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On Campus
- Stories
May 28, 2004 Vol. 56, No. 33
Two women who graduated from Drake last December have been awarded Fulbright Scholarships. Shalene Breci of Sioux City received a scholarship to fund a 13-month English teaching assistantship for 2004-05 in South Korea. Mira Yusef of Des Moines received a scholarship to support her research on Muslim women in the Philippines during 2004-05.
"The award of a Fulbright Scholarship is a powerful indicator of the excellence of the applicant's educational preparation, as well - of course - of the excellence of the applicant's proposal for study and research," said Drake President David Maxwell. "As an alumnus of the Fulbright Program (Moscow, 1970-71), and a Fulbright adviser for eight years, I can personally attest to the power of a sustained engagement in another culture as an
enriching, life-altering experience. It is a rare opportunity - one to be cherished - and I am delighted that two recent Drake graduates are able to take
advantage of it. We're very proud of them."
Drake has never before had two Fulbright scholars at the same time, said Eleanor Zeff, assistant professor of politics and international relations. She helped Breci and Yusef prepare their extensive applications for the scholarships.
Breci, who earned a bachelor's degree in anthropology and sociology, plans to leave July 5 for South Korea, where she will receive six weeks of intensive training before being assigned to a school.
"In my studies at Drake, I learned how not to judge others on the basis of difference and I was educated about the benefits of learning from others," Breci said. "I'm looking forward to living in and learning about a new culture. I feel prepared through my courses and am confident that I have a good understanding of what to expect."
Yusef, who earned her bachelor's degree in history, is a native of the Philippines who came to the United States as a teen-ager and worked as a legal assistant before pursuing a college education. A mother of two, she has been working as the Asian community outreach coordinator for the Iowa Coalition Against Sexual Assault.
She plans to travel to the Manila this summer to begin interviewing Muslim Filipinas who work in domestic positions in the Middle East and return to their native land whenever possible. Yusef said she has wanted to research this subject ever since she heard about the 1995 case of Sarah Balabagan, a 16-year-old Muslim Filipina who was tried in the United Arab Emirates for stabbing her employer for raping her. The court found her guilty and pronounced a death sentence, but because of protests by human rights organizations, the court subsequently reduced the punishment to a fine of $41,000, a year in prison and 100 lashes. "This story not only illustrates the lack of security and legal protection for young Filipina immigrants in
foreign countries, but also the power of international human rights groups to engage in transnational advocacy," Yusef said.
She added that she hopes her research will lead to "a better understanding of the plight of Muslim Filipinas in the Philippines and the Middle East, and serve as a catalyst to improve working and living conditions for all migrant workers, especially those in the Middle East."
A family friendly benefit concert featuring "American Idol" contestant AJ Gil will benefit the Institute for Character Development at Drake University.
Gil will perform at the benefit concert, sponsored by Regency Homes, from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, June 4, at Blank Park Zoo. Gil was one of the top 10 finalists from the first season of "American Idol." Since then he has toured in more than 30 cities and said that he is driven "to inspire something positive to the public and also to be an example."
The concert also will include a performance by TGK, a new group based in Orlando, Fla. TGK teaches children safety through songs such as "Stranger-Dangers" and "Say No to Drugs."
Tickets are $5. All proceeds will benefit the Institute for Character Development at Drake University, a sustained statewide program focused on developing a grassroots understanding, appreciation and widespread use of civility and principled decision making in daily life. Tickets will be available at the door. For more information, call Regency Homes at 270-1497.
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| Alumni from across the country pause for a photo with Bob Woodward. |
Journalism alumni from around the country gathered last Friday night to celebrate professor Robert Woodward's retirement after 32 years of teaching in the Drake School of Journalism and Mass Communication.
More than 125 alumni, journalism staff members and current and former faculty partied until midnight at the Cub Club at Sec Taylor Stadium. Many had traveled from as far as California, New Mexico, New York and North Carolina.
