Paul Morrison has been a powerful presence on Drake’s campus for decades. Mr. Drake will celebrate his 100th birthday on July 25, and all Bulldogs are invited to share best wishes, favorite memories, and good stories online!

Drake will host the statewide Iowa high school track meet from Thursday, May 18, to Saturday, May 20. This event will bring close to 35,000 visitors to campus over the three days and starts at 8 a.m. each day. Please plan for parking and traffic inconvenience as a result of the increased activity. It is also important to note that several parking lots will be affected by the event. Drake faculty, students, and staff with valid Drake permits may still park without paying in lots 1, 4, and 10 on Thursday and Friday as long as they arrive by 4:30 pm.

Please note the following parking lot restrictions:

Lot 18 North—Will be closed from Tuesday, May 16, to Saturday, May 20
Lots 1, 2, 3, 4, 10, 18 South, 33, Intramural Lot—Will be pay lots from Thursday, May 18, to Saturday, May 20

State Track Parking Map

—Scott Law, Drake Public Safety

Faculty and staff are jumping on board for Bulldog Days!

The University Book Store will have extended hours May 8–14.

Monday–Tuesday
9 a.m.–6 p.m.

Wednesday—Thursday
8 a.m.–8 p.m.

Friday
8 a.m.–5:30 p.m.

Saturday
9 a.m.–5:30 p.m.

Sunday
10 a.m.–3 p.m.

Rental book returns are due Friday, May 12.

On May 3, members of the 31st Session of Student Senate were inaugurated into their new positions. Congratulations to them; we are looking forward to the positive contributions they will make around the Senate table next year!

Exec
President—Nathan Paulsen
Vice President of Student Life—Anna Gleason
Vice President of Student Activities—Anna Jensen
Student Body Treasurer—Ava Witthauer

At-Large
Academic Affairs—Nick Johnston
Campus Engagement—Olive Wassen
Community Outreach—Bakari Caldwell
Facilities & Technology—Giada Morressi
Health & Safety—JD Stehwien
Organization Council—Deshauna Carter
Student Affairs—Kollin Crompton
Student Services—Samantha Bayne

Academic
Arts & Sciences—Emily Anderson
Business & Public Administration—Daniel Newsome
Education—Darbee Farley
Fine Arts—Nick Black
Journalism & Mass Communication—Jake Bullington
Pharmacy & Health Sciences—Alex Maciejewski

—Meghan Baeza, Student Leadership Programs

The summer group fitness schedule is now available online! All classes are free to attend for Drake students, faculty, and staff. Register for classes by downloading the REC*IT FITNESS app or log in at www.imleagues.com. Classes run May 15–June 29 in the Fitness Studio at the Bell Center.

—Ellen Lowe, Recreational Services

Thank you to all who participated in this year’s Drake Student Survey. 1,419 students completed the survey out of 4523 contacts (31 percent response rate). We appreciate the engagement and want to give an update on our plans to respond to this information.

While we need additional time to fully analyze the data, here is a quick rundown of some findings.

• 91% of undergraduates and 92% of graduate students rate their experience at Drake as “good” or “excellent.”
• 86% of graduate students and 83% of undergraduates responded positively they would come to Drake again, if they were starting all over again.
• 89% of undergraduates and 91% of graduate students are “very satisfied” or “satisfied” with their experiences with faculty.
• 92% of graduate and 84% of undergraduate students are “very satisfied” or “satisfied” with the quality of their classes.

These represent positive findings regarding students’ overall experiences at Drake.

This month, the Office of Institutional Research and Assessment will be sharing unit-specific results, compiling a summary of longitudinal results, and analyzing survey comments to identify areas of success and challenge. In the fall, we will pursue specific strategies to promote the use of this data across the University. We look forward to turning this important feedback into action.

—Kevin Saunders, Office of Institutional Research and Assessment

The Robert D. and Billie Ray Center at Drake is now accepting nominations for the Iowa Character Awards, which annually recognize individuals, organizations, and communities who demonstrate good character. Nominations are due May 9—learn more in the Drake Newsroom.