On Campus - Stories
September 17, 1999 - Vol.52, No. 16

• Three Drake Medals to be Presented at Convocation
• Guest Speaker to Discuss Challenges of New Media

Kasten's wife, Betty, will accept his medal on behalf of the family. Kasten worked for Drake from 1950 until 1983, dying of heart failure just one month before he planned to retire. He contributed generously his time, energy and resources to promote the programs and reputation of the University. Highly respected for his vigilant budget management and great integrity, he worked with the Drake Relays Committee, the University Senate, the Business Affairs Committee, the University Investment Committee and the Athletic Council.

"Carl had a vision for Drake, and then he worked within that vision - he worked to raise and hold Drake to the highest standards," said Donald Adams, executive assistant to President Maxwell.

Kasten contributed to his profession, too, serving a one-year term in 1964-65 as director of the National Association of College and University Business Officers. The Des Moines community benefited from Kasten's help as well. He was involved with the Des Moines Symphony Association and the United Way Campaign, and he was a board member of the Greater Des Moines Area Chamber of Commerce. He also played a significant role in fundraising efforts to build the Civic Center of Greater Des Moines, and he served on the Civic Center board for a number of years.

Drake graduate Robert D. Ray has devoted his life to serving his fellow citizens and his alma mater. A distinguished attorney, he served as Iowa's governor from 1969 through 1983. He then became president of Life Investors Inc. of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and later president and chief executive officer of IASD, commonly known as Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Iowa. In spring 1997, after Des Moines Mayor Arthur Davis resigned due to illness, Ray agreed to serve in that position for six months until the election for a permanent mayor. He also chaired the Iowa Sesquicentennial Commission.

When Michael Ferrari resigned as Drake's president in spring 1998, Ray again responded to the need by becoming Drake's 11th president. As president, he strived to include many people in strengthening the University; willing to listen to and debate with others; also worked tirelessly on behalf of Drake's current fundraising campaign, campus management and the search for his replacement.

Todd Sechser, student body president in 1998-99, spoke at a ceremony honoring President Ray last spring. "One need only glance at the first five or so lines of your resume to conclude that, yes, you have indeed accomplished everything," he said. "You have given us something to which we can aspire."

A leader at Drake, in business and in the community, Jack D. Rehm represents a vital link between the University and central Iowa. Past chair and current member of Drake's Board of Governors, Rehm also chaired the Board's Investment Committee, developing guidelines for investing the University's endowment fund.

As chair of the Board of Governors, Rehm guided his colleagues in prioritizing the commission's recommendations and in planning Campaign Drake, the University's current $190 million fundraising effort. He now serves as chair of the campaign's Iowa Business Solicitation.

In addition, he diligently guided Drake through an intensive search for the next president. He was praised by his fellow search committee members for minimizing the politics, listening to and respecting the opinions of all while keeping the group moving to fulfill its mission.

Former chairman of the board-retired of Meredith Corp. in Des Moines, Rehm has helped foster the economic development of Iowa and the Greater Des Moines area. He served as chairman of Des Moines Development Corporation and played a key role in launching the Gateway Park project on the western edge of downtown Des Moines.