All posts by Amber Hussain

Campus Announcements Archive

Drake Theatre Presents: A Doll’s House, part 2

Drake Theatre invites you to the final production of the 2024-2025 season, A Doll’s House, part 2 on May 1–4.

Henrik Ibsen’s 1879 play A DOLL’S HOUSE famously ends with the sound of a closing door as Nora Helmer decides to leave her husband and children behind to find her own place in the world.  That closing door was the sound that ushered in the modern era of play writing.  Lucas Hnath’s A DOLL’S HOUSE (part 2) picks up 15 years after Ibsen’s classic.  Nora has returned to her former home.  Where has she been?  Why is she back? How will her family react?  

Tickets are $8/students, $10/adults and can be purchased online at drake.edu/fineartsboxoffice or in person at the box office.

— Amber Hussain

For Students Archive

Student Funding Available to Co-Host Second Saturdays

Are you part of a student organization looking to bring exciting, community-focused events to campus? The Holistic Wellness fund, in collaboration with Campus Recreation, Counseling, Student Life, and Access & Success, is launching a brand-new initiative—Second Saturday Social.

We are inviting student organizations to apply for funding to host a social event on the second Saturday of select months: September, October, November, and February. Each event will take place between 7–11 p.m. at either Johansen or Olmsted and will receive $500 in event support from the Holistic Wellness fund.

This is a great opportunity to create fun, engaging, and inclusive experiences for students while fostering wellness, connection, and campus spirit. Whether you envision a game night, open mic, cultural celebration, wellness workshop, or something completely unique—your organization can help shape these dynamic Saturday nights!

Proposal Details:

  • Who Can Apply? Any registered student organization
  • Funding Available: $500 per event
  • Event Timing: Second Saturday of September, October, November, and February (7:00 – 11:00 PM)
  • Location: Johansen or Olmsted
  • Application Deadline: Friday, May 9

Interested in hosting? Submit your proposal today and bring your vision to life!

For more information and to apply by May 9 at  https://forms.office.com/r/QGpMZr4L2f. Don’t miss this chance to make your mark on campus.

— Laura Shell

News & Achievements Archive

Drake Law School Launches New Artificial Intelligence Law Certificate Program

Drake University Law School is proud to announce its new Artificial Intelligence (AI) Law Certificate Program.

From day one at Drake, Dean Jones has made AI a top priority, starting with his AI Task Force. “Thanks to Dean Jones’ leadership, we are able to offer this unique opportunity to Drake Law students,” according to AI Law Certificate Program Director, Associate Professor and Sease Faculty Research Scholar Sayoko Blodgett-Ford.

“The AI Law Certificate empowers students to lead at the intersection of law and technology–whether in private practice, government, nonprofit, policymaking or academia,” said Dean Roscoe Jones, Jr.  “Artificial Intelligence is not just changing industries; it’s reshaping governance, ethics, and the very framework of legal systems.  At Drake Law, we prepare our students with the insight, rigor, and forward-thinking vision needed to meet this moment–and shape what comes next.”

The AI Law Certificate Program is uniquely interdisciplinary, drawing on expertise from across the Drake campus and beyond, including the Institute for Justice Reform & Innovation founded by Judge Mark W. Bennett (ret.), Drake University’s pioneering Artificial Intelligence undergraduate degree, led by Dr. Christopher Porter, Associate Professor of Computer Science, Director of Artificial Intelligence and Co-Chair of the Math & Computer Science Departments, and research at the intersection of the arts, sciences and law.

Designed to be completed by J.D. students during their second and third year at Drake Law, the AI Law Certificate Program is deeply collaborative. “From exploring color and object theory, under the guidance of Assistant Professor of Studio Art Jamey Hart, in the context of machine vision and trademark law, to considering quantum computing data exfiltration detection in cybersecurity, we train law students to go beyond the headlines and critically examine AI’s promises and risks,” said Professor Blodgett-Ford.

Nicholas Romano, a second-year law student in Drake Law’s AI Policy and Governance class, shared, “The new AI Law Certificate at Drake is an amazing opportunity. By working on real-world scenarios that create directly transferable skills, I feel much more prepared to address and advocate for AI-related legal issues and concerns. I’m so happy that Drake is leading the charge.”

Learn more about the new AI Law Certificate program here.

Campus Announcements Archive

Food Truck for Finals Week

Come one, come all for Lachele’s Food truck!

In preparation for finals week, the All-Staff Council, partnered with the Office of the Provost, is hosting the delectable food from Lachele’s Fine Foods.

Come find them in the Olmsted parking lot on Tuesday, May 6, from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. and be sure to get there early. The first 75 guests get 50% off their meal.

