The Ones Who Transform Drake

Celebrating Unprecedented Generosity Toward a Brave & Bold Vision

On any given day on Drake’s campus, the outcomes of the University’s most ambitious campaign in history are already taking shape. A student studying public health is earning a scholarship to travel abroad, to learn firsthand important lessons to combat global health crises. Another with passions for shaping our democracy is sharpening their public speaking skills at the Ron and Jane Olson Institute for Public Democracy. A student-athlete spends time perfecting their penalty kicks at Mediacom Stadium, and a budding conservationist conducts soil research at the Jay N. Darling Institute.

These aspirations became a reality thanks to the extraordinary generosity of our wider Bulldog community and their gifts to The Ones: Drake’s Campaign for the Brave & Bold. More than 13,800 loyal and proud alumni, friends, and partners who believe in Drake’s mission and vision helped us surpass an ambitious $225 million fundraising goal by more than $40 million. With that success, you helped reinforce our institution as a powerful force for change—both locally and globally.

“This is an exciting moment in Drake’s history. The unprecedented success of The Ones campaign puts Drake on a bold path forward that will benefit students and the many communities we serve for generations to come. When Bulldogs unite with a shared passion and purpose, we accomplish incredible things. I am grateful to our generous donors who believe in our commitment to transform lives and strengthen communities through education, service, and research.”

Drake University President Marty Martin

Two people smiling in front of a Drake University backdrop.

A group of people celebrates under falling white confetti in an indoor arena.

Four men in suits and helmets pose with shovels of soil around a black container indoors. A bulldog in a blue jacket sits in front.

Two men in suits smiling and holding a blue baton in front of a window with a "Drake University" banner in the background.

Man in a tuxedo speaking into a microphone at a podium.

Two men in suits shaking hands in front of a Drake University poster.

Two people, named Jane and Ron, speaking at a podium with a dark background and neon sign.

Five individuals standing on a football field, wearing Drake-themed apparel and holding a sign.

A man and a woman in formal attire, both smiling, wearing name tags.

Elderly woman in blue holding a blue baton, with art and a bronze sculpture in the background.

Two people smiling and holding a blue baton at a café table.

Two women pose with a bulldog wearing a tie against a branded blue backdrop.

Two people holding a blue baton in a conference room.

MILESTONES ALONG THE WAY

Several key milestones contributed to the campaign’s momentum. In October 2019, Drake Board of Trustee Member, Paul Schickler, BN’74, MBA’83, and his wife, Claudia, made an early gift of $5 million to support the Jay N. Darling Institute and Drake Athletics. In March 2022, Drake Trustee, Dr. Suzie Glazer Burt, HDHL’24, made a $5 million gift to support women’s athletics, marking one of the largest single-donor contributions to the campaign. In February 2023, the Larry and Kathleen Zimpleman College of Business was established thanks to a multi-million-dollar gift.

In November 2023, the University celebrated the grand opening of the Mediacom Stadium in partnership with Des Moines Public Schools. This state-of-the-art facility symbolizes Drake’s commitment to enriching student experiences while serving as a significant community resource. Additionally, the Ron and Jane Olson Institute for Public Democracy, funded by a $5 million gift, was unveiled, marking a commitment to revitalizing democracy through scholarship, research, and immersive learning experiences.

In 2024, the campaign soared higher with the announcement of the largest single-donor gift in Drake’s history—a $28 million contribution from Greg and Cie Johansen to support the revitalization of Morehouse Hall, the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Drake Athletics, John Dee Bright College, and sustainability efforts. The gift supports the transformation of Morehouse Hall into the Johansen Student Center, a lively new space for students to gather and build community.

“The outpouring of support for The Ones campaign ensures a strong future for our University that will enrich the lives of generations of Bulldogs to come. On behalf of the Board of Trustees, we deeply appreciate the generosity of our alumni and donors whose support for Drake’s vision has enhanced the University’s abilities to transform lives, strengthen communities, and equip our students with the tools to build a better future.”

Mark Ernst, BN’80, The Ones campaign co-chair, and Drake Board of Trustee member

Ambitious Goals, Bold Outcomes

The Ones reimagined Drake’s commitment to students and society through seven major priorities aimed at meeting today’s challenges with innovative solutions.

Leading with Purpose
Cultivating changemakers and entrepreneurs to equip every Bulldog with the ability to make a difference in their community.

Revitalizing Democracy
Creating the Ron and Jane Olson Institute for Public Democracy to enhance civic leadership and public participation.

Educating for a Digital World
Expanding digital proficiency platforms to prepare students for a technology-driven future.

Enhancing Student Experience
Renovating Morehouse Hall into the dynamic Johansen Student Center supporting more than 150 student-led organizations.

Strengthening the Heartland
Establishing the Jay N. Darling Institute to support conservation efforts and bolster the vibrancy of rural America.

Creating Access to Opportunity
Upholding Drake’s commitment to inclusivity by ensuring access to education for students of all ages and backgrounds.

Transforming Every Day
Pursuing excellence in every endeavor and shaping Drake into a place where students can reach their full potential.

$265,014,761

Campaign grand Total!

A group of six adults in formal attire smiling at a camera in a large indoor venue.

Elderly woman in a red shirt holding a blue baton with text, seated at a restaurant table.

Man holding a blue baton with "G. Jones" outdoors by a stadium.

A man holding a blue baton with a label while sitting in a booth.

Two people indoors, holding a blue baton.

Four people dressed formally and smiling at an event, each holding a drink.

Person holding a blue baton while seated at a table indoors, smiling.

Three people smiling at a formal event, wearing business attire with name tags.

Two individuals smiling, holding a blue baton, at a sports event.

Two people smiling and holding a blue baton against a brick wall.

Two people standing in front of a brick wall holding a blue baton.

Man speaking on stage with confetti falling, large screen displaying numbers in the background.

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE

While the campaign closed in historic fashion, we look ahead to the many ways in which the work of the campaign lives on—from the establishment of new academic programs to the renovation of iconic campus buildings—generations of future Bulldogs will benefit from this extraordinary campaign. We are immensely grateful for this bold reminder that when the Drake community comes together—alumni, friends, students, and faculty alike—there is no limit to what can be achieved.

“The Ones has advanced every area of the University, including creating hundreds of new scholarships, launching new academic programs and initiatives, building new facilities, and forming new partnerships. The campaign’s achievements are truly remarkable, and make a clear statement from our alumni and donors that they believe in the power of a Drake education. In the words of my mother, Maddie Levitt, ‘Baby, I’m so damn proud of you!’”

DR. Suzie Glazer Burt, HDHL’24, The Ones campaign co-chair, and Drake Board of Trustee member

Drake’s Campaign for the Brave & Bold

More than 13,800 donors

30% first-time donors during The Ones campaign

Decade with most donors:

#1 1970s

#2 1980s

#3 1990s

$54M

raised for more than 330 scholarships

volunteers engaged throughout The Ones

More than

$85M

secured for the University endowment

$1 million or more donors

Decade with most dollars:

#1 1970s

#2 1980s

#3 1960s

consecutive years of record breaking giving

FY24 was the highest in University history at $60M in gifts and pledges

$95.8M RAISED TO SUPPORT

DRAKE’S SEVEN COLLEGES/SCHOOLS

1,444 President’s Circle members in FY24

$67M

to capital projects

$9M

for The Drake Fund

73 Priority Scholarships created

$100,000 endowed scholarships for Changemaker Scholars, DarlingCorps, Inclusive Scholars of Digital Proficiency, and Public Democracy Scholars

$95.8M RAISED TO SUPPORT

DRAKE’S SEVEN COLLEGES/SCHOOLS

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