# Drake University

Drake University is an Endowment / Foundation based in Des Moines, United States.

## Overview

- **Organization type:** Endowment / Foundation
- **Headquarters:** Des Moines, United States
- **Region:** North America
- **Address:** 2507 University Ave., Des Moines, IA, United States
- **Founded:** 1881
- **Assets under management:** 306.2 (Altss estimate)
- **Website:** drake.edu
- **LinkedIn:** https://www.linkedin.com/school/drake-university/

## Regulatory record

- **Reports private funds:** No

## About

Drake University was established in 1881 as a private institution in Des Moines, Iowa. Its endowment originated from university operations and alumni contributions rather than a single family source. The fund supports core academic activities including scholarships and facility maintenance. The endowment allocates across real estate and secondaries strategies. Confirmed holdings include the Drake University Student Housing Portfolio of over 37 off-campus properties and a limited partnership in Partners Group Secondary 2008. Geographic exposure centers on the United States with additional secondaries positions spanning global markets. Drake Real Estate serves as the direct ownership vehicle for residential assets. The university employs 900 staff and maintains membership in NACUBO and CUPA-HR. CliftonLarsonAllen LLP acts as independent auditor. No investment-specific operational events occurred in the last 24 months. Governance rests with a board of trustees that includes executives from financial services and agribusiness. This structure separates endowment management from the university's academic leadership while tying investment outcomes directly to institutional needs.

## Sectors

- Real Estate
- Secondaries & Special Situations

## People

- Marty Martin — President
- Paul Schickler — Board Chair

## Questions

### Who runs investment decisions at Drake University?

The board of trustees oversees endowment policy. Marty Martin serves as president and Paul Schickler as board chair.

### Does Drake University participate in fund commitments or only direct deals?

The endowment holds both direct real estate assets and limited partnership interests such as Partners Group Secondary 2008.

### What asset classes does the Drake University endowment hold?

Holdings include residential real estate through Drake Real Estate and secondaries positions. The portfolio also contains an art collection at the Anderson Gallery.

### Where does the Drake University endowment deploy capital geographically?

Primary exposure is in the United States through Iowa real estate. Secondaries holdings add global diversification.

### How is the Drake University endowment governed relative to the university?

Trustees set investment policy while the president manages academic operations. The structure keeps endowment returns tied to institutional scholarships and programs.

## Related profiles

- [Stonehill College](https://altss.com/profile/stonehill-college)
- [Family Capital Trust Company](https://altss.com/profile/family-capital-trust-company)

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Last updated: 2026-06-03T20:00:00.000Z

Canonical page: https://altss.com/profile/drake-university

Maintained by Altss — https://altss.com — methodology: https://altss.com/methodology