FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 17, 2001 CONTACT: Lisa Lacher, (515) 271-3119 PULLIAM NAMED DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY OUTREACH Drake University has appointed Dolph Pulliam as director of community outreach, a new position that will strengthen the University's efforts to connect in meaningful ways to central Iowa, to the state of Iowa and to Drake's alumni and friends around the country. Pulliam, a 1969 Drake graduate who led the Drake Bulldogs to the NCAA Final Four for the first and only time in Drake's history, has served as promotion and marketing director for athletics at Drake for 12 years. In announcing the new position, Drake President David Maxwell said, "For the past 12 years, Dolph Pulliam has been a tireless promoter of the University, both on and off the playing field. This new position gives him the opportunity to continue to serve as Drake's ambassador while working with University leaders to develop and manage programs to enhance Drake's outreach, fundraising and community relations efforts." "I am very pleased that President Maxwell is giving me the opportunity to work in the area of community outreach and development," Pulliam said. "I will miss the athletic arena, but now it's time to explore ways Drake can work more closely with the Des Moines community in ways that will be mutually beneficial to all concerned. I look forward with great enthusiasm to meeting and working with many community and civic organizations, with Drake alumni, and with partners in the community to build stronger bridges between Drake and the many constituencies it serves." Pulliam has worked with inner city youth for three decades. His efforts were recognized this fall when he received the Madelyn M. Levitt Distinguished Service Award for Community Service – Drake's highest honor for community service.