UPDATES: CAREER & VOLUNTEER
Sue (Reese) Flogel ’79 retired from her work at the Bell Tower Theater in December 2023. For 17 years, Sue led efforts with the Bell Tower's Kids Take the Stage and the free summer musical program. Beginning in 2019, she also served as the theater's artistic associate.
Maxine Kollasch, IHM ’79 was elected as President of the Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Leadership Council in Monroe, Michigan.
Cindy Schnier Granse ’80 was featured in the Telegraph Herald as a "Person Who Makes A Difference," recognizing her extensive contributions to the Dubuque community as a volunteer for DuRide, the Convivium Urban Farmstead, Project Rooted, and Camp Albrecht Acres.
Chad Schockemoehl ’97 began his new role as Director of Sales at Cambridge Business Publishers.
Marlene Weber ’02M recently retired after serving the Western Dubuque Community School District for 29 years.
Justin Kosek ’05 was named the Dean of Students at Nathan Hale High School in West Allis, WI.
Paige (Pottebaum) Ortiz ’05, ’12M began her role as ARNP to the Cardiology Department at Medical Associates Clinic in Dubuque, IA.
Julie (Weires) Cirks ’06 was welcomed as a new BVM associate. Together, the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed
Virgin Mary and associates are enriched by opening themselves to a relationship centered on the BVM charism and core values of freedom, education, charity, and justice.
Christina (Stierman) McNamara ’07, ’21 DNP began her new role as a provider within the Endocrinology Department at Medical Associates Clinic in Dubuque, IA.
Kayla (Carr) Hopson ’08 was promoted to Chief Executive Officer of Grand River Medical Group.
Joan Anderson ’09, ’21 DNP began her role as Assistant Professor of Nursing at Clarke University.
Rebecca (Harman) Juhl ’09 currently works as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner at Children's Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, MO on the Pediatric Heart Failure and Transplant team. In 2022, her team contributed to setting a record for the most pediatric heart transplants in one year since the start of the program in 2015, as well as the first pediatric heart-liver transplant for the institution.
Benjamin Drury ’10 began his new role as Director of Career Services at Clarke University.
Jenny Burds ’12M, ’14DNP opened Burds Family Practice in Peosta, IA. Jenny has over 25 years of experience in health care and has spent the last decade of her career as a nurse practitioner.
Brian McCabe ’13 began his new role as Head Baseball Coach at Clarke University.
Mary Hemm ’15, ’17M was promoted to Construction Sales Enablement Program Manger with Crescent Electric Supply Company.
Anthony Razo ’15, ’18M began his role as Assistant Baseball Coach at Clarke University.
Michaela (Hennings) Koch ’16, ’20M began her role as an Instructor of Education at Clarke University.
Brenna Burgart ’17 began her role as Visiting Assistant Professor of Psychology at Clarke University.
Skyler Quade ’17 was promoted to Deputy Sheriff II with Dane County Sheriff's Office.
Matthew Gagner ’18 began his role as Assistant Women’s Volleyball Coach at Clarke University.
Logan Koopman ’18, ’20 DPT was elected to the Clarke University Alumni Association Board with his term beginning in September 2024.
Kyle Majerus ’18 was promoted to Digital Operations Manager at Hyperscope Media.
Eric Jones ’19 began his new role as Assistant Director of Leadership and Service at Doane University in Crete, NE.
Sully Adams ’21 began his new role as Athletics Compliance Administrator at Clarke University. Tucker La Belle ’22 was selected as the Bulgarian Lacrosse National Team Head Coach.
Daija Bates ’23 began her new role as an Admissions Counselor at Clarke University.
Adam Clendenen ’23 DPT began his role as a Physical Therapist at Ability Physical Therapy in Mount Vernon, IA.
Meghan Douglas ’23 began her role as a nurse within the surgical unit at Unity Point Finley Hospital in Dubuque, IA.
Jackie Houseal ’23 DNP began her role within Grand River Medical Group Acute & Urgent Care Network in Dubuque, IA. Prior to this role, she worked as a former LPN and RN at Medical Associates Acute Care.
Anthony King ’23 began his role as Coordinator of Campus Activities and Leadership at Clarke University.
Alec Kolander ’23 began his role as Assistant Men's Lacrosse Coach at Clarke University.
