Emerson WhittemoreCollege: College of Arts and SciencesMajors: Sociology and SpanishHometown: Brooklyn Park, Minnesota Q: Why did you choose to attend Drake? A: I chose Drake because of the incredible academic community and the opportunities it offered to pursue my passions in sociology and Spanish. The interconnected academic and extracurricular environment at Drake really stood out...
Eli BensonCollege: College of Arts and SciencesMajors: American Government and Politics, and Law, Politics and Society (LPS)Hometown: Normal, Illinois Q: Why did you choose to attend Drake? A: I chose Drake because I was looking for a university with “big-school” opportunities but on a “small-school” scale. I wanted to chase my dreams, build a strong resume,...
Drake University announced today the appointment of Jessica Vanden Berg as Executive Director of the Ron and Jane Olson Institute for Public Democracy (OIPD). A senior strategy and public affairs executive with more than 25 years of experience leading complex national initiatives, campaigns, and governmental offices, Vanden Berg will assume leadership of the Institute to...
Recent graduate to serve as cultural ambassador from March through November 2027 Emerson Whittemore, a recent Drake University graduate, has earned a prestigious Fulbright English Teaching Assistant Award and will travel to Uruguay next year to serve as a cultural ambassador for the United States. She is among more than two dozen Drake University graduates...
Newly released 2025 Economic and Community Impact Report details strong numbers In a newly released 2025 Economic and Community Impact Report, Drake’s total annual economic impact was $424.1 million during 2025. This comprehensive analysis underscores the University’s commitment to being an engaged higher educational institution — serving not just as a center for academic excellence,...
Emerson Whittemore will receive the Oreon E. Scott Senior Legacy Award. Drake University will award 1,319 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees at its 2026 spring commencement ceremonies. Drake will host the undergraduate ceremony at 10 a.m. on Sunday, May 17, and the graduate and doctoral ceremony will follow at 2 p.m. Both ceremonies will take...
Drake University bid a fond farewell to Griff II during a formal retirement and “Changing of the Harness” ceremony at Old Main today. The event honored Griff II’s more than six years as the University’s beloved live mascot while also appointing his successor, Griff III. Drake University President Marty Martin presided over the event, ceremonially removing the harness around Griff II and placing a custom-fitted “Griff III” harness around the one-year-old English Bulldog, marking...
This summer, Drake University will offer students of all ages a myriad of opportunities to immerse themselves in a college campus environment. Students can explore their diverse interests, develop their athletic skills, and prepare for their academic futures across fields such as vocal performance, healthcare, journalism, faith, business, and athletics. Below is a list of...
Drake University is proud to announce Anisa Hansen as the University’s next Associate Provost for Campus Equity & Inclusion. Stepping into the role on July 1, Hansen will succeed Terrance Pendleton, who has served in the position for the last three years and plans to return full-time to his faculty role as an Associate Professor...
The roar of the crowd, the splash of paint, and the world’s most elite athletes returning to Des Moines—it can only mean one thing. The 116th Drake Relays are officially here. Whether you’re here to witness world-class athletes compete, return to your old stomping grounds to reconnect with fellow alumni, plan out your Relays week...