The Ones Who Are Bulldogs Through and Through

Gary’s relationship with Drake began more than 50 years ago as a student, while Melissa married into the Bulldog family. Together, they are often seen on campus and at Drake events.

The Porters have supported the rescue fair at the Beautiful Bulldog Contest, and they recently hosted an event for admitted students. Gary serves on the College of Business and Public Administration National Advisory Council and is a distinguished lecturer for the college.

Gary is also the author of Griff: My Life as Drake’s Top Dog, which celebrates the University and the impact of Drake’s first official live mascot.

“It’s a pleasure for us to promote Des Moines and the Drake community, and to feel like we are able to do that during book events,” says Melissa, who oversees book marketing and promotion.

The Porters have also invested in Drake through The Ones: Drake’s Campaign for the Brave & Bold with a leadership-level estate gift for the University Center and an endowed gift to the Changemaker Scholars program.

“I appreciate what a gathering place for faculty, staff, students, and the Des Moines community will do to elevate the status of the University,” says Gary about the University Center.

Previously, the couple created an endowed scholarship for accounting students and spearheaded a research fund for CBPA faculty in honor of Gary’s late mentor and Drake professor emeritus Harry Wolk.

“It’s all part of our greater planning and wanting to give back to support the next generation of business leaders,” says Melissa.

Join the Ones Who Share the Vision

By elevating Drake together, we will transform our campus and community for an evolving world. Join the ones who will make Drake’s vision a reality. To learn how you can use your estate plan to support The Ones: Drake’s Campaign for the Brave & Bold, please contact John Amato at 515-271-2849 or john.amato@drake.edu today.