ADVANCED DEGREES
All advanced degrees were obtained from Clarke University in May 2024 unless otherwise noted.
Dr. Joel M. Moore ’94 graduated from the University of Iowa College of Nursing with a Doctor of Nursing in Health Systems degree. He serves his community as Chief Nursing Officer at Genesis Medical Center in Davenport, IA and as a Deacon with the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America. Nationally, Dr. Moore represents nursing leadership for seven states on the American Organization for Nursing Leadership Board of Directors.
Ryan Dillon ’06 obtained his Master of Business Administration with a specialization in Business Analytics from University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
Kim (Burton) Gajewski ’15 obtained her Master of Business Administration from the University of WisconsinOshkosh in May 2024.
Adam Green ’16 obtained his Master of Social Work.
Kristi (Appel) Alvarado ’17 will obtain her Master of Arts in Education following the summer 2024 session.
Phill Breitbach ’17 obtained a Masters Degree in Information Technology from Western Governors University.
Molly Hicks ’18 obtained her Doctor of Nursing Practice.
Sarah Lacy ’18 obtained her Master of Arts in Education.
Andrew Cisneros ’21 obtained his Doctor of Physical Therapy.
Brandon Mueller ’22, ’24M began his role as an Assistant Football Coach at Clarke University.
Jessica Schlader ’23M began her role as the Development Manager for the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium in Dubuque, IA.
Danny Zanger ’23 was promoted to Chief Operating Officer at Centrally Rooted in Dubuque, IA.
Alexander Lee ’21 obtained his Master of Business Administration.
William Clark ’22 obtained his Master of Business Administration. Johel Gonzalez ’22 obtained his Master of Business Administration.
Israel Hernandez ’22 obtained his Master of Business Administration.
Emma Kelchen ’22 obtained her Master of Business Administration in December 2023.
Noel Koch ’22 obtained her Master of Arts in Education.
Kaniyiah Mattison ’22 obtained her Master of Social Work from Clarke University in December 2023.
Brandon Mueller ’22 obtained his Master of Business Administration.
Nick Stroschein ’22 will obtain his Master of Business Administration following the summer 2024 session.
Calvin Thomas ’22 will obtain his Master of Business Administration following the summer 2024 session.
Molly Allen ’23 obtained her Master of Social Work.
Mackenzie Baker ’23 obtained her Master of Social Work.
Jared Martinson ’23 obtained his Master of Business Administration.
Meghan Smith ’23 obtained her Master of Social Work.
Isabelle Barefoot ’23 will obtain her Master of Arts in Education following the summer 2024 session.
Connor Crabill ’23 will obtain his Master of Business Administration following the summer 2024 session.
Daija Bates ’23 obtained her Master of Business Administration.
Kevin Daly ’23 obtained his Master of Business Administration.
Mercy DeRyke ’23 obtained her Master of Arts in Education.
Vaneza Diaz ’23 obtained her Master of Business Administration.
Jenna Edgington ’23 obtained her Master of Social Work.
Mary Forbes ’23 will obtain her Master of Arts in Education following the summer 2024 session.
Maria Elaine Kluga ’23 obtained her Master of Arts in Education.
Addy Staszewski ’23 obtained her Master of Business Administration.
Margaret Woywood ’23 will obtain her Master of Business Administration following the summer 2024 session.
AWARDS & HONORS
Sister Mary Kilian Pollard, BVM ’48 was nominated posthumously for a 2024 Clarke University Distinguished Alumni Award in the category of Humanitarian Service.
Sue Riedel ’68 was recognized by TH Media as an inaugural Savvy Over 60 award winner.
Ruth Ann Gaines ’69 received one of the Iowa Joe Biden Volunteer of the Year Awards in September
2023. In October 2023, she was also recognized at the Des Moines Area Community College Urban Campus for being one of the first four Professors to teach at the college in the summer of 1972. Ruth Ann has been an adjunct speech and drama Professor for 52 years at Urban Campus.
Mary (Frank) Purdy ’77 was named a recipient of a 2024 365ink Impact Award for her dedicated service with St. Luke's United Methodist Church, where she plays a crucial role in addressing food insecurity within the Dubuque community.
Jenifer Westphal '84 and Adam Rapp '91 contributed to the success of the hit Broadway standout, The Outsiders, which won the title of Best Musical at the 77th annual Tony Awards in June 2024. Adam wrote the book for the musical and Jenifer is the Founder and CEO of Wavelength Productions, which brought the production to life. In addition to Best Musical, The Outsiders was nominated in 12 categories and brought home four awards.
