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...
Flora will reign as the 2026 Drake Relays mascot and the Most Beautiful Bulldog Judges proudly announced the winner of the 47th Annual Beautiful Bulldog Contest® at the Knapp Center on Drake University’s campus on Sunday. Seven-year-old Flora was crowned the champion and will serve a week-long reign as the official mascot for the 2026...
Drake University announced today that Cowles Library will house the personal and professional papers of Thomas J. Vilsack, the 40th Governor of Iowa and the 30th and 32nd U.S. Secretary of Agriculture. The agreement was formalized during a signing ceremony at the World Food Prize Hall of Laureates. The acquisition includes a wealth of materials that document Vilsack’s more than 40 years of public...
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...
National survey highlights excellence in Law, Health Sciences, and Education Drake University has once again been recognized as an exceptional school for advanced professional education, with multiple programs ranked among the top in the nation in the U.S. News & World Report 2026 Best Graduate Schools rankings. The national survey recognized Drake for its strong...
Drake University announced today that former U.S. Ambassador to China and longtime Iowa Governor Terry Branstad will conclude his service as the University’s Ambassador-in-Residence. Ambassador Branstad, a distinguished alumnus of the Drake University Law School, has served in the residency role since November 2021. During his tenure, Ambassador Branstad leveraged his decades of public service...
Nominations for the 2026 Iowa Character Awards presented annually by The Robert D. and Billie Ray Center at Drake University are now open. The Iowa Character Awards honor individuals, organizations, or communities who consistently demonstrate the Six Pillars of Character: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and good citizenship. Since 2005, the organization has recognized more...