J. Douglas Reichardt, chairman and chief executive officer of Holmes Murphy and Associates, will open Drake University's spring "Let's DU Lunch" speaker series on Wednesday, Feb. 2, with a speech titled "No Time to Kill." Reichardt, who heads one of America's 35 largest independently owned insurance brokerage firms, will share his tips on how to attract and retain young professionals.

The series continues on Wednesday, March 2, with "If Your Web Site Were an Employee, Would You Fire Him?" by Therese M. Wielage, vice president and chief operating officer of Spindustry Systems and chair of the board of Spindustry Technical Training. The series will conclude on Wednesday, April 6, with "It's a Zoo Out There and We're Not Lion!" by Terry Rich, chief executive officer of Blank Park Zoo.

All of the luncheons will start at 11:30 a.m. in the Younkers Tea Room in downtown Des Moines. The cost is $15 per luncheon or $36 in advance for all three events. Due to limited seating, reservations are recommended. Call x2769 or send an e-mail message to alumni.rsvp@drake.edu.
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Impress your sweetheart this Valentine's Day by having flowers and a love song delivered by talented vocalists from the Drake University Choir.

Small groups of choir members will deliver singing valentines at home, at work or at a restaurant in Des Moines and its suburbs from noon to 8 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 13, and from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, Feb. 14.

The "True Romance" package will win hearts with a song and a single red rose for $25. The "Cupid's Favorite" package, which costs $35, includes a half dozen of the finest red roses. The "Hopeless Romantic" package features a dozen roses for $60.

A limited number of singing valentines can be delivered, so it's important to order by Wednesday, Feb. 9. Orders are being taken online at www.drake.edu/valentines or by phone at x3024.

Proceeds from the singing valentines will help support the Drake Choir's European tour in 2008.
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A panel discussion features (from left) Minnesota prosecutor Al Harris, Wisconsin law professor Keith Findley and Chris Ochoa, an exonerated man who spent 12 years in prison.

A special benefit performance of "The Exonerated" at the Des Moines Playhouse last Wednesday evening raised approximately $9,500 to benefit programs at the Drake Legal Clinic, according to Suzanne Levitt, director of the clinic and professor of law.

In addition to the performance, a panel discussion on "Issues of Eyewitness Identification and Exoneration" drew a standing-room-only crowd to the Legal Clinic courtroom on Wednesday afternoon. Experts shared their views on how to improve police procedures to reduce the number of eyewitness identification errors and wrongful convictions.

"The reception and performance of 'The Exonerated' and the accompanying conference earlier in the day on problems associated with eyewitness identification were a tremendous success," said Law School Dean David Walker. "The courtroom was packed for the conference, the playhouse was full, the play is powerful and provocative, and the performance was just excellent.

"Our genuine thanks to StageWest and The Playhouse for making this performance available to us as a benefit performance for the Drake Legal Clinic, whose very mission --like the theme of 'The Exonerated' -- is access to justice," Walker added. "We also received generous support from members of the community. Special thanks go to benefactors Parrish, Kruidenier, Moss, Dunn, Boles, Gribble & Cook; The Atlas Companies; and Lyle and Joan Middleton for their leadership support, to supporters such as the American Judicature Society and The Law School Endowment Trust and to others who gave as well."
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Brad Tice, associate professor of pharmacy practice at Drake University and director of the Drake/Albertsons Drug Stores Community Care Laboratory, has been awarded the 2005 Leadership and Education Institute/ GlaxoSmithKline Albert B. Prescott Leadership Award.

The national award, administered by the Pharmacy Leadership and Education Institute, was established in 1987 to recognize excellence and leadership potential among young leaders in pharmacy.

"This is a wonderful and well-deserved honor for Brad Tice and for Drake," said Raylene Rospond, dean of the Drake University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences.

Tice will receive the award on April 3 at the 2005 American Pharmacists Association Annual Meeting in Orlando, Fla. He will give an address at the presentation that will later be published in the Journal of the American Pharmacists Association.
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Two Piano Recital -- Bob Lien, Drake University Community School of Music faculty, and Ray Songayllo, guest artist, will play a program for two pianos at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 6, on the Jordan Stage in Sheslow Auditorium in Old Main. The program includes works by Ravel, Mozart, Poulenc, Bennett, Strauss and Gershwin. Admission is free. Call 271-3975.
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The Constitutional Law Center at Drake University Law School will welcome nationally renowned ethicist Anita Allen as part of its 2004-05 Constitutional Law Distinguished Lecture Series. Allen, the Henry R. Silverman professor of law and professor of philosophy at the University of Pennsylvania, will present "Law Floats on a Sea of Ethics" at 4 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 10, in room 213 of Cartwright Hall. One hour of continuing legal education (CLE) credit is available.