Roger J. Fuhrman ’94 was named a recipient of a 2024 Clarke University Distinguished Alumni Award in the category of Outstanding Achievement. Roger will be honored during Homecoming Weekend 2024. His Distinguished Alumni biography may be found at clarke.edu/alumni-awards
Michelle (McGreevy) Weimer ’98, ’99M was named a recipient of a 2024 Clarke University Distinguished Alumni Award in the category of Humanitarian Service. Michelle will be honored during Homecoming Weekend 2024. Her Distinguished Alumni biography may be found at clarke.edu/alumni-awards .
Katy (Dickinson) Wethal ’99 was nominated for a 2024 Dubuque Women's Leadership Network Women of Achievement Award.
Jill (Dunkel) Cochrane ’01 was named a Top 50 Cybersecurity Consultant. Jill works as the Managing Director of Cyber Security Consulting at World Wide Technology. She is a global technology executive with 15+ years of experience shaping strategy and governance, building infrastructure, and strengthening security for companies large and small, from startups to Fortune 500s. Prior to joining World Wide Technology, Jill was a VP of global security technology at MetLife and, before that, a president, chief technology officer, and senior technology consultant at Tech Led Solutions. Earlier in her career, she worked with RBC Wealth Management as a manger and infrastructure PMO.
Jolene (Link) Koopmann ’01 was nominated for a 2024 Dubuque Women's Leadership Network Women of Achievement Award.
Johanna Talarico ’01 was named a recipient of a 2024 Dubuque Women's Leadership Network
Women of Achievement Award in the category of "Unsung Champion" for the impact she makes as Creative Services Manager at the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium.
Sara Dickinson ’04 was nominated for a 2024 Dubuque Women's Leadership Network Women of Achievement Award.
Zach Breitbach ’05 was honored with a 2023 Enabling Technologies Consortium Recognition Award, which highlights the significant contributions of individuals who promote ETC's mission to advance science and technology to bring transformational solutions that benefit patients, regulators and the broader research and development community.
Jill (Donlon) Stannard ’06 was recognized as one of two Elementary 2024 Masonic Teachers of the Year. Jill currently works as a 5th grade teacher in the Central Community School District in Iowa.
Callie (Mescher) FitzGerald ’07 was named a recipient of a 2024 365ink Impact Award for her contributions to the Dubuque community through her nonprofit, Centrally Rooted, and her dedication to music therapy and youth development. Callie was also nominated for a 2024 Clarke University Distinguished Alumni Award in the categories of Humanitarian Service and Outstanding Achievement.
Amber (Swancutt) Steffen ’08, ’10M was nominated for a 2024 Dubuque Women's Leadership Network Women of Achievement Award.
Justine (Ehlers) Paradiso ’09 was nominated for a 2024 Clarke University Distinguished Alumni Award in the category of Humanitarian Service.
Kayla (Shaffer) Lech ’10 was nominated for Dubuque Community School District teacher of the year. She is a special education instructional coach at Irving Elementary School.
Jenny Burds ’12M, ’14DNP was nominated for a Clarke University Distinguished Alumni Award in the category of Outstanding Achievement.
Corrin (Larkin) Cory ’14 was inducted into the Clarke University Athletics Hall of Fame for her accomplishments in volleyball.
Elle Kosciuk ’15 was inducted into the Clarke University Athletics Hall of Fame for her accomplishments in volleyball.
Breland (Prochaska) Scharschmidt ’16 was inducted into the Clarke University Athletics Hall of Fame for her accomplishments in basketball.
Danielle Stowell ’16M was nominated for a 2024 Dubuque Women's Leadership Network Women of Achievement Award.
Amy Errthum ’17M was the recipient of the Clarke University BVM Core Values Award for her dedication to the BVM core values in the Dubuque community and through her role as Director of Marketing at Clarke University.
David Neis ’17 was inducted into the Clarke University Athletics Hall of Fame for his accomplishments in basketball.
Ashley (Fuhrman) Dougherty ’18 was named a recipient of a 2024 Clarke University Distinguished Alumni Award in the category of Rising Star. Ashley will be honored during Homecoming Weekend 2024. Her Distinguished Alumni biography may be found at clarke.edu/alumni-awards .
