JUNIOR WIDE RECIEVER NEKO GRAF breaks a tackle after hauling in a pass during Drake’s 45-22 loss to Grand View at Drake Stadium on Saturday night. JOEL VENZKE | PHOTO EDITOR
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Wednesday Sept. 03, 2014
Campus Calendar Wednesday Young People, Substance Abuse and Mental Health 7-8:30 p.m. Meredith 106
Thursday Greek Formal Recruitment
Friday Faculty Recital, Rika Uchida, piano 7:30-9 p.m. Sheslow Auditorium Men’s Soccer vs. Green Bay 7-11 p.m. Cownie Soccer Complex
Saturday The Comparison ProjectMeditation Workshop and Dialogue 9 a.m.-12 p.m. First Christian Church, 2500 University Ave Drake Football vs. Truman State 6 p.m. Drake Stadium
Sunday Men’s Soccer vs. UIC 4p.m.-9p.m. Cownie Soccer Complex
Inside News
Events in Ferguson localized to Drake, students rally PAGE 2
Opinions Read Student Body President Joey Gale’s column on the many changes happening on Drake’s campus PAGE 3
Features Find out what fraternity is coming back to campus this fall PAGE 4
Sports Drake football falls to Grandview 45-22 on Saturday night. PAGE 6
Campus News
Peggy’s remains open during appeal
Students express concern over tavern closing
Paige Ernste
Staff Writer paige.ernste@drake.edu
Peggy’s Tavern, a local establishment and longtime campus tradition, was forced to close after its liquor license was revoked by the Des Moines City Council over the summer. The owner, Mark Graziano, requested to renew the bar’s license in July, but his request was denied due to the bar’s failed compliance checks and concerns regarding Graziano’s past. Graziano, who was indicted on 16 federal charges, filed an appeal. According to Iowa law, Peggy’s can remain open while the appeal is processed The bar reopened on Aug. 20, after being closed for about a month. This was a relief to students who consider Peggy’s an important part of Drake University culture. “When I thought Peggy’s was closing, I thought a Drake tradition was ending and that’s the really sad part,” said senior Anthony Sinn. “Yes, Peggy’s is a bar and people drink there, but the memories it holds are the real loss. Friends are made there, laughs are had and I’m sure some people even fall in love there.” Beloved by the Drake community, the news of Peggy’s closing was upsetting, especially for students beginning their 20142015 school year. Peggy’s was established nearly 80 years ago. The thought of it no longer being a part of the Drake experience caused emotional reactions among students.
Campus News
“I was lost and confused,” said senior psychology major, Mackenzie Even. “My first gut reaction was that it couldn’t possibly be real. Naturally, I sought out second, third and fourth confirmations of the news to make sure it was accurate. I then proceeded to spiral into a mild depression that lasted approximately three hours.” The reactions varied, but some, feel Peggy’s plays and important role in the Drake neighborhood. “At first, I wasn’t surprised because the real miracle here is that Peggy’s passed eight out of 13 liquor checks,” said senior biochemistry, cell and molecular biology major, Allison White. “But after realizing it was really gone, it was, for lack of a better word, shocking. Although Peggy’s is a campus bar, it is an icon in the Drake world and is something students look forward to coming back to as Drake alumni. It belongs here.” Senior public relations major, Jordan Hyde reflected White’s sentiments. “Every Drake student and alumnus knows how many memories Peggy’s holds. It’s not only a bar to us, it’s a place that holds history and tradition, especially around Drake Relays time.” When asked for an interview, a Peggy’s co-owner and bartender were hesitant and refused comment. An appeal hearing for the renewal of Peggy’s liquor license will be held in October. Until then, Peggy’s will continue business as
usual. When asked if allegations against Peggy’s and its pending chance of survival would impact attendance, students had optimistic responses. “I will never stop going to Peggy’s. As a senior, you tend to stop every once in awhile and think, ‘this may be the last time you do this or that,’” White said. Hyde’s sentiments mirrored White’s. “Now that Peggy’s is open
again, I will definitely be there frequently,” Hyde said. “I have a lot of close friends that work there, so it’s always fun visiting them there. I hope Peggy’s will win their appeal process and can stay open for good.” Even agreed. “I absolutely will be going back frequently,” she said. “Peggy’s is like a second home and there is no place I’d rather be.”
PEGGY’S TAVERN remains open despite appeal. Co-owner, Mark Granizano, will testify renewal next month. NICOLE DOHM | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Stiger leaves Drake to pursue new opportunity Sarah Grossman
News Editor sarah.grossman@drake.edu
This semester, LaTasha Stiger, Director of Campus Programming Orientation, Student Activities Board (SAB) and Multicultural Organization liason, is leaving Drake University for new experiences. “I wouldn’t call it resigning. I’ve had an awesome time working here, but every time you’re in a position there are times that you feel like you’re ready for some more challenges,” Stiger said. “I’ve decided to look for some more challenges in other locations.” Stiger, who has been a part of the Drake family for over six years, came to Drake to fill a brand new position, Director of Campus Programing. The position was originally a part of a Student Senate proposal to create a central liaison and student resource for
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the multicultural organizations. Melissa Sturm-Smith, Associate Provost for Academic Excellence and Student Success, hired Stiger and acted as supervisor for the new position. “I was her direct supervisor for six years, and so we worked sideby-side in a lot of things over in the Office of Student Leadership,” Sturm-Smith said. “Then, when I transitioned to this current position, she and I still maintained very close connections.” While Stiger has impacted and impressed staff, it is not just them that Stiger has interacted with. Whether Stiger was serving as ELM instructor, SAB advisor or a supervisor to orientation leaders, Stiger has proven herself a successful and effective part of student affairs. “She has impacted me in countless ways as a mentor and a friend,” said Natalie Larson,
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psychology major. “Tasha is someone that I can always count on to support, challenge, listen and inspire me.” A national search for Stiger’s replacement is underway. A search committee led by Tony Tyler, Director of Olmsted Center Operations, was formed and have begun looking for Stiger’s replacement “We are going to have to work really hard to find someone who isn’t going to be the next LaTasha Stiger, but is going to bring that same commitment to students and willingness to dig in and work side-by-side with students, faculty and staff,” Sturm-Smith said. The search may be harder than initially thought. “She’s going to leave a big hole for a while,” Sturm-Smith said. “She’s a go-to person. You think about the go-to people in our lives, and she is one of them.”
While some may feel a little lost without Stiger’s guidance and assistance, Stiger has faith in Drake’s ability to continue without her. “I know that everyone is going to do great work. They’re going to continue doing everything they were doing while I was here,” Stiger said. “I truly know that.” Although students and staff are sad to see Stiger leave Drake, they wish her the best. “I am excited for her and her next adventure as well as for the new students who will have the amazing opportunity to work with her,” Larson said. “We’re going to miss her, but her journey is taking her to a new place,” Sturm-Smith said. “When you love people, you have to let them go, and Drake has loved Tasha but now we have to support her in what she is doing next.”
Drake University, Des Moines
THE TIMES-DELPHIC
Vol. 134 | No. 1 | Sept. 03, 2014