The title of the lecture, which is free and open to the public, refers to a statement by former Supreme Court Justice Earl Warren who said, "In civilized society, law floats on a sea of ethics." Allen's lecture will candidly explore the 21st Century American ethics scene. She will address what it means for society in general, and for lawyers and judges in particular, to see so many social sectors permeated by ethical failures, to experience value uncertainty brought on by change, and to witness an under-commitment to justice.

Drawing on her new book, "The New Ethics: A Guided Tour of the 21st Moral Century Landscape," Allen will explain the difficulty of adhering to ethical and moral standards. Allen's book has drawn praise from leading scholars such as Cornell West of Princeton University, who said, "This is a fascinating and illuminating book. It is the most original work I've read on our contemporary lived experience."

A reception will follow the lecture. Allen will be available to autograph her new book.

Allen is a graduate of New College and has served on its Board of Trustees. She earned her M.A. and Ph.D. in philosophy from the University of Michigan and later earned her law degree from Harvard University. For more than a decade, she was a member of the faculty of Georgetown University Law Center, where she served as associate dean. She also was the first black woman to teach philosophy at Carnegie-Mellon and the first black woman on the Pittsburgh law faculty. She has been a visiting professor at Yale Law School, Villanova Law School and Harvard Law School. During the 2003-04 academic year, Allen was a law and
public affairs fellow of the Woodrow Wilson School and visiting professor at Princeton University.
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Poet and author Cole Swensen will open Drake University's spring Writers and Critics Series by reading from her work at 8 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 9, in the Cowles Library Reading Room. The event is free and open to the public.

Swensen has published nine volumes of poetry, including "Goest," which was a finalist for the 2004 National Book Award, and "Try," which won the 1998 Iowa Poetry Prize and the 2000 San Francisco Poetry Center Book Award. Her reviews of contemporary poets have appeared in American Letters & Commentary, Bloomsbury Review, Boston Review, Poetry Flash and Rain Taxi. She teaches in the Writers' Workshop at the University of Iowa.

The Writers and Critics Series will continue throughout the spring semester with the following events, which are all free and open to the public and start at 8 p.m. in the Cowles Library Reading Room:

• Feb. 23: Poet and author Rae Armantrout, who has published nine books of poetry, including "Up to Speed" and "Veil: New and Selected Poems." Her prose memoir, "True," was published by Atelos in 1998.

• April 12: Michelle Herman, author of the novel "Missing," which was awarded the Harold U. Ribalow Prize for "Best Jewish Fiction," and selected as one of the 25 Best Books of the Year by the literary supplement of The Village Voice.

• April 21: Peggy Ornstein, author of "Flux: Women on Sex, Work, Kids, Love and Life in a Half-Changed World" and the best-selling "SchoolGirls: Young Women, Self- Esteem and the Confidence Gap."

• April 26: Nathaniel Mackey, who has written numerous books of poetry, including "Whatsaid Serif," "School of Udhra" and "Eroding Witness," which was selected for the National Poetry Series.

Brett Larson takes time out from his studies to join a friend skiing in the Alps.

While a number of students take part in study abroad programs during their time at Drake, a few students are now taking advantage of new exchange programs that Drake has established with universities in other countries.

In recent years, Drake has developed relationships with universities around the world in an effort to give students more foreign education opportunities. The Universidad Nebrija in Madrid, Spain; the Université d' Auvergne in Clermont-Ferrand, France; and Universität Tübingen in Tübingen, Germany; are three universities that are now open to Drake students. The exchange programs with these universities are different from most study abroad programs because the Drake students are directly enrolled in the institutions; therefore, they take classes in the native language and live with natives of the respective country.

Drake student Brett Larson spent the past fall semester in Madrid. He was the first student from Drake to participate in the exchange program at Nebrija. During his first month abroad, Larson participated in an intensive Spanish course to help prepare him for complete cultural immersion and living with a Spanish host family.

"I loved being the first student from Drake to study in Madrid; it made everything so exciting," said Larson, a junior from Des Moines majoring in sociology. "Because no one had been there before, there were times when I didn't know what I was getting myself into. It was great though because I arrived there with no preconceived notions or biases."

