In our time at Drake University, we find it difficult to think of a more eventful semester than the one we’re now completing. Some have said that these have been dark days at Drake, but how easily we forget the good events that make the Drake experience unique and invaluable.
From stories like Joe Barlow’s Emmy nomination, to Hollywood movie productions filming at Drake, and all the way to Maya Angelou’s amazing lecture, there’s been plenty to celebrate. Even Drake athletics have been great this year. Men’s soccer made Drake history by making it to the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament, men’s football was second in the Pioneer Football League and volleyball made it to the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament for the first time in 13 years.
Don’t be mistaken, there have been terrible and tragic events this semester that will, unfortunately, shape many students’ Drake experiences. Stories that were out of character for this university made headline after headline—athletic alcohol suspensions, a student death, an attempted impeachment of the vice president of student life, the Student Senate rift with the student body, fraternity hazing, Phi Delta Theta’s suspension and two reported sexual assaults.
Many of these events will remain in the minds of Drake community members and Des Moines residents for a long time. There is word that Iowa might ban Everclear, the high-proof grain alcohol that was used in the hazing of a first-year fraternity pledge. Unfortunately, every article from now until the state potentially bans the liquor will mention Drake University.
These events should not define Drake. We should be proud of our Drake experience. What we can do is move on from this and make this campus stronger than we left it.
That is why we’re pleased to see Provost Michael Renner starting two student-run committees—one on sexual safety and another on alcohol abuse. Drake administration has been working hard behind the scenes to try to enact effective change. These problems will not be fixed overnight. It’s going to take a lot of work. What we have to realize, however, is that we cannot rely solely on Drake officials to fix these problems. Students must work on this, too.
There has been a lot to report on this semester and we, at the TD, have worked very hard to bring the most accurate and timely news to campus. We hope that we did our jobs respectfully and responsibly.
Good luck with finals, drive home safe and happy holidays.
Yay. I agree. Congrats on a great semester’s worth of issues. I know how hard you work. And good luck with finals