Brady Hoffman ’19, ’21 DPT was nominated for a 2024 Clarke University Distinguished Alumni Award in the categories of Rising Star and Outstanding Achievement.
Jacob Boyle ’20 was nominated for a 2024 Clarke University Distinguished Alumni Award in the category of Rising Star.
Alexis (Decker) Miner ’20 was nominated for a 2024 Distinguished Alumni Award in the category of Outstanding Achievement.
Tucker La Belle ’22 was recognized as co-coach of the Year from the Heart of America Athletic Conference for his work as head lacrosse coach at Clarke University.
MARRIAGES & ANNIVERSARIES
Jay Harris ’03 and Jenny Kenkel
Austin Myers ’14 and Megan Myers
Brit Friederick ’15, ’19 DNP and Mitchell Paramore
Brittani Olinger ’15 and Tyler Reuter
Madison Metzger ’17 and Matthew Stevens '18
Maddie Powers ’17 and Matt Pullen
Skyler Quade ’17 and Jen Stroyan
Sarah Grabel ’18 and Andrew Shaben
Logan Koopman ’18, ’20 DPT and Laura Campbell
Kacey Ford ’19 and Ryan Siems ’16
Calli McQuillen ’19 and Dirk Snyder
Amanda Beeal ’20, ’21M and Anthony Miller
Darci Davis '20 and Nick Rodts-Miranda
Autumn Lamb ’20 and Zachery Prucha ’19
Jaclyn Roeder ’21 DPT and Clayton Gray
Caley Vogt ’21 and John O'Rourke ’20
Abigail Kukuck ’22 and Max Contreras ’21
BIRTHS & ADOPTIONS
Rebecca (Raydon) ’03 and Brian Day ’05, boy
Tabitha (Blake) Poll ’08 and Jon, girl
Paul Schroeder ’09 and Kristen, a boy
Jackie Fleming ’11 and Bobby Huseman, girl
Liz (Behnke) ’12 and Chris Brewer ’13, girl
Colin Allison ’13 and Yaryna, boy
Laura (Zelinskas) Beckman ’13 and CJ, boy
Shelly (Graybill) ’13 and Nico Piscopo ’14 , girl
Nicole (Sullivan) ’13 and Jake Schaefer ’14, boy
Heather (Lott) Blackmore ’14 and Kiza, girl
Mileva (Gacanich) Bailey ’15 and Adam
Emily (Jutting) ’15, ’16M and Paul Cave ’15, boy
Katie (Jacobson) ’15, ’18 DNP and Wesley Gudenkauf ’15, girl
Brittani (Olinger) Reuter ’15 and Tyler, boy
Morgan (Steines) Wilming ’15, ’20M and Zach, girl
Cindy (Althoff) Gaul ’16, ’19M and Hans, girl
Adam Merkes ’16M and Catherine, girl
MacKenzie (Welter) Jaeger ’17, ’18M and Jesse, girl
Hillary (Kapparos) ’18 and Christian Cruz ’17, boy
Ashley (Fuhrman) Dougherty ’18 and Nick, boy
Brandee (Rus) Kohnen ’18, ’19M and Casey, girl
Alissa (Riegler) Watkins ’18M and Tyler Watkins, girl
Hillary (Burgmeier) Wilson ’19 and Jacob, girl
Echo (DeVries) Claus ’20 and Sawyer, twin girls
Darci (Davis) Rodts-Miranda ’20 and Nick, girl
Jessica Schlader ’23M and Neil, girl
MORE FEEL GOOD STORIES
Joan Lingen, BVM ’61 served as the 2023-2024
Mackin-Mailander Alumni lecturer in November. Her presentation, “Clarke Lives!: Lives That Make a Difference” retells key moments from Clarke’s history and reflects on the 40 years since the fire of 1984. Joan’s lecture is available for streaming at clarke.edu/joan-lingen-lecture
Donna (Shpikula) Wayner ’61 and her husband, Peter, visited Vienna, Austria in October 2023. Donna spent her junior year in Vienna through her participation in the Institute of European Studies (IES) ’59 and ’60 abroad program. “It was an extraordinary trip down memory lane.”
