The Drake University Board of Trustees has named alumnus and business executive Mark Ernst, BN’80, as its new chair. Ernst, who has served on the board since 2008 and is currently co-chair of The Ones: Drake’s Campaign for the Brave & Bold, will succeed Peggy Fisher who has served in the role since July 2019. Ernst...
Category: Alumni
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Drake University Awards Honorary Degree to Mediacom CEO Rocco B. Commisso
Drake University today announced it has awarded Rocco B. Commisso, the founder, chairman, and chief executive officer of Mediacom Communications Corporation, an honorary Doctor of Business Administration degree. “While other broadband providers exited Iowa, Mediacom—under Mr. Commisso’s leadership—invested in infrastructure critical to the economic vitality of our state,” said Drake University President Marty Martin. “Mediacom...
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Bam Bam Slams Competition, Wins Drake University’s Beautiful Bulldog Contest
The five-year-old bulldog takes the crown as the overall winner at the 43rd annual Beautiful Bulldog Contest® at Drake University Monday, April 25. More than 1,000 people were on hand at the Knapp Center to witness the crowning of Bam Bam as the 2022 Most Beautiful Bulldog during the 43rd annual Beautiful Bulldog Contest at Drake University. The five-year-old bulldog...
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Pharmacy & Health Sciences Alumni Achievement Awards Announced
The College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences‘ annual Alumni Achievement Awards were presented at Health Professions Day (formerly Pharmacy and Health Sciences Day) on February 24, 2022. This year’s outstanding alumni included Young Alumni Achievement Award Recipient Becca Mahnesmith and Alumni Achievement Award Recipients Angie Nelson and Jill Noehren. “Our 2022 Alumni Achievement Awardees are...
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Barber Receives Inaugural Purdum Scholarship for First-Generation Students
Megan Barber, third-year student pharmacist, was awarded the inaugural Anna (Filippelli) and James Purdum Family Endowed Pharmacy Scholarship. This scholarship recognizes third- or fourth-year student pharmacists within Drake University’s College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (CPHS) who are first-generation students. As a Drake student, Barber has maintained a high GPA and asserted herself as a leader in student organizations. She is the treasurer of...
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Drake University mourns the loss of the Honorable Neal E. Smith, LW’50
Drake University mourns the loss of former U.S. Congressman and distinguished alumnus Neal E. Smith, LW’50, who passed away on Nov. 2, 2021. Congressman Smith and his wife Bea generously supported Drake University throughout their lives, the impact of which is felt today by Drake University students, faculty, staff, and alumni. Smith was 101 years...
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Bump Honored with Inaugural Pursel Family Pharmacy Scholarship
Morgan Bump, third-year student pharmacist, was awarded the inaugural Loretta M. and Thomas M. Pursel Sr. Family Pharmacy Scholarship. This scholarship recognizes a third- or fourth-year student pharmacist within Drake University’s College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (CPHS) who meets one of the following criteria: 1) exhibits leadership experience within a national pharmacy organization, 2) is a military veteran or current member of the military/guard, and/or 3) is a single parent. Bump has exhibited leadership in...
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Drake University to hold 150th commencement ceremonies May 14–15 in the Knapp Center
Graduates from the classes of 2020 and 2021 will be honored during six in-person, socially distanced ceremonies Drake University will hold its 150th commencement ceremonies in-person, with appropriate health and safety measures, May 14–15. Originally scheduled to be outdoors, the undergraduate and graduate ceremonies have been moved indoors to the Knapp Center due to forecasted...
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Dwana Bradley and Wayne Ford named senior ambassadors for Drake University’s John Dee Bright College
John Dee Bright College at Drake University, a two-year college which will begin classes in fall 2021, today announced the appointment of Drake alumni Dwana Bradley, editor-in-chief of The Urban Experience, and former State Representative Wayne Ford as Bright College senior ambassadors. In this role, Bradley and Ford will work with local businesses and organizations,...
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Rescue Dog Myrtle Mae Wins Beautiful Bulldog Contest® presented by Sammons Financial
Rescue dog Myrtle Mae was crowned the overall winner at the 2021 Most Beautiful Bulldog Contest® presented by Sammons Financial at Drake University Sunday, April 18. 2003 Drake Law graduate Whitney Bogdanski of Des Moines started fostering Myrtle Mae from Lucky Bulldogs Rescue in 2020. The family fell in love with her immediately and knew she needed...