Gary, BN’72, and Melissa Porter’s passion for Drake University runs deep.
Gary’s relationship with Drake began more than 50 years ago as a student, and Melissa married into the Bulldog family. They are familiar faces on campus and at Drake events.
The Porters have supported the rescue fair at the Beautiful Bulldog Contest, and they recently hosted an event for admitted students. Gary serves on the College of Business and Public Administration National Advisory Council and is a distinguished lecturer for the college.
Gary is also the author of "Griff: My Life as Drake’s Top Dog," which celebrates the University and the impact of Drake’s first official live mascot.
"It’s a pleasure for us to promote Des Moines and the Drake community, and we feel like we are able to do that during book events," said Melissa, who oversees book marketing and promotion.
The Porters have also invested in Drake through The Ones: Drake’s Campaign for the Brave & Bold with a leadership-level estate gift for the University Center and an endowed gift to the Changemaker Scholars program.
"I appreciate what a gathering place for faculty, staff, students, and the Des Moines community will do to elevate the status of the University,” said Gary about the University Center.
Previously, they created an endowed scholarship for accounting students and spearheaded a research fund for CBPA faculty in honor of the late Harry Wolk, Drake professor emeritus and Gary’s mentor.
"It’s all part of our greater planning and wanting to give back and support the next generation of business leaders," said Melissa.
