Professor Shelley Fairbairn invited a group of African refugee students to Drake on a recent Saturday to learn about the college experience in the hopes of encouraging them to pursue a college education after high school.  Students from one of Fairbairn’s undergraduate classes volunteered their time to host the seven teenagers. They presented a Powerpoint about Drake and their shared their individual stories about their studies, family backgrounds, and reason’s for choosing Drake. The refugee students then shared their career ambitions and the Drake students explained how attending a four-year university would help them reach those goals.  Later, the group...

Dr. Jack Gerlovich was honored by the Iowa Science Teachers Association for his service to the organization and to teachers in science classrooms. Gerlovich is nationally renown for his research into safety in science classrooms but he is even more fondly known for his dedication to his students and colleagues in the classroom, noted a representative from the association. “This is truly a well-deserved award!”  

During the event, students, faculty and staff mingled with area superintendents, curriculum directors, and other influential educators.