Should rain be on the forecast, we are ready to party in Fischer-Stelter Hall in Johansen.

— Tiffany Hach

For Students Archive

Grads: Are You Prepared for Commencement?

Commencement is just around the corner! Don’t forget to purchase your regalia at the Bulldog Shop—available in-store or online—now through graduation day, May 17th. Shop graduation gear online.

Grab a diploma frame so you can proudly display your hard-earned degree to commemorate your great accomplishment!

You’re about to be a Bulldog Alum! Celebrate your time at Drake with official alumni gear, and take that Bulldog spirit with you wherever you go. Shop Alumni Products.

Congrats, Class of 2025!

— The Bulldog Shop

Campus Announcements Archive

Mother’s Day Gifts at The Bulldog Shop

Mother’s Day is just around the corner—May 11th—and Bulldog Shop has the perfect gifts for every Drake mom. Whether you’re looking for something cozy, practical, or a little sentimental, you’ll find just the right gift to show her how much you care.

Here are a few ideas to help you choose the perfect gift:

— The Bulldog Shop

Campus Announcements Archive

2025 MVC Softball Championship at Drake

The Missouri Valley Conference is coming to Des Moines for the 2025 softball championship, presented by Catch Des Moines.

Watch as your Bulldogs compete for a trip to the NCAA Tournament. All the action takes place Wednesday, May 7, through Saturday, May 10, at Ron Buel Field. All-session tournament passes are $25 and single-session tickets are $10. Purchase tickets at godrakebulldogs.com/tickets.

For more information on the championship, visit www.godrakebulldogs.com/feature/2025MVCSoftball.

— Colin Salig

For Faculty Archive, For Staff Archive

Crew Scholar Mentor Recruitment

Your leadership matters now more than ever.

As the work of supporting students continues to be challenged, the role of our Crew Scholar Mentors has only grown more important.

We are looking for both new and returning mentors to help continue building the strong foundation that defines the Crew experience.

Nobody gets to excellence alone, and our faculty/staff mentors have been essential in helping Crew Scholars develop into the leaders they are today.

If you are interested in becoming a Crew Scholar Mentor, please reach out to Jazlin Coley at jazlin.coley@drake.edu. Check out this recruitment video.

Each participant will receive $250 as compensation for the August mentor training.

More information about the role will be shared soon, but feel free to reach out with any questions in the meantime.

— Jazlin Coley, Director of Crew Scholars

For Faculty Archive

Call for Applications: DU Spain and DU England Faculty-in-Residence Positions

Drake University is seeking interested faculty to apply for the Faculty-in-Residence position to teach and support student learning on Drake’s semester-long, cohort-model, study abroad programs.

Current openings include:

  • Fall 2026 for DU England
  • Spring 2027 for DU Spain
  • Fall 2027 for DU England
  • Spring 2028 for DU Spain
  • Fall 2028 for DU England

DU Spain is in Seville, a city located in Southern Spain in the Andalucia region near the Mediterranean Sea. Drake partners with the University of Seville on the DU cohort program.

DU England is located in the English countryside in the Yorkshire region of Northeast England. Drake partners with Harlaxton University on the DU cohort program.

DU Semester Faculty-in-Residence applications are live through Qualtrics. Click on the Qualtrics links to learn more about these opportunities including eligibility, compensation, responsibilities, and to officially apply.

DU England Faculty-in-Residence Fall 2026 application:
https://drake.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6SDbE9paTy7QibQ

DU England Faculty-in-Residence Fall 2027 & 2028 application:
https://drake.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_40cpKq2k1NnRiya

DU Spain Faculty-in-Residence Spring 2027 & 2028 application: https://drake.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_e4EeoLY2pNMMdDM

To share more about the Faculty-in-Residence positions, Global Engagement will be holding a number of information sessions.  See dates, times and location below.

DU England Faculty-in-Residence Info Sessions | JSC 301 Scripps Meeting Room

  • Friday, April 18th | 11am
  • Wednesday, April 23rd | 10am
  • Tuesday, April 29th | 2pm
  • Monday, May 5th | 12pm

DU Spain Faculty-in-Residence Info Sessions | JSC 301 Scripps Meeting Room

  • Tuesday, May 6th | 1pm
  • Thursday, May 8th | 10am
  • Wednesday, May 14th | 11am

Submissions are due Sunday, August 17, 2025 at 11:59 pm. If you have questions or want to meet one-on-one about this opportunity, schedule a meeting with Maria Rohach, director of education abroad, by emailing maria.rohach@drake.edu.