Drake University Unveils Johansen Student Center for Over 150 Groups

A Historic Transformation: Drake University Unveils Johansen Student Center

Drake University proudly introduces the Johansen Student Center, a revitalized space formerly known as Morehouse Residence Hall. The center is set to become the nexus for over 150 student organizations, offering an array of facilities like meeting rooms, collaborative workspaces, and event venues to cultivate future leaders and thinkers.

The official opening was celebrated on Thursday, April 24, coinciding with Relays Week, allowing students, alumni, faculty, and university supporters to partake in the unveiling of the Johansen Student Center, Sammons Intercultural Center, and Sammons Plaza.

This $16.2 million transformation was entirely donor-funded through The Ones: Drake’s Campaign for the Brave and Bold. The campaign’s cornerstone was a historic $28 million gift from Greg Johansen and his wife Cie, marking the largest single-donor contribution in the university’s history and enabling the debt-free completion of the project. More details on the donation can be found here.

Drake University President Marty Martin expressed gratitude, saying, “We are extremely grateful for the generosity of Greg and Cie Johansen, making it possible for the University to convert Morehouse Residence Hall into a vibrant new student center.” He added, “After serving Drake and our students for nearly 100 years as a residence hall, we’re pleased to enhance the historic building and make it a space that can continue to serve our campus community.”

The crowd applauds as Greg Johansen delivers remarks at the Johansen Student Center grand opening event.

Drake’s First Intercultural Center

Part of the extensive 40,000-square-foot renovation includes the introduction of the Sammons Intercultural Center, marking a significant milestone as Drake’s first intercultural center. A portion of a $3.15 million donation from the Sammons Financial Group facilitated this project, with $1.75 million allocated to the intercultural center and $750,000 towards creating Sammons Plaza, an outdoor community space.

The newly renovated building boasts several distinct spaces across its four floors:

Ground Floor: Features Fisher-Stelter Hall, a community workspace formerly the dining hall of Morehouse.

First Floor: Hosts the Darling Institute, Koehn Community Work Zone, Ruan Living Room, Schickler Lounge, Porter Outpost, and Olson Institute for Public Democracy Scholars’ Caucus Room.

Second Floor: Houses the Adams Leadership Institute, Hayes Student Commons, Lacy Workroom, August Lounge, Person Family Suite, and huddle spaces.

Third Floor: Includes the Kinne Center, Ernst Boardroom, J.W. Roberts Digital Hub, Scripps Lounge and Meeting Room, and huddle spaces.

The building’s original fireplace and sitting room was revitalized into a student lounge space now called the Ruan Living Room.

Fisher-Stelter Hall serves as a large, community workspace in what was originally the Morehouse ballroom.

Generous Contributions

The transformation was made possible by several key contributors in addition to the Johansens:

Frances Kinne (FA’40, GR’44): Donated $2 million, resulting in the Kinne Development Center on the third floor.

Cain A. and Denise Hayes: Their $1.5 million contribution is honored through the Cain A. Hayes Student Commons.

The Ruan Foundation: Their donation is reflected in the Ruan Living Room, a student lounge area.

Cathy Lacy (MPA’86) and Steve Lacy: Supported the Lacy Workroom, a major student meeting space on the second floor.

John August (JO’92): His contribution funded the August Lounge, a student workspace on the second floor.

Originally a residence hall for women, Morehouse has played a vital role in Drake’s history. The new Johansen Student Center aims to continue this legacy, enriching student engagement and community building.

Drake Student Body President Ashley Dyson remarked, “On behalf of the student body at Drake, I want to thank the many donors whose support has made this project a reality. For almost 100 years, these walls [Johansen Student Center] have served as a place of community amongst our student body. Now the building will continue that legacy by providing a dedicated space for students to build relationships, hone leadership skills, collaborate with community partners, and get plugged into the causes and issues they care about for generations of Drake students to come.”