Becky (Weilein) Reding ’76 and her husband are both officially retired. He from a nearly 30 year career at Allied/ Nationwide Insurance, followed by six years of One Home Solution, a home renovation and renewal business. Becky was Owner/President of Reding & Associates, providing fundraising and development expertise to not-for-profit organizations. They just moved for the 19th time in nearly 48 years and their seventh grandchild arrived on March 23 of this year.
Moya (Hagerty) Doss ’78 recently made headlines when her son, Pilot Cole Doss, announced her presence as an on-duty flight attendant on a United Airlines flight from Dulles to Madrid. The touching moment went viral, leading them to appear on The Kelly Clarkson Show. Cole expressed gratitude for his mom's unwavering support throughout his journey to becoming a pilot. Here's to Moya, a dedicated flight attendant with over 45 years of service at United Airlines.
Megan Gloss ’03 performed as a singer with the Dubuque Symphony Orchestra in a unique retelling of Romeo and Juliet - a powerful fusion of orchestra, theater and opera.
Paul Kurutsides ’08 directed the short film, "In Your Head," for Positive Productions Plus out of Dubuque. The film was showcased at the Julien Dubuque International Film Festival in April and follows a college student far from home for the first time and the mental and emotional struggles that come in a time of change.
Abby (Schultz) McInerney ’08 recently shared that she and her husband, Patrick have celebrated 13 years of marriage. The couple has two children, Miles (9) and Nora (6). She has pursued performing since she graduated with a degree in Drama/Speech and has toured throughout the Midwest. Recently, Abby stared as Sally Bowles in Cabaret and headlined in her own cabaret concert in November 2023.
Greg Ballenger ’19 DPT was featured as a competing baker on the Food Network's Holiday Baking Championship
IN MEMORY
Marie (Bohan) Schmitz ’47
Nancy (Calkins) Taylor ’49
Beverly (Martin) Kubesheski ’50
Bernadine Curoe SVM ’51
Suzanne Stopper, BVM ’51
Ann (Gilmore) Sullivan ’52
Lola (Hazer) Noonan ’53
June (Kuba) DeLay ’54
Carolyn (Dammann) Gruber ’54
Mary McElmeel, BVM ’55, ’70M
Bernadette (Dreyer) Simpson ’55
Eva Mae (Schumacher) Williamson ’55
Rita Klemm ’56
Charlotte (Major) Latta ’56
Mary Kay (Ludwig) Launspach ’56
Marian (Haas) Kraus ’57
Beverly (Pennell) Casey ’58
Karen Jasper, PBVM ’58
Joanna (Broderick) McCarthy ’60
Diane (Kintzle) Kueter ’61
Mary (Yalden) Steffens ’61
Monica Heath ’62
Jeanette McCarthy, PBVM ’62
Susan (Voss) Webb ’62
Mary Pat (Enzler) Breitfelder ’63
Dianne Levand Duner ’63
Judith (Danzer) Hildebrand ’64
Elizabeth (Turfler) Monette ’66
Jane Hosch ’67
Theresa Jungers, OSF ’69
Star-Beth Regan ’69
Marianne (LaPorta) Root ’69
Kathleen Spurlin, BVM ’69
Marge (Elgin) Krawczuk ’70
Susan (Hintz) Olszewski ’71
Karen Linehan Mroz ’72
Mary Frances Quinn ’72
Margaret Zeller ’73
Mildred Nachtman, OSF ’75
William Gerber ’76
Sandy (Ewers) Skinner ’78
Denise (Dion) Swetz ’78
Beverly Eichler, OSF ’79
Maureen Jordan ’79
Mike Beck ’82
Mary Rose Kitch ’82
Jerry Anderson ’86
Cathy (Hartman) Weber ’87
Peter Cicero ’89
Joyce (McWilliams) Connors ’89
Kathleen Curoe ’89
Karen Walbrun ’90
Andrew Daughetee ’98
Kathleen (Serrurier) Koch ’99
Peter Roth ’00
Sara (Schauer) Ricke ’02
Michael Harrelson ’04
Lisa (Kapka) Oberbroeckling ’05
David Schroeder ’07
Alex Bushman ’11
Clarke University Class Notes are contributed through self-submitted information or gathered from media notifications. Every effort has been made to provide complete and accurate information. However, if you notice any discrepancies, please notify the Mackin Office of Institutional Advancement and Alumni Relations at 563-588-6405 or alumnirelations@clarke.edu.
