FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 26, 2004

CONTACT Lisa Lacher, (515) 271-3119, lisa.lacher@drake.edu

DRAKE UNIVERSITY TO HONOR SEVEN ALUMNI ON MAY 7

Drake University will honor seven alumni for their professional accomplishments and community service at the Drake National Alumni Association Annual Awards Dinner on Friday, May 7, at Olmsted Center, 29th Street and University Avenue.

Dean P. Baarda, a 1962 Drake graduate, will receive the Distinguished Service Award, the top honor bestowed upon alumni of Drake University. This award recognizes outstanding achievement by an individual in a career or professions and exemplary service to the community and University. Baarda, of Grinnell, Iowa, is former vice president of Petco Inc.'s Midwest region. He has served as chair of the Drake President's Circle, gift chair for his 40th class reunion and co-chair of his 35-year reunion.

Johnny C. Taylor Jr., a 1992 graduate of Drake Law School who also holds a graduate degree in journalism from Drake, will receive the Young Alumni Achievement Award. Taylor, of Charlotte, N.C., is executive vice president, general counsel and secretary for Compass Group USA Inc.

The Young Alumni Loyalty Award will be presented to Jeremy Glenn, a 1994 Drake graduate who is an attorney with Meckler Bulger and Tilson in Chicago, representing management in labor and employment matters. Glenn is an active member of Drake's Chicago National Advisory Board and the Windy City Golf Committee and recently served as chair for his 10-year class reunion.

Bill and Ann Lienemann of Springfield, Ill., will share the Alumni Loyalty Award for their dedicated service to Drake University. Bill Lienemann, who earned a bachelor's degree from Drake in 1954 and a graduate degree from Drake in 1959, is retired vice president of Northeastern Illinois University and former vice chancellor for the governing board of Illinois' state universities. Ann Lienemann, a 1956 Drake graduate, has been an active volunteer for organizations such as Lutheran General Hospice and Memorial Hospital in Springfield.

Two Alumni Achievement Awards will be given this year to honor individuals for outstanding achievement in a career or profession.

Anel E. Beliz, a 1950 Drake graduate who lives in Paris, France, will be recognized for his distinguished career in communications and diplomacy. He is the ambassador of the Republic of Panama in France. He previously served as Panama's minister of tourism and director of the Office of Public Affairs of the Panama Canal Commission. Beliz and his wife, professor Olga Geneteau de Beliz, were the first Panamanian students to graduate from Drake.

Don Fletcher, a 1967 Drake graduate who lives in Liberty, Mo., will be recognized for his professional accomplishments and his service to Drake. He is president of North American and international operations of Hallmark Carks Inc. At Drake, Fletcher has served as a career adviser and as a member of the College of Business and Public Administration's National Advisory Board.

Reservations are required for the Alumni Awards Dinner, which will start with a reception at 6 p.m. The cost of the dinner is $25 per person. For reservations, call (515) 271-3147.