Category Archives: Campus Announcements

Submit a Nomination for the Iowa Character Awards 2026

The Iowa Character Awards celebrate individuals, organizations, and communities who exemplify integrity, leadership, responsibility, and service. Each year, we shine a light on Iowans who make a meaningful difference through their commitment to strong character and positive impact.

You can help ensure the role models in your life receive the recognition they deserve. A thoughtful nomination makes a lasting impact; your words help us understand the values, leadership, and influence of those you are recommending.

Nominations are open to anyone and must be submitted by 11:59 PM on Friday, May 1, 2026.

Learn more and submit a nomination at: IowaCharacterAwards.org.

— Samantha Hilbert, The Robert D. and Billie Ray Center

Harkin Retirement Security Symposium to be Held April 14

The 2026 Harkin Retirement Security Symposium will focus on a broader financial wellness theme supported by panels along the continuum of retirement security policy issues. The speakers will discuss policies supporting retirement savings access and accumulation, navigating Social Security and Medicare, and the intergenerational impacts of these programs, access to retirement planning, retirement income decisions, and long-term care policies and supports. The symposium is a hybrid event, with in-person and virtual options for attendance, and will be available for free on The Harkin Institute YouTube channel after the event.

Register here

Cost
There is no cost to attend in person or online, but a donation is encouraged and greatly appreciated to help continue this important work.

Accommodations
American Sign Language (ASL) and live captions in English will be available for all attendees.

If you have any questions regarding accommodations please contact us at harkininstitute@drake.edu.

Parking
In-person attendees will be able to park in lot 24, next to the Tom and Ruth Harkin Center. More information about obtaining a vistor parking pass will be sent to registered attendees before the event.

Attend in-person or online
This is a hybrid event. Attendees have the choice to attend in-person at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, or virtually.

The in-person event will take place at Parents Hall in the Olmsted Center at Drake. Lunch will be provided.

Online attendees will watch a livestream and will have the opportunity to participate in Q&A.

Learn more and register here.

— The Harkin Institute

Registration Open For An Evening with Charlie Cook

Charlie Cook is back to discuss the state of American politics and the 2026 primary season.

Register here

About

An Evening with Charlie Cook will take place on Wednesday April 15, 2026, at the Sheslow Auditorium and The Harkin Institute YouTube channel. The event offers an opportunity to hear insight and analysis on the state of American politics from one of the nation’s leading authorities on the U.S. political landscape. As the country moves through another pivotal election cycle, Cook will share his perspective on the 2026 primary elections, emerging political trends, and the broader forces shaping the national political environment ahead of the general election.

Cook is a political analyst for National Journal, founder of the Cook Political Report, co-author of recent editions of the Almanac of American Politics, and a member of the National Advisory Council for The Harkin Institute. Known for his nonpartisan analysis and deep understanding of electoral politics, Cook regularly provides insight on the evolving dynamics influencing campaigns, parties, and voters across the country.

An Evening with Charlie Cook is made possible by a generous gift from friends of The Harkin Institute and Drake University who wish to remain anonymous.

Accommodations

American Sign Language (ASL) and live captioning (CART) will be provided. Further accommodations can be requested on your ticket order form or by emailing harkininstitute@drake.edu

Learn more and register here.

— The Harkin Institute

Join the Honors Program for a Special Event Recognizing Charlene Skidmore

We invite members of the campus and alumni community to join us on Friday, April 24, from 2–3:30 p.m. in the Medbury Honors Lounge for remarks and light refreshments as we celebrate Charlene Skidmore’s many years of dedication to the Honors Program and to Drake University.

In recognition of Charlene’s remarkable legacy, the Honors Program will dedicate a plaque in her honor to be displayed in the Medbury Honors Lounge.

— Kendra Colbert, Drake Online and Continuing Education

Apply to Judge the 2026 Beautiful Bulldog Contest

Think you have what it takes to judge one of Drake’s most beloved traditions? We’re looking for two Bulldogs—one Drake alum or friend and one current student—to help crown the winner of the 47th Annual Beautiful Bulldog Contest during Drake Relays week. Judges will meet the contestants, interact with their owners, and evaluate each pup based on appearance, personality, and Drake spirit. Apply today for a chance to take your seat at the judges’ table and help select the next Most Beautiful Bulldog. Applications close Monday, April 6 at noon.

Apply here: https://alumni.drake.edu/relays/beautiful-bulldog/beautiful-bulldog-contestant-judge-submission.

