Year: 2011

Drake politics professor Arthur Sanders, a longtime analyst of his state's caucuses, said Mitt Romney's strong likelihood of not doing well in Iowa is why he is skipping Ames.

Des Moines teacher Frieda Griffin, 81, recently retired after a career that spanned more than half a century. Griffin took classes at Drake to keep current during her tenure.

Drake law alumnus Michael Mullins was named to the state court of appeals. He will replace Edward Mansfield, who has been appointed an Iowa Supreme Court justice.

Great Ape Trust scientist and Drake University adjunct professor Kristina Walkup was among Trust staff whose updated book titled "The Use and Manufacture of Tools By Animals" was recently published. (Co-author and Trust scientist Ben Beck is currently working with Drake Students in Rwanda.)

Drake alumnus Ric Swihart retired from his position as a reporter at the Lethbridge Herald. Swihart was the first Canadian member of the National Association of Agricultural Journalists in the U.S. and was awarded the Centennial Medal by Senator Joyce Fairbairn.

Drake alumnus Dennis McKnight is profiled for his work ethic and professionalism as assistant coach of the Edmonton Eskimos football team. He still has a Drake Bulldogs tattoo burned into his cannonball of a right shoulder.