Applications are now open for The Harkin Institute D.C. Experience Scholarship and the Robert J. Waters and Patricia J. Beneke Endowed Washington, D.C. Experience Scholarship.
Our scholarships help cover the costs of housing and travel expenses for those completing an internship in Washington, D.C.
Haven’t secured an internship yet? No problem. You can still apply for our scholarship while searching.
Click here to learn more and apply!
— Kathryn Kuckelman, Harkin Institute
As we begin the Spring Semester, the safety of our campus is of paramount importance and informs our planning and work. The recent active shooter incident in Perry, Iowa reminds us that no community is safe from these types of senseless gun violence incidents. For some, these incidents have occurred in your hometown or affected someone close to you. Please know we stand in solidarity with you and your community as you heal from these tragic acts that should never have occurred. Support is available through the counseling center; Students can call 515–271–3864 to make an appointment and for Faculty and staff through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) at 800–327–4692.
Unfortunately, these instances weigh heavily on our sense of safety and remind us that active shooter incidents can happen anytime and anywhere. While we hope we will never face an active shooter situation, we must focus on preparedness like we would for any other emergency, such as fire or weather events.
Public Safety has continued to partner with colleagues across campus, the Des Moines Police Department and Polk County Emergency Management Office on a variety of resources for the campus community. These resources complement current emergency planning materials, and are designed to focus on what to do in the event of an active shooter.
Last year, Drake produced an Active Shooter Preparedness Video. This video addresses what to do in the event of an active shooter in an administrative or academic setting. This six-minute video uses the principles of run, hide, fight first adopted by the City of Houston and affirmed by the Department of Homeland Security and Federal Bureau of Investigation. A second video was developed specifically for those living and working in the residence halls. Please be aware that these videos feature simulated acts of violence, which may be disturbing and trigger an emotional response for some viewers. However, I believe these videos are important and vital to all our safety, and I encourage everyone who can to watch them.
In addition to the videos, I am happy to present an in-person one hour class on Active Shooter response for Departments or student groups. Drake Public Safety ask that you familiarize yourself with emergency planning materials, download and use the RAVE guardian app, which offers a network of security communication tools, and if you “see something, say something,” as it takes each of us to keep our campus community safe.
— Scott Law, Executive Director for Public Safety
The Mobile Drake ID is live and ready for use at all card readers on campus!
We have more than 1,300 users who have successfully set up the Mobile Drake ID on their mobile phones or watches, and we encourage you to join.
To set up the Mobile Drake ID, you must have a photo on file with the Student Services Center. If you would like to update your ID photo, please use the Photo Submission Portal on the Student Services Center website.
Please reference the following resources to upload your ID photo and set up the Mobile Drake ID on your mobile phone or watch.
Adding the Mobile Drake ID to Your Device (How-To)
Upload Your Drake ID Photo (How-To)
Where can I use the Mobile Drake ID?
You can use the Mobile Drake ID at any card reader location, including dining services, off-campus Bulldog Bucks merchants, the campus Starbucks, the Bulldog Shop, campus door access, the rec center, the library, and printing services. Any location that does not have a card reader, you can present your virtual ID from your digital wallet in place of your physical card, including the DART bus, the Athletic Ticket Office, and more.
My Mobile Drake ID doesn’t beep at a card reader or says “try again.” What should I do?
The NFC chip that communicates with the card reader is located in a different location on each different device depending on the manufacturer and model. Please try the back, top, and front of your device on the middle of the reader to determine its location. A test reader is located in the Support Center (in the lower level of Carnegie Hall) if you would like assistance determining where the chip is in your device.
Can I still use my physical ID card?
Yes, you may use both the Mobile Drake ID and the physical ID card at any of the previously listed locations. If you choose to use the Mobile Drake ID, you do not need to get rid of your physical ID card. If you need to be issued a new physical ID card, a $50 replacement fee will be assessed. The Mobile Drake ID is free of charge. We strongly encourage all students, faculty, and staff to use the Mobile Drake ID as we transition to this updated, environmentally conscious ID option.
For more information, please see our Mobile Drake ID website and the Student Services Center website, which contain more frequently asked questions, tips and tricks for using the Mobile Drake ID, and more.
Please contact the Student Services Center with questions or concerns by emailing studentservices@drake.edu, visiting the office located in Olmsted, or calling 515-271-2000. If you have technical issues or questions, please submit a Drake ID Issue ticket, call 515-271-3001, or visit the lower level of Carnegie Hall.
— Scott Law, Public Safety
As part of Drake’s commitment to be carbon neutral by 2050, we are constantly investigating opportunities to increase our renewable energy generation. The Meredith Hall revitalization was included in this goal as the building hosts numerous sustainable features, the newest addition being a 115 kW solar array.
The Meredith array started generating electricity this past December. You can track the in time generation through this public dashboard.
Drake has a history with solar power, as the Meredith array is the third solar installation on Drake’s campus. In 2023, Drake generated 236.6 MWh between the Tom and Ruth Harkin Center and Tennis Center arrays. That is 168 metric tons of CO₂ equivalent avoided, which is equivalent to the following:
Drake’s first solar project was the 128 kW Tennis Center array that started generating electricity in 2019. This allows the building to function as Net-Zero as we generate as much electricity as it uses. View the Tennis Center solar dashboard here.
