Whether in the middle of America or the middle of southern Africa, Susan Ratcliff Drake '58 has spent her life devoted to educating children and teachers.

After graduating from Grinnell with degrees in elementary education and art, she worked as a teacher in Illinois, Iowa, Colorado, and England. In 1979, she returned to Grinnell when her husband, George Drake '56, became the College's president. She helped organize dinners at Grinnell House, hosted faculty events, and even sang as part of a barbershop quartet—all while raising three children.

From 1991 to 1993, she worked as a Peace Corps volunteer in Lesotho in southern Africa. While she was there, Drake often traveled by horseback to meet with teachers to help them create curriculum and organize lesson plans. She helped raise funds for desks and benches, and encouraged friends and family to send books to stock a small library.

For the past 12 years, she has played a critical role in the growth of the Stewart Public Library in Grinnell. She has helped organize summer programs, and her storytelling and music have inspired and entertained countless children. She helped start a major fundraising effort to build a new library. Her persuasiveness, says one nominator, "is so compelling that she draws others to participate in accomplishing the goals." The new library building will be named to honor of this alumna and her husband.

For her commitment to improving education for children and teachers around the world, Grinnell is proud to recognize Susan Ratcliff Drake '58.