Melva Bucksbaum, a dedicated philanthropist who helped to establish Drake’s largest and most well-known lecture series, passed away at 82. It was also announced that that Peter Neufeld, co-founder of the Innocence Project, will deliver the 35th Bucksbaum Lecture, named for Melva’s husband, Martin. The lecture will take place Oct. 27.
Tag Archives: news
School of Journalism and Mass Communication news
Broadcast journalist Gwen Ifill, who received an honorary degree from Drake in 2005, returned to campus this week with a crew from PBS’ NewsHour to report on the 2016 Iowa caucuses and presidential campaign. Drake alumnus Travis Daub, JO ’98, creative director of NewsHour, connected with Lee Jolliffe, associate professor of journalism, to arrange for the PBS crew to set up shop in Meredith Hall for two days. Broadcast news grad Mario Rossi, JO’15, helped the crew as they interviewed political experts (including Professor Art Sanders) and presidential candidates (such as Ohio Gov. John Kasich).
Many thanks to the Drake Technology Services folks, especially Bill Jensen, who helped make it possible. (Drake was recognized in the NewsHour credits.)
—Submitted by Kathleen Richardson, Dean, School of Journalism and Mass Communication
Drake News: Week of Aug. 10
The most recent issue of eBlue included a profile on Denise Hill, GR’95, LW’96, who will head Drake Law’s new Health Law program. And Catherine M. Staub will join Drake as the Peggy Fisher and Larry Stelter Chair of Magazine Journalism, leading the Magazine Media program and overseeing the E.T. Meredith Center for Magazine Studies.
Drake News
This week at Drake, two Greater Des Moines business leaders will receive the Robert D. and Billie Ray Center at Drake University’s highest honor for demonstrating exemplary character. Suku Radia, president of CEO of Bankers Trust, and Rich Willis, dealer principal at Willis Auto Campus, will receive the Robert D. Ray Pillar of Character Award. In other news, The Harkin Institute for Public Policy and Citizen Engagement and the Drake Archives publicly unveiled Sen. Tom Harkin’s Americans with Disabilities Act congressional files and materials on the 25th anniversary of the signing of Harkin’s signature piece of legislation.
Drake news
Drake’s Actuarial Science program had plenty to celebrate this month, including a $1 million gift from Sammons Enterprises, Inc., and a renewed Center for Actuarial Excellence designation from the Society of Actuaries. Meanwhile, Drake adopted a new test-flexible admission policy, allowing prospective students to choose whether to submit a standardized test result as part of their application. The Iowa Caucus Project launched in July; the site, which will be run by students, will serve as an information and news resource on the upcoming Iowa caucuses.