Student Alumni Association

Students Today. Alumni Forever.

Our mission is to enrich the student experience at Drake University by instilling an enduring sense of pride in university traditions and values, cultivating a culture of institutional philanthropy, and building meaningful, lasting connections between students and alumni. The Student Alumni Association is distinguished by targeted niche programming, a strong effort toward collaboration, and a passion from all things Drake. This mission is the driving force behind all things SAA associated and acts as a solid foundation in which our three pillars, networking, traditions, and philanthropy, are built.

It is our vision and our hope to focus on deepening connections with our institution by enhancing the student experience and building a life-long love and enthusiasm for Drake University.

Discover the unique experiences you share with alumni and build relationships, which add value and allow you a glimpse of life beyond Drake University.

The Student Alumni Association strives to connect you with our accomplished Drake alumni. Whether you study biochemistry or education, we host events which plug you into our strong network of alumni across the country. Providing opportunities to learn from our alumni and build relationships is one of the outstanding advantages of being a part of SAA.

Alumni Fireside Chats | SAA hosts alumni back on campus to have inspiring and honest discussions about their Drake and professional career experience.

Table for Ten | 10 Drake students are invited to the homes of a local alumni where they share a meal and learn more about their personal and professional journey.

Alumni Networking Breakfast | SAA and Career Services host a networking breakfast where students learn about career focused topics and hear from an alumni Keynote Speaker. Twenty-five alumni and 100+ students share this educational networking opportunity each spring.

Bulldogs Forever | SAA hosts alumni and graduating seniors to an informal off campus networking event.

National Alumni Board and SAA Mentorship Program | Each SAA Executive Board member experiences one-on-one mentoring with our NAB members.

Philanthropy | Community Engagement + Service

When we talk about building a culture of philanthropy, we mean more than financial support. It’s about giving back—to Drake and to the community we share.

Giving isn’t defined by an amount. SAA students learn that you can give time, talent, and treasures, to help create a stronger Drake experience for our students, and more joy for those around us. Whether our students are hosting a free Halloween Carnival for local families, celebrating what makes Drake special during I Heart Drake Week, or creating energy and momentum around All In, they’re proving philanthropy and service aren’t separate from the student experience—they’re part of what it means to be a Bulldog.

Halloween Spiketacular | A collaboration with Drake athletics and student groups to provide a free Halloween carnival for families in the Drake neighborhood.

Ongoing Service | Throughout the year, SAA partners with the Des Moines Refugee Support and Little Free Pantry program to serve the local community.

I Heart Drake Week | A celebration and sharing of our love for All Things Drake!

All-In | A 24-hour Day of Giving back to Drake featuring fun student events.

Donations | Through the generosity of Maddie’s Circle Foundation, SAA donates a portion of their funds to multiple charities each semester. Past recipients have been IMPACT, Sprout Garden, Des Moines Refugee Support, and more.

Paul Morrison Spruce Up Day | A neighborhood spruce-up event honoring Drake alum, mentor, and faculty member, Paul Morrison.

Witmer Park | SAA in conjunction with Des Moines Parks adopted Witmer Park, a local park near campus. Four times a year, Drake students clean the neighborhood park.

Traditions

Traditions are the moments that turn a place into a community. They’re the experiences you share, the stories you carry, and the memories that stay long after your time on campus.

At Drake, traditions aren’t just something you take part in—they’re something you help create. From welcome events to campus-wide celebrations, these moments connect Bulldogs across generations and bring our community to life.

Welcome Weekend Traditions Carnival | A fun introduction to the SAA Traditions program with your First-Year Seminar students

SAA & Bright College Social |SAA hosted a Lunch Social with Bright College to welcome new and current Bright College students.

Sprout Garden Fall Harvest | SAA continues to further their sustainability focus on campus by hosting the Sprout Garden Fall Harvest. The garden is an enhanced educational space providing wonderful opportunities for education and meaningful ways to support sustainable projects on campus.

Kissing Rock | A mythic stone that gives a lifetime of luck to Drake couples that kiss there.

Hubbelling | Cafeteria trays, hot chocolate and sledding down the hills near Hubbell Dining Hall.

BEAT WEEK | SAA’s week-long promotion and support for Drake’s Men’s and Women’s Basketball.

Catch the Philanthropy Bug

Maddie Levitt’s life as a philanthropist, Drake Trustee and friend of Drake inspires students to find their passion for philanthropy and volunteering.

As the national chairperson for two Drake fundraising campaigns, Maddie helped raise millions for Drake University including giving $5 million of her own money to the University. When you see her iconic yellow Volkswagen Bug on campus, you will be reminded of the incredible impact Maddie Levitt had on Drake University. Watch for SAA events made possible by the Maddie’s Circle grant and start giving back!

Philanthropy | Community Engagement + Service

When we talk about building a culture of philanthropy, we mean more than financial support. It’s about giving back—to Drake and to the community we share.

Halloween Spiketacular | A collaboration with Drake athletics and student groups to provide a free Halloween carnival for families in the Drake neighborhood.

Ongoing Service | Throughout the year, SAA partners with the Des Moines Refugee Support and Little Free Pantry program to serve the local community.

I Heart Drake Week | A celebration and sharing of our love for All Things Drake!

All-In | A 24-hour Day of Giving back to Drake featuring fun student events.

Paul Morrison Spruce Up Day | A neighborhood spruce-up event honoring Drake alum, mentor, and faculty member, Paul Morrison.

Witmer Park | SAA in conjunction with Des Moines Parks adopted Witmer Park, a local park near campus. Four times a year, Drake students clean the neighborhood park.

Join the Student Alumni Association

The Drake University Student Alumni Association (SAA) is a student organization that focuses on creating an engaging campus experience for Drake students while providing them with valuable opportunities to network with Drake alumni. Members of SAA plan and execute campus and community events throughout the year. SAA has the privilege of attending exclusive events, working to foster campus-wide Drake pride, and serving on committees or holding leadership positions within the organization.

The Student Alumni Association is led by a student Executive Board. Members apply each fall to serve a year-long term.

Questions? Contact Kim Jones, Assistant Director of Alumni Relations, kim.jones@drake.edu or (515)271-3935.

Social Media

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrakeSAA/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drake_saa/