Category: eBlue Newsletter

Up-and-coming journalists from across the nation traveled to Drake University recently for myriad perspectives on political campaign coverage. Drake University's School of Journalism and Mass Communication brought 24 reporters -- each with less than two years' political reporting experience -- to the three-day seminar, which was hosted in partnership with the Poynter Institute, Des Moines Register and Iowa Public Television.

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.

Not only is Amir Busnov the first member of his family to graduate from college, he's also the first Drake graduate to be admitted to both the prestigious Fletcher School at Tufts University and Johns Hopkins University for graduate studies in international relations.

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.

Drake University is one of 11 colleges and universities selected to participate in "Deliberation About Things That Matter," a series of events sponsored by the Phi Beta Kappa Society for teaching and learning deliberative skills through the discussion of major issues of meaning or value.

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.

Lauren Smith, who just completed her term as Drake student body president for 2006-07, has been awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to fund a 13-month English teaching assistantship in South Korea.

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."

Drake University has awarded its highest teaching award to Stuart Klugman, BN'70, the Principal Financial Group distinguished professor of actuarial science.

Drake's College of Arts and Sciences recently celebrated the retirement of three long-time faculty members -- Dean Hoganson and Rodney Rogers, both Drake graduates and professors of biology, and Jon Torgerson, professor of philosophy and religion. Each worked at Drake for more than 30 years and was highly respected by students and colleagues.