DES MOINES, IOWA -- Seven graduating senior members of the Drake men's and women's track and field program participated in a special commencement ceremony at Aliber Hall Monday.
The special graduation tradition at Drake was established in 1993 for senior student-athletes who were fortunate to participate in Missouri Valley Conference, NCAA Regional or NCAA Competition on the day of Drake Spring Commencement ceremony.
The group will be competing in the Missouri Valley Conference Outdoor Championships this weekend in Normal, Ill., missing Drake's Spring Commencement on Sunday (May 16).
"Recognizing the importance of commencement to seniors and their families, and knowing how hard our student-athletes have worked in all aspects of their lives at Drake, we want to be sure that we recognize in an appropriate way the accomplishments of today's honorees," said Drake President David Maxwell. "And I'm pleased that a number of our staff and coaches are here to extend their congratulations to these students."
President Maxwell bestowed baccaluareate degrees upon sprinter
Caitlin Able (Aurora, Colo.), middle distance runner
Nicole Braunsdorf (St. Francis, Wis.), thrower
Deidra Dirth (Apple Valley, Minn.), sprinter
Kevin Earl (Overland Park, Kan.), distance runner
Jeff Grassmeyer (Fremont, Neb.), distance runner
Courtney Heinz (St. Paul, Minn.) and sprinter
Troy Kimberlin (Rochester, Ill.).
"As graduates, this is an occasion for each of you to reflect on where you've been, what you have achieved, and how far you have yet to travel," President Maxwell added. "You can take justifiable pride in your academic success, as well as your athletic accomplishments
and I am delighted to congratulate each of you.
"It is my hope also that you remember with appreciation always the faculty, staff and coaches who enriched your education and athletic success at Drake.
Able, who served as member of the Drake Student Athlete Advisory Council, earned a degree in graphic design and creative advertising.
Braunsdorf, a recipient of the Missouri Valley Conference Commissioner's Academic Excellence Award, earned a degree in journalism.
Dirth, who was a recipient of the Missouri Valley Conference Good Neighbor Award, received a bachelor of arts degree in psychology with a concentration in human resource management and a minor in business.
Earl, who earned MVC Scholar Athlete honors, received degrees in both marketing and radio-tv production.
Grassmeyer, a two-time MVC champion in the indoor 3,000 and outdoor 5,000, received a degree in education.
Heinz, a three-time member of the MVC Commissioner's Honor Roll, earned a degree in secondary education with an endorsement in English. She will teach in China for nine months starting in August.
Kimberlin, who earned All-MVC indoor honors as a member of the distance medley relay, received a degree in advertising.
"I always look forward to this time of the year," said Drake head track and field coach Natasha Kaiser Brown. "The early graduation commencement is my favorite ceremony as our track and field student-athletes are showcased in front of friends and family.
"President Maxwell does an amazing job making the presentation personal and special for each graduate.," added Kaiser Brown.
