Campaign Leadership

“The Ones marks the most important comprehensive campaign in Drake’s history. Drake University is a premier institution with an essential mission and compelling inspiration, though we are not immune to the external pressures impacting higher education. The Ones empowers us to take control of our own destiny and thrive. Our future growth and success depend on moving forward with ingenuity and boldness.

This campaign reimagines Drake’s commitment to our students and society with ambitious priorities that meet pressing challenges with innovative solutions. The Ones will enable Drake to transform lives and strengthen communities locally and around the world. You can be among the ones to propel Drake into our next great era. Your generosity will secure our position as a leader in affecting positive change through education, research, and service. Join us."

-- Drake University President Marty Martin

Campaign Co-chairs

Mark Ernst, BN'80
Member, Board of Trustees
Managing Partner
Bellevue Capital

"The investments we make today will educate and inspire generations of Drake graduates to come. Now is our time to shape Drake to be among the elite institutions affecting positive change and leading society forward. I’m proud to help guide Drake through this essential endeavor and ask you to join the ones ensuring a strong future for our University."

Suzie Glazer Burt
Member, Board of Trustees
Community Volunteer

"I’m honored to continue my family legacy of service to Drake University, following in the footsteps of my grandfather, mother, and father. Drake is a university that is truly committed to transforming lives and strengthening communities. I’m proud to advance that inspiration through my leadership and support, including gifts to Drake athletics and the Burt Boys & Girls Club. I encourage you to find your own joy and passion in giving to Drake. I can’t wait to celebrate everyone who will help achieve this campaign’s vision by proclaiming—in the words of my mother, Maddie Levitt—‘Baby, I’m so damn proud of you!"

Campaign Honorary Chairs

Bill Buchanan, BN'57
Chairman of the Board and CEO
Unified Life

Steve Nellis, BN'64
Retired Division General Manager
Praxair, Inc.

Debbie Scripps, ED'72**
Retired Educator and Community Philanthropist

Jean Buchanan
Vice Chairman of the Board
Unified Life

Ron Olson, BN'63
Senior Partner
Munger, Tolles & Olson LLP

Ric Scripps, ED'70
Retired Vice President of Administration
Darr Equipment

Campaign Steering Committee

Jonathan Azu,* BN'99
Founder and CEO
Culture Collective

Tom Bernau,* BN'85, LW'88
President
Bernau Capital

Karen Branding,* LA'82
Senior Vice President
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

Peggy Fisher,* FA'70
Chair, Drake Board of Trustees
Strategic Advisor, Stelter Company

Cyndi Lesher,* LA'70
Retired President and CEO
Xcel Energy

Paul Schickler,* BN’74, GR’83
Retired President
DuPont Pioneer

Ike Vanden Eykel,* BN'71
Managing Shareholder and CEO
KoonsFuller PC

*Serves on the Drake Board of Trustees
**Trustee Emerita

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Join the ones
who share the vision.

By elevating Drake together, we will secure a more vibrant future for those who follow our footsteps. Join the ones who will transform Drake’s vision into a reality by adding your support to the campaign for the brave & bold.

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