Drake University College of Arts and Sciences

We are excited to feature an Arts & Sciences alum today who is especially close to our hearts, Erin Opar (AS'19). Erin serves as the Assistant Director of Marketing for University Communications and Marketing here at Drake.

Erin graduated from Drake in 2019 with bachelor’s degrees in English and art, and in 2025 earned her master’s degree in communication. For her master’s capstone, she wrote and illustrated "Griff's Big Little Adventure," a children’s book that follows Drake's live mascot, Griff, and his campus squirrel through summer break. Yesterday, Erin and Griff III, Drake University Live Mascot read the book at the Des Moines Public Library story hour, and both were a big hit with children and parents alike. You can purchase "Griff's Big Little Adventure” at the Bulldog Shop in Olmsted or online at https://drake.ecampus.com/merch/F55954.

Outside of work at Drake, Erin teaches aerial arts at Cirque Wonderland and photographs live music around Des Moines. She’s always chasing her next creative challenge. Erin embodies the curious, multidimensional spirit that defines a Drake liberal arts education.

Happy Friday! Today were celebrating one our recent graduates, Emerson Whittemore. Emerson graduated 𝑆𝑢𝑚𝑚𝑎 𝐶𝑢𝑚 𝐿𝑎𝑢𝑑𝑒 with a B.A. in Sociology and Spanish, and delivered the commencement address at Drake's commencement earlier this month. Emerson's future is looking bright, as she takes on the position of Leadership Consultant with Kappa Kappa Gamma Headquarters this summer, and then travels to Uruguay in March 2027 to begin her Fulbright English Teaching Assistant Award as a cultural ambassador! You can find out more about Emerson's journey from Drake Student to Alum in the recent Drake Newsroom release at https://news.drake.edu/2026/05/26/drake-universitys-emerson-whittemore-awarded-fulbright-to-uruguay/, and follow her journey through her LinkedIn profile: https://tinyurl.com/2m2j3usr. Congratulations, Emerson! We can't wait to see what you do next!

Today we are excited to feature one of our rising senior students, Kate Schelske (BA Artificial Intelligence, BA in Advertising), who recently completed an internship as a STEM Ambassador with the NASA Iowa Space Grant Consortium!

In Kate's role as a STEM Ambassador, she has worked with over 2,500 students through outreach and school events. Kate recently wrapped up her internship with a visit to the Kennedy Space Center on Merritt Island, FL. Congratulations, Kate! We love watching our Arts and Sciences students soar!

You can learn more about Kate's internship by checking out her LinkedIn story here: https://tinyurl.com/45c6ubaa

Congratulations to all Drake University student presenters and faculty mentors who made the 23rd annual Drake University Conference on Undergraduate Research in the Sciences (DUCURS) such a success! 🎉

The 23rd annual Drake University Conference on Undergraduate Research in the Sciences (DUCURS) featured over 50 student projects, showcasing the hard work, innovation, and dedication to scientific research across nine disciplines.

We’re proud to celebrate the students and mentors whose passion for discovery continues to strengthen Drake’s academic community. Learn more at the link: https://www.drake.edu/dusci/

Today at 4 pm in the Cowles Library Reading Room Princeton Anthropology Professor, João Biehl, will be presenting on the figure of the house in 19th century Brazil in the context of civil war.

The event is sponsored by the Humanities Center. It is also the signature event of the Joseph Schneider Symposium Series, honoring Drake Professor Emeritus of Sociology, Joseph Schneider.

Join Dr. Kathryn Knoop, Associate Professor of Immunology at Mayo Clinic, as she shares insights on how maternal antibodies protect infants from enteric pathogens, an important and impactful area of research.

📅 Thursday, April 16
⏰ 3:45–4:30 PM
📍 Olmsted Center, Parents Hall South

A great opportunity to learn from a leading expert and close out DUCURS on a high note!

Plan your day at DUCURS 2026!

From oral presentations and poster sessions to networking with community partners and an exciting keynote from Dr. Kathryn Knoop, there’s something happening all afternoon.

📍 Olmsted Center
📅 Thursday, April 16
⏰ 12:00–4:30 PM

Stop by when you can or stay for the full experience, don’t miss the research, snacks, Griff visit, and prize drawings!

Join us at DUCURS 2026!

Celebrate the incredible research and achievements of Drake STEM students through oral and poster presentations, plus a keynote from Dr. Kathryn Knoop on maternal antibodies and infant health.

📅 Thursday, April 16
⏰ 12:00–4:30 PM
📍 Olmsted Parents Hall & Conference Rooms

Come for the research, stay for the food, prizes, and a visit from Griff II

We're Going for Drake’s Natural Sciences! Join us in opening doors for current and future Arts and Sciences Students at Drake! https://all-in.drake.edu/amb/cas


Your gift opens doors to discovery. All In dollars support undergraduate research in the lab and the field, send students to conferences and competitions, and strengthen pre-professional pathways in Pre-Med, Pre-Engineering, and Pre-Occupational Therapy. Gifts also go toward technology and equipment upgrades in Drake's science labs and STEM facilities. Give to Natural Sciences and invest in the next generation of researchers and innovators.

We're Going for Drake’s Humanities! Join us in opening doors for current and future Arts and Sciences Students at Drake! https://all-in.drake.edu/amb/cas


Your gift connects Drake students to the world beyond the classroom. All In dollars fund experiential and community-engaged learning, support travel to research conferences, and help facilitate speaker series and internship connections. Gifts also strengthen pre-professional programming for students on the Pre-Law track. Give to Humanities & Social Sciences and invest in thinkers ready to make a difference.