— Bruce Heintz, University Communications & Marketing

Rescheduled: All In 24-Hour Giving Challenge

Thank you for your understanding and support in our decision to postpone this year’s All In 24-Hour Giving Challenge. Please mark your calendars for April 8–9 from noon to noon as our Bulldog community comes together to make a lasting impact. 

New this year, if 30% of faculty and staff make a gift to the University by the close of All In, we’ll celebrate with a half day off on the Friday before Memorial Day weekend. Every gift made since July 1 counts, and All In is a great opportunity to be part of the 30% of campus partners participating.

In honor of your support, any Drake faculty or staff member that makes a gift during All In will be entered into a drawing for one of the following prizes:

  • Free parking pass for Commuter Tier II Parking Lots
  • Treats delivered by Griff II for your entire department
  • Drake Relays Experience package (Gift card to use at the Relays Tent, VIP Relays Tickets, and more)
  • Year-long, individual membership to the Varsity Cinema
  • Bulldog Beer Package (4-pack of Bulldog Beer, a Drake-branded pint glass, and more)
  • Limited Edition Griff II socks
  • Copy of the new Griff II children’s book, “Griff’s Big Little Adventure”
  • Drake Swag (cross-body bags, Drake flags, blankets, bobbleheads, coffee mugs)

Join your fellow faculty and staff and go All In for our Bulldog community on April 8-9. Learn more at all-in.drake.edu.

Spring Wardrobe Refresh

We’re making room for what’s next at the Bulldog Shop. As part of our spring cleanup, you’ll now find newly marked-down merchandise throughout the store.

Enjoy savings of 25–50% off select clearance apparel and gifts while supplies last. It’s a great time to stock up on Bulldog gear at a great price.

— Bulldog Shop

Tyler Shultz: Whistleblower, Founder, Speaker

The Kelley Center for Insurance Innovation proudly presents: Tyler Shultz: Theranos Whistleblower, Founder, Venture Partner, and Speaker

“Cultivating Courage: Ethics as a Competitive Advantage”

Date: Tuesday, March 31
Location: Parents Hall, Olmsted Center
Time: Doors open at 5 p.m. Program begins at 6 p.m.

What does it truly mean to do the right thing when the stakes are high—and the pressure is even higher?

Join fellow colleagues and students for an impactful evening with Tyler Shultz, a nationally recognized whistleblower and champion of ethical leadership. Tyler will share his firsthand experience demonstrating moral courage amid extraordinary organizational and personal risk.

Tyler helped expose fraud at Theranos, ultimately contributing to the collapse of the $9 billion company and the criminal convictions of its CEO and COO. Since then, he has co-founded two diagnostics companies and advises startups and venture capital firms on navigating complex technical, commercial, and ethical challenges.

His story invites future leaders to rethink ethics—not as a limitation, but as a powerful strategic advantage. This timely conversation will examine ethical decision-making, accountability, and the real-world consequences of speaking up—offering lessons that resonate across business, healthcare, law, public policy, and entrepreneurship.

The Archie R. Boe Lecture Series is an endowed lecture series that focuses on ethical decision-making in business.

For more information, contact Kevin Croft, kevin.croft@drake.edu.

— Susan OBrien, Coordinator, Programming and Events

Griff Gives Back: Help Griff II Collect 20,000 Pounds of Pet Food

The 11th annual Griff Gives Back pet food drive is here! This year’s event holds special significance as it marks Griff II’s final donation drive as our live mascot. Griff II is rallying the Drake community to help him reach his goal of collecting 20,000 pounds of adult dog and cat food to support The Pet Project Midwest, a local pet food pantry.

Whether you donate via Griff’s Amazon Wish List, mail-in orders, or at his physical drop-off spots, every pound counts toward keeping local pets fed and with their families. We’ll celebrate the conclusion of Griff Gives Back at the Beautiful Bulldog Contest on Sunday, April 19, at the Knapp Center from 2–3 p.m.

— Erin Bell, University Communications & Marketing

Please Join Us for a Faculty Research Celebration, April 9 from 4–5:30 p.m.

Please join us for a special celebration of faculty research and academic achievementon Thursday, April 9, 2026, from 4–5:30 p.m. in the Cowles Reading Room. Faculty who submitted their recent publications will be featured on a rolling slide show, and their physical publications may be displayed. Please join us to celebrate the incredible contributions of our faculty! 

Refreshments will include an assortment of light snacks and beverages. 

— Anne Marie Greenwood, Office of the Provost