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Drake University Honors Sara Donovan as Inaugural LEAD Partner Awardee

Drake University Celebrates Community Partnership with New Award

Drake University has introduced the Thomas Westbrook LEAD Partner of the Year Award, recognizing significant contributions to student leadership and community engagement. Sara Donovan, a prominent figure at Broadlawns Medical Center, has been honored as the first recipient of this award.

Donovan, who graduated from Drake University and is an alumna of the LEAD program, plays a pivotal role as Director of Access and Engagement at Broadlawns Health Systems. She has been key in creating partnerships that offer students practical service experiences. Her collaboration with the LEAD 100 course was especially notable, as she guided students in rallying both college and high school volunteers to support a new food pantry at Broadlawns. This initiative thrived due to her dedication and leadership.

Named after Dr. Thomas Westbrook, the LEAD program’s founder, the award underscores the lasting impact of connecting students with community organizations to foster meaningful change.


At the award ceremony, Sara Donovan was joined by Maria Morgan, JD, Chief Administrative Officer and Vice President of Administration at Broadlawns Medical Center, and Dr. Tom Buckmiller, Director of the Drake LEAD Program.

Dr. Tom Buckmiller commented, “Sara exemplifies what it means to be a true partner in leadership education. Her commitment to students, her collaborative spirit, and her focus on addressing community needs make her an ideal recipient of this award.”

The LEAD Program anticipates continued collaboration with Donovan and Broadlawns Medical Center to empower students and enhance community ties.

About the LEAD Program

The Leadership Education and Development (LEAD) program at Drake University is an interdisciplinary minor accessible to all students, irrespective of their major. It aims to equip graduates to make impactful contributions to their communities by promoting ethical leadership and positive social change. For more information, visit drake.edu/LEAD.

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