Category Archives: Campus Announcements

Team USA, Bulldog Roots: A Conversation with Reed Fischer, AS’17, JO’17

The campus community is invited to tune in for a special Everclass session on Aug. 19 at 12 p.m. via Zoom. The session will feature two Bulldogs who are taking their talents to the world stage. Reed Fischer, a 2017 Drake grad and elite marathoner, is headed to Tokyo as part of Team USA after clocking a 2:10:14 at the 2024 Chicago Marathon. Joining him will be Blake Boldon, Franklin P. Johnson Director of the Drake Relays, who will serve as Men’s Head Manager for Team USA. The two previously teamed up at international events, and now they will reunite at the 2025 World Athletics Championships. Hear their stories, insights, and what it means to represent both Team USA and Drake University on a global level.

Register to attend: https://drake-edu.zoom.us/meeting/register/QC-EBDv_SbW9QKTIuFT15A#/registration.

Everclass is a series of virtual discussions designed to inspire Drake alumni and friends to dive into topics that will fuel curiosity, creativity, connection or career potential. All classes feature a keynote speaker, a panel discussion, or a Q&A style with a moderator. See a list of upcoming sessions.

— Andy Verlengia, Director of Alumni Relations


The Community Crate is Back by Popular Demand

UpLift is starting a conversation about housing in Central Iowa, and we want YOU to join!

 Using local data and stories from Central Iowa housing experts, UpLift has transformed a shipping container into an interactive housing exhibit, designed to dig into the challenges many Central Iowans are facing when it comes to finding a place to call home.

Learn more about:

🔍Eviction trends

💰Affordable housing challenges

🔑Homeownership hurdles

🌟Inspiring local solutions

No registration is needed; drop by during open hours and be part of a powerful, eye-opening experience that’s designed to inform, engage, and spark hope.

📍The Tom and Ruth Harkin Center – 2800 University Ave, Des Moines, IA, 50311

🕒August 20-27, MWF: 9:00-11:30 am or TTH 1:00 – 3:30 PM or SAT & SUN 10:00 – 3:00 PM

Looking for more of a guided experience? Schedule a guided tour with UpLift staff here: https://bit.ly/CommunityCrateTour.

— Kathryn Kuckelman, Harkin Institute for Public Policy & Citizen Engagement

Fall Group X Class Preview

Take a look at our Group Fitness class lineup.

We have three new student instructors bringing fun and challenging classes to the mix.  We still have our ever-popular Cycle and Strength and a few yoga classes throughout the week.  Meditation Mondays is new and will travel around campus, so keep an eye on our social media and webpage for updates.

Download the Drake Rec App for information and to sign up!

— Gail Witte, Rec Services

Rec Services Hours

Please note the following hours of operation for the Bell Center, pool, tennis center, and Underground Fitness.

August 25 – September 1 Hours

Bell Center

Monday – Thursday: 6:30am-10pm
Friday: 6:30am-9pm
Saturday & Sunday: 12pm-4pm
Monday, Sept. 1: CLOSED

Bell Center Pool

Make a reservation at rec.drake.edu

Roger Knapp Tennis Center & Underground Fitness

CLOSED

Regular semester hours will resume on Tuesday, Sept. 2

— Allison Bjork, Rec Services

Mark Your Calendars: President’s Summit Aug. 26, Activities Fair Aug. 28

President’s Summit: Tuesday, August 26th, 4pm-6pm, Parent’s Hall Olmsted

The RSO President’s Summit will be held on Tuesday, August 26th, from 4pm-6pm in Parent’s Hall, Olmsted. This is MANDATORY for RSO Presidents. If the president of your organization is unable to attend, please have at least one member of your Executive Council (VP, Treasurer, Secretary, etc.) or a designated representative attend in their absence. An email will be sent out to each registered student organization with more information.

Activities Fair: Thursday, August 28th, 4pm-6pm, Upper Olmsted

The Activities Fair will be held on Thursday, August 28th, from 4pm-6pm in upper Olmsted. Students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to stop by to see what opportunities are available to get active on campus! An email will be sent out to each registered student organization with more information. Email Tiffany Hach with questions.

— Tiffany Hach, Director of Student Life

Study Abroad Fair Aug. 28

Ready to see the world? Don’t miss our annual Study Abroad Fair on Aug. 28 from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the lower level of JSC (Fischer-Stelter Hall). This is your chance to explore incredible opportunities to study, intern, or volunteer in a variety of locations. Whether you’re considering a semester with one of our DU cohorts, a summer interning or studying abroad, or using your winter break to complete another three credits, we’re sure to have a great program for you. Meet with representatives from various programs, talk to faculty and past participants, and get your questions answered about funding, applications, and academic credit.

— Emily Erschen, Global Engagement

Forest Avenue Traffic Alert

📍 No Parking on Forest Avenue from 30th Street to 27th Street as of Aug. 11.  This is a permanent change.
 
🚧 Temporary Closure: Carpenter Avenue between 25th and 24th streets 🔧 Due to the DCI/Merge Project on 25th Street.
 
Please plan ahead, follow posted signs, and use alternate routes. Thank you for your patience and cooperation.
 
May be an image of text that says 'TRAFFIC ALERT NO PARKING ON FOREST AVE from 30th St to 27th St In effect 24/7 unless a Police Order is issued 谷 TEMPORARY CLOSURE Carpenter Ave between 25th & 24th St Due to the DCI Merge Project on 25th St'

— Scott Law, Executive Director, Public Safety & Operational Services

Olmsted Construction Update

During the summer, contractors have been hard at work making improvements to Olmsted. We are pleased to share that the project is on time and on budget. Contractors will be on site working on final touches through the end of September.  A few milestones to note:

  • The Bulldog Shop will be open on Monday, August 11.
  • The 2025 Learning Symposium will be hosted in Parent’s Hall on Tuesday, August 19.
  • Olmsted will open to the public on Wednesday, August 20.
  • Starbucks will be up and running on Wednesday, August 20.
  • Fun new branding elements will be installed through the month of September.
  • The new On The Go Convenience Store is planned to open at the end of September. The existing C-Store in lower level of Hubbell will be operational until the On The Go store is complete.
  • The Drake Room will be offline through September 5.
  • Steam Line replacement is completed with testing of the systems over the week of August 11.  Site restoration and landscaping replacement will continue through the month of September.
  • Student Services Center will be permanently located on the 1st floor of the Johansen Student Center.
  • Former SSC location in the breezeway of Olmsted will serve as a Welcome Desk for Olmsted and staffed by our events team.
  • New mail room package pick-up lockers are installed in the lower level of Olmsted.

We are excited for all of campus to see the improvements!

— Heather Winslow, Capital Projects