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.
Read our new briefs on school wellness standards and policies
Read our new briefs on school wellness standards and policies by our Graduate Research Assistant Aubrey Kohl School Wellness Practices to Combat Diet-Related Diseases Diet-related diseases such as obesity are a threat to the health and well-being of...
read moreJune 9 | Workplace Accessibility Roundtable
Event Information Date: Monday, June 9, 2025 Time: 5:00–7:00 p.m. CT Location: Tom and Ruth Harkin Center (2800 University Ave., Des Moines, IA 50310) Virtual Livestream Cost: Free, but registration is required. Accommodations: American Sign Language and...
read moreMay 22 | Long-Term Care Policy Options Webinar
Webinar Information Date: Thursday, May 22, 2025 Time: 2:00–3:00 p.m. CT Location: Zoom Webinar (link will be sent to attendees closer to the event) Cost: Free, but registration is required. Accommodations: Live-captioning in English will be provided for attendees....
read moreTom and Ruth Harkin Center Achieves Gold Rating for Accessibility from Rick Hansen Foundation
The Tom and Ruth Harkin Center, home of The Harkin Institute for Public Policy & Citizen Engagement at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, has achieved Gold Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility CertificationTM, becoming the second building, following La...
read moreThe Harkin Institute and the Iowa Environmental Council team up for a new cancer research initiative
The Harkin Institute and the Iowa Environmental Council are announcing the launch of a new initiative that explores the relationship between environmental risk factors and cancer rates in Iowa. Iowa has the second-highest cancer rates in the nation, and it...
read moreApril 29 | ADA Documentary Screening and Panel Discussion of “Change Not Charity: The Americans with Disabilities Act”
Event Information Date: Tuesday, April 29, 2025 Time: 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. CT *Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Location: Tom and Ruth Harkin Center (2800 University Ave., Des Moines, IA 50311) Cost: Free, but registration is required. Accommodations: American Sign Language and...
read moreApril 2 | Closing the Retirement Savings Gap Webinar
Webinar Information Date: Wednesday, April 2, 2025 Time: 2:00–3:00 p.m. CT Location: Zoom Webinar (link will be sent to attendees closer to the event) Cost: Free, but registration is required. Accommodations: Live-captioning in English will be provided for...
read moreApril 16 | Harkin On Wellness Symposium 2025: The Future of Clean Water
Event Information: Date: Wednesday, April 16, 2025 Time: 9:00 AM - 4:30 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 moreOut Now! The Harkin Institute’s FY2024 Annual Report
Read the Fiscal Year 2024 Annual Report! The Harkin Institute's Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2024 is out now! The report includes highlights and accomplishments from the last fiscal year, as well as a list of our most recent donors who helped to make it all possible....
read moreFebruary 20 | Spring 25 Sussman Lecture: Students Are Humans First with Dr. Sara Goldrick-Rab
Event Information Date: Thursday, February 20, 2025 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)...
read moreMedia and Communications Contact:
Kathryn Kuckelman
kathryn.kuckelman@drake.edu
515-271-1895
The 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.