News
Our news section is dedicated to sharing pertinent information about these key issue areas, stories about individuals affiliated with and affected by policies in these areas, as well as news about The Harkin Institute itself.
March 11 | Harkin On Wellness Symposium 2026: The Treatment and Prevention of Cancer
Event Information: Date: Wednesday, March 11, 2026 Time: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM CT Location: Parents Hall, Olmsted Center at Drake University Live Stream on The Harkin Institute YouTube channel. Registration: This event is free, but registration is required. Your...
read moreThe Harkin Institute annual wellness symposium on March 11 to focus on cancer treatment, prevention
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Monday, March 2, 2026 Includes update on latest research between cancer, environmental risk factors Followed by Sussman lecture on March 12 with photojournalist KC McGinnis DES MOINES — The Harkin Institute for Public Policy and Citizen...
read moreHarkin statement on the passing of disability rights advocate Ronald Sutcliffe
DES MOINES — U.S. Senator Tom Harkin (retired) issued the following statement on the passing of Ronald Sutcliffe: “Ruth and I were deeply saddened to hear the news of Ronald Sutcliffe’s passing. Ronald was a dedicated voice for the deaf community and all those...
read moreSussman Spring 2026 Lecture – Social by Nature: Environmental Photojournalism for a More Hopeful Future
Event Information Date: Thursday, March 12, 2026 Time: 7:00–8:00 p.m. CT Location: Tom and Ruth Harkin Center (2800 University Avenue, Des Moines, IA, 50311) The Harkin Institute YouTube Channel (Stream link will be sent to virtual attendees before the event) Cost:...
read moreStatement on Passing of Judge Robert Pratt
Retired Senator Tom and Ruth Harkin remember the life of the late Federal Court Judge Robert W. “Bob” Pratt, longtime friend and ally for justice - Jan. 29, 2026 THI Statement Robert Pratt...
read moreThe Harkin Institute Statement on the Passing of Bob Kafka l December 27, 2025
THI Statement Bob Kafka death 122725
read moreNovember 13 | From DC to Iowa: How Policy Shifts Will Impact the Disability Community
Event Information Date: Thursday, November 13, 2025 Time: 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. *Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Location: Tom and Ruth Harkin Center (2800 University Avenue, Des Moines, IA, 50311) & Zoom Livestream Cost: Free, but registration is required. Accommodations:...
read moreThe Harkin Institute Applauds Polk County Board of Supervisors’ Decision | October 21, 2025
Address: 2800 University Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50311 Phone: (515) 271-3623 Email: harkininstitute@drake.edu Office Hours: Monday to Friday 9:00 a.m. to 4:00...
read moreNovember 8-9 | A Taste of ReelAbilities Des Moines 2025
Event Information Date: November 8-9, 2025 Location: Tom and Ruth Harkin Center (2800 University Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50311) Des Moines Art Center (4700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312) Cost: Free! Registration is required. Accommodations: Live-captioning in English...
read moreThe Harkin Institute’s Retirement Security Symposium and NCOA/UMass’s “80% Report” highlight challenges for Financially Vulnerable Senior Citizens | October 9, 2025
Address: 2800 University Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50311 Phone: (515) 271-3623 Email: harkininstitute@drake.edu Office Hours: Monday to Friday 9:00 a.m. to 4:00...
read moreThe Harkin Institute serves as resource not only for information on Sen. Tom Harkin’s career, but also for valuable insight and expertise on the policy issues to which he devoted his career, including wellness and nutrition, retirement security, labor and employment, and people with disabilities.
Address: 2800 University Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50311
Phone: (515) 271-3623
Email: harkininstitute@drake.edu
Office Hours: Monday to Friday 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.