The annual alumni awards recognize outstanding Drake University alumni for their accomplishments and contributions to the Drake community.
The Drake University National Alumni Association Board of Directors announced today the 2025 recipients of its annual Alumni Awards. Recipients of this year’s awards include accomplished business leaders, a news media executive, community leaders, and entrepreneurs. The Drake University National Alumni Association will host the 2025 Alumni Awards on April 24 at 5:15 p.m. at Sheslow Auditorium.
“We are proud to recognize these eight outstanding Drake alumni for their past and present contributions to their communities, to their career fields, and to Drake University,” said Marty Martin, President at Drake University. “Their accomplishments are reflective of what it means to be a lifelong Bulldog. They truly are, ‘transforming lives and strengthening communities.’”
The Drake Alumni Awards honor exceptional graduates of Drake University and recognize their significant contributions to their alma mater, their profession, and their communities. This year’s award recipients are Frank Ursini, Lee Ann Colacioppo, Deidre DeJear, Hosea James Givan II, Cain Hayes, Sarah Porter, Tony Tandeski, and Annelise Tarnowski.
Alumni Loyalty Award – Frank Ursini, BN’73
Honors alumni for their commitment and dedicated service to Drake University.
Frank Ursini earned his bachelor’s degree from Drake University’s College of Business in 1973. Frank embodies a lifelong commitment to his alma mater and professional excellence. Over a distinguished 50-year career as a leading manufacturer’s representative, Frank built a thriving business and earned numerous industry recognitions. Despite residing in the Chicago area, his dedication to Drake has remained steadfast. He is a driving force within the Chicagoland alumni community, actively organizing events like Bulldog alumni golf outings and passionately supporting Drake athletics, from basketball games to the annual Drake Relays. Frank’s unwavering enthusiasm and deep-rooted connection truly exemplify the spirit of a loyal Drake Bulldog.
Click here to read more about Frank and his contributions and achievements.
Alumni Achievement Award – Lee Ann Colacioppo, JO’86
Honors alumni for outstanding achievement in their career or profession.
Lee Ann Colacioppo graduated summa cum laude in 1986 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism from Drake University, which launched her distinguished career in the field. Her early dedication to excellence was evident through her work with the Times-Delphic while a student at Drake. A Cox Fellowship and an internship at The Des Moines Register further solidified her path. Rising through the ranks at esteemed news publications, she played a key role in the coverage that led The Denver Post to its Pulitzer Prize-winning recognition and went on to make history as Post’s first female editor. A respected leader committed to journalistic integrity and her community, Lee Ann remains an engaged Drake alumna.
Click here to learn more about Lee Ann and her outstanding professional achievements.
Community Service Award – Deidre DeJear, JO’08
Recognizes the significant accomplishments of alumni who have engaged in outstanding and meaningful community service.
Drake University alumna Deidre DeJear is a dynamic leader dedicated to community enrichment as President and CEO of Oakridge Neighborhood, Iowa’s largest affordable housing . Since assuming the role in October 2024, she has been instrumental in fostering environments where families thrive and individuals are empowered. DeJear’s commitment to service took root during her transformative years at Drake (2004–2008), where she was deeply involved in diversity and inclusion initiatives and co-founded Back 2 School Iowa. A recognized leader and tireless advocate, DeJear continues to make a significant impact through her professional endeavors, community involvement, and engagement with her alma mater.
Click here to learn more about Deidre and her dedication to community service.
Community Service Award – Hosea James Givan II, LA’82
Recognizes the significant accomplishments of alumni who have engaged in outstanding and meaningful community service.
Drake University alumnus Hosea James Givan II, who earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1982, has built a remarkable life dedicated to inspiring and uplifting communities. From his active involvement on Drake’s campus to a distinguished career as an educator, political consultant, and community leader, Hosea’s impact is far-reaching. As host of “IGNITE! EMPOWER! TRANSFORM!” and founder of The National Give Back for Kids Campaign, he tirelessly works to create a more humane world. His numerous accolades and continued engagement with Drake, including his recent documentary screening, highlight his enduring commitment to service and the transformative power of giving back.
