The Robert D. and Billie Ray Center, in association with The Ron and Jane Olson Institute for Public Democracy, was proud to host the second annual Civic Leadership Academy this July on Drake University’s campus. The Academy immersed 26 select rising high school juniors from across the country in a three-day intensive leadership development program focused on civic leadership.

The Academy provided students with the unique opportunity to hear from and visit with legislators and elected officials during visits to the Iowa State Capitol and Judicial Branch, as well as the chance to meet with Lt. Governor Adam Gregg. Students also participated in a service project with Meals from the Heartland and were immersed in Drake University culture with time spent on and off campus experiencing Drake essentials.

–Megan Wesselink, Robert D. & Billie Ray Center

Explore a range of captivating flow art props like the Levi Wand, Diablo, Spinning Plates, Juggling balls, and Hula Hoops in this workshop. Felicia from Cirque Wonderland Studios will guide you on your journey into the art of flow, balance, and coordination in a fun and supportive environment. All props are provided, and no prior experience is needed.

WHEN: September 20 at 5 p.m.
WHERE: Bell Center Studio
WHO: Anyone! All levels are welcome
HOW: Sign up using the Drake Rec App

— Drake Wellness

The Johansen Student Center (Morehouse Hall) project is progressing well, on schedule, and within budget. New courtyard infrastructure and foundations are currently being installed. New studios and collaboration spaces are starting to take shape while preserving the original historic character of the existing building. The entire project team is excited about how this redesigned space will enhance the student experience on campus.

–Heather Winslow, Facilities Planning and Management

If you love Sense and Sensibility (with or without zombies) and Colin Firth’s wet, white shirt moment in Pride and Prejudice, come and hear a scholar of literature and popular culture, Dr. Rachel Feder, as she speaks on “Literature and the Lies We Tell” on Wednesday, September 25 at 5:00 pm in Cowles Library Reading Room. Part of the Susan Glaspell Writers & Critics Series, this talk will explore the ways in which the literature we consume, from Frankenstein to Austen’s work to the songs of Taylor Swift, shapes our personal mythologies. Q&A to follow presentation, and light refreshments will be served.

–Megan Brown, College of Arts and Sciences

The rapid concentration of farm animal production in factory farms makes meat, dairy, and eggs plentiful and cheap, but this type of agriculture comes at a great cost to human health, communities, and the environment. A new book by Johns Hopkins University Press, Industrial Farm Animal Production, the Environment, and Public Health, brings together public health and other experts to examine some of the most critical topics related to industrial farm animal production.

In conjunction with the book’s release, The Harkin Institute is hosting a two-day conference examining pertinent topics such as the history, structure, and trends in the factory farming industry; water and air pollution; infectious disease health effects; community and social impacts; environmental justice and sustainable agriculture; and the impacts of COVID-19 among meatpacking workers. With an introduction by Senator Tom Harkin (retired), the hope of the conference is to highlight the serious risks posed to environmental and human health by current farming systems and to examine local and national strategies for moving towards a system that prioritizes health and well-being.

WHAT: Industrial Farm Animal Production, the Environment, and Public Health Conference
WHEN: September 25 & 26, 2024
WHERE: Parents Hall, Olmsted Center 
RSVP: Drake students can attend for free! Register using this link.

This event is hosted in collaboration with the Johns Hopkins Center for a Livable Future and is part of Iowa Environmental Education Week co-organized with the Iowa Environmental Council.

–Kathryn Kuckelman, Harkin Institute