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Drake Traditions





You have a lot of memories from your years as a Drake student, and some of them likely involve one or more of these time-honored Drake traditions.

Drake Relays
Many of the nation’s most prominent track and field athletes flock to Des Moines every year for the Drake Relays. Founded in 1910, the Drake Relays have become a nationally recognized event that is enjoyed by students and alumni alike. Celebrate the history here.

Street Painting
Each year, a week of Relays activities kicks off with Street Painting. Students gather along Carpenter Avenue, between Jewett and Cowles Library, to paint the street—and each other. In 2010, the tradition spread into the community, with businesses and other organizations decorating the sidewalks along Court Avenue in downtown Des Moines.

Hubbelling
During especially snowy days, Drake students would borrow trays from Hubbell to sled down the hills near the Quad. Though the plastic trays are no longer used at Hubbell, students have kept the tradition alive by using pieces of cardboard, garbage bags and other items as impromptu sleds.

Chancellor’s Elm/Kissing Rock
Around the time Drake was founded, George Carpenter climbed a tall elm tree, surveyed the land and proclaimed, “Here, we will build our University.” That tree, which once stood proudly outside of Old Main, became known as the Chancellor’s Elm. Receiving a kiss on the rock underneath the elm tree was considered lucky, and the location became a meeting place for many couples. Later, the tree had to be removed because of disease, but the Kissing Rock remains.

Beautiful Bulldog Contest
During Relays each year, a new Beautiful Bulldog is crowned. Owners from around the country bring their bulldogs to downtown Des Moines for the competition. Celebrity judges select the winner. See photos from the 2011 contest.

The Quax
For more than 80 years, the Quax was the official yearbook of Drake University. Now you can access most of them online.

The Times-Delphic
Though it has gone by many different names, The Times-Delphic serves as Drake University's student-run newspaper. Past issues are available in the searchable online collection.