The annual alumni awards recognize outstanding Drake University alumni for their accomplishments and contributions to the Drake community.
The Drake University National Alumni Association Board of Directors announced today the 2026 recipients of its annual Alumni Awards. Recipients of this year’s awards include accomplished experts in global media and storytelling, innovative tech founders, and influential advocates for educational equity and community development. The Drake University National Alumni Association will host the 2026 Alumni Awards on April 23 at 5:15 p.m. at Sheslow Auditorium in Old Main on Drake University’s campus.
“It is an honor to celebrate these six alumni for their distinguished careers and their dedication to the communities they serve,” said Marty Martin, President at Drake University. “From their first days at Drake to their current successes, they have remained steadfast in their commitment to the University, proving that being a Bulldog is a lifelong journey of giving back.”
The Drake Alumni Awards honor exceptional graduates of Drake University and recognize their significant contributions to their alma mater, their profession and their communities. This year’s award recipients are Jon Bowermaster, Chuck Schoffner, Mary Chapman, John August, Emily Steele and Molly Wilensky Nguyen.
Alumni Loyalty Award – Chuck Schoffner
Honors alumni for their commitment and dedicated service to Drake University.
Chuck Schoffner earned his journalism degree from Drake University in 1972, beginning a distinguished 34-year career with UPI and the Associated Press. A veteran sportswriter who covered five Olympic Games, Chuck now channels his professional expertise into service for his alma mater. He is a cornerstone of the Drake Relays, having served 21 years on its committee and chairing the Hall of Fame selection. From writing game stories for Drake athletics to co-chairing his 50th reunion and serving on the President’s Circle Advisory Board, Chuck’s dedication is unmatched.
Click here to read more about Chuck and his lifelong dedication to the Drake community.
Alumni Achievement Award – Jon Bowermaster
Honors alumni for outstanding achievement in their career or profession.
Jon Bowermaster, a 1976 journalism graduate of Drake University, is a six-time National Geographic grantee and “Ocean Hero” whose career exemplifies professional excellence. A filmmaker and author of 11 books, Jon has documented everything from Antarctic dogsled crossings to decade-long sea kayak expeditions. While his global adventures have taken him from the Aleutian Islands to French Polynesia, his foundation in storytelling began at Drake. Now a visiting lecturer at Bard College and president of the One Ocean Media Foundation, Jon continues to advocate for environmental preservation through his Hudson River Stories and The Green Radio Hour.
Click here to read more about Jon and his work in environmental storytelling.
Community Service Award – Mary Chapman
Recognizes the significant accomplishments of alumni who have engaged in outstanding and meaningful community service.
Mary Chapman, a vice president emeritus at Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC), is a distinguished two-time Drake University graduate. Throughout her career, she has been a powerful advocate for educational access and racial justice. During her tenure at DMACC, she led the Urban Campus to record growth and helped establish the Evelyn K. Davis Center to support underrepresented workers. Since retiring, Mary has focused her energy on closing the opportunity gap, notably through her Second Chance Scholarship for African American men. Inducted into both the Iowa African American and Women’s Halls of Fame, her legacy of service includes numerous civic boards and mentorship roles.
Click here to read more about Mary and her impactful legacy of advocacy and community service.
Young Alumni Achievement Award – Emily Steele
Honors alumni, age 40 or younger, for outstanding achievement in their career or profession.
Emily Steele earned her degree from Drake University in 2012, setting the stage for a career as a powerhouse entrepreneur in Des Moines. As the CEO and co-founder of Hummingbirds, Emily leads a platform that connects brands with everyday content creators. Under her guidance, the company has expanded to over 40 cities, raised $13 million in venture capital and seen incredible growth. Before Hummingbirds, Emily launched community-led initiatives like her agency, Love Local, and grew FemCity Des Moines into a nationally recognized success. Whether she is scaling a startup or hitting local coffee shops with her family, Emily remains deeply connected to her Drake roots and the Iowa community.
Click here to read more about Emily’s journey as a leading entrepreneur and community builder.
Distinguished Alumni Award – John August
The top honor bestowed upon alumni of Drake recognizes outstanding achievement by an individual in a career or profession and exemplary service to the community and the University.
John August, a 1992 Drake University journalism graduate, is a celebrated screenwriter whose imaginative storytelling has defined modern cinema. His iconic credits include “Big Fish,” “Aladdin,” “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” and the stop-motion favorites “Corpse Bride” and “Frankenweenie.” Beyond the screen, John authored the “Arlo Finch” novel trilogy and the script for the Broadway musical adaptation of “Big Fish.” A leading voice in his industry, he co-hosts the influential podcast “Scriptnotes” and serves as co-chair of the 2026 WGA Negotiating Committee. In addition to John’s professional success and many accolades, he has remained a committed member of the Bulldog community, serving on the Drake University Board of Trustees from 2007 to 2011 and actively engaging with students and faculty in and out of the classroom.
Click here to read more about John and his leadership in the writing community.
Young Alumni Loyalty Award – Molly Wilsensky Nguyen
Honors alumni, age 40 or younger, for commitment and dedicated service to Drake.
Molly Wilensky Nguyen, a former National Alumni Scholar and the first recipient of the Wanda Everage Outstanding Peer Mentor Award, has translated her Drake leadership into a distinguished career in legal education. During her time on campus, she served as President of Alpha Phi Omega and held key roles within the Honors Student Council and Student Life Center. Today, she is the Director of Data Operations for the national accrediting agency for J.D. programs, ensuring high standards across legal education. A Gallup-certified Strengths Coach, Molly remains a devoted Bulldog, having led alumni boards in Kansas City and Chicago. Currently a member of the National Alumni Board, she exemplifies the spirit of service through her extensive work with student recruitment and the National Alumni Scholarship program.
Click here to read more about Molly and her ongoing contributions to the Drake Community.