The Ones Enhancing Student Experience

University Center & student center

Every campus should have empowering spaces where students, faculty, staff, alumni, and guests can come together to create, learn, reflect, and play. Imagine a one-of-a-kind University Center designed to serve as an all-campus nexus for all members of our University family, and a dynamic Student Center built on the values of community and inclusion—a place that embodies student life, prepares students for the future, and is designed especially with them in mind.

Cultivating Connection and Community

Created by the renovation and expansion of the Olmsted Center, the University Center will be the heart of the Drake campus. It will attract students, connect alumni, enrich the lives of faculty and staff, expand community partnerships, and ultimately foster a deep sense of belonging for all Bulldogs.

Outdoor concept of the renovation and expansion of the Olmsted Center

Re-envisioning Campus Culture

The University Center will re-envision campus culture through a holistic approach that anchors every aspect of campus life under one roof—from  academics and wellness to cultural events and dining.


Indoor concept of the renovation and expansion of the Olmsted Center

Building on a Legacy of Leadership

The renovation of the historic Morehouse Residence Hall into a dynamic Student Center will provide a home base for Drake’s 150 student-led organizations. This will be the place where students discover what it means to contribute to something larger than themselves.

Concept of the lounge within the student center

Cultivating Connection and Community

Morehouse Hall will be transformed into a vibrant Student Center where the next generation of leaders will innovate beyond classroom walls, collaborate with community partners, get plugged in with the causes and issues they care about, and reimagine a better future.


Outdoor area concept
For the ones horizontal 2

Enhance the Student Experience

Drake Student Organizations

There is always something happening on the Drake campus—from concerts and plays, movie nights, and comedy shows to guest lectures, athletics and intramurals, and multicultural activities. Through participation in campus life, Drake students build friendships, uncover new talents and interests, and blaze trails to bright futures. The University Center will be a place where memories and lasting connections are made.

Feel the Momentum of The Ones

Signs of our progress are already being seen across campus—and now is your opportunity to continue to shape the future of our great institution.

See our progress

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.

Give today