Drake University and Blank Park Zoo Receive Estate Gifts

Drake University and the Blank Park Zoo will receive a combined $2.8 million from the estate of Holmes and Marjorie Foster to fund conservation science education and professional training.

The Des Moines private university announced it has received a $1 million gift to establish a specific scholarship program for students enrolled in its zoo and conservation science curriculum. This endowment aims to remove financial hurdles for those dedicated to wildlife protection and environmental sustainability.

“Our students come to Drake because they want to spend their lives caring for animals and protecting wild places,” said Keith Summerville, Drake Department of Environmental Science and Sustainability chair.

“The Fosters’ gift will help ensure financial barriers don’t get in the way of students pursuing that passion and making a difference in the world,” Summerville added.

Entrance to the campus of drake university ken wolter

The Holmes and Marjorie Foster Zoo and Conservation Science Scholarship is designed with specific eligibility requirements to support local talent. To qualify, students must be Iowa residents and have completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.

Recipients will receive an annual scholarship of $5,000 for up to four years. Beyond tuition assistance, the gift includes a $3,000 professional development stipend intended to fund experiential learning, academic conferences, and potential international travel opportunities.

While two students have already participated in the program through pilot scholarships, the total number of future recipients will be determined by the volume of applicants and demonstrated financial need.

Drake University and Blank Park Zoo receive $2.8 million donation — KCCI

The impact of these funds extends beyond the classroom and into the professional workforce through a direct partnership between the university and the zoo.

The Blank Park Zoo is also a beneficiary of the estate, receiving $1.8 million to launch a new internship support system. Starting in summer 2027, these funds will provide stipends for Drake University students working as interns at the zoo.

This financial support for interns is intended to bridge the gap between academic study and hands-on field experience. Some of the remaining funds will be directed toward zoo projects and new exhibits, though specific details regarding these upcoming installations have not yet been released.

“Marjorie and Holmes’ generosity gives Blank Park Zoo an incredible opportunity to advance our mission, support the animals in our care and create meaningful experiences for future generations,” said Anne Shimerdla, president and CEO of Blank Park Zoo.

“Our partnership with Drake University extends that mission beyond the Zoo’s grounds by giving students valuable, hands-on experience in conservation and helping prepare them to make a difference for wildlife,” Shimerdla said.

Recipient Institution	Gift Amount	Primary Use
Drake University	$1,000,000	Zoo and Conservation Science scholarships and stipends
Blank Park Zoo	$1,800,000	Student intern stipends and future exhibits/projects

The dual-pronged approach of the gift addresses both the rising cost of higher education for specialized sciences and the necessity of paid, practical experience in the conservation sector.