Category Archives: Campus Announcements Archive

Paul Morrison Service Week: April 18-25

Paul Morrison Service Week will be celebrated April 18-25 to honor the legacy of the late Paul Morrison. Stop by the Olmsted Breezeway during the week to pick up some swag and let us know why being involved in the community is important to you. Service projects and community events will be happening all week, including a Drake Neighborhood Spruce-Up and Social at Drake Park on Wednesday, April 25.

Drake Neighborhood Spruce-Up and Social

Hosted by the National Alumni Scholars, LEAD 100 students, and the Drake Neighborhood Association, the event will begin at 5:30 p.m. on April 25 in the Walgreens parking lot on 31st Street and University Avenue. Trash bags and gloves will be provided. Students hope to clean-up Greek street, campus, and the neighborhood. This is a great opportunity to serve with friends, connect with community members, and create positive local change while preparing for Relays. After the clean-up, participants are invited to a social with neighborhood residents at Drake Park. Everyone planning to attend is encouraged to register. Students who register in advance will receive a free T-shirt, while supplies last.

View a full list of events during Paul Morrison Service Week. Many require pre-registration. Thanks to the many groups on campus and in the neighborhood who are collaborating to hold this weeklong celebration.

For questions, contact Layne Burdette at layne.burdette@drake.edu, Amanda Martin at amanda.martin@drake.edu or Christina Teufert at christina.teufert@drake.edu.

Layne Burdette, Class of 2021, & Amanda Martin, Community Engaged Learning & Service

Library to begin renovation this summer

Cowles Library will undergo a renovation of its main floor this summer. Preparation begins this week, including moving books and shelves. The renovations include updates to the north entrance, a new Information Services desk, new seating and study space throughout the entire floor, and small-group study areas. The main floor will also receive a fresh coat of paint and new flooring, making it more visually appealing and inviting to students, faculty, and staff. Additional details, including a renovation schedule and renderings will be shared soon.

Leslie Noble, Cowles Library

Relays parking and street closures

Due to multiple events on campus and an increased community presence for the Drake Relays, it is necessary to establish the following parking and road restrictions. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.

Street Closures

  • Forest Avenue will be closed between 27th Street and 29th Street from Thursday, April 26, at 2 p.m. to Saturday, April 28, at 5 p.m. No vehicular traffic will be allowed during this time. The street closure enhances the safety of those attending Relays.
  • 27th Street will be shut down for bus traffic from Forest Avenue to Clark Street from Thursday, April 26, to Saturday, April 28.
  • Meek Street will be shut down for the hammer throw event on Saturday, April 28.

Parking lot restrictions

  • Lot 17 (Facilities) at 27th Street and Clark Street: No parking from Sunday, April 22, to Monday, April 30. Reserved for athlete warm-up area.
  • Lot 18 South (Studio Arts): No parking from Wednesday, April 25, at 2 a.m. to Saturday, April 28, at 5 p.m.
  • Lot 18 North (West Stadium): No parking from Thursday, April 26, at 2 a.m. to Saturday, April 28, at 5 p.m.
  • Lot 16 (Olmsted): Reserved parking from Thursday, April 26, at 6 a.m. to Saturday, April 28th, at 5 p.m.
  • Lots 1 and 2: Pay lots from Friday, April 27, to Saturday, April 28, at 5 p.m. Permits are valid at no charge until 4 p.m. on Friday in Lot 1.

Please note: All residential parking lots are still under 24-hour residential permit only restrictions.

Scott Law, Public Safety

Campus participants needed for low-income background video series

The Harkin Institute for Public Policy & Citizen Engagement is looking to make a video series that features students with financial need sharing stories about their college experience. The goal of the series is to foster pride among students who come from low-income backgrounds, create a community that can serve as a resource for students, and dispel myths about what it means to come from a low-income background. If you are or were a recipient of the Federal Pell Grant or Iowa Tuition Grant and would like to participate, email Zach Mecham at zachary.mecham@drake.edu.

Zach Mecham, The Harkin Institute for Public Policy & Citizen Engagement

 

Volunteer at the 109th Drake Relays

The 109th Drake Relays presented by Hy-Vee is right around the corner and we need you to help make it a success. Register to volunteer and invite your friends and family to join. Volunteers receive a free T-shirt, a free meal (if working over lunch), and free entry to the action. Volunteer opportunities begin Saturday, April 21, and run all week long. We hope to see you on the Blue Oval!

Shannon Saunders, Athletics

Opportunities to meet environmental journalist, activist

Jon Bowermaster, JO’76, will discuss his career as a journalist and environmental activist on Wednesday, April 11, at 7 p.m. in Meredith Hall, Room 101. His lecture, “From Journalism to Advocacy: 30 Years Reporting on the Planet’s Health,” is free and open to the public.

Bowermaster has worked for National Geographic, written numerous books, and written and produced many documentaries about environmental issues. His Oceans 8 project visited every ocean by kayak, and his most recent work includes a series of short documentaries on the Hudson River.

Bowermaster will be on campus on Tuesday, April 10, and Wednesday, April 11, sponsored by the Principal Center for Global Citizenship. He will be a guest lecturer in several classes, and he will have open “drop-in” hours to meet with students and faculty in the Meredith Magazine Center, Room 111, on Tuesday from 10:30-11:30 a.m. and 2:30-3:30 p.m. and on Wednesday from 3:30-4:30 p.m.

— Kathleen Richardson, School of Journalism and Mass Communication

Griff Gives Back

For the second year, our live mascot Griff is leading a “Griff Gives Back” pet food drive to support The Pet Project Midwest, which provides food for animals in need. Griff is accepting donations of adult dog and cat food from now through the 39th Annual Beautiful Bulldog Contest on Sunday, April 22. We’ve already received more than 4,000 pounds of food—well on our way to the goal of 6,000 pounds!

Donations of adult dog and cat food can be made in the Olmsted Breezeway, or via mail:

Drake University
Attn: Griff Gives Back
2507 University Ave.
Olmsted Building—Drake Postal Operations
Des Moines, IA 50311

For project updates, follow Griff on Instagram or Twitter (@DrakeUGriff) and watch the Beautiful Bulldog Contest Facebook page. Similar to the All In campaign, this is a powerful demonstration of what the Bulldog community can achieve together.

— Niki Smith, University Communications/Director of the Beautiful Bulldog Contest