FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 24, 2003

CONTACT: Lisa Lacher, (515) 271-3119, (515) 979-9188

DRAKE TO DEDICATE HELMICK COMMONS PROJECTS SATURDAY

On Saturday, April 26, Drake University will dedicate four projects in Helmick Commons and honor the memory of Des Moines attorney Robert H. Helmick, a Drake alumnus. Helmick, who died April 15, initiated the landscaping project that has transformed the west side of the Drake campus from a barren field to an inviting area where students live, relax and play.

The dedication ceremony will start at 11 a.m. at the north end of Helmick Commons, which extends from University Avenue to Forest Avenue and from 28th Street through 31st Street. In case of heavy rain, the event will be held in the Student Lounge in Olmsted Center, 29th Street and University Avenue.

"To be sure, this will be a bittersweet celebration," said Benjamin Ullem, chair of Drake's Board of Trustees. "With Bob Helmick's untimely passing on April 15, this dedication will serve as a celebration as well as a memorial tribute to the impact that Bob and the entire Helmick family have had on the University they love so much."

"Almost $2 million has been raised for Helmick Commons and its projects," said Drake President David Maxwell. "This achievement wouldn't have been possible without Bob, who was the largest contributor."

Helmick, who served on Drake's governing board since 1985, had many ties to the University. The son of a Drake physics professor and mathematics instructor, he grew up in a house at 1306 28th St., now the site of Meredith Hall. He earned his bachelor's degree from Drake in 1957 and was valedictorian of his Drake Law School class in 1960. He also received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Drake in 1986. His family collectively holds 14 Drake degrees.

Two of Helmick's four children, Robert N. Helmick and Suzanne Book, will speak at the dedication ceremony.

The projects to be dedicated Saturday are:

• Professor Paul and Dorothy Helmick Courtyard at the southwest corner of Harvey Ingham Hall. The courtyard serves as a memorial to Robert H. Helmick's parents.
• The Kragie Newell Agora, a unique structure made possible by a gift from Drake alumni Liz Newell and Jack Kragie. The agora, which means gathering place in Greek, was designed for a variety of gatherings ranging from jazz concerts to political rallies as well as for an informal place for students to meet and relax.
• The Wells Fargo Financial Reflecting Pool, which is a key element of the quiet oasis at the north end of Helmick Commons. The pool was given to Drake by Wells Fargo Financial in recognition of the 100th anniversary of the company's predecessors, Dial Finance Corp. and Norwest Financial.
• The Wells Fargo Bank Garden, which surrounds the Wells Fargo Financial Reflecting Pool. The garden, made possible by a gift from Wells Fargo Bank Iowa, includes natural limestone walls where students may walk on the narrow ledge between the water and the limestone outcropping and sit in various spots among the pool and garden.

Branson Plaza, another component of Helmick Commons, was completed and dedicated last fall. Additional projects to be completed include Lane Plaza, Principal Plaza and Quad Creek.