A message from
CLARKE UNIVERSITY President Thom D. Chesney, Ph.D.
Greetings from Clarke University! We hope 2021 is off to a safe and healthy start for you and your family. We remain grateful for the unwavering support demonstrated by all of the individuals who collectively comprise One Clarke, One Community. We have been continuously inspired by many signs of hope, courage, and perseverance in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing efforts to celebrate our diversity and ensure equity within our institution. Now that we are past the midpoint of our academic calendar, I am pleased to share several highlights from this year with you. If you wish to learn more about Clarke and our recent progress please visit us on social media or our website at clarke.edu. We are grateful for your support and advocacy as we move forward. Thank you. Sincerely,
Thom D. Chesney, Ph.D. President
thom.chesney@clarke.edu @thomchesney
2020 HIGHLIGHTS Immediate Impact for Lifelong Learning $1,247,889 has been invested in unrestricted gifts, scholarships, program and student support, enrichment opportunities, and campus enhancements since June 1, 2020. Nearly all full-time undergraduate students continue to receive various forms of financial aid, which include scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study opportunities. The average financial aid package is currently $27,000.
Adaptability, Self-Motivation, and Grit: Fall 2020 Dean’s List Making the Dean’s list in a normal semester requires hard work and discipline. Earning a 3.65 grade point average or above during a pandemic requires a level of adaptability, self-motivation, and grit that will serve these students well in all aspects of their lives. Clarke applauds the 174 students who made the Dean’s list for fall 2020 and looks forward to their continued success here and in their chosen fields after graduation.
Activism and Values Informed Education (AVIE) Clarke Compass Award Beginning this year, the Activism and Values Informed Education (AVIE) Clarke Compass Award is available students who feel called to make a difference in equity and inclusion. This scholarship was made possible by the generous support of Clarke University Trustee and alumna, Jenifer Westphal ’84. Highlights of the AVIE Award opportunity: • Five undergraduate students will be awarded $3,500 over two semesters. • Students will work with mentors to create a plan of action for change as it relates to systemic challenges of racism and oppression in our community. • Students and mentors engage to carry out the plan of action. • This work will fulfill a Compass program requirement while inciting passion and knowledge in students. • Students will gain a new skill set, help others, reach their full potential, and be a part of the change.
Flexible Online Learning during Uncertain Times The CareerPLUS program began in July 2020 and is designed to meet the professional development needs of both individuals and employers. CareerPLUS offers noncredit-bearing online micro courses and digital badges that focus on 21st-century workforce skills. The CareerPLUS program also offers a flexible, affordable pathway toward an online degree from Clarke University, if desired.
Thriving Amid a Pandemic: Clarke’s COVID-19 Response MASK UP
BACK UP
WASH UP
Clarke University responded to the COVID-19 pandemic through all aspects of its operations. The following are a few highlights from the University’s response. • A COVID-19 crisis fund was established in March 2020 to provide emergency assistance to students and assist with losses in revenue for the institution. To date, 260 donors have made gifts totaling $62,915 • 2,100 masks were provided to students, faculty and staff along with 24,000 ounces of hand sanitizer. An additional 1,500 Clarke University face masks have been distributed to donors. • On-campus resident students were assigned private rooms for the academic year. Courses have been delivered using in-person, online, and hybrid formats. • More than 40 weeks of hybrid flexible schedules for employees. • 69,822 virtual meetings were conducted, 216 virtual admissions visits took place, and numerous virtual lectures, networking events, fine arts performances, and athletic competitions were broadcast during the fall semester.
Increasing Access and Success: CC Today, CU Tomorrow Clarke University is the first private college in Iowa to partner with all 15 Iowa community colleges to accept full associate of arts and associate of science degree transfer majors with a two-year completion timeline for a bachelor’s degree. Each community college now has articulation agreements with Clarke in four to eight of the following transfer majors: Business, Chemistry, English, History, Mathematics, Psychology, Elementary Education, and Secondary Education.
CC CU
Champions of Character: It is Always the Clarke Way Clarke University’s intercollegiate athletic program consistently ranks among the national leaders each year in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics Champions of Character program. In 2019-20 Clarke earned the Champion of Character Five Star Award and achieved Silver Level status. The award is presented annually to institutions that advance character-driven athletics by promoting competitive athletics, academic excellence and character values.
Strong Performance in Social Mobility Clarke University is proud to be ranked 54th in the ‘Social Mobility’ category of this year’s U.S. News Best Colleges Rankings, an increase of 8 spots from last year. The social mobility ranking measures a school’s ability to advance social mobility and achieve high graduation rates among economically disadvantaged students.
Preparing the Next Generation of Athletic Trainers Clarke University added the Master of Athletic Training (MAT) as its newest graduate program. The University will be phasing out its Bachelor of Athletic Training Degree and phasing in the master’s degree. The MAT is the new entrylevel standard of preparation for athletic training students. Through this new graduate program, Clarke aspires to continue its tradition of preparing industry-leading athletic trainers to the ever-growing and changing healthcare system.
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