Author: Carl Olsen (Carl Olsen)

A dozen Drake law students recently trekked around southern Iowa via tour bus with former Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack, Drake visiting distinguished professor of law, and Neil Hamilton, the Dwight D. Opperman distinguished professor of law. The trip was part of a May interim course at Drake University Law School called Rural Lands Rural Livelihoods.

With a brand-new Drake diploma from the School of Education in tow, Taylor Corley, ED'07, is on a fast track to help shape the future of America's education system. Passionate about ensuring all children have equal access to a quality education, she aspires someday to work in public policy at the federal government level.

Associate Professor of Journalism Kathleen Richardson, JO'76, LW'02, became the new director of the School of Journalism and Mass Communication on June 1. She succeeded Patricia Prijatel, GR'79, who retired as director and E.T. Meredith distinguished professor of journalism at the end of the spring semester. David Wright, GR'89, remains associate dean and associate professor.

Still walking on clouds after winning the Masters and the AT&T Classic, Zach Johnson returned to his alma mater for a reception and news conference following a celebration at the State Capitol where Gov. Chet Culver, GR'94, proclaimed May 24 "Zach Johnson Day" in Iowa.

One of the most memorable campaigns in Drake men's tennis history ended May 11 with a 4-0 loss to No. 21 Michigan in the first round of the NCAA Championships at the Atkins Tennis Center in Urbana, Ill.

Bulldog Bashes continue around the country and beyond this month. Alumni gathered in Los Angeles; Tampa/Clearwater, FL; San Francisco; Stamford, CT; and Chicago in May, and in central Iowa and Austin, TX, in early June. Bashes continue in Indianapolis on June 6; New York City, June 7; Louisville, KY, June 8; Las Vegas, June 10; Twin Cities, June 14; Boston, June 16; and Portland, OR, June 19. For all the Bash details, visit the alumni Web site, www.drake.edu/alumni, and click on the left-hand link for "Bulldog Bash."

If you want to connect with fellow Bulldogs this summer, Chicago is a great place to be.

Los Angeles-area alumni and the Office of Alumni and Parent Programs are offering a great night at the Hollywood Bowl on Sunday, Sept. 16. Reconnect with old friends and meet a few new Drake alumni at a pre-concert picnic, and then enjoy musical magic under the stars in one of the world's largest natural amphitheaters.

Did Drake students really "Hubbell," or is that a figment of our collective alumni imagination? Inquiring minds at Drake want to know.

Drake's College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences recently introduced what it is hoped will become a tradition with pharmacy alumni and students entering their first year of the professional program after completing two years of pre-pharmacy studies. Selected alumni and graduating pharmacy students have been invited to sponsor a white coat for an incoming P1 student.