intercultural Center.

When: Friday, April 28, 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm

Where: Lobby of Morehouse Hall

Back to Class with Dr. Wanda E. Woods Everage, LA’72: Come be inspired by Dr. Everage with a throwback session that is influenced by the Orientation sessions that she used to lead. Wanda will ask us to reflect on our Drake experience, the lessons we have learned (good and bad), and how our present and future reflect on what we learned. This session is a part of our 2023 Black Alumni Reunion and will be attended by many of our esteemed alumni.

When: Friday, April 28, 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm

Where: Sussman Theater

— Greg Lin, Alumni Relations

This week for Drake Relays, Alumni Relations will host two opportunities for our LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities and their allies on campus. These celebrations serve to create community among diverse students, alumni, faculty, and staff as well as all people who consider themselves allies. For all members of the Drake community, this is an opportunity to meet individuals like you who have been where you are.

Black Alumni Reunion Block Party – We are hosting the 2023 Black Alumni Reunion during Drake Relays. Come show all of our alumni how Drake celebrates! All our welcome. There will be food trucks, beer trucks, yard games, and a DJ.

When: Saturday, April 29, 1 pm to 5 pm

Where: 28th & University (outside Multicultural Houses)

LGBTQ+ Alumni Mixer – In between all of the festivities, come and relax at our casual LGBTQ+ Alumni Mixer hosted by the LGBTQ+ Alumni Association. Yes, there will be refreshments and games! We welcome all members of the Drake community, from students to faculty/staff, including allies to the LGBTQ+ community!

When: Saturday, April 29, 3 pm to 5 pm

Where: Alumni House (2700 University)

— Greg Lin, Alumni Relations