Drake University is hosting a particularly wide variety of public events on Thursday, April 16. Whether you are interested in politics, science, music, religion, or creative writing, there is something to appeal to everyone. All events are free, unless otherwise noted, and open to the public.
Undergraduate Research Showcase
8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Olmsted Center
The 12th annual DUCURS, or Drake University Conference on Undergraduate Research in the Sciences, will be hosted by students in the Drake University Science Collaborative Institute (DUSCI) from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. in Olmsted Center. DUSCI hosts DUCURS every year to showcase the exceptional research conducted by Drake students. The event, which is free and open to the public, will feature a keynote address from President David Maxwell, as well as oral and poster presentations. Learn more about the conference and view a schedule of presentations at this link.
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio
10:30 a.m., Cowles Library Reading Room
Mayor de Blasio will deliver remarks on the issue of income inequality to the public at 10:30 a.m. in the Cowles Library Reading Room. This event is free and open to the public, but seating may be limited. The Mayor’s visit is by invitation of former Senator Tom Harkin and is sponsored by the Harkin Institute for Public Policy and Citizen Engagement at Drake University and Drake’s Law, Politics, and Society program.
Plant a tree on campus for Tree Campus USA
12:30 p.m. to 1 p.m., east side of Olmsted Center
Celebrate Arbor Day early with the Drake University by planting a tree. All are welcome to plant a tree on the east side of the Olmsted Center. The tree will join the over 1,500 other trees planted on campus. Students will be entered in a drawing to win a $50 VISA gift card.
Sprout hosts “Growing Up: Food for Thought”
4:30 to 6 p.m., Paul Morrison Room, The Knapp Center
Sprout, the Des Moines Urban Youth Garden, will host “Growing Up: Food for Thought” from 4:30-6 p.m. in the Paul Morrison Room at the Knapp Center. Sodexo Foundation is sponsoring this event for children and families from the First Christian Church Boys and Girls Club program through a Global Youth Service Day grant. Participants will learn about health snack options from a Sodexo dietician, prepare food with a Sodexo chef, and plant seeds for the Sprout Garden. A meal will also be provided. This event is aimed at addressing food insecurity in the Drake Neighborhood and promoting wellness education.
STEM Festival for K-12 youth
6 to 8 p.m., Olmsted Center
Drake University will host a free, family-friendly STEM Festival for students in grades K-12. The festival will feature interactive learning activities, hands-on demonstrations and fun make-and-takes. There will be booths hosted by local business and industry, high schools and colleges, Drake University professors and students, and area students and professionals. Some of the exhibits will include Drake’s exercise science and sport medicine program, Iowa Public Television, and optical and physics programs from Des Moines Area Community College.
The Comparison Project: “Love Is to Renounce Naming the Beloved”
7 p.m., Sussman Theater, lower level Olmsted Center
The Comparison Project hosts Tamara Albertini, professor of philosophy at the University of Hawai’i, whose lecture on Muslim mysticism will continue the Project’s ongoing theme of “Religion Beyond Words.”Albertini will deliver her free lecture, “Love Is to Renounce Naming the Beloved: Muslim Mystic al-Rabi’a and Her Teaching of the Ineffable, ” at 7 p.m. in the Olmsted Center’s Sussman Theater, 2875 University Ave., on the Drake campus
Sen. Tom Harkin: “Making Human Rights a Part of Your Everyday”
7 p.m., Parents Hall, upper Olmsted Center
Retired U.S. Sen. Tom Harkin will deliver a lecture titled “Making Human Rights a Part of Your Everyday.” This event will be the Senator’s first public speaking engagement since his retirement from a 40-year Congressional career. Tickets are required but limited. For more information on the lecture and tickets, visit this link.
Screenwriting After Drake
7 to 8:30 p.m., Cowles Library 201
Lights, camera, action, Drake alum Eric Ziobrowski will share his experience working as a screenwriter in Hollywood. He has worked on television hits such as, “American Dad!” and ABC’s newest comedy, “Fresh Off the Boat.” The event is apart of the “Life After Drake” Series and will run from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in Cowles Library 201, on the Drake University campus. This event is free and open to the public.
Synergy Jazz Concert
8 to 9:30 p.m., Patty and Fred Turner Jazz Center
Synergy Jazz present the David Berkman Quartet from 8 to 9:30 p.m. in the Patty and Fred Turner Jazz Center. The quartet features bassist Ed Howard, drummer Rudy Royston, and saxophonist Dayna Stephens, with Berkman on piano. Tickets are $25 for adults and $20 for students in advance or $30 and $25 respectively the day of the concert. For more information and to buy tickets, visit: http://www.synergyjazz.org/calendar.html