Drake University Law School is pleased to announce the naming of the courtroom in the Neal and Bea Smith Law Center as the Daniel L. Power Courtroom. This naming honors the founding director of Drake’s Legal Clinic, Professor Emeritus Dan Power. The recognition is made possible through a lead gift from members of the Drake Law Class of 1981 to honor Power’s legacy and impact on generations of Drake Law alumni.
Dan Power served as director of Drake’s Legal Clinic from 1971 to 1994. He was a trial attorney with the U.S. Department of Justice when he joined the Drake Law faculty as the first Director of Clinical Programs. Power’s vision and dedication helped develop the clinic into the nationally recognized program it is today. His partnership with the late Congressman Neal Smith led to funding to build the Neal and Bea Smith Law Center that now houses the clinic programs. His kind and generous mentorship inspired and shaped countless successful Drake Law alumni.
The naming was initially announced at the Drake Legal Clinic’s 50th anniversary celebration banquet in late October. Power and members of his family, along with many friends and clinic alumni, were there to celebrate the honor.
Funds raised through this initiative will be used to maintain the clinic facility and is programs. For more information about making a gift in honor of Professor Power, please contact Senior Advancement Officer Thomas Smith at thomas.smith@drake.edu.