FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jan. 21, 2005

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

DRAKE TO HONOR FIVE OUTSTANDING EDUCATORS

Five outstanding educators will be honored Wednesday, Feb. 9, by the Drake University School of Education at the school's Annual Alumni Awards Dinner in Parents Hall at Olmsted Center, 29th Street and University Avenue.

Alumni Awards will be presented to:

• Marsha Wilson Chall, a writer of children's books, including "Up North at the Cabin" and "Sugarbush Spring." A resident of Minnetonka, Minn., Chall earned her bachelor's degree from Drake in 1975.

• Arlene DeVries, gifted and talented community resource consultant for the Des Moines Public Schools. DeVries, a resident of Windsor Heights, earned her bachelor's degree from Drake in 1962 and her master's degree from Drake in 1985.

• Mike Gudka, associate pastor of Faith Chapel Ministries in Ankeny. Gudka, a resident of Ankeny, earned his master's degree from Drake in 1997.

• David Mitchell, administrative consultant, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services, Iowa Department of Education. Mitchell, a resident of Des Moines, earned his master's degree from Drake in 1982.

• Elaine Smith-Bright, director of professional development for School Administrators of Iowa. Smith-Bright, a resident of Indianola, earned her bachelor's degree from Drake in 1972.

In addition to the awards presentation, the dinner will feature a keynote address by Dr. Margaret Wheatley, author of numerous books, including "Finding Our Way: Leadership for an Uncertain Time" and "Leadership and the New Science: Discovering Order in a Chaotic World."

The event will begin with a reception at 5:30 p.m. followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m. The cost is $25 per person. Reservations may be made by contacting Cheryl Cox at (515) 271-2183 or cheryl.cox@drake.edu.

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