FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 19, 2003
CONTACT: Lisa Lacher, (515) 271-3119

PRINCIPAL CEO TO LEAD OFF ‘LET’S DU LUNCH’ SPEAKER SERIES
J. Barry Griswell, chairman, president and chief executive officer of The Principal Financial Group, will open Drake University’s fall “Let’s DU Lunch” speaker series on Wednesday, Sept. 3.

Griswell, who served as president and CEO of MetLife Marketing Corp. before joining Principal in 1988, will share his insights on trends in the financial services industry and a look at the future of 401k plans.

At Principal, Griswell is responsible for overall management of the company, including capital markets activities, U.S. and international asset management, government relations, merger and acquisition activities and corporate support functions, among others.

The luncheon series, which is open to the public, is sponsored by the Drake University Central Iowa Alumni Chapter and the Greater Des Moines Partnership.

The series will continue on Wednesday, Oct. 1, with Dr. Tom Davis, coach of the Drake men’s basketball team, and Amy Stephens, coach of the Drake women’s basketball team. Steven G. Chapman, president and CEO of ITAGroup Inc., will conclude the series on Wednesday, Nov 5.

All of the luncheons will start at 11:30 a.m. in the Younkers Tea Room in downtown Des Moines. The cost is $15 per luncheon or $36 in advance for all three events. Due to limited seating, reservations are recommended. Contact the Drake Office of Alumni and Parent Programs at (515) 271-3848 or send an e-mail message to melissa.sturm-smith@drake.edu.