Visit any ten businesses in Dogtown, get your passport “validated” at each place, and get a free Dogtown T-shirt at Nos Books (limit one per person, while supplies last). Passports can be found at Lucky Horse, Dough Co, Shelf Love, Mars, Nos Books, and other area businesses.

A good community can feel like traveling the world while only going a few blocks. In Dogtown you can enjoy food from Mexico to Africa, hear music from the latest rock to ancient spirituals, and go wherever your imagination takes you through a book or a film. It’s all here.

Turn in your completed passport for a free T-shirt at Nos Books during their normal operating hours.

Plus, this passport has special offers and exclusive deals. See the world without leaving Des Moines.

— Nate Reagen, Office of the President

Honors Senior Thesis Presentations will take place April 28–30, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day in the Medbury Honors Lounge.

The Honors Senior Thesis presentations showcase the distinctive, interdisciplinary research conducted by Drake Honors students across a wide range of fields. This three-day event is both a celebration of their academic work and a culminating moment in their Honors experience, as students share their research and findings and contribute to the academic life of Drake University.

All members of the Drake community are invited to attend. A detailed presentation schedule is available at www.drake.edu/honors/curriculum.

— Kendra Colbert, Drake Online and Continuing Education

May is here, and that means the perfect floral Griff T-shirt!

Each month, we release a new limited-edition Griff design so you can build your collection all year long. Collect all 12 designs, and you will unlock a bonus exclusive at the end of the year.

Show off in May with the newest addition to the Griff t-shirt collection. Featuring a fresh floral design and plenty of school spirit, it’s the perfect way to rep the Bulldogs all month long.

Collect them all!

— The Bulldog Shop

After 21 years of dedicated service, Michelle Laughlin will retire from Drake at the end of May. Michelle began her role as Student Disability Services Coordinator in April 2005 and became Director of Student Disability Services in 2020. Over the course of her career, she has supported countless students and takes pride in helping to develop and expand academic coaching services within the Access and Success office.

A guiding quote in her work has been Henry Ford’s reminder: “Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t, you’re right.” Michelle has carried this perspective into her approach with students, encouraging them to view their disabilities not as limitations, but as part of their broader strengths and identities. She often reminds students that while everyone experiences challenges, it is how we respond to them that shapes our ability to navigate difficult days.

Michelle’s contributions have been recognized through the Sapphire Award in 2024, along with extensive service across campus committees. Her involvement has included serving as All Staff Council President, participation on the ASC Recognition and Events Committees, and service on the President’s Committee for Persons with Disabilities.

Reflecting on her time at Drake, Michelle shares: “I know there is more I could list, but right now I’m just thinking of gratitude. Mostly, I just want to say thank you. I have so many wonderful memories here. The people I’ve worked with and the students I’ve met have shaped who I am. I am proud of my time at Drake. I have learned more than I ever could have imagined and wouldn’t trade any of it for anything.”

Michelle’s legacy is one of compassion, advocacy, and unwavering support for students. She will be deeply missed by colleagues and students alike, and we extend our heartfelt appreciation for her 21 years of service to Drake University.

Transition & Next Steps

Michelle will be in and out over the next month, so please direct any Access and Success inquiries to access.success@drake.edu. The Director of Accessibility position has been posted and is expected to be filled by June 1 to ensure continuity of service. Please feel free to share this message with your team as appropriate.

— Jenny Tran-Johnson & Sydni Jennings, Academic Excellence and Student Success

On May 2, 1979, NACADA: The Global Community for Academic Advising was founded. Every year, we take this week to honor the Faculty Mentors and Advising Specialists who provide the roadmap for student success.

To all our Drake colleagues who advise, mentor, and support: Thank you for all you do!

Here is how you can join the celebration next week:

For Students: Show Your Appreciation

• Send a thank-you note: Take a moment to send a thank you to the advisors and mentors who have supported your journey.
• Share your story: Email your college or school Associate Dean (listed here under College/School Advising Administrators) and let them know how your advising specialist, faculty mentor, and/or other advisors and mentors have made a difference for you.

Faculty & Staff: Connect and Recognize

• Connect and be inspired: Join colleagues for the webinar Advising Philosophies through an Appreciative Lens, hosted by the Office of Advising on Wednesday, May 6 at 11 a.m. in JSC 250 (Hayes Student Commons).
• Spread the positivity: Send a Starfish Kudos to advisees and mentees who are showing up, staying engaged, and taking charge of their success.

To all our Drake colleagues who advise, mentor, and support students, THANK YOU!

— Jill Batten, Strategic Director of Advising & Career Services

After ten years of dedicated and impactful service to Drake University, we invite you to join us in celebrating Provost Sue Mattison.

Throughout a decade of commitment, Sue has helped guide our campus through moments of both challenge and growth—from thoughtfully navigating the uncertainties of COVID, to playing a key role in continued academic excellence. Her steady leadership, insight, and care for students and colleagues alike have left a lasting mark on our institution.

Please join us as we gather to honor her legacy, share memories, and wish Sue the very best in her next chapter.

DATE: Wednesday, May 6
TIME: 1–3 p.m.
LOCATION: Levitt Hall, Old Main 
Light refreshments provided; short program around 1:30 p.m.

— Cheryle Anania, Office of the President