Author: Carl Olsen (Carl Olsen)

Drake grad takes 23rd place in World Series of Poker; Alumnus wins award for research from international chemistry society; WHO Radio personality Van Harden named SJMC Alumnus of the Year; Painting by alumna selected for national traveling art exhibit; School of Education seeks nominations for 2009 Alumni Awards; and Nominate Drake grads for national alumni awards.

With nearly 660 more students taking classes taught by Drake's College of Business and Public Administration faculty than in 2004-05, the college recently updated Aliber Hall to provide better facilities and resources for more students.

Erin Frazee won't be traveling lightly when she journeys to Belize in January as one of Drake's first pharmacy students to do a clinical rotation at the Hillside Health Care International Clinic.

Native Iowan named Drake associate athletic director; Drake alumnus Zach Johnson enjoys victory at golf tournaments in Texas, Nevada; Drake men's and women's basketball teams kick off season with victories; and Drake loses two Centennial Football Team members to heart attacks.

Cary Fowler, executive director of Global Crop Diversity Trust, planted a seed about the importance of preserving the world's crops with nearly 30 Drake law students during his recent Drake visit.

Key Iowa journalists gathered at Drake for a National Press Club forum to discuss challenges for the industry including rethinking the business model and gaining new tools to keep quality journalism alive.