When speaking about what makes the Aquinas experience a distinctive one, it is important to look at the hands-on work of the students and faculty. However, it is also useful to take a look at those behind the scenes, whose continuing relationship with the College has contributed uniquely to its outlook as a service and community based institution. No one better embodies this spirit than Marilyn Drake, former Aquinas graduate student and board member, and a long-time friend of the College.

It was in 1970 that Drake established a connection with Aquinas College - “I became acquainted,” she described the experience. “I went to a class there, and I liked it, and then found out we were moving to Grand Rapids.” Drake’s friendships with the Dominican Sisters were another positive draw for her: “Our kids went to Marywood grade school.” Drake was matriculated into Aquinas, pursuing and eventually completing a religious studies degree.
When asked why a religious studies degree, she said, “I was pre-Vatican II, and the opportunity came, and I thought, ‘You know, I really need to catch up with what’s happened in the Church since Vatican II.’ And no better place than at Aquinas. So I started to get involved with the program, just to learn. (…) I was a nurse, but I was always interested in religious studies. (…) They’re always so good, I’ve always been thrilled by courses [at Aquinas.]” Drake completed the program in 1982.

Summarizing the years following her studies, she said, “It’s just been a continuum as far as my relationship with the Dominicans and Aquinas.” Part of this “continuum” has been nine years of service on the Aquinas board. Among her other contributions to the Grand Rapids community, Drake has been heavily involved with the Grand Rapids Art Museum. Of her happiest achievements, she said, “Mother. Grandmother. Wife.” She is also an enthusiastic volunteer. “It was ingrained in us from our parents that you always help others, and get involved in your community,” she said. “You can’t complain… if you don’t do anything to help it, either. It was a common thing, ingrained, and I never stopped doing it. I always have been involved, either with church or community.”

Of the Aquinas emphasis on community and service, Drake said, “When I went to Aquinas I was already a mother with three daughters. In my Masters, I had teenagers already. So I never was on-campus in terms of living, but I definitely got that feeling from kids that had been there that it was [a place of service].” Of the students at Aquinas, she continued, “It’s a great place to be for young people. (…) I get the feeling about the young people that are at Aquinas… they’re intelligent kids, just a neat bunch of kids. I’ve always felt that way.”

Drake’s own service to Aquinas, to make it the best college it can be, will be honored during the 2012 Commencement ceremony. She will receive an honorary degree from the institution, because of her hard work and ongoing relationship with the well-being of the college.

Cecilia Cunningham, Director of Major Gifts at Aquinas College, felt this honor was appropriate to Drake’s level of involvement toward the College community, its students, faculty and staff. "Marilyn Drake is one of those extraordinary women others try to emulate," said Cunningham. "She is gracious, witty, and deeply committed to those institutions she is passionate about - thankfully one is Aquinas College. Her innate talent for hospitality is not based in pretense but genuine love of people. If you've had the chance to meet Marilyn, you've been blessed. If you count her a friend, you have been blessed beyond measure. As a dedicated Trustee of the College, she devoted both time and resources generously. She is very deserving of this amazing honorary degree, it is so fitting."