campus buzz THE SCHOOL OF JOURNALISM AND MASS COMMUNICATION recently celebrated the opening of the Kragie Newell Interactive Media Lab in Meredith Hall. The lab, made possible by a $150,000 gift from Liz Newell,’69, and Jack Kragie, AS’65, and a $10,000 gift from Meredith Corp., gives students the opportunity to work on design, Web, video and news editing projects on 16 new flat screen iMacs. Additional workspaces are designated for podcasting and EZ News workstations. (Left) Drake President David Maxwell, Jack Kragie and Liz Newell at the Kragie Newell Interactive Media Lab ribbon-cutting ceremony.
continued from page 7 Senior Erin Anderson presented research that could be used to recycle urine to produce an electrolyte-containing hydration beverage similar to sports drinks such as Powerade. Senior Sarah Arlien reported findings on new monitoring technologies, which could be used on long duration space flights to check for nickel, a toxic metal that can enter the space shuttle and International Space Station’s potable water systems. These systems also could be used to monitor the environment on Earth. Senior David Ehresmann outlined the necessity of advancements in atmosphere revitalization technologies to reduce power consumption and mass, and increase reliability for long duration space exploration missions. CLINTON DISCUSSES HEALTH CARE AT DRAKE LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE The second annual Innovation and Leadership Conference presented by Drake University’s
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Center for Professional Studies explored the major issues surrounding health care, including ethical challenges, financing, public health and technology. The November event included interactive morning and afternoon panel sessions, a luncheon and awards dinner, and a videoconference with New York Senator and Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Rodham Clinton. THEATER STUDENTS TAKE NICKEL AND DIMED ON THE ROAD TO LOCAL HIGH SCHOOLS Drake University Theater students shared their talents and experiences as they presented the second act of Joan Holden’s play Nickel and Dimed to ninth graders at six Des Moines high schools. “We’re pleased to have had the opportunity to provide a theater experience for Des Moines students and get them acquainted with what Drake has to offer,” said Deena Conley, assistant professor of theater arts and director of Drake’s production of Nickel and Dimed, which won a directing
award from the American College Theater Festival. Mark Rixner, drama producer and director at North High School, said students there were impressed with the Drake performance. “The show was very good and technically it was excellent,” he added. “We did a Q&A after the show and it was great for our kids to have a chance to interact with the Drake students. The show hit home for many of our students who are familiar with similar living conditions. We would be happy to fit Drake performances into our schedule whenever possible.” LAW SCHOOL HOSTS AG LAW WORKSHOP Scholars from 10 countries around the world descended on the Drake campus in October for the Agricultural Law Center’s twoday workshop on “The Role of Law in Promoting Sustainable Farming and Rural Development: An International Perspective.” The conference focused on sustainable farming and rural
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development with topics addressing biofuels, agri-tourism, farmer cooperatives, sustainable crops, renewable energy and food heritage. “I am very excited to bring agricultural law professors and experts from around the world to Des Moines,” said Neil Hamilton, director of the center and organizer of the workshop. “The topics — how law promotes sustainable farming and rural development — are critically important in the legal systems of every nation.” The workshop was held as part of the center’s 25th anniversary celebration and included an evening reception at the “Rural Land All Iowa Art Show,” which featured works by 25 Iowa artists. Following the reception, a banquet was held to honor the work of Louis Lorvellec, a former visiting professor who taught at Drake as part of an exchange program with the University of Nantes in France. PARTNERSHIP SPARKS NEW PHARMACY PROGRAMS Students in Drake’s College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences will gain leadership and entrepreneurial skills through a two-pronged program funded through a new three-year pledge and partnership with Wal-Mart. The student leadership development program provides students with the opportunity to hear scholars and professionals in pharmacy and health sciences as well as other fields speak about leadership. Once a month, a speaker visits campus to talk to CPHS students, faculty and staff. In addition, student leaders in Drake’s CPHS organizations, fraternities and advisory board meet with the speaker before the presentation to talk about leadership.
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The Magazine of Drake University