Letter from John Smith, AS’92, MA’00

John Smith in a dark suit with crossed arms.
From its inception, The Ones: Drake’s Campaign for the Brave & Bold focused on Drake’s mission and was driven by our inspiration statement—together, we transform lives and strengthen communities.
Imagining what a university could be, Drake launched the Big Ideas process in late 2018. This process empowered the campus community to define campaign priorities that would lead Drake into our next great era. These priorities were connected to Drake’s strengths and focused on bringing solutions to multiple challenges facing society.

In October of 2021, Drake launched The Ones with a $225 million goal, and a three-year timeframe. We stood at the crossroad of our past and our potential. We knew that one person could not overcome all the challenges we face as a community, nation, and world. But, when we moved the focus from the singular to the plural—from looking for the one to becoming the ones—everything changed.

You, our Drake alumni and friends, responded with enthusiasm. Your generosity will lead Drake into our next great era and provide transformational change that will secure a brighter future for generations of Drake students.

Man in a suit holding up an award at a podium with Drake University branding.
A man in a blue sweater speaks into a microphone in front of an audience, with a piano and speaker in the background.
Three people posing together at a formal indoor event.
Two men in suits smiling at the camera, both wearing name tags.
Four people smiling and standing around a high-top table indoors.
Three men in suits engage in a handshake amid falling confetti at an indoor event.
In October, we celebrated the successful culmination of The Ones, which raised $265 million, exceeding the goal by more than $40 million, and marking its place as the largest campaign in Drake’s history. The dollars raised are fostering progress throughout the Drake community:

  • $67 million in capital gifts are fueling a transformation of Morehouse Hall into the Johansen Student Center, which will provide a vibrant gathering space for Drake’s more than 150 student organizations. The gifts also supported the revitalization of Meredith Hall, the renovation of the Knapp Center, the construction of Mediacom Stadium, Tom and Ruth Harkin Center, and more.
  • $95.8 million was raised in support of Drake’s seven colleges and schools.
  • New programs and initiatives—such as the Jay N. Darling Institute and the Ron and Jane Olson Institute for Public Democracy—are providing powerful learning opportunities for students while impacting the community in positive ways.
  • More than 330 scholarships were created or increased through $54 million in gifts.
  • The Drake Fund was advanced with more than $9 million.
  • More than $85 million was directed to enhance the Drake University Endowment.

Thanks to all 13,800 alumni and friends whose support and generosity will forever and positively change the trajectory of this University. Thank you for your investment, confidence, and enthusiasm. You are the ones preserving Drake’s most cherished traditions and transforming campus, our community, and higher education for an evolving world.

With deep appreciation and gratitude,

John P. Smith signature
John Smith, AS’92, MA’00
Vice President,
University Advancement
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