The annual Beautiful Bulldog Contest® presented by Sammons Financial returns to the Knapp Center Sunday, April 18, 3 p.m. for an in-person (and canine) event. This year, 20 English bulldogs will compete for the title of Most Beautiful Bulldog. The winning pooch will serve as the mascot for the 111th Drake Relays.
The event is free to attend and due to the pandemic, there will be assigned seating. Everyone in attendance will be required to wear face coverings and practice social distancing. Review the University face coverings policy here. Requests for tickets are now closed.
The contest will be livestreamed on live.drake.edu/ for Bulldog lovers around the world to watch live.
This year, 126 English bulldogs representing 17 states registered to compete. Drake University students, faculty, and staff voted to narrow that list down to the top 20 bulldogs, which you can see on the contest Facebook page.
In 2020, the contest was held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Hulk, a three-year-old bulldog from Jewell, Iowa, took the crown and assumed his throne on National Bulldogs Are Beautiful Day, April 21, 2020.
2021 Contest Judges
Hulk, and owner Justine Johnson
2020 Beautiful Bulldog Hulk will accompany owner Justine Johnson of Jewell, Iowa to judge. Justine owns a catering business called The Silver Spoon Catering in Roland, Iowa. Her and husband Heath Johnson have had Hulk in their family since 2017. Hulk did not get to experience the thrill of an in-person contest, so he is looking forward to meeting other Beautiful pups.
Isabelle Tharp, current Drake University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences student
Isabelle Tharp is a third-year student pharmacist at Drake University and currently serves as the president of the American Pharmacists Association – Academy of Student Pharmacists (APhA-ASP). During the COVID-19 pandemic, Isabelle has helped with COVID-19 testing for students living on campus and has spent time at the Harkin Institute vaccinating members of the community against COVID-19.
Felix Gallagher, PH’00
Felix Gallagher is a 2000 PharmD graduate of Drake University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. Felix is principal of PharmServ Solutions, a business specializing in interim, long-term, and permanent placements for pharmacies across the Midwest. Felix currently serves as a member of the Drake College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences National Advisory Committee, a trustee for Des Moines Area Community College, member of the Greater Des Moines Committee, and member of Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity.
Mike Mock, AS’92, LW’95, Sammons Financial
Michael Mock is a proud Drake alum, graduating with a BA in philosophy and religion in 1992, and a Juris Doctorate in 1995. Mike was in private practice with the Des Moines law firm of Bradshaw, Fowler, Proctor, & Fairgrave for 16 years. In 2013, Mike joined Sammons Financial Group where he currently is VP for strategy and corporate development. Mike will be joining the panel of judges virtually.
Griff II Gives Back
Drake University’s live mascot Griff II is once again collecting adult pet food to benefit area animals in need through Pet Project Midwest. He has already exceeded his initial goal, but continues to collect donations. Learn more at alumni.drake.edu/griff-gives-back.