Emerson Whittemore Honored with Oreon E. Scott Senior Legacy Award

Special Honors and Celebrations at Drake University’s 2026 Spring Commencement

Drake University is poised to award 1,319 degrees across undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels during its 2026 spring commencement. The ceremonies are scheduled for Sunday, May 17, at the Knapp Center in Des Moines, where President Marty Martin will lead the proceedings.

This year’s ceremonies are particularly notable as they signal a significant transition for Provost Sue Mattison, who is retiring after a decade of service to the university. More details on her retirement can be found here.

Griff II ‘Graduates’

This year, Griff II, the beloved live mascot, will step down from his official duties and will ceremoniously cross the stage with the Class of 2026. Griff III has already taken up the mantle, having been officially introduced on May 8, 2026, at Old Main, alongside his caretaker Erin Bell. More information about the live mascot program can be found here.

Commencement Speakers

Kristopher (Kris) Covi, Alumnus Speaker

Kristopher (Kris) Covi, a Drake alumnus and shareholder at Dvorak Law Group, will address the new graduates. Covi, who is also active in stand-up comedy, serves on the Drake University National Alumni Board of Directors.

Katelyn Jetelina, Ph.D., Honorary Degree Recipient

Katelyn Jetelina, Ph.D., is set to receive an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree. Jetelina is recognized globally for her work in public health and is a TIME100 Most Influential People in Health honoree. Her newsletter, Your Local Epidemiologist, has reached over 500 million readers worldwide.

Emerson Whittemore, Oreon E. Scott Senior Legacy Award Recipient

Emerson Whittemore, this year’s winner of the Oreon E. Scott Senior Legacy Award, will speak at the undergraduate ceremony. Whittemore, a sociology and Spanish major, has been actively involved in numerous leadership initiatives and will soon begin a Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship in Uruguay. “Every aspect of my Drake experience… has been shaped by the generosity of spirit and commitment to mission that represent what it means to be a Bulldog,” she shared.

Alicia Chilton, Graduate Ceremony Speaker

Alicia Chilton will speak at the ceremony for graduate and doctoral students. Chilton, who is receiving her MBA, is the vice president of marketing at the Greater Des Moines Partnership, and has previously worked at Drake University.

Commencement Schedule, Parking, and Livestream

Saturday, May 16
● 3 p.m.: College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences Doctoral Hooding and Commencement Ceremony
● 7 p.m.: Drake Law School Commencement

Sunday, May 17
● 10 a.m.: Undergraduate Degree Recipients Ceremony
● 2 p.m.: Graduate and Doctoral Degree Recipients Ceremony

All ceremonies will be broadcasted live at live.drake.edu. Visitors can park for free in campus lots during the events. Further details are available on the Registrar’s website.