Help the Office of Sustainability by volunteering with Relays Recycling. Join us for an hour shift to pick up and sort recycling throughout the Drake Stadium. Sign up on DUgood here.
— Sydney Dvorak, Sustainability Coordinator
All posts by Sydney Dvorak
Celebrate STEM Student Research at DUCURS April 16
Join us for the Drake University Conference on Undergraduate Research in the Sciences (DUCURS) on Thursday, April 16, from 12:40–4:35 p.m. in the Olmsted Center, upper-level.
DUCURS is an annual event that celebrates faculty-mentored student research across STEM disciplines. Learn more about DUCURS in this video and visit the DUSCI website for the conference schedule and activities.
DUCURS 2026 will feature over 50 student-faculty collaborative research presentations, along with opportunities to connect at community partner tables, where local organizations will share information about internships, experiential learning opportunities, and STEM career pathways. The conference will also include a keynote lecture at 3:45pm in Parents Hall South “Maternal Antibodies Protect Infants from Enteric Pathogens,” delivered by Drake alumna Dr. Kathryn Knoop (AS ’06), Associate Professor of Immunology at the Mayo Clinic.
All members of the Drake community are invited to attend DUCURS and celebrate student scholarship.
— Heidi Sleister, Professor of Biology
Sign Up: All Staff Council Bags Tournament May 19
Join the All-Staff Council on Tuesday, May 19, for a bag’s tournament to celebrate the end of the academic year. Grab a partner or two and enter into the Corn Hole vs. Pie Hole bracket to see who will win, salty or sweet? This family-friendly event will take place at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, May 19, on the Aliber lawn. Snacks and drinks will be provided.
Sign up here!
— Tiffany Hach, On behalf of All Staff Council
The Bells are Back – Join us April 16 at 3:45 p.m.
Watch the video — The Bells Are Back!
Reintroducing Old Brassie
To kick off the start of Relays week, we will be reinvigorating a century-long tradition. For decades, the bell in the tower of Old Main—affectionately known as Old Brassie—has been quiet. But some traditions don’t end—they wait for the right moment to return. Please join us on Thursday, April 16, at 3:45 p.m. between Cowles Library and Painted Street for a brief event that will culminate with the sound of bells chiming out the same song that used to ring across our campus a century ago. And with that historic sound, we’ll mark the start of the paint fight, and the official start to Relays week.
— John Krantz, University Communications and Marketing
Wear Drake Gear and Save 15%
Mark your calendars for Wear It Wednesday on April 1. Students who come into Bulldog Shop wearing Drake gear can enjoy exclusive savings of 15% off one item.* Throw on your favorite Bulldog look and stop by to save!
*Exclusions apply. See store for details.
— Bulldog Shop
Pedestrian Safety: A Shared Responsibility on Campus
As highlighted earlier this year in OnCampus, Drake University continues working closely with the City of Des Moines to enhance pedestrian safety in and around campus. These efforts are an important step toward creating a safer and more walkable environment for everyone.
With the change in weather, we expect to see an increase in people walking, running, and biking across campus. We ask all community members—students, faculty, staff, and visitors—to stay alert, follow posted traffic rules, and share campus pathways responsibly.
Key Safety Updates and Reminders
Reduced Speed on Forest Avenue
To promote safety along one of the busiest corridors near campus, the speed limit on Forest Avenue has been reduced to 30 mph. In addition, no parking is permitted on either side of Forest Avenue from 31st Street to 25th Street. These changes help improve visibility and reduce risks for pedestrians crossing or traveling near the roadway. Even with these changes, we ask all drivers to be vigilant and pay extra attention in this area.
Sidewalk Access Restricted to Pedestrians
To further support a pedestrian‑friendly campus, we remind everyone that private vehicles are not allowed on University sidewalks at any time. The only exceptions include:
- Emergency response vehicles
- Approved clearly marked University vehicles
- Vehicles that have received prior approval from Drake Public Safety
Any private vehicle—including contractor vehicles—parked on sidewalks or pedestrian pathways are subject to ticketing and towing without notice. These restrictions protect pedestrian safety, prevent damage to walkways, and help preserve campus green spaces.
Everyone Plays a Part
Creating a safe campus environment requires cooperation from all members of our community. Whether you are driving, biking, or walking, please remain aware of your surroundings and follow posted signs and regulations.
