Drake University: Interesting Facts?

I've been looking into Drake University lately, but can't find too much information outside of their website. Can anyone share interesting or unique facts about Drake University to help me get a better feel for the school?

Drake University is a private university located in Des Moines, Iowa. Aside from the information you might find on their website, here are some interesting and unique facts about the school that can give you a better sense of its culture:

1. Strong Community Focus: Drake University partners with local organizations to create opportunities for community engagement and hands-on learning experiences. The school emphasizes working in the community, volunteering, and service-learning, and students generally find this focus on altruism to be a highly formative part of their college experience.

2. Drake Relays: Each year in late April, Drake University hosts the historic Drake Relays, one of the most prestigious track and field events in the nation. The event brings together top collegiate and professional athletes, to create a festive overall atmosphere on campus, with various activities for athletes and non-athletes alike to participate in.

3. The Beautiful Cowles Library: Cowles Library is a state-of-the-art library at Drake University and serves as the school’s primary gathering place for students. It offers ample study spaces, well-curated resources, and a welcoming atmosphere. It's a popular spot for study and group meetings, and also has a quiet, sky-lit reading room that many students feel inspires them while studying.

4. Tight-Knit Campus Culture: Drake University has an enrollment of around 3,000 undergraduates, which gives the school a small, tight-knit feel. The smaller class sizes and active student clubs lend to an environment where students and faculty often interact closely, and connections made on campus are likely to be meaningful and lasting.

5. Strong J-School: The School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Drake University is highly respected and has produced numerous successful graduates who have gone on to work in various media and communication roles. The school has a strong curriculum, as well as several student-run publications and media outlets where students can gain valuable hands-on experience.

6. Desirable Location: Des Moines, Iowa, is consistently ranked among the best cities to live in the United States. It offers a vibrant art and cultural scene, many outdoor recreation opportunities, and affordable living. This location offers Drake University students access to internships, job opportunities, and networking within the city.

7. Live Mascot: Drake's mascot was originally a drake (male duck), but changed to the bulldog in the early 1900s because of John L. Griffith, who coached every Drake sport at the time, and often brought his two English Bulldogs to practices and games. The tradition of the live mascot starts in the 1930s, with both ducks and bulldogs holding the role, and Griff II, a bulldog, is proudly carrying on the legacy today.

Hopefully, these points shed some light on the unique aspects of the Drake University experience. It's worth visiting the campus if you get a chance to get a firsthand feel for the community and to ask current students and faculty about their experiences. Good luck with your college search!