DES MOINES, Iowa — Drake University is proud to announce the creation of the Dave Mills Volunteer of the Year Award, set to be presented in conjunction with the 2025 Drake Relays presented by Xtream powered by Mediacom. This award aims to honor extraordinary volunteers whose dedication and contributions elevate the legacy of excellence associated with the Drake Relays, the Drake Road Races, the Grand Blue Mile, and other Relays events.

The award is named in memory of David Lee Mills, who passed away on June 11, 2024, at the age of 91. A beloved member of the Drake community, Mills dedicated more than 68 years to the Drake Relays, leaving an enduring legacy through his tireless volunteer efforts and leadership.

"Dave Mills exemplified what it means to be a dedicated volunteer," said Blake Boldon, Franklin P. Johnson Director of the Drake Relays. "His passion for service and community engagement not only enriched the Drake Relays but also inspired countless others to contribute to our events. We are honored to name this award in his memory."

In his working career, Mills was instrumental in the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act as the former Executive Director of the National Rehabilitation Association. As a volunteer, his contributions extended beyond the Drake Relays, influencing various organizations, including AARP and Planned Parenthood. Mills' remarkable dedication to Drake University was evidenced by his long-standing service on the Drake Relays Committee, where he held the position of chairperson an unprecedented four times and was also inducted into the Drake Relays Officials Wall of Honor. In 2022, Mills was honored with the Drake Relays Paul Morrison Legacy Award, recognizing his outstanding and lasting contributions to the Drake Relays.

Beginning this fall, nominations for the Dave Mills Volunteer of the Year Award will be open to the public. We invite community members to recognize those who exemplify dedication, leadership, and commitment to excellence in service of America's Athletic Classic by submitting nominations. The nomination link for the inaugural honoree can be found here. The deadline for nominations will be March 1, 2025.

The 115th edition of the Drake Relays, scheduled for April 24-26, 2025, will serve as the stage for this meaningful tribute, with the award presented during Relays week to honor the spirit of volunteerism that Mills championed.

In conjunction with this announcement, volunteers and officials are invited to the first-ever Drake Relays Volunteer Appreciation Night at Drake Volleyball, while the Bulldogs host conference foes Indiana State on Friday, October 25. The match will start at 6 p.m., with volunteers and officials gathering along with Drake Relays Committee members and staff at 5:15 p.m. for pre-game hospitality to celebrate the success of the 2024 Drake Relays presented by Xtream.