The Drake Alumni House officially opened its doors in January.
“Drake alumni have long needed a place to call their own in the heart of campus,” says John Smith, vice president for alumni and development. “The newly established Alumni House will create that place and bring new life to the experience our alumni have when they come back home to Drake University.”
The Alumni House will serve a variety of purposes: a primary point of contact for all visiting alumni; support relationship building for development staff; house the alumni relations staff; and provide a gathering place for receptions and other special events for alumni, the campus, and the community.
Blake Campbell, director of alumni relations, says when learning of the house becoming available this Fall, the alumni relations staff jumped at the opportunity to transform the space into a special spot for alumni.
“This house is the Alumni House, not just the Office of Alumni Relations house. We want alumni to know it’s always open to them,” says Campbell.
Once known as the Craig House, the 1901 structure has a long history at Drake, including stints as residence for university presidents. The home has also served as a women’s dormitory, a sorority, and most recently as headquarters for the American Judicature Society. To give the house a fresh look, the Alumni Relations staff plans to decorate with Drake memorabilia from across the generations.
“We want everything at the new house to have a Drake focus, even the color of the walls,” says Campbell. “I hope alumni embrace the house, and it becomes a place of pride and connection for many years to come.”