FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sept. 29, 2005

CONTACT: Daniel P. Finney, (515) 271-2833, daniel.finney@drake.edu

NPR REPORTER, AD EXEC EARN DRAKE JOURNALISM ALUMNAE AWARDS

The Drake University School of Journalism and Mass Communication will honor a pair of graduates as the 2005 Alumni of the Year during an alumni event from 4 to 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 6, at Meredith Hall on Drake’s campus.

Donna Tweeten, a 1984 graduate, is president of the Meyocks Group, a Des Moines-based advertising agency with clients including Hy-Vee, the American Red Cross-Midwest Region Blood Services, Farm Credit Services of America, Blank Park Zoo and Croplife International. She lives in Clive.

“Donna's dedication to her profession and craft is equaled by her dedication to the School of Journalism and Mass Communication,” said Todd Evans, professor of journalism. “Donna has kept an open door for our students needing information, internships and jobs. Donna exemplifies our core values at work in the real world. I believe she is deserving of the recognition and stature this award represents.”

Tweeten will also deliver a speech titled “Take The Hard Way Out. Ethics: What I Have Learned From Life … And Life In Advertising.” The talk will be at 6 p.m. in Meredith Hall, room 101.

Neenah Ellis, a 1977 graduate, is a National Public Radio reporter whose “If I Live to Be 100: Lessons from the Centenarians” series later became a best-selling book. Ellis also worked on a 10-year oral history project for the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum. She lives in Takoma Park, Md.

“Neenah has had a distinguished, award-winning career in broadcasting that combines good journalism with public service,” said Kathleen Richardson, assistant professor of journalism and executive secretary of the Iowa Freedom of Information Council. “She is a professional role model and would be an inspiration for our students."

For more information about attending, call Shari Tenney at (515) 271-3194 or e-mail at shari.tenney@drake.edu.

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