All posts by Ben Huftalin

Drake Road Races Move to Saturdays, Registration Opens Oct. 20

Big news for runners and Drake fans: Beginning in 2026, the Drake Road Races will permanently be held on Saturdays, with the next race set for Saturday, April 18, 2026.

Registration opens online on Monday, October 20, with a special 2-day flash sale—don’t miss your chance to register at the lowest prices of the year for the 5K, 10K, or half marathon. Participants of all abilities will experience the excitement of running through Drake’s campus and finishing on the iconic Blue Oval—a tradition that makes the Drake Road Races truly unforgettable.

Mark your calendars and get ready to be part of this exciting tradition!

Dogtown Student Specials

Check out these great specials in Dogtown! These specials are for students only and require a Drake student ID.

  • Platinum Kutz –A fresh cut on Tuesdays and Wednesdays for just $27
  • Gursha – 15% off
  • Lucky Horse: $7 Cheeseburger, fries, and soda.
  • Mars: 10% off
  • Varsity: $9 tickets instead of $12. A free movie ticket after 4 card punches.

Visit dogtowndsm.com to see everything Dogtown has to offer.

— Nate Reagen, Office of the President

Recording Policy Takes Effect

A new policy generally prohibiting the recording of conversations without the permission of all parties is now posted in the University Policy Library. The policy also covers when recordings are allowed in academic programming, the permissions needed to record, and limits on distribution of approved recordings. The purpose of the policy is to protect privacy, promote trust, uphold academic integrity, support accessibility, and ensure legal compliance. Thanks to those involved in providing input into the new policy and to those who submitted comments during the public comment period.

— Venessa Macro, Chief Administration Officer

Replace Your Lead Service Line for Free Through Des Moines Water Works

Des Moines Water Works (DMWW) is offering a free replacement of lead water service lines for about 400 qualifying homes in the Drake Neighborhood (see highlighted map area). This project is part of DMWW’s commitment to provide safe, reliable drinking water for Des Moines families. While your water is safe to drink today, removing lead lines is a proactive step to ensure long-term health and safety. Best of all, it’s 100% free, and you can participate even if your bill isn’t up to date.

Sign and return your agreement today to secure your free replacement and help bring lead-free water to every home in the neighborhood. Didn’t receive an agreement or misplaced yours? Contact DMWW at lead@dmww.com or (515) 283-8754. And don’t forget to encourage your neighbors to sign up too. Together, we can make this project possible.

— Sydney Dvorak, Sustainability Coordinator

Office Supply Swap

Do you have extra office supplies hanging around your office, or are you looking to stock up on something you don’t have? Look no further than the Office of Sustainability’s Office Supply Swap.

Stop by Pomerantz Stage in the Olmsted Center on Thursday, Oct. 9, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. to pick up office supplies or drop off unwanted supplies. Please do not bring any broken items or junk.

Email sustainability@drake.edu with any questions.

— Sydney Dvorak, Sustainability Coordinator

E-Waste Recycling Drop

Do you have unwanted e-waste in your office? You can now drop it off on the first floor of Johansen Student Center in break room 117 near the printer. Find the orange box. Batteries can also be dropped off here for collection. Email sustainability@drake.edu with any questions, or if the box is full.

Head to https://www.drake.edu/sustainability/resources/ for more E-waste information.

— Sydney Dvorak, Sustainability Coordinator

Olmsted Closing Oct. 17 at 5 p.m.

The Olmsted Center will close at 5 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 17, for the Francis Marion Drake Dinner.

All spaces in Olmsted, including Starbucks, On the Go, study spaces and lounges will not be accessible.

The Olmsted Center will reopen on Saturday, Oct. 18, at its normal time.

—Scott Law, Public Safety & Operational Services

All Staff Council Brunch Bake Off

Think you’ve got the best brunch dish on campus? Enter the All Staff Council Brunch Bake Off and show off your cooking skills. Casserole or pastry, sweet or savory—create your best dish for a chance to win prizes and bragging rights as Drake’s Brunch Champion!

Where: Johansen Student Center, Fisher-Stelter Hall

Date: Wednesday, Nov. 5

Time: 10 a.m.–11:30 a.m.

Sign up no later than Oct. 20 to enter into the competition.

Everyone is invited! Beverages will be provided as well as sharing in all the yummy brunch dishes.

—Tiffany Hach, On behalf of All Staff Council

 

Bulldog Shop: Check Out New Arrivals for Fall

Fall has officially arrived and so have the latest Drake University styles. From cozy layers to campus essentials, the Bulldog Shop is fully stocked with new arrivals that are perfect for cooler days, gameday gear, and showing off your Bulldog pride all season long.

Looking for fan favorites? Our October picks include bestselling sweatshirts, hats, and gifts that all Bulldog fans will love. Whether you’re shopping in-store or online, there’s something new waiting for you.

Shop online or in-store:

Mon-Thu: 9AM – 5PM

Fri: 10AM – 4PM

Sat: 10AM – 2PM

Sun: Closed

Check out what’s new this season—we can’t wait to help you gear up for fall!

— Bulldog Shop

WELLCON25: Wellness Convention Oct. 29

Join us on Wednesday, Oct. 29, from 3–5 p.m. for this year’s wellness convention as we explore the 6 Dimensions of Wellness—physical, emotional, social, intellectual, spiritual, and occupational. Discover campus resources designed to support student success and find self-care practices that fit your lifestyle. Plus, enjoy free food while you recharge, learn, and connect. WellCon25 is your space to thrive and grow well.

 — Gail Witte, Rec Services