All posts by Deneen Dygert

For Students Archive

Provide Campus Tours to Future Bulldogs; Info Session Sept. 24

All Drake students are invited to join the Office of Admission in welcoming future Bulldogs by volunteering to provide campus tours during admission group visit days.

An informational session will be held Sept. 24 from 4–4:50 p.m. in Sussman, Olmsted Center.

After attending an information session, students may sign up to be a member and complete an availability form.  As part of the training, shadowing a tour with a current ambassador will be scheduled as well.

For questions, contact admissioncoleition@drake.edu.  

— Deneen Dygert, Associate Director of Admission

For Faculty Archive, For Staff Archive

Called to be True Blue Nominations Now Open

Throughout the year, faculty and staff may nominate staff members or teams for excellence in learning, integrity, leadership, teamwork, and commitment to the Drake community and mission. The Called to Be True Blue award is a great way to express that commitment to one another. Selected individuals and teams receive a framed certificate and are placed in the running for the coveted Sapphire Award in the Spring.

A staff member (or group) who is Called to be True Blue is someone who exemplifies Drake University’s Core Values:

  1. Joyful Accountability: I am curious and creative, bold and brave. I strive each day to be my best.
  2. Generosity of Spirit: We trust, empower, and presume the best of each other. We practice civility, caring, and respect. We commit to equity and inclusion.
  3. All In This Together: We embrace robust communication and transparency. We thrive through collaboration and teamwork.
  4. Commitment to Mission: We are united in service to students and our communities. We act with integrity and purpose. We are optimistic about our future.

If this sounds like someone you know, submit your nomination today: Called to be True Blue Award Nomination Please forward this link to your teams and spread the word!

— Betsy White, Events Management

Campus Announcements Archive

Governor Ray Day Ice Cream Social Sept. 26

Celebrate the legacy of Governor Robert D. Ray with an ice cream social on Friday, Sept. 26, from 2:30–4 p.m. on The Ray Promenade outside of Collier-Scripps Hall. Ice cream novelties will be served. The rain location will be inside Collier-Scripps Hall on the lower level.

Governor Robert D. Ray, Drake University’s 11th president and Iowa’s 38th governor, made an impact that reached far beyond the state, touching lives around the world. Best known for his humanitarian efforts and transformation of state government, his legacy continues through the work of The Robert D. and Billie Ray Center at Drake University.

The Ray Center invites the entire Drake campus community to join in celebrating September 26 as Governor Ray Day in the state of Iowa.

To learn more about Governor Robert D. Ray’s life and legacy, click here. 

— Emily Brown, Robert D. & Billie Ray Center

For Students Archive

Intro to Capoeira Workshop Series

Join us for this two-part, one-hour workshop series exploring Capoeira, the Afro-Brazilian martial art that blends movement, music, and rhythm. Learn the fundamentals of Capoeira’s flowing kicks, dodges, and acrobatics, while experiencing its cultural roots and community spirit. No prior experience needed—just bring curiosity, energy, and a willingness to move!

— Gail Witte, Rec Services

For Students Archive

Puppy Yoga Sept. 27 at the Bell Center

Need a break from classes and stress? Come unwind at Puppy Yoga — the perfect blend of gentle yoga and adorable puppy playtime! Puppy Yoga will be held Sept. 27 from 10:30–11 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.–12 p.m. Instructors will guide you through a relaxing flow while playful pups roam around spreading joy. All levels welcome. Bring your mat, bring your friends, and get ready to smile.

— Gail Witte, Rec Services

For Students Archive

Apply for DU Spain: Drake Semester in Seville

Looking to ‘spice up’ your Spring? Need to take care of some AOIs? Consider the DU Spain: Drake Semester in Seville program!

Applicants can apply for the program through Via Global. The deadline to submit an application is Wednesday, Oct. 1.

Join a group of Drake students in sunny Seville, Spain this spring! Keep 100% of your financial aid & presidential scholarships – just pay your normal Drake tuition plus the program’s room & board. This year, there is even an option for a NO STUDENT VISA track – saving you time & money. You’ll visit Morocco, Portugal, Gibraltar, and other cities in Spain as part of the program’s excursions. Professor Dave Courard-Hauri will accompany the cohort of Drake students and teach ENS 050: Sustainable Food Systems in Southern Spain. This course has 2 AOIs: Engaged Citizen; Scientific Literacy. In addition, you’ll take local courses (in English OR Spanish), which can be pre-approved to count towards your major(s), minor(s), concentration, and/or AOIs. Questions? Email studyabroad@drake.edu!

— Emily Erschen, Global Engagement

Campus Announcements Archive

Family Weekend is October 2–5!

Join us for family weekend Oct. 2–5! Family Weekend is an opportunity for families to connect with their student’s experience on campus and show off their Bulldog pride.

Family Weekend is more than a celebration for students and families; it’s a time for our entire community—faculty, staff, students, families, and alumni—to come together and enjoy everything that makes being a Bulldog special. 

Check out an overview of this year’s lineup. For the full weekend schedule, ticket links, and more, visit the Drake Family Weekend website.

Thursday, October 2 

  • 🎡 SAB Fall Carnival–games, music, food, and inflatables 
  • 🏀 Hoops Fest downtown Des Moines – free youth basketball clinic, team introductions and drone show 

Friday, October 3

  • 🗺️ Guided Tour of Dogtown 
  • 🏐 Drake Volleyball vs. Murray State Discount Tickets 
  • 🎶 Live Performances – Kansas City, Here We Come   
  • ✨ Family BINGO Night–Lights, music, campus celebrity bingo callers and prizes!  

Saturday, October 4

  • 📣 Youth Cheer Clinic  
  • 📝 President Martin Welcome and Information Sessions 
  • 📸 Legacy Photos & Campus Tours 
  • 🎉 Tailgating & Football Game as the Bulldogs take on Valparaiso Discount Tickets 
  • 🎶 Sweetheart Sing–Fraternity Sorority Life Philanthropy Lip Synch Battle!  

Sunday, October 5

This weekend is truly designed for everyone! We encourage you to bring your loved ones and experience the joy of Drake together.

— Lynne Cornelius, Associate Dean of Students

Campus Announcements Archive

Walk the Bulldog Mile Oct. 1 as part of the Healthiest State Walk

Grab your walking shoes and join the Healthiest State Walk on Wednesday, Oct. 1.  All faculty, staff, and students are encouraged to meet at noon at the start of the Bulldog Mile.  This one-mile path begins outside the Olmsted Center (just southeast of the building).  Pick up a sticker at the beginning of the walk and wear it. If you still have it on at the end of the walk, you will receive a raffle ticket for a chance to win a prize.  If that’s not enough, you can earn additional raffle tickets with a deck of cards and a little luck.

If it is raining, we will move the event to the indoor track at the Knapp Center.  Come alone, bring a friend, or make it a team or department event!  Let’s get moving!

— Linda Feiden, Human Resources