Click here to learn more about Hosea and his dedication to community service.
Distinguished Alumni Award – Cain Hayes, BN’92
The top honor bestowed upon alumni of Drake recognizes outstanding achievement by an individual in a career or profession and exemplary service to the community and University.
Drake University alumnus Cain A. Hayes—a 1992 graduate of Drake’s College of Business—has forged an exceptional career marked by a deep commitment to equitable healthcare. As the former President and CEO of Point32Health, he successfully led the merger of two major healthcare organizations, creating a $9 billion entity focused on inclusive care. Under his leadership, Point32Health achieved national recognition for health equity. Hayes’ strategic vision, honed through leadership roles at Gateway Health, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota, and Aetna, is rooted in his Drake education. Hayes generously supports Drake through scholarships and the Cain A. Hayes Student Commons, embodying the spirit of a true Bulldog.
Click here to learn more about Cain and his accomplished career and contributions to Drake.
Young Alumni Achievement Award – Sarah Porter, ED’16
Honors alumni age 40 or younger for outstanding achievement in their career or profession.
Drake University alumna Sarah Porter, who graduated in 2016 with her Bachelors of Science in elementary education from Drake’s School of Education, has rapidly emerged as a dynamic force in the startup world, fueled by her passion for education, technology, and healthcare innovation. Following her Drake education and an MBA from the University of Iowa, Sarah excelled in sales before founding MedDefend in 2022. As CEO, she leverages AI to improve diagnostic timelines for chronic conditions, gaining national recognition. A dedicated alumna, Sarah remains connected to Drake by mentoring aspiring tech professionals and actively volunteering in her community, demonstrating a remarkable commitment to making a meaningful impact.
Click here to learn more about Sarah and her remarkable professional career.
Young Alumni Loyalty Award – Tony Tandeski, JO’08
Honors alumni, age 40 or younger, for commitment and dedicated service to Drake.
Tony Tandeski, a 2008 graduate of Drake’s School of Journalism and Mass Communication, exemplifies a lifelong commitment to his alma mater and community engagement. During his time at Drake, Tony immersed himself in campus life, actively participating in numerous organizations and demonstrating early leadership. Since graduating, his dedication has deepened through his involvement with alumni boards and his support of campus initiatives. Professionally, Tony has built a successful career in media, marketing, and entrepreneurship, currently serving as SEO and Data Analytics Manager at ClearanceJobs and co-owning the Rook Room Game Lounge & Cafe. Recognized as a Des Moines Business Record Forty Under 40 honoree, Tony’s unwavering dedication truly embodies the spirit of a loyal and impactful Drake alumnus.
Click here to learn more about Tony and his ongoing contributions to the Drake community.
Young Alumni Loyalty Award – Annelise Tarnowski, JO’15, AS’15
Honors alumni, age 40 or younger, for commitment and dedicated service to Drake.
Drake University alumna Annelise Tarnowski, who graduated in 2015 with Bachelor of Arts degrees in journalism and mass communication (radio and TV producing) and sociology, has built a dynamic career marked by her dedication to non-profit development and entrepreneurial spirit. As co-founder and co-owner of The Rook Room Game Lounge & Cafe—alongside Tandeski—she fosters community engagement while also demonstrating expertise in fundraising through previous roles at Iowa Public Radio and Friends of Iowa PBS, where she significantly grew donor support. Annelise’s leadership was recognized early as a Drake commencement speaker and continued through her community involvement, including her role with the Drake Neighborhood Association and past presidency of the Drake University Central Iowa Alumni Board. Her multifaceted achievements showcase her commitment to making a meaningful impact.
Click here to learn more about Annelise and her ongoing contributions to the Drake community.