Adam Emmenecker, BN '08

Adam is Vice President of Corporate Development & Financial Analysis at Sammons Financial Group

For Adam Emmenecker, being a Bulldog extends far beyond the years he spent on the court. A member of Drake men’s basketball from 2004–2008, Adam arrived at Drake as a late decision in July, initially planning to attend Boston College for baseball. But once he set foot on campus and experienced both Drake University and Des Moines, he knew he had found the right fit. What began as a walk-on student-athlete experience quickly became a lifelong connection to the university, the city, and the people who call both home.

During his time at Drake, Adam excelled both in the classroom and on the court. He completed four business majors, a minor, and concentration, and received the NCAA Men’s Basketball Academic All-American of the year award. While competing at the highest level in the Missouri Valley Conference, his senior season became one of the most historic in Drake Athletics history. In 2008, Drake won its first-ever Missouri Valley Conference Tournament championship, a milestone victory that also secured the program’s first NCAA Tournament appearance since the 1970–1971 season. The Bulldogs’ remarkable run capped a breakthrough year for the program and reenergized the Drake community on a national stage.

At the center of that historic season was Adam’s leadership and performance. During the 2007–2008 campaign, he was named the Larry Bird Missouri Valley Conference Most Valuable Player and won the MVC Tournament MVP, recognizing his pivotal role in guiding Drake through its championship run. His senior year accolades reflect both his on-court impact and his broader influence on the program, cementing his place in Drake basketball history.

Before graduating, Adam secured a job offer with Principal Financial Group. However, after college, he pursued his professional basketball aspirations, playing for a year in Germany and briefly with the Iowa Energy upon returning to the U.S. When his playing career concluded, Drake’s emphasis on preparation and opportunity paid off; Principal Financial Group honored the offer Adam had earned as a student, launching a professional career that would keep him firmly rooted in Des Moines.

Over the years, Adam has built an impressive career in the Des Moines business community, spending 11 years at Principal Financial Group, five years at Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield, and in March, will step into a new role at Sammons Financial Group. Alongside his professional growth, he’s built a full and rewarding life in Des Moines, drawn by the city’s affordability, accessibility, evolving culture, and strong sense of community. Adam credits finding the right friend groups and opportunities for involvement as key reasons he chose to stay, noting that Des Moines offers “a lot at your fingertips” while still feeling connected and personal.

That sense of connection is especially strong when it comes to Drake. Adam remains deeply involved with the university and its athletic programs, serving on the alumni board, broadcasting Drake basketball games since 2011, and participating in the Bulldog Club for several years. Staying engaged allows him to relive meaningful memories while contributing to new successes, both for the teams and the broader Drake and Des Moines communities. For Adam, Drake Athletics has a unique ability to galvanize people, creating emotional ties that extend well beyond wins and losses. Supporting Drake and Drake Athletics is his way of giving back, helping create opportunities for future student-athletes, alumni, and students, just as Drake once did for him.