Since its founding in 1976, the center has helped over 1,300 people learn to read. Another important focus of the literacy program is to give students tutoring experience. Several openings are currently available for any student with an interest in teaching or training. The new schoolyear has brought changes to the Head Start program, which serves lower income families in Des Moines. The Head Start program now features several computers, which help children with their literacy skills.
Parents also receive training.
Murr said the literary program faces an increasingly important role as the issue of literacy becomes more prominent. The literacy center reopened Sept. 8. The center had been closed since January 1998 after the retirement of the program's director. Jane Rankin will give the 14th annual Luther W. Stalnaker Lecture on Wednesday, Sept. 23 at 8 p.m. in Old Main's Sheslow Auditorium. Rankin joined the Drake faculty in 1978.