Drake University: A Legacy of Notable Alumni
Drake University, an institution with a rich history, has fostered a diverse array of accomplished individuals who have made significant contributions across various fields. From the arts and entertainment to politics, business, and athletics, Drake alumni have left an indelible mark on the world. This article explores the lives and achievements of some of the university's most prominent graduates and former students.
Arts and Entertainment
Drake University boasts a strong presence in the entertainment industry, with alumni making waves in film, television, music, and theater.
Jeremy Piven, an acclaimed actor, is perhaps best known for his role as Ari Gold in the hit comedy series "Entourage." His portrayal earned him a Golden Globe Award and three consecutive Emmy Awards. Piven also starred in the British period drama "Mr Selfridge" and the sitcom "Ellen."
Michael Emerson has captivated audiences with his performances in television and film. He is widely recognized for his roles as Benjamin Linus on "Lost" and Harold Finch in the CBS series "Person of Interest." Emerson's other notable credits include the horror film "Saw" and the Paramount+ thriller series "Evil."
Steve Allen, a multifaceted entertainer, achieved national fame as the co-creator and first host of "The Tonight Show," a pioneering late-night television talk show. Allen was also a comedian, musician, composer, writer, and actor.
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Sam Wanamaker was an American actor and director whose career spanned five decades, encompassing stage, film, and television. He began his career on Broadway but spent much of his professional life in the United Kingdom.
Julee Cruise, a singer and actress, was known for her collaborations with composer Angelo Badalamenti and director David Lynch, particularly on the "Twin Peaks" series.
Mark DeCarlo is an actor, television host, comedian, and travel personality. He contributes to the WLS-TV morning show "Windy City Live" and has received three local Emmy Awards for his work.
Literature and Journalism
Drake University has also produced notable figures in the fields of literature, journalism, and science communication.
Bill Bryson, a prolific writer, is known for his nonfiction books on travel, the English language, and science. He holds dual American and British citizenship and served as the chancellor of Durham University.
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Susan Glaspell was an American playwright, novelist, journalist, and actress. She co-founded the Provincetown Players, an influential American theater company.
Goli Taraqqi, an Iranian novelist and short story writer, has gained recognition for her literary works.
Dayton Duncan is an American screenwriter, producer, and former political aide known for his work in documentary filmmaking.
Mark Doty is an American poet and memoirist, celebrated for his work "My Alexandria," which won the National Book Award for Poetry.
Politics and Law
Drake University has a long tradition of producing leaders in politics and law, with alumni serving in various government positions and legal roles.
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Terry Branstad, a prominent Republican politician, served as the Governor of Iowa for an unprecedented six terms. He later served as the United States Ambassador to China under President Donald Trump.
Robert D. Ray served as the 38th Governor of Iowa from 1969 to 1983, leaving a lasting impact on the state. He graduated from Drake University with a Bachelor of Arts in business science in 1952 and a Bachelor of Laws in 1954.
Chester John "Chet" Culver served as the 41st Governor of Iowa from 2007 to 2011. He previously held the position of Secretary of State of Iowa.
Adam Gregg is the current Lieutenant Governor of Iowa, having served in that role since 2019. He also served as Acting Lieutenant Governor from 2017 to 2019 and as Public Defender of Iowa.
Jim Nussle is a businessman and retired politician who served as a member of the United States House of Representatives and as the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).
Stephen J. Rapp is an American lawyer, academic, and former politician who served as the United States Ambassador-at-Large for War Crimes Issues.
Cindy Axne served as the U.S. Representative for Iowa's 3rd congressional district from 2019 to 2021. She is a member of the Democratic Party.
Zach Nunn is the U.S. Representative for Iowa's 3rd congressional district since 2023. He previously served in the Iowa Senate and the Iowa House of Representatives.
Johnny Clayton Taylor, Jr. is an American lawyer, author, and public speaker who serves as the president and chief executive officer of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM).
Patience Drake "Pat" Roggensack is a retired American attorney and jurist who served as the 26th Chief Justice of the Wisconsin Supreme Court.
Bonnie J. Campbell is a lawyer and politician.
Business and Entrepreneurship
Drake University alumni have also achieved success in the world of business and entrepreneurship.
George Cohon was an American-born Canadian businessman and lawyer who founded McDonald's Canada and McDonald's Russia.
Robert Lee Vander Plaats is an American politician and political activist, serving as the president and CEO of The Family Leader, a socially conservative organization in Iowa.
Athletics
Drake University has a proud athletic tradition, with alumni excelling in various sports.
Zach Johnson is a professional golfer with 12 PGA Tour victories, including two major championships: the 2007 Masters and the 2015 Open Championship.
Billy Cundiff is a former professional football player who played as a placekicker in the National Football League (NFL).
Bob Netolicky is a retired American basketball player who played professionally in the American Basketball Association (ABA) and was a four-time ABA All-Star.
Rayvonte Rice is an American professional basketball player who last played for the Guangdong Southern Tigers of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA).
Willie M. Wise is an American former professional basketball player who had a successful career in the ABA.
Ezra Hendrickson is a Vincentian professional football coach and former player. He was the head coach of Major League Soccer club Chicago Fire FC and is now the manager of the Vincentian national team.
Ray Rizzo is a three-time Pokémon Video Game World Champion, considered one of the best players of competitive Pokémon.
Other Notable Alumni
In addition to the individuals mentioned above, Drake University has produced alumni who have made significant contributions in other fields:
Carol Morris is an American actress, model, and beauty queen who was crowned Miss Universe in 1956.
Roger Williams was an American popular music pianist with numerous hit singles and albums.
Brian Wansink is an American former professor and researcher who worked in consumer behavior and marketing research.
Sherrill Milnes is an American dramatic baritone opera singer, renowned for his Verdi roles.
Matthew Woodring Stover is an American fantasy and science fiction novelist, known for his "Star Wars" novels.
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