Drake University Community Engaged Learning & Service

04/20/2026

Happy Relays Bulldogs! Our very own Civic Engagement Peer .lepak is one the relays hosts this year. We’re so proud of you, Chloe! 💙🐶

04/14/2026

🥐 FREE BRUNCH + JUICY CONVERSATION 🥐

Ever argued with a parent, kid, or partner and thought, “This feels dramatic...”? You’re not wrong! People have been having these same conflicts since Shakespeare’s King Lear 👀

Join Drake English students for a fun, low-pressure, intergenerational brunch where we’ll talk about:
💬 family tension
💬 generational differences
💬 love, loyalty, and misunderstandings

Because honestly… sometimes it helps to realize your family drama is literally classic.

✨ No reading required
✨ All ages welcome
✨ This event is free but requires pre-registration: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=XBZIp5ZmYE-q550YrcojcwBnSX_Ez5xCp6J1k1kBs9xUOTQzOFQ3QjMzQlVDOEpXWVlNS1RUVlZDNS4u&route=shorturl

Monday, May 4th
9:30AM-10:45AM
WesleyLife Meals on Wheels
3206 University Avenue, Des Moines, IA

04/13/2026

📣📣Free Dogtown t-shirt!
Visit any ten businesses in Dogtown in April, get your passport “validated” at each place, and get a free Dogtown T-shirt at Nos Books (one per person, while supplies last). Passports can be found at Bulldog Shop | Drake University Lucky Horse Beer & Burgers Mars Coffee Shelf Love DSM ™ | Des Moines, Iowa’s Romance Bookstore and other Dogtown businesses!

For more information visit The Times-Delphic for their in-depth story behind this initiative.

03/05/2026

With so much happening in our world, it’s easy to feel stuck. That’s where our Community Engaged Peers (CEPs) come in. Trained in various aspects of community engagement, they’re here to help you turn that feeling into action by connecting you with resources, ideas, and opportunities. Swipe to learn more about who they are, what they can help with, and where to find them!

02/23/2026

This past weekend CEP’S and presented on what we’re doing to help combat food security on our campus & in the greater Drake neighborhood in Cincinnati, Ohio! Thank you for representing Drake and our office. 🐶💙

01/26/2026

Happy first day of the spring semester bulldogs! Last semester, CEP .vo graduated with a degree in Marketing and Information Systems. (🥳🥳)
Thank you for your dedication to the office of Community Engaged Learning! 🍀

01/19/2026

📸 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Drake alum Clara Webb Bayles, president of the Des Moines branch of the NAACP and civil rights activist.

Five years before the Civil Rights Act was passed, Dr. King spoke in Des Moines at University Christian Church (now Hope+Elim), emphasizing the importance of collective action and community responsibility in the fight for racial justice.

Community-engaged learning calls us to turn reflection into action, as we honor Dr. King’s legacy, we are reminded that meaningful change is built through education, advocacy, and sustained community engagement, values that continue to guide our work today.

To learn more about Dr. Kings work, or his speech at the church visit 💙

01/05/2026

Happy J-term bulldogs! Did you know it’s an election year for Iowa? Primary elections are June 2nd & Election Day is November 3rd! will keep you informed & updated! 🥳🗳️

09/25/2025

Food insecurity is growing in Iowa. We're looking out for our neighborhood and campus community by spreading the word about free and low-cost resources and promoting volunteer opportunities. This special newsletter is geared towards students but has great info for everyone in Dogtown.

Food pantries, Sprout Garden, neighborhood grocery stores, and more CEL Office Student Newsletter Special Edition All about Free & Cheap Campus and Neighborhood Food Resources Welcome (or welcome back), Bulldogs! The start of a new school year is an exciting time, but it’s not without its stressor...

08/28/2025

Join our campus community for Sprout Clean Up Day next week! Drop in between 2:30-6pm, and we'll be sure to send you home with some fresh produce!