Together, we can continue making Drake’s campus a safer, more welcoming place for everyone.
— Scott Law, Executive Director, Public Safety & Operational Services
Drake Road Races, Relays Parking, and Road Closures
The Drake Road Races and Relays bring thousands of athletes, alumni, and guests to the Drake campus. As a reminder, parking and travel on and around campus will be impacted Saturday, April 18, through Saturday, April 25.
The first major event of the Relays that impacts the campus is the Drake Road Races which will occur on Saturday, April 18. As stated on the website for the 58th Annual Drake Road Races, the Road Races are the place where Iowa’s running tradition began, the Drake Road Races welcome runners of every level to join a celebrated and enduring tradition. Held each year in the lead-up to the renowned Drake Relays, the event offers 5k, 10k, and half marathon distances.
On the morning of Saturday, April 18 the race route will impact travel and parking both on campus and around the Drake neighborhood. Please find additional information including the racecourse here.
It is highly recommended that if you are coming to campus from off grounds, that you use public transportation, if possible. If you plan on driving, give yourself plenty of time to find parking throughout the week, especially Wednesday, April 22–Saturday, April 25. Please remember that cars that are parked on the grass, illegally in handicap spaces, or blocking operations will be towed without notice.
All valid commuter permits will be honored throughout the week, all day Thursday, April 23, and until 4:30 p.m. on Friday. Only residential permits are valid in residential lots and commuter permits in commuter lots, unless posted otherwise. Please note that the Olmsted and Ray Promenade lot still require the correct permit to park in those lots before 4:30 p.m.
Some Important Dates and Times
Saturday, April 18 – Drake Road Races, impacting roads and parking on and around campus.
Saturday, April 18 – Sunday, April 26 – Lot 17 (Facilities Lot) will be closed/no parking allowed.
Wednesday, April 22, at 10 a.m. – Saturday, April 25, at 8 p.m. – Forest Avenue will be fully closed from 27th Street to 29th Street and will allow for only limited access from 24th to 27th Streets and from 29th to 31st Streets. No street parking is allowed along Forest Avenue.
Wednesday, April 22 – Saturday, April 25 – 27th Street will be intermittently closed between Forest Avenue and Clarke Street.
Wednesday, April 22 – Saturday, April 25 – Lot 18 S (Studio Arts) will be closed/no parking allowed.
Thursday, April 23 – Saturday, April 25 – Clarke Street will be posted No Parking from 27th street to 25th street.
— Scott Law, Executive Director, Public Safety & Operational Services
Cowles Library Featured Collection: National Poetry Month
For National Poetry Month, at Cowles Library we’ve got a treat,
A Featured Collection we think is pretty neat.
We know our strengths are research and databases, it’s true,
Because rhyming “collection” with something…
While our verse will probably flop,
The poets on the shelves? They do not.
Their lines are thoughtful and full of delight,
Unlike this poem we wrote late last night.
Stop by in person or browse it online,
These poetry books are truly sublime.
And far better than our rhyme.
Stop by Cowles Library or visit our Featured Collections page to explore these and other highlighted materials.
— Joanna Stankiewicz, Cowles Library
April Griff of the Month T-shirt
April is here, and that means Griff is off to the races!
Each month, we release a new limited-edition Griff design so you can build your collection all year long. Collect all 12 designs, and you will unlock a bonus exclusive at the end of the year.
Spring into April with the Drake Relays inspired Griff t-shirt. Built for speed and school spirit, this design is the perfect way to rep the Bulldogs during one of the biggest events of the season.
— Bulldog Shop
Faculty Regalia Rentals
Faculty participating in May Commencement must order their regalia rentals through Herff Jones using the customer and order numbers below. Order online at: https://facultycapgown.herffjones.com.
Deadline Information:
April 18 – Last day to order with free shipping
April 27 – Final deadline to place your order (rush shipping fees will apply after April 18)
MAIN FACULTY – Standard Regalia
Customer #: 14001855000
Order #: 5491961
LAW – Doctor of Law Regalia (purple panels and chevrons)
Customer #: 14001855000
Order #: 5491962
Please ensure you select the correct order number when placing your rental.
— Bulldog Shop