The Transformative Power of Giving Back:

Peggy Fisher and Larry Stelter Honored with Drake Medal

Drake University bestowed one of its highest honors, the Drake Medal, on Peggy Fisher, FA’70, and her husband, Larry Stelter, during the University’s Spring 2025 undergraduate commencement ceremony.

Peggy and Larry, owners of the Stelter Company, have built a meaningful life committed to advancing nonprofits and transforming lives through philanthropy.

For more than 30 years, the couple has generously supported the University through their time, talent, and financial contributions. Peggy served as a member of Drake’s governing board for nearly 20 years, becoming the first woman to chair the board in 2019.

The couple’s generosity to Drake has created life-changing student opportunities, faculty advancements, and campus transformations. These include a $3.3 million gift to The Ones campaign, significant support of Drake Athletics, major investments in capital projects, including the Gregory & Suzie Glazer Burt Boys & Girls Club, Johansen Student Center, Knapp Center renovation, Drake Plaza, and Quad Creek development. The couple has also funded the Peggy Fisher & Larry Stelter Endowed Chair of Magazine & Brand Media and regularly engages with students and faculty within the School of Journalism and Mass Communication.

Joe Aiello, BN’80, Board of Trustees member, presented Peggy and Larry with the award during last spring’s commencement ceremony. He thanked the couple for their strong commitment and powerful example that has transformed Drake University, and in the process, created a deep-seated legacy that will benefit students for generations to come.