The Drake Volleyball team visited Costa Rica where they played four matches that included a win over Costa Rica’s national team. They also conducted youth clinics, donated more than 100 sports bras as part of The Sports Bra Project, and watched the NORCECA U19 Championship to cheer on the USA team against Cuba. Of course, the team also enjoyed some leisure time surfing, experiencing Costa Rica’s diverse culture, and zip lining in the rainforest.

Visit GoDrakeBulldogs.com/DUVBCostaRica to learn more about their trip.

The following message was sent to campus by President Martin on July 8:

“With a heavy heart, I am writing to share that our cherished friend, distinguished alumnus, and former colleague, Robert D. Ray, died this morning. Governor Ray proudly served as Iowa’s 38th governor and, later in his career, as the 11th president of Drake University, from April 1998 to May 1999. He received his B.A. in business from Drake in 1952, and his juris doctorate from Drake Law School in 1954.

Governor Ray is survived by his beloved wife, Billie, three daughters, and eight grandchildren. Plans for celebrating his life are pending, and will be announced at a later time.

Governor Ray had a tremendous impact on Iowa, the United States, and the world. In similar fashion, he served his beloved alma mater exceptionally well. His legacy will live on, of course, through the great work of The Robert D. and Billie Ray Center; the Robert D. Ray Collection of political and personal papers and memorabilia from Governor and Mrs. Ray, archived at Cowles Library; the RaySociety, Drake University’s lifelong learning organization; and the Ray Promenade, a beautiful plaza to be dedicated on campus this fall.

Please join me in remembering Governor Ray, and in supporting his family at this difficult time.” — Marty Martin, President

Details of funeral, observances

Governor Ray will lay in state at the Iowa Capitol building Thursday, 5:30–8:30 p.m. Iowa Air and Army Guard troops, Iowa State Troopers, and the Des Moines Police will lead a procession of vehicles along University Avenue from west to east at approximately 4 p.m. as they travel toward the Capitol. Faculty and staff are welcome to show their support for Governor Ray and his family by standing along University Avenue as the procession passes by.

The motorcade will bring the governor into the first floor Rotunda where a brief ceremony will occur at 5 p.m. Those wishing to pay their respects at the Capitol should arrive early, as security checkpoints will be utilized.

The funeral for Governor Ray will be held Friday at the First Christian Church at 25^th and University Avenue in Des Moines. The service will begin at 1 p.m. There will be limited seating. However, those wishing to observe and celebrate the life of Governor Ray can view a live stream of the service. Details of the live stream will be made public soon.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to The Robert D. and Billie Ray Center on campus, located at 2507 University Avenue. Remembrances may also be left on The Ray Center website.

Statement from the family of Governor Robert D. Ray
Biography of Governor Robert D. Ray

Gideon Kidd, a 9-year-old boy from Cedar Falls, is quickly gaining popularity through his Twitter account @IvePetThatDog, which has grown to over 91,000 followers in the last two years. The account features daily pictures and short narratives of the nearly 400 dogs he’s met. On June 15, Gideon was able to meet and pet Griff at Cole Hall.

In his tweet, Gideon posted a picture with Griff and said, “I pet @DrakeUGriff. He is a 6-year-old champion bulldog who is now the mascot for @DrakeUniversity. He is stubborn and likes attention. He has his own bed in the Admissions building. Griff’s favorite thing is food. He was once caught on top of the buffet table at a public event.”

Media outlets across the state covered the event, including WHO-TV, ABC-5, KCCI-8, KCRG-9, and the Des Moines Register. View the Des Moines Register’s story and a gallery of photos.

Three different Drake organizations traveled to the People’s Republic of China the last week of May. The Drake football team, Jazz Ensemble One, and RaySociety traveled more than 24 hours to Beijing where they experienced a myriad of cultural and academic experiences.

The football team became the first NCAA Division I football team to play in China. The team won the Drake-China Global Ambassadors Bowl, 77-0, over a Chinese All-Star team. More important than the final score were the relationships the players made afterward. In addition to the game, team members facilitated youth football clinics and participated in volunteer service work. During the 12-day trip, the team had an opportunity to engage in various cultural activities, such as a visit to the Great Wall of China and the Forbidden City. Academically, the student-athletes attended several seminars and lectures to learn about the country’s culture and economy. View photos and a summary of the football team’s trip.

Leveraging longstanding University ties with U.S. Ambassador Terry Branstad, Drake’s award-winning Jazz Ensemble One performed at the ambassador’s private residence. In addition, the ensemble performed at three universities in China, allowing students to interact and build relationships with local Chinese students. At the Contemporary Music Academy, Jazz One played a joint concert of Count Basie’s Flight of the Foo Birds with eager Chinese jazz students. Jazz One also performed at Nankai University in Tianjin and the Beijing University of Chemical Technology, where they listened to a Chinese string ensemble and choir. During the trip, the ensemble was able to meet Jin Yulong, a trumpet student at Minzu University, who will be an exchange student at Drake next year. Jin spent one whole day with the band and got to know many of the students he will be studying with next year. The trip was the sixth international trip for Jazz Ensemble One. The group has also performed throughout Europe, including invited performances at the Montreux Switzerland Jazz Festival and Holland’s North Sea Jazz Festival.

In addition to the football team and jazz ensemble, a group of RaySociety members traveled to China with Professor David Skidmore during the same week in May. Sixteen members of Drake’s lifelong learning organization visited Beijing, Shanghai, Nanjing, and Hong Kong, providing the group with a deeper understanding of China’s cultural heritage, political history, and current systems.