Beneficiaries include new University Center capital project, Drake Athletics, Refugee Law Clinic
Drake University announced today that The Ones: Drake’s Campaign for the Brave & Bold has raised $125 million against its $225 million goal.
“Thank you to the generous donors who have already contributed to The Ones, placing their trust in our vision,” said Drake University President Marty Martin. “These proud Bulldogs and friends recognize that our University and its people have the power to transform lives and strengthen communities. We draw tremendous inspiration and motivation from their encouragement and support.”
Major gifts to the campaign so far include the following:
Campaign co-chair and Drake Trustee Suzie Glazer Burt has donated more than $8 million to the campaign, including major gifts to the women’s basketball program. As part of her leadership giving to Drake, she and her late husband Gregory Burt helped create the Gregory & Suzie Glazer Burt Boys & Girls Club on the Drake University campus.
Campaign co-chair and Drake Trustee Mark Ernst, BN’80, and his wife, LeighAnn Davis, have pledged $3 million for unrestricted uses, reflecting a strong endorsement of the University and its leadership.
Peggy Fisher, FA’70, the chair of the Drake University Board of Trustees, and her husband Larry Stelter, have pledged $3.325 million to the campaign. Their gift will support a number of the University’s priorities including the University Center, the Burt Club, the men’s basketball program, and various gifts supporting the University’s annual fund and endowment.
Paul Schickler, BN’74, GR’83, and his wife Claudia have donated $6 million to the campaign. Their contributions will help renovate the Knapp Center, fund the men’s basketball program, and support the Jay N. Darling Institute. The Darling Institute collaborates with rural communities to make them more sustainable, competitive in the global economy, and resilient for future generations. Paul also serves on the Drake University Board of Trustees.
Karen Shaff, LW’79, and her husband Steven Jayne, LW’78, have pledged $1 million to the campaign to support the Drake University Law School Refugee Clinic. Through the Refugee Clinic, second- and third-year Drake Law students provide free legal services to individuals who are applying for asylum in the United States and other forms of humanitarian relief.
Sheldon Fleck, LW’75, and his wife Terry Fleck, PH’74, have contributed $1 million through the campaign to be used by the Drake University Law School to create the Sheldon T. and Terry K. Fleck Endowed Law Scholarship. One Fleck Scholar will be chosen in each Drake Law School class based on demonstrated need, superior academic records, and potential. The scholar will receive full tuition and additional financial support.
Honorary Campaign Chairs, Bill, BN’57, and Jean Buchanan, recently enhanced their support for the Buchanan Center with an additional $2 million gift. Housed in the College of Business and Public Administration, the Buchanan Center offers a variety of curricular and co-curricular programming to foster entrepreneurship among Drake students.
Gary Porter, BN’72, and his wife Melissa Porter have invested in Drake’s future with a $2 million estate gift for the University Center and a $100,000 endowed gift to the Changemaker Scholars program. The Changemakers Scholars program creates opportunities for students to use their talents to create positive change in the world.
Meredith Corporation (now Dotdash Meredith) and the Edwin T. Meredith Foundation collectively committed $3 million to the renovation and enhancement of Meredith Hall. Meredith Hall is the home of Drake’s School of Journalism and Mass Communication; renovation work will begin this summer.
The David J. Noble Foundation recently committed $1 million to the Noble Center in Drake’s College of Business and Public Administration, including funds that will provide scholarships to students who are first in their family to attend a four-year institution. In 2014, the late David Noble and American Equity committed $1.5 million for the CBPA to create the Noble Center.
About Drake University
Drake University is recognized as one of the finest national liberal arts universities. A distinctive and distinguished private university in Des Moines, Iowa, Drake enrolls nearly 3,000 undergraduate and more than 1,800 graduate students. Students choose from more than 70 majors, minors, and concentrations and 20 graduate degrees offered through seven colleges and schools. In addition, Drake offers a range of continuing education programs serving working professionals, community members, and area businesses. Drake recognizes the importance of its location in Iowa’s capital city and seeks to connect its teaching and learning to the wealth of cultural, recreational, and business resources it provides. At the same time, it weaves global thinking and intercultural learning into everything it does, preparing students to lead in an increasingly interconnected world.