You're Invited

Upcoming Events

Bulldogs don't always stay in Des Moines! The Office of Alumni Relations hosts events all over the country to bring the Drake experience to you! Browse our list of events to find one in your area!

Upcoming Events By Date

September 24, 2025
Multicultural Welcome Reception
You are invited to our annual welcome and celebration of the Drake Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) students, faculty/staff, and alumni. It is important for our diverse BIPOC students to see how they are supported in their Drake experience. This event is hosted by the Black Alumni Association and the Latinx Alumni Association.

October 1, 2025 - Noon CT - Virtual
Everclass - Pints & Policy: Can Craft Brewing Unite Us?
Craft beer is booming—but can it help reconnect our divided communities? Join Noreen Otto, LW’06, executive director of the Iowa Brewers Guild, for an engaging look at the economic and social impact of craft brewing. She’ll explore shifting consumer habits, emerging policy issues, and the creative evolution of the industry. You’ll also get expert tips for discovering your next favorite beer—even if you’re not an IPA fan. A Wisconsin native and Drake Law grad, Otto brings deep experience in public policy, business leadership, and community engagement to this refreshing conversation.

October 4, 2025
Washington, D.C. LGBTQ+ Alumni Social
Join Washington, D.C.-based LGBTQ+ alumni and allies at a Drake University social. LGBTQ+ Alumni Association Board Co-Chair Christina Motilall, AS'09 is graciously opening up her home in the Rosemount neighborhood near Old Town for LGBTQ+ Drake alumni and allies to be in community with each other. Complimentary wine and cheese will be available.

October 22, 2025
Des Moines LGBTQ+ Alumni Social
Join Central Iowa-based LGBTQ+ alumni and allies at a Drake University social hosted by a LGBTQ+ Bulldog-owned business. The Rook Room Game Lounge & Cafe, owned by Annelise Tarnowski, AS'15, JO'15, and LGBTQ+ Alumni Association Board member Tony Tandeski, JO'08 is Central Iowa's only board game lounge and cafe with a collection of 700-plus games. Attendees can choose to socialize and catch up with old and new friends or socialize through playing a game.

October 23, 2025 - Noon CT - Virtual
Everclass - From ESPN to the Classroom: A Conversation with David Lubbers, JO'86
Join us for an exclusive Everclass session with David Lubbers, JO’86—former ESPN investigative producer and award-winning sports journalist—now Assistant Professor of Multimedia News Journalism at Drake. Over nearly two decades at ESPN, Lubbers produced stories for E:60, Outside the Lines, and SportsCenter, covering everything from Super Bowls to Michael Jordan. A career highlight: interviewing legendary coach John Wooden—and asking about Drake’s 1969 Final Four matchup with UCLA. With multiple Peabody and Emmy Awards, Lubbers brings unmatched storytelling experience and a deep passion for journalism.

December 9, 2025 - Noon CT - Virtual
Everclass - From Past to Progress: How the Jay N. Darling Institute Empowers Rural Communities
Join us for an Everclass session on the Jay N. Darling Institute at Drake University, where Darling’s legacy inspires action to strengthen rural communities. Building on his 1926 honorary degree from Drake, the Institute preserves his art and papers while advancing solutions through student service, faculty research, and regional partnerships. Its mission: to expand access to education, health care, food, and economic opportunity across the rural Midwest. Discover how the Institute equips future leaders, fosters collaboration, and carries forward Darling’s vision. Facilitated by Dr. Keith Summerville, Paul and Claudia Schickler Executive Director.