The second installation was the 48.7 kW Harkin Center array, added in 2021. This installation helped the building achieve a Three Green Globes rating, which is the highest rated project in the state of Iowa and the first in Iowa to receive this rating. View the Harkin solar dashboard here.
As we move forward, we will continue to identify and take advantage of opportunities to further increase our renewable energy generation. We anticipate the Morehouse Revitalization to be the next candidate for a solar project, with more to come.
The Meredith Hall solar project and sustainability features were made possible through gifts from Greg Johansen and John Lorentzen.
— Hannah Remke, Sustainability Coordinator
Visit the Bulldog Shop at Spike’s Locker Room in the Knapp Center Wednesday, Feb. 7, during the Men’s Basketball game for an exclusive first look at official Drake Relays merchandise. Select styles will be released and available for purchase. The game starts at 7 p.m.
— The Bulldog Shop
Join us for a celebration in honor of Ambassador Terry Branstad’s 50 years of public service, Thursday, Feb. 8, from 6–8 p.m. in Cartwright Hall, Kern Commons.
This special event includes a reception, the unveiling of a bust created by sculptor Kai Liao honoring Ambassador Branstad, and a socio-political-economic-education dialogue (SPEED) focusing on Branstad’s remarkable contributions.
Ambassador Branstad’s service includes three terms in the Iowa Legislature, election to the office of Lt. Governor and Governor, and president of Des Moines University. He is the longest serving governor in the history of the United States, serving in that role from 1983-1999, and again from 2011-2017, when he was appointed U.S. Ambassador to China.
The event is sponsored by the Chinese Association of Iowa, Community CPA, Immigrant Entrepreneurs Summit, US Education Without Borders, and Drake University.
— Theresa Howard, Law School
Visit Cowles Library this month to view a featured collection of literature, biographies, music, and media that showcase Black culture and history as well as an exhibit honoring Civil Rights leader Ambassador Andrew Young’s 90th birthday.
Black History Month Featured Collection
From influential figures who shaped the civil rights movement to literary masterpieces capturing the African American experience, this collection invites readers to explore and appreciate the profound imprint Black artists have had—and continue to have—on art, politics, science, and society. Browse titles in the collection.
The Many Lives of Andrew Young Exhibit
In honor and appreciation of Civil Rights leader Ambassador Andrew Young’s 90th birthday celebration, a traveling exhibit by the National Monument Foundation will premiere at Drake from Feb. 1–March 1. The 100-linear foot exhibit stationed in Cowles Library’s Reading Room is based on a 256-page coffee table book, The Many Lives of Andrew Young, designed by Don Bermudez with a narrative by Ernie Suggs, reporter with the Atlanta Journal Constitution, and includes an introduction from President Carter and President of the Andrew J. Young Foundation, Gaurav Kumar.
The traveling exhibit is made possible through the generous support of Brent (ED’70) and Diane (ED’70) Slay, through the Slay Fund for Social Justice at Drake University. The exhibit will be accompanied by a closing reception and celebration of Black History Month, featuring Ambassador Andrew Young and Ernie Suggs at Drake, on Feb. 26–27.
The exhibit is open to all Drake faculty, staff, and students during regular Cowles Library hours (including weekends). Instructors are encouraged to incorporate the exhibit into related-classes; classroom visits can be reserved through Hope Bibens (hope.bibens@drake.edu) and an instructional resource guide can be requested through Jill Allen (jill.allen@drake.edu).
The exhibit is open to the general public at the following times:
Drake University is pleased to offer the ParkMobile app as a pay by phone solution for access to our visitor parking spaces. While utilizing the app you can find any available parking spaces on campus and even add additional time to your reservation. You can visit the ParkMobile website, download the mobile app or call the toll-free number on the green and black ParkMobile sign (866-727-5044) to register for a ParkMobile account; you will need your license plate number and a method of payment.
What are the advantages of Using ParkMobile at Drake?
— Scott Law, Public Safety
If you would like a special challenge this spring, then “Couch to 5K” (C25K) may be for you. This program is designed to take almost anyone from the couch to completing a 5K (3.1 miles) in nine weeks. You just need to commit to training 30 minutes a day, three days a week, at a time that works for you.
You will receive a training plan and weekly emails with tips and encouragement for those times when you may need that extra nudge. For those who want to test their new running skills, the training program will end in time to participate in the 56th Annual Drake Road Races on Sunday, April 21. The race is completely optional, but a great goal!
If you are interested in this challenge, please send an email to linda.feiden@drake.edu. The training program will begin on Monday, Feb. 12.
— Linda Feiden, Human Resources
Drake Honorary Degree and Drake Medal nominations are being accepted through March 31, 2024. Updated nomination information and forms can be accessed here. Completed nominations should be sent to Carrie Koenigsfeld, committee chair, at carrie.koenigsfeld@drake.edu.
— Cheryle Anania, President’s Office