Larson took advantage of numerous adventures during his time in Spain. He visited the art museum El Prado, attended a military parade for National Fiesta Day and participated in various trips and international nights planned by the university.

"Participating in an exchange program is the opportunity of a lifetime," Larson said. "I would recommend the new programs to anyone who is interested in learning a lot about themselves and seeing the world through an entirely new perspective."

This semester Drake student Ifeany Oteh, a senior economics major from St. Louis, is participating in the new exchange program in France. "I am living in student dorms with students from France and around Europe," Oteh said. "I am excited to speak French on a daily basis and become fluent. To take part in this program, you need to speak at an intermediate level, but I hope to improve my skills and use the language as a useful tool when entering the workforce."

For more information on the new exchange programs offered by Drake, contact Gretchen Olson at x2084 or gretchen.olson@drake.edu.

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For individuals who wish to become engaged in the collegiate educational environment later in life, whether they are returning to college or have not previously had the opportunity, the Billie and Robert D. Ray Lifelong Learning Society can make that desire a reality.

The name of the organization refers to two distinguished graduates of Drake University -- Robert D. Day, former governor of Iowa, mayor of Des Moines and president of Drake University, and his wife Billie Ray, a former school teacher and first lady of Iowa. The use of the name reflects their attitude and support of the lifelong learning objectives of the group.

The RaySociety offers individuals of retirement age the opportunity to enroll in college classes sponsored by Drake. To become a member of the organization a person must simply meet the age requirement and pay a $50 membership fee. Classes are held during the day, Monday through Friday and are taught by volunteer instructors from the current and former Drake University faculty, from the society membership and from the community.

"The RaySociety brings a commitment from Drake University to the greater Des Moines community and offers people an opportunity to continue life long learning," said Jim Wise, vice president of the society and chair of the Membership Committee. "The society reflects the integrity and value of Mr. and Mrs. Ray and provides stimulation, socialization and bountiful opportunities to all."

Classes offered this semester are:

• Tours – Viewing History, taught by Bonnie McNurlen, a Drake alumna.
• Downsizing without Downgrading: Decorating with Confidence, taught by Linda Glantz Ward, owner of Linda Glantz Interiors of Ames.
• Under the Bridges of Polk County – Homelessness in Iowa: Issues and Options, taught by R. Dean Wright, professor emeritus of sociology.
• Communication Technologies for the 21st Century, taught by Bill Jensen, senior telecommunications analyst at Drake, and Robert Lutz, associate professor emeritus of physics.
• Des Moines – A Renaissance City, taught by various community leaders.
• Five Architectural Talks, taught by Nora Wendl, director of the Anderson Gallery.
• The "New" Library, taught by Karl Schaefer, library instruction coordinator and associate professor of librarianship.

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.

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 x2183 or cheryl.cox@drake.edu.
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Volunteers are needed to tutor adults learning to read at the Drake University Adult Literacy Center. All tutors receive training in a hands-on, multisensory approach to reading instruction.

Those interested in becoming tutors are invited to attend an orientation session from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 3, and 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 10, at the Drake School of Education, 3206 University Ave. For more information and tutor applications, call x3982 or send an e-mail message to anne.murr@drake.edu.
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Throughout the spring semester, the Drake University Business Link will offer monthly interactive workshops taught by Drake faculty on a variety of business topics such as professional speaking, marketing and negotiation and conflict resolution. The sessions, which are open to the public, cost $40 each and are limited to 35 participants. All of the sessions will be held from 9 a.m. to noon in room 112 of Aliber Hall, 29th Street and University Avenue.

The following sessions are scheduled:

March 11: "Services Marketing," taught by Mary Edrington, assistant professor of marketing. This session will concentrate on the special challenges and opportunities related to the marketing of service organizations, especially in finance, insurance, education, health care and professional services.

April 8: "Negotiation and Conflict Resolution," taught by Tom Glenn, instructor of management. The workshop will teach individuals how to tell the difference between good and bad conflicts and how to use conflict as the basis for successful relationship building and effective decision making in the workplace.

May 13: "Enhancing Your Creativity as a Manager," taught by Lance Noe, education consultant. This session will help participants develop management techniques that will enhance both personal and organizational creativity and thus lead to more creative decision making.

