Alumni, experience make Drake special

Column by Carly Grenfell

Second semester always seems to fly by even faster than the first one. I thought I would dedicate this article to all the seniors graduating this year.

It is wild to think that many of us will be off to the real world in no time. To some that might be scary. But why not look on the bright side? You are beyond prepared for what is next.

I personally could not be more thankful and appreciative of my time thus far at Drake. (And lucky me, I still have a year of eligibility left!)

The education, the professors and the academic experiences- they are few and far between. Not to mention Des Moines being a wonderful place to settle professionally.

One of my favorite parts about being on the basketball team is getting to hear from the alumni- many of which have left a legacy behind them.

It amazes me how many of them, to this day, still beam with Drake pride. They speak so highly of the institution and what they experienced as Bulldogs, that they continue to come back for more.

Whether it is supporting athletics or giving financially, there will always be a place in their heart for this university. That speaks magnitudes.

It won’t be easy giving up the college life or adjusting to the “real world.” However, I guarantee the Drake experience is one you will carry with you for a lifetime.

At Drake, you aren’t just a number. You are a student or a student-athlete in which the people around you care about your success and well being. I don’t believe that is something you find any place else.

You’ll remember enjoying the Drake Relays. You’ll remember the incredible speakers Drake has brought to campus.

You’ll remember your university president who is more active than most presidents. You’ll remember storming the court after upsetting a ranked opponent. You’ll remember the Forbes articles that say how unique Drake is. You’ll remember the people you’ve met and relationships you’ve built. And the list continues.

Being a Drake student is awesome. But to say you are a Drake graduate and at last a Drake alumni? That is equally awesome. Hats off to the class of 2014. Go get ‘em.

Grenfell is a senior public relations and management double major and can be reached at carly.grenfell@drake.edu