Group of Drake students standing in front of the Athene building.

Giving

Giving to Drake University is a meaningful way to support students, strengthen academic programs, and shape the future of the Bulldog community.

Old Main

How to Give to Drake

Whether you choose to make a gift online, by phone, by mail, or through a stock transfer, each option offers a secure and flexible way to make an impact in the area that matters most to you.

Donor & Gift Spotlights

Behind Drake’s most meaningful progress are donors whose generosity is transforming lives, spaces, and opportunities across campus. Discover how these remarkable gifts continue to move Drake forward.

Greg ad Cie Johansen

Drake University alumnus and Board of Trustees member Greg Johansen, PH’76, and his wife, Cie Johansen, made a historic $28 million gift to support students, programs, and facilities across campus. The transformative commitment—now the largest single‑donor gift in Drake’s history—played a key role in advancing The Ones: Drake’s Campaign for the Brave & Bold.

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Marty Martin speaking into a microphone at FMDS at the close of the Ones Campaign with confetti flying around him.

Drake University’s largest fundraising campaign in history exceeded expectations, raising more than $265 million through The Ones: Drake’s Campaign for the Brave & Bold. Powered by the generosity of thousands of donors and surpassing its goal by over $40 million.

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Peggy Fisher and Larry Stelter

Peggy Fisher, FA’70, and her husband Larry Stelter, pledged $3.325 million to The Ones campaign for capital projects, the Burt Club, the men’s basketball program, and various gifts supporting the University’s annual fund and endowment.

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Paul and Claudia Schickler

Former DuPont Pioneer president and Drake University trustee and alumnus Paul Schickler and his wife, Claudia Schickler, made a transformative $5 million gift to Drake University to support two areas deeply important to them: rural America and Drake athletics.

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The Power of Giving

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Tuition covers 67% of Drake's yearly operating budget—gifts from donors make up the difference.

Over 6,297 alumni made a gift to Drake University in fiscal year 2017-2018.

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$88 Million is awarded in scholarships, grants, and work study programs each year.

“We are all here on the shoulders of those who came before us and sought to give back to the University… We need you to lend Drake your shoulders in order for the future generations to have something to stand on.”
Carl T. Jakopec, PH’69
Recipient of the 2019 Alumni Loyalty Award

Giving Societies

Find out how Drake University giving societies honor loyal donors whose support makes a meaningful difference across campus.

The President's Circle

President's Circle membership is open to any individual or corporation who gives a total of $1,000 or more to provide operational support to Drake in any given fiscal year (July 1 - June 30).

Exterior shot of Old Main looking at the Bell tower.

The Old Main Society

The Old Main Society recognizes donors who have made gifts of $1,000 or more to Drake in support of capital or endowed projects.

Bonnie and Lewis McNurlen

Bonnie & Lewis McNurlen

The Bonnie and Lewis McNurlen Consecutive Years of Giving Society recognizes committed and loyal alumni who make gifts to Drake in any amount and for any purpose in two or more consecutive years.