FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FEB. 17, 2000 ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT TO INAUGURATE ANNUAL AWARD TO HONOR DON ADAMS DES MOINES, IOWA - The Drake University Athletic Department disclosed today that it will inaugurate the Donald V. Adams Spirit of Drake Award which will be presented annually to the Drake faculty or staff member who best exemplifies the spirit of Drake as reflected in its mission statement and in the daily life of the university. The award is named in honor of Don Adams who has been an administrator at Drake since 1969. He served as vice president of student life from 1969 to 1985 and then was named vice president of enrollment management from 1985-1995. Adams' current role is Secretary of Drake University, executive assistant to the president and director of government relations. Adams was elected president of the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators and later received its outstanding vice president in the nation award and the outstanding service to the profession award. "Throughout his exemplary career at Drake University, Don (Adams) has demonstrated and defined the 'spirit' of this institution," said Drake athletic director Lynn King. "An administrator, mentor, role model, leader, advisor, teacher and friend, Don has been invaluable to Drake in the many roles he has undertaken on behalf of the University. "A true 'champion of the student,' Don has been the voice of reason and the steady hand that has worked both out front and behind the scenes to make Drake truly an outstanding university. The Drake athletics department is proud to establish this annual award in his honor." King said the recipient of the annual Don Adams Spirit of Drake Award recognizes that Drake students are the top priority and fosters an environment of life-long learning, an appreciation for humankind and the development of Drake students to fulfill their goals for personal growth, career aspirations and citizenship responsibilities.