"It was a wonderful party," said Kathleen Richardson, assistant professor of journalism and a 1976 graduate of the school who with other alumni
organized the event. "The fact that so many people made such an effort to attend is a testament to the great spirit of the J-School alums and the affection that they have for the school, as well as to the love
and loyalty that professor Woodward has inspired in all of us.
"Over the past few months, it has been very moving to read all tributes that have poured into the school from alumni who speak about the huge impact that Woodward has had on their lives, not only as a teacher but as a mentor and a role model of integrity and humanity."
"Friday night's gathering was wonderful," Woodward agreed. "It provided a superb opportunity for me to see and to talk to a number of Drake journalism graduates from the Des Moines area and across the nation, and it gave many of them the additional possibility to have mini-reunions with classmates from times past.
"The gathering reminded me once again of why I loved teaching and advising so much," he added. "To see the many graduates and hear about their jobs and families, provided extraordinary memories for my family and me."
Photos from the party will be posted on "The Woodward Times," the Web site created by journalism students to honor their professor. It can be accessed through the School of Journalism and Mass Communication home page at www.drake.edu/journalism.
Journalism alumni have also created the Robert D. Woodward Fund, which will finance annual awards for exceptional reporting by journalism students and an annual visit by a distinguished journalism professional, who will give a public lecture and teach classes. Donations may be made in care of the School of Journalism and Mass Communication, Meredith Hall, Drake University, Des Moines, IA 50311.
The Drake Neighborhood Farmers' Market opens its eighth season with a Strawberry Festival at 4 p.m. Wednesday, June 2. Free strawberries on shortcake with whipped topping will offer a taste of Iowa-grown strawberries. More than 20 vendors are scheduled to sell Iowa-grown produce, baked goods, snacks, meals, sandwiches and crafts at the market, which will be open from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesdays through September in the parking lot of First Christian Church, 25th Street and University Avenue. Free entertainment and drawings for door prizes will be provided weekly, as well as educational/informative guests.
Thirteen faculty members have received promotions and/or tenure.
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Priscilla "Pris" Mitcham |
Priscilla "Pris" Mitcham, FA'61, retired director of special programs at Drake, died of cancer Friday, May 21, at Intrust Taylor House Hospice. She was 65.
A memorial service was held May 23 at Brooks Funeral Chapel in Clive. Among those who spoke at the service was David Walker, dean of Drake Law School. "Priscilla was a very joyful person who thought to do things in a grand, professional and celebrational way," Walker said later. "She showed off Drake in a shining light. She made people feel proud to be associated with the University. She had a terrific laugh and it was hard not to laugh with her. She loved Drake and served it very well. She was instrumental in planning major dinners, such as the 1988 Campaign for Drake gala that celebrated its success. She made them classy events."
Mitcham, who majored in drama and speech, participated in many productions at the Des Moines Playhouse. Her professional career included a variety of positions. She was fashion coordinator for Fieldmans Clothing and communications director for United Way of Central Iowa. At Drake, she was a secretary in the Athletic Department, an administrative assistant in the University Relations Office and manager of the Metro Center downtown before becoming director of special programs.
"It definitely takes a special person to be in charge of special programs for the University, and for years, Priscilla Mitcham did just that," Drake President Michael R. Ferrari said at a recognition ceremony for retirees in 1994. "From planning formal dinners to coordinating the State Fair Parade, Priscilla's energy, enthusiasm and inventiveness always helped put Drake in the best light."
Carol Leech, administrative assistant in President David Maxwell's office, was an assistant to Mitcham when they both worked at United Way. "She was a teacher and friend and mentor all rolled into one," Leech said. "She had a soft side that many people didn't know about and she helped a lot of people in many different ways."
Survivors include her husband, Denny of Urbandale; three children, Heidi McIntosh of Urbandale, Wendy Johnson of Johnston and Scott Rodberg of Des Moines; stepsons Jeff and Tim of Phoenix, Ariz.; sisters Mary Muller of Des Moines and Virginia Kruger of Petoskey, Mich.; and four grandchildren.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Drake University or Intrust Taylor House Hospice.