Drake University Announces 2026 Alumni Award Recipients

Drake University Honors Alumni for Service and Achievement

Drake University’s National Alumni Association will celebrate six graduates on April 23rd, recognizing their contributions to both the university and their respective communities. Among those being honored are Mary Chapman, receiving the Community Service Award, and Emily Steele, who will be presented with the Young Alumni Achievement Award. The ceremony, set to begin at 5:15 p.m. At Sheslow Auditorium on the Drake University campus, also recognizes Jon Bowermaster, Chuck Schoffner, John August, and Molly Wilensky Nguyen for their accomplishments. The announcement, made by Drake University President Marty Martin, underscores the university’s commitment to acknowledging the lasting impact of its alumni.

Chapman’s Legacy of Community Service

Mary Chapman’s recognition with the Community Service Award highlights a career dedicated to public service. A two-time Drake University graduate, Chapman has served as a vital figure in higher education in Iowa. Currently, she holds the position of vice president emeritus at Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC). Drake University News details her significant accomplishments in community engagement. While specific details of Chapman’s community service initiatives were not provided, the award itself signifies a substantial and meaningful record of giving back.

Steele’s Early Career Success

Emily Steele is being honored with the Young Alumni Achievement Award, a testament to her rapid professional ascent. Steele earned a degree in marketing and public relations from Drake University in 2012, and notably, was the first in her family to graduate from college. The Des Moines Register reported on Steele’s work with a digital marketing platform called Hummingbirds, which focuses on promoting social “goodness.” This suggests a career path aligned with purpose-driven marketing and a commitment to positive social impact.

The Drake Alumni Awards: A Tradition of Recognition

The annual Drake University Alumni Awards are designed to acknowledge the professional achievements and community contributions of the university’s graduates. President Martin emphasized the importance of this recognition, stating that the honorees’ continued dedication to Drake exemplifies what it means to be a “Bulldog” – a lifelong commitment to giving back. Memesita.com provides a comprehensive list of the six honorees for 2026.

What Happens Next for the Honorees

The awards ceremony on April 23rd will formally recognize Chapman, Steele, Bowermaster, Schoffner, August, and Nguyen. Following the ceremony, it is anticipated that the honorees will continue their respective work, serving as ambassadors for Drake University and inspiring future generations of Bulldogs. Details regarding any specific post-award plans or initiatives for the honorees were not provided.

Confirmed vs. Unclear Details

While the announcement confirms the six award recipients and the date and location of the ceremony, several details remain unclear. The specific nature of Chapman’s community service contributions, beyond her role at DMACC, has not been publicly detailed. Similarly, the specific achievements that led to Steele’s Young Alumni Achievement Award, beyond her degree and work with Hummingbirds, require further investigation. The accomplishments of Jon Bowermaster, Chuck Schoffner, John August, and Molly Wilensky Nguyen were not detailed in the available sources.