Have you ever wanted to tour a fraternity or sorority house? Want to meet more students and learn what fraternity and sorority life is like? Please join us on Thursday, Oct. 16, from 4:30–6 p.m. to meet members of fraternity and sorority life and take tours of some of our houses. This is a casual come-and-go type event so we welcome you to join us anytime within that window when you are available. Fraternity and Sorority members will be available on 34th Street and Forest Avenue (between 32nd Street and 33rd Street) to direct you to houses you wish to see and visit. If you have any questions, please reach out to drakeFSL@drake.edu.

— Liz Itzen, Director, Fraternity and Sorority Life

Griff II is partnering with the Parent Advisory Board to collect items for Little Free Pantries in the Drake Neighborhood during Family Weekend. Bring non-perishable food and/or personal hygiene products to Griff in Olmsted on Saturday, Oct. 4, from 9–10 a.m. He will be there to pose for pictures, receive ear scratches, and field your compliments and positive affirmations. Griff will then make the rounds in the Griffmobile and fill up the pantries to help struggling neighbors. Griff hopes to see you! 

— Erin Bell, University Communications & Marketing

Are you interested in being a part of sustainability initiatives on campus? The Sustainability Committee is a great way to get involved. The focus of this year will be on communication and incorporating sustainability into curriculum in all departments. This committee is open to any interested students, staff, and faculty.

If you are interested or have any questions, email sustainability@drake.edu or Sydney.dvorak@drake.edu to be added to the email list. The first meeting will occur in October, based on committee members availability.

— Sydney Dvorak, Sustainability Coordinator

Celebrate the legacy of Governor Robert D. Ray with an ice cream social on Friday, Sept. 26, from 2:30–4 p.m. on The Ray Promenade outside of Collier-Scripps Hall. Ice cream novelties will be served. The rain location will be inside Collier-Scripps Hall on the lower level.

Governor Robert D. Ray, Drake University’s 11th president and Iowa’s 38th governor, made an impact that reached far beyond the state, touching lives around the world. Best known for his humanitarian efforts and transformation of state government, his legacy continues through the work of The Robert D. and Billie Ray Center at Drake University.

The Ray Center invites the entire Drake campus community to join in celebrating September 26 as Governor Ray Day in the state of Iowa.

To learn more about Governor Robert D. Ray’s life and legacy, click here. 

— Emily Brown, Robert D. & Billie Ray Center

Drake students, faculty, and staff are invited to get their annual flu shot courtesy of Drake’s APhA chapter and Broadlawns on Sept. 26 or Oct. 3 from 12–3 p.m. in the Cline Atrium.

You can sign up for an appointment slot or walk-in and fill out paperwork the day of. Please be sure to bring a physical ID and prescription insurance card.

Please reach out to nora.stelter@drake.edu with any questions.

All recreational facilities (Bell Center, Tennis Center, and Underground Fitness) will be closed on Wednesday, Oct. 1 from 6–10 p.m.

— Allison Bjork, Rec Services

Join us for family weekend Oct. 2–5! Family Weekend is an opportunity for families to connect with their student’s experience on campus and show off their Bulldog pride.

Family Weekend is more than a celebration for students and families; it’s a time for our entire community—faculty, staff, students, families, and alumni—to come together and enjoy everything that makes being a Bulldog special. 

Check out an overview of this year’s lineup. For the full weekend schedule, ticket links, and more, visit the Drake Family Weekend website.

Thursday, October 2 

• 🎡 SAB Fall Carnival–games, music, food, and inflatables 
• 🏀 Hoops Fest downtown Des Moines – free youth basketball clinic, team introductions and drone show 

Friday, October 3

• 🗺️ Guided Tour of Dogtown 
• 🏐 Drake Volleyball vs. Murray State Discount Tickets 
• 🎶 Live Performances – Kansas City, Here We Come   
• ✨ Family BINGO Night–Lights, music, campus celebrity bingo callers and prizes!  

Saturday, October 4

• 📣 Youth Cheer Clinic  
• 📝 President Martin Welcome and Information Sessions 
• 📸 Legacy Photos & Campus Tours 
• 🎉 Tailgating & Football Game as the Bulldogs take on Valparaiso Discount Tickets 
• 🎶 Sweetheart Sing–Fraternity Sorority Life Philanthropy Lip Synch Battle!  

Sunday, October 5

• 👟 Bulldog Fun Run/Walk for all ages and fitness levels 
• 🧘 Stretch & Restore Yoga sessions on Helmick Commons 
• ⚽ Drake Women’s Soccer vs. Indiana State

This weekend is truly designed for everyone! We encourage you to bring your loved ones and experience the joy of Drake together.

— Lynne Cornelius, Associate Dean of Students

Grab your walking shoes and join the Healthiest State Walk on Wednesday, Oct. 1.  All faculty, staff, and students are encouraged to meet at noon at the start of the Bulldog Mile.  This one-mile path begins outside the Olmsted Center (just southeast of the building).  Pick up a sticker at the beginning of the walk and wear it. If you still have it on at the end of the walk, you will receive a raffle ticket for a chance to win a prize.  If that’s not enough, you can earn additional raffle tickets with a deck of cards and a little luck.

If it is raining, we will move the event to the indoor track at the Knapp Center.  Come alone, bring a friend, or make it a team or department event!  Let’s get moving!

— Linda Feiden, Human Resources

Did you know that you can request compost bins for your events? See the links below to each guide to learn how to request a compost bin for your next event. Linked in the guide is a graphic explaining what is compostable in our industrial compost system. Email sustainability@drake.edu with any questions.

Here is a link to the Student Event Compost Guide.

Here is a link to the Faculty/Staff Compost Guide.