Registration is required for the workshops. To register or obtain more information, visit www.cbpa.drake.edu/businesslink.
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The Drake University Business Link will present a free workshop on "Diversity: Exploring Opportunities — Seeking Solutions" from 9 a.m. to noon Wednesday, Feb. 16, in Parents Hall North in Olmsted Center. Registration and a continental breakfast will begin at 8:30 a.m.

Local diversity experts from government, manufacturing, finance and nonprofit sectors will discuss how their organizations conduct diversity training and promote awareness of diversity. After the panel discussion, participants will be divided into smaller groups to develop a plan to enhance diversity in their own organizations.

The panelists are Joe Ellis, program manager for Iowa's Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action program; Kumari Henry, a diversity consultant with Wells Fargo Home Mortgage; Kristina Johnson, regional director of human resources for Mainstream Living; and Cindee Moyer, human resources manager of Dee Zee Inc.

Reservations are required due to limited seating. For reservations, visit www.cbpa.drake.edu/businesslink and click on registration.
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• All-Staff Council “Called to Be True Blue” nominations due by 4:30 p.m.. To submit a nomination, visit http://www.drake.edu/hr/trueblue_form.html.
• Drake High School Honor Jazz Concert, Jordan Stage, Sheslow Auditorium in Old Main. The show begins at 7 p.m. and costs $5 at the door or free with a Drake ID.
• Drake men’s basketball vs. Illinois State, Drake Knapp Center, 7:05 p.m.

• All-Staff Council “Grounddog Day” Breakfast, featuring Spike, Drake’s official “Grounddog,” at the Pomerantz Stage, Olmsted Center, 7:30 to 8:30 a.m.
• "Let’s DU Lunch" at the Younkers Tea Room, downtown Des Moines with J. Douglas Reichardt, chairman and CEO of Holmes Murphy and Associates. The event costs $15 and begins at 11:30 a.m. For reservations, call x2769 or send an e-mail message to alumni.rsvp@drake.edu.

• Orientation session for volunteer tutors at the Adult Literacy Center, School of Education building, 5 to 8 p.m. Call x3982 to register.

• Two Piano Recital with Bob Lien and Ray Songayllo, Jordan Stage, Sheslow Auditorium, 2 p.m.

• Drake Choir “Singing Valentines” deadline. Sign-up sheet and payment are due. Call 271-3024, visit www.drake.edu/valentines or speak to Dr. Aimee Beckmann-Collier in the Music Department.
• Drake men’s basketball vs. Southern Illinois, Drake Knapp Center, 7:05 p.m.

• Drake men’s basketball Tip Off Luncheon. The luncheon will be held at Christopher’s Restaurant and begins at 11:30 a.m.
• Cole Swensen, author and poet, will read and discuss her literary works and her reviews of other contemporary poets. Swensen is a guest of the Drake Writers and Critics Spring Series and will present at 8 p.m. in the Cowles Library Reading Room.
• School of Education Alumni Awards Dinner, Parents Hall, Olmsted Center, 5:30 p.m., $25. Call x2183 for reservations.

• Orientation session for volunteer tutors at the Adult Literacy Center, School of Education building, 5 to 8 p.m. Call x3982 to register.
• “Navigating the Requirements of Equal Employment Opportunity,” session sponsored by Human Resources Learning and Development Program. The session will run from 2 to 4 p.m. and be held in Olmsted Center, Room 310-311. To sign-up call x3133.
• Constitutional Law Distinguished Lecture Series: Renowned ethicist and author Anita Allen of the University of Pennsylvania will give a lecture titled "Law Floats on a Sea of Ethics," room 213, Cartwright Hall, 4 p.m. A reception and book singing will follow.

• Faculty Friday workshop on "Presenting to Win: The Art of Professional Speaking," room 112, Aliber Hall, 9 a.m. to noon, $40. Register online at www.cbpa.drake.edu/businesslink

• Drake women’s basketball vs. Creighton, Drake Knapp Center, 2:05 p.m.

William S.E. Coleman, professor emeritus of theatre arts, has been appointed playwright-in-residence and a member of the company of the newly formed nonprofit, professional Central Iowa Repertory Theatre. In addition, he is a board member and adviser to this new theatre company. Coleman's anti-war screenplay "Homeland Security" was shot at Iowa Public Television in a co-production by the Iowa Motion Picture Association and the Iowa Scriptwriters Alliance. It is now in post-production. It and two other short films will be shown on the same bill at a local theatre. They willalso be entered into festivals and be released on DVD this spring.