Drake University

This just in: @WSJ released their 2025 college rankings, once again showing Drake as a top school in the nation—further proof of the nation-leading return on investment numbers reported by multiple research sources. It’s a great day to be a Bulldog!

Today, we honor the brave individuals who have served our country, especially those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. At Drake University, we are proud to have many military-affiliated members in our Bulldog community. Thank you; you are an inspiration to us all 🤍 #DrakeUniversity

There are many things that make Drake University one of a kind—tradition, community, and a mascot who showed up with heart every single time. Griff II, thank you for representing Drake with pride through the biggest moments and the quiet ones in between. You brought energy, comfort, and a sense of home to so many Bulldogs. Retirement looks good on you, legend. Griff III has big shoes to fill, but we know he’ll be amazing. #DrakeUniversity #GriffII

The newly released 2025 Economic and Community Impact Report shows Drake’s role as both a center of academic excellence and a driver of prosperity across Des Moines and statewide. What that looks like in our communities: 🫶 246,382 annual hours of volunteering, community service, and pro-bono client engagements 🧾 $12.6M in annual tax revenue for the City of Des Moines 💰 $10.8M in annual tax revenue for the State of Iowa 📚 $9.8M supporting the Des Moines School District 🤝 $4.5M supporting Polk County services 🏡 57% of graduates staying in Iowa - creating a net "brain gain" for our state This report reinforces what we see every day: Drake strengthens communities by investing in people, partnerships, and public good. 🐶 bit.ly/3RrmZYb

Bulldogs, you did it. Class of 2026—every project, every performance, every practice, every paper, every pivot led you to this moment. Take pride in how far you’ve come, and step confidently into what’s ahead. Congratulations on an unforgettable journey at Drake! 🎓

A 515 Day Tradition "Our community does a great job of supporting Drake. We want to make sure we're present for our community." #DSMHometownTeam

This Sunday, May 17, Drake University will award 1,319 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees at its 159th commencement ceremonies in the Knapp Center. With each graduate crossing the stage, they officially join Drake’s global alumni community. Congratulations, Bulldogs—your next chapter starts now. 💙🤍 See the full commencement weekend schedule ⬇️ news.drake.edu/2026/05/13/a-g…

Another milestone on the way to becoming lifelong Drake alumni. Seniors gathered with President Martin last week for Senior Wine & Cheese, an annual celebration leading up to commencement and a reminder that their impact at Drake will last well beyond graduation. 🐾 Here’s to the Class of 2026! 🎓💙

Griff II gave us six years of unforgettable moments — and now Griff III is ready to make his own. The harness may change, but the spirit stays the same 💙

You chose Drake. Now you’re family. 💙 Welcome, #ClassOf2030 — we’re so excited to have you in the Bulldog community! 🐶 #DrakeUniversity

Happy National Nurses Week, Bulldogs! 🫶 To every nurse and nursing student at Drake University: Thank you for your unwavering commitment to excellence in healthcare and compassionate patient care! 💙

Remembering the excitement of Griff III’s first campus appearance back in December. That debut was just a preview of the greatness to come! This Friday, May 8th, the transition becomes official as Griff II passes the harness to his successor. We’re celebrating the start of a new era while honoring the absolute legend that is Griff II 💙🐾

The end of an 𝓮𝓻𝓪 💙 Griff II steps out on the Drake Relays stage for the final time. 🐶

SATURDAY AT THE @DRAKERELAYS 👟💨 #DrakeUniversity

Where wrinkles meet royalty! 🐶 👑  These pawsome contestants are serving looks at our annual Beautiful Bulldog contest! 💙

Old Brassie is back 🔔 A century-long tradition is coming back just in time for Relays week. Join us Thursday, April 16, at 3:45 p.m. between Cowles Library and Painted Street as the bells of Old Main ring out again to signal the start of the Paint fight and the official start to Relays week. #DrakeRelays #OldMain #DrakeUniversity

@DrakeRelays festivities start next week! See you there, Bulldogs 💙

Last week, Drake students got a moment they’ll never forget: meeting John Green before he took the stage at the 47th Annual Bucksbaum Distinguished Lectureship. From nervous excitement to heartfelt questions (and a few signed books), they described the experience as “life-changing” — and proof that sometimes it’s absolutely worth meeting your heroes 💙 #DrakeUniversity

Last night, Drake University welcomed #1 New York Times bestselling author @johngreen to the Knapp Center for the 47th Annual Martin Bucksbaum Distinguished Lectureship. Green spoke about the ideas and real-world urgency behind his latest book, Everything is Tuberculosis, connecting history, science, and storytelling to the ongoing fight for more equitable healthcare. Thank you to Dr. Lindsay Woodward for moderating and to everyone who joined us for a thoughtful, engaging evening.

Today we celebrate Terry Branstad’s tenure as Drake’s Ambassador-in-Residence after years of elevating the University’s global impact. Since November 2021, the former U.S. Ambassador to China and Iowa Governor has helped lead Drake’s U.S.-China Symposium and was instrumental in establishing a dual-degree partnership between Drake University and Qingdao University—creating new pathways for international learning and collaboration. We’re grateful for the bridges he built and the global opportunities that will continue for Drake students and scholars for many years to come. Thank you, Ambassador Branstad. Learn more: bit.ly/4dH6bpp