Drake University

A few fall favorites from the archives!🍁🍂

Two generations of Bulldogs, together in one frame 💙 A legacy photo celebrating a shared love for Drake as students make their own memories on the campus their parents know so well 🐾

Continuing our Voices of Drake series, we’re proud to introduce Jacqueline Villafana Zapatero, a finance major raised right here in Des Moines. Jacqueline is the oldest of four children and has family roots in Celaya, Guanajuato. After earning her associate degree from DMACC, Jacqueline transferred to Drake to stay close to home while gaining the education, opportunities, and professional connections needed to prepare for her future.

At Drake, Jacqueline has grown personally and professionally by strengthening her public speaking, networking, and leadership skills. She is involved in Alpha Kappa Psi, where she has served as Secretary and Vice President of Service, and La Fuerza Latina, which has provided her with a strong sense of culture, community, and belonging.

For Jacqueline, Hispanic Heritage Month is an opportunity to recognize the cultures, accomplishments, and lasting impact of Hispanic communities. She hopes the celebration encourages others to learn more about the many traditions and experiences represented while inspiring Hispanic students to take pride in where they come from.

Read more about Jacqueline’s journey, goals, and advice for future Bulldogs 💙

➡️ https://bit.ly/4dYt9av

A special moment at Bulldog Plaza! 🐾

During a summer visit to campus, Ellie Mae, a 1-year-old golden retriever, stopped to admire the Griff I statue in front of Old Main. Her owner, Elizabeth, captured the sweet moment and shared it with us.

Thanks for bringing a smile to our campus, Ellie Mae! 💙

To kick off our Voices of Drake series, we’re excited to highlight Chelsea Martinez, a senior from Dallas, Texas, majoring in Law, Politics, and Society with minors in Sociology and Psychology.

Chelsea’s passion for law began in high school through mock trial and a law academy, and Drake’s LPS program gave her the opportunity to explore the field while building independence. Since coming to Drake, she has grown in confidence, built new friendships, and become more involved in campus life.

As a proud Hispanic first-generation student, Chelsea sees Hispanic Heritage Month as a time to celebrate tradition, community, and the contributions of Hispanic people everywhere. She also hopes the month brings more visibility to the stories, achievements, and leadership of Hispanic communities.

Read more about Chelsea’s Drake experience and her advice for future Bulldogs 🐾 https://bit.ly/4h9bxK0

Today marks the beginning of National Hispanic Heritage Month!

At Drake University, we are proud to recognize the significant influence and contributions of Hispanic Americans to the history, culture, and achievements of our university and the world. To showcase the diverse and passionate voices on campus, we will share a collection of interviews through our Voices of Drake series this month, highlighting the remarkable Hispanic voices in our campus community.