GREETINGS
to our alumni and friends,
At Clarke, we are developing ambitious plans across many areas to ensure our students graduate with the skills needed to succeed and are empowered by the guidance of our Core Values to exceed even their own expectations.
The issues in our world are complex, yet the keys to addressing them are best broken down into clear, straightforward steps. As we focus on the future of Clarke, we began this process with the development of a new vision statement. This statement was cultivated through input from the full Clarke community, including students, employees, Board of Trustees, and alumni.
VISION STATEMENT
Clarke University will be distinguished as a compassionate and inclusive community. We educate and inspire through our core values of Freedom, Education, Charity, and Justice. Together we thrive through our Catholic, BVM, and liberal arts traditions, graduating leaders who make a positive difference in the world.
In the following pages, we share some of what has already been accomplished under this banner, as well as the promising things to come. In the months ahead, you can expect to see continuous email updates regarding academic and athletic offerings, recruitment and retention initiatives, community and philanthropic partnerships, and more. With this vision statement, it is our intent that each new action is a unified step forward in Clarke’s commitment to the common good and the future of our community,
Sincerely,
Fletcher Lamkin, Ph.D. Interim President
BUILDING FROM A STRONG FOUNDATION
As we embark on the next stages of the strategic plan, the heritage of the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary remain an integral part of the Clarke community. Currently, there are two BVM Sisters employed at Clarke, and another eight serve on our Board of Trustees. Our students also visit the sisters regularly at Mt. Carmel, such as our monthly Prayer Partners events for our Resident Assistants.
Catherine Dunn, BVM, has played a pivotal role in the legacy of both Clarke and the BVMs. In 2022, she celebrated 70 years in religious life with the BVMs and 2023 will mark 50 years of service at Clarke
Please join us in congratulating her on these historic milestones!
CLARKE UNIVERSITY
Since 1843, Clarke University has championed the values of freedom, education, charity, and justice in Dubuque, Iowa. Today, we call on our Catholic heritage and the strength of the BVM Sisters to spread this commitment to the common good around the world.
JULIE CIRKS
WE ARE ’06
TOTAL ENROLLMENT
27% 956 student racial and ethnic diversity
STUDENTS FROM 41 STATES & 25 COUNTRIES
Belize • Bolivia • Brazil • Canada • Chile
Columbia • Costa Rica • El Salvador
Germany • Honduras • Ireland • Italy
Jamaica
• Japan • Kenya • Liberia • Mexico
Netherlands • Panama • South Africa • Spain
St. Lucia • Thailand • United Kingdom
Venezuela • Vietnam
Julie Cirks ‘06, was named the Vice President for Enrollment Management in August 2022. Over her 20+ years at Clarke, she has performed nearly every role in Enrollment Management, starting as a student tour guide. Now, she and her team are leading ambitious recruitment and retention efforts guided by the Clarke core values.
“I believe in the power of the Clarke mission, and it is my goal to make our high-quality, values-based education accessible to all. Through collaboration with our faculty and staff, I look forward to welcoming and graduating more students at Clarke.”
TOP 5 MAJORS
Business Administration
Sport Management
Nursing
Psychology
Health, Wellness, and Behavioral Science
JOIN US IN WELCOMING THE RETURN OF
COMPUTER SCIENCE!
Already, this popular major is having an impact on the community.
READ MORE:
SUPPORTING OUR STUDENTS
We’re proud to highlight five initiatives that improved our students’ lives this year.
CU Linked is led by the Clarke Social Work department and connects students with services for food, housing, and more. It has been especially beneficial for students new to Dubuque.
The MARC, otherwise known as the Margaret Mann Academic Resource Center, has staff and peer coaches who can assist with writing, mathematics, time management, and more.
WELCOMING
Campus Ministry welcomed Sister Kathleen Sinclair, BVM back to Clarke as its Director. She’s laid the groundwork to grow ministry on campus, from Service Trips to new opportunities.
Peer Mentoring helps students feel more comfortable and confident at Clarke through weekly one-on-one time with their mentor, plus group events.
“Since entering the program as a mentor last semester, I have helped others build those relationships sooner. All the mentors and mentees bond over shared experiences and interests.”
JONES
University Health Services & Counseling offer many types of care, education, and outreach focused on health and wellness.
COMPUTER major
’25 CHARLIE
“I came to Clarke as a transfer student. At first, I was worried about making connections but the atmosphere here is great. With the small classes, I’ve gotten to know my professors, classmates, and my advisor really well. Everywhere I’ve gone I’ve had these amazing support systems and it has made Clarke and Dubuque feel like home.”
OLIVIA GOSSARD ’22
MEE T more OF OUR
HUMANS OF CLARKE
INVESTING IN SUCCESS
Unrestricted gifts from our alumni and friends impact every part of the Clarke experience, from student scholarships to the 45% of Clarke’s annual operating budget not covered by tuition. Here are some of the ways your gifts made an impact in the 2022-23 academic year.
As part of their 50th Reunion Celebration, the Class of 1972 led a renovation of the Lion’s Den. Together, they raised $100,000, including a generous $50,000 matching gift from Board of Trustee member Cathy Schulze ’72. The Lion’s Den reopened to students in February and has been buzzing with activity ever since.
Did you know that on average, donor gifts help offset the cost of tuition, room, board, and fees by more than $2,387 per student each year? Clarke received $766,637 in endowed gifts from 75 donors this year, helping to fund the scholarships and projects that promote student success now and in the future.
Through the efforts of staff in the Mackin Office of Institutional Advancement, Financial Aid, and other areas, Clarke expanded our scholarship offerings, such as the Catholic Tradition Award for graduates of Catholic high schools. We also enhanced existing opportunities like the Legacy Scholarship and Clarke Alumni Referral & Engagement (CARE) Society, which reward family and friend referrals to Clarke.
ALUMNI WHO
“It has been so rewarding for me to watch Isabelle go through the application and admittance process at Clarke. I have loved watching her make Clarke her home away from home! I know that through the CARE Society, others will have the same rewarding opportunity that I have had.”
Kaylee Pitzen ’22, ’ 23MSW was coaching Track & Field in Cuba City, Wisconsin when she Isabelle Matthews ’26
After seeing Isabelle’s drive for both athletics and academics, Kaylee referred her to Clarke — making Isabelle eligible for a $1,000 renewable scholarship in the process.
Refer someone to Clarke and join the Clarke Alumni Referral & Engagement (CARE) Society today at clarke.edu/care-society.
CONNEC T WITH CLARKE
clarke.edu/newsroom