The campus community is invited to attend a dedication event for Bulldog Plaza, the new campus space on the south lawn of Old Main, on Saturday, Oct. 10, at 11 a.m. Please note: This is an outdoor, in-person event. In accordance with Drake University policies, masks are required and social distancing guidelines must be followed. 

During the dedication, a statue of retired Live Mascot, Griff I will be unveiled. In addition, there will be a “changing of the harness” ceremony between Griff II and Griff I to formally announce Griff II as Drake’s new Live Mascot.

The addition of the Plaza is owed to the support of Bob, LA’74, and Pam Lees and the Lees family on behalf of three generations of Drake alumni. 

The event will also recognize the University Avenue streetscape enhancements made possible through partnership with the City of Des Moines and Des Moines Area Rapid Transit and the support of Stephen, BN’64, and Merrilee Nellis, the Wells Fargo Foundation, and the Polk County Board of Supervisors.

Event Details
When: Saturday, October 10, 11 a.m.
Location: Bulldog Plaza, on the south lawn of Old Main
Address: 2507 University Ave., Des Moines, Iowa, 50311
Parking: Kinne Development Center Lot or Dial Center Lot (map)

— Emily Weaver, University Advancement

All students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to register for the 21-Day Equity Challenge, a program launched by United Way of Central Iowa and several partner organizations to help the greater Des Moines community develop a deeper understanding of how inequity and racism affect our lives.

After registering online, participants will receive an email each weekday, from Oct. 5 through Nov. 2, with readings, videos, podcasts, and ways to take action. Each day will feature a different topic, and participants will be challenged to partake in at least one of the four or five pieces of content they receive.

Participation is free and registrants can participate solo or as a part of a group. Topics will include understanding privilege, housing and redlining, justice system inequities, allyship, and many more. The content for each topic has been curated by an advisory committee of local experts and leaders on racism and equity issues in our community. Drake is a supporting organization of the 21-Day Equity Challenge and hopes all campus community members will partake in this shared learning opportunity.

— Erin Lain, Associate Provost, Campus Equity & Inclusion

Drake Law School is offering a free community clinic to help individuals prepare powers of attorney and/or living will documents as part of Cady Day of Public Service, Friday., Oct. 23. Participants may choose from three convenient sessions: 10–11 a.m., 2–3 p.m, or 5–6 p.m.

Each session will consist of a 30-minute overview about powers of attorney and living wills followed by a one-on-one appointment with a Drake Law student to complete the required documents. Attorneys will be available to answer additional questions. Participants will have the opportunity to obtain signed and notarized documents for their files.

The clinic will be held at the Neal and Bea Smith Law Center, 2400 University Ave. This is an in-person clinic. Social distancing guidelines will be observed. Face masks are required.

Register here.

— Theresa Howard, Law School

An exciting addition to the Bulldog Bucks program has launched—you can now spend your Bulldog Bucks at participating businesses in the Drake neighborhood. View a list of participating businesses.

Drake ID cardholders will have the option to use their Bulldog Bucks account as a payment method at accepting locations. Please note: Bulldog Bucks cannot be used on tobacco, alcohol, or gift cards. We hope this new initiative will allow you to support some great local businesses. 

As a reminder, Bulldog Bucks are an account on your ID card that can be loaded with funds by either students or guests through an online portal.  These funds are separate from your meal plan flex dollars, and they carry forward from semester to semester as long as you have an active Drake ID card.  In addition to this new off-campus program, facilitated by CampusCash, funds can also be spent in the University Bookstore, at Drake Dining food and vending locations, and for campus printing. Feel free to contact studentservices@drake.edu if you have any questions about this program, or if you want to suggest a business that you’d like to see participate in the future.

— Sara Heijerman, Student Services Center

Join us virtually to celebrate Drake’s global engagement and international programs during International Education Week! Global and intercultural learning is a key objective of Drake’s Continuous Improvement Plan, supporting our mission of responsible global citizenship. Join in the fun this week and discover more about who Drake is as a global institution.

There will be events for students, faculty, and staff—with some of our partner institutions joining from around the world. For example:

• Summer Study Abroad Info Session (students)
• U.S. Fulbright Program Info Session (students)
• Designing a Travel Seminar Workshop (faculty & staff)
• International Dining Experience at Hubbell (students, faculty & staff)

Additional events will be announced on the IE Week Calendar leading up to November 16–20.

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