DES MOINES, Iowa — Drake alumnus and Board of Trustees member Greg Johansen and his wife donated $28 million to the university, the school announced Tuesday.
The gift pushes Drake's "The Ones" campaign past its $225 million goal. The campaign, which the university touts as benefiting Des Moines' "Brave & Bold", is comprised of expanded campus programs, renovations and iniatitves.
That includes a complete renovation of Morehouse Hall into a student center.
"With the Johansens’ support, the University will complete the project debt-free with an expected completion date of January 2025. To recognize this powerful contribution, the student center will be named the Johansen Student Center," the university's release reads.
It will also fund:
- The College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
- John D. Bright College
- Drake Athletics (specifically women’s basketball)
- Sustainability efforts
- The Drake Fund
Johansen, a 1976 College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences graduate, has donated to the university in the past, but this is his biggest donation yet.
“We are truly honored and thankful for the Johansens’ visionary support and commitment to advancing our mission,” said Marty Martin, Drake University president. “Greg’s generous commitment is an expression of his unwavering confidence in the power of the Drake Experience and will play a pivotal role in driving progress and transformation across our institution—from giving our students a space to connect and create in the Johansen Student Center to fostering continued innovation in students’ academic experience. "
"The Ones" program has created the Zimpleman College of Business, Ron and Jane Olson Institute for Public Democracy, Mediacom Stadium and Gregory & Suzie Glazer Burt Boys & Girls Club.