FALL 2016
THE MAGAZINE OF CLARKE UNIVERSITY FAREWELL TO RETIRING MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES P. 2
PRESIDENT AND STUDENT SWITCH ROLES FOR FREAKY FRIDAY P.10
Dear Alumni and Friends, As this issue arrives at your door, the fall semester is under way and the campus is alive with hopeful energy and excitement for a new academic year. Students have returned from summer breaks filled with internships, summer school classes, jobs, studying abroad, performing overseas – and surely plenty of rest and relaxation with family and friends. Our community quickly adjusts to the demanding and eventful pace of the fall semester. I will speak for us all when I say the slower pace of the summer was welcomed with open arms. We transitioned to summer after closing Clarke’s 173rd year with a lovely May Commencement ceremony featuring our celebrated 301 graduates and our honored Commencement speakers, three retiring members of our Board of Trustees with a combined 102 years of service to Clarke. We are a fortunate institution to have such accomplished and long-serving members. All of our Trustees are wonderful ambassadors for Clarke and I am extremely thankful to work with such a dedicated and thoughtful group of individuals. I hope you enjoy reading more about our retiring Board members and their devotion to Clarke. We also gathered as a community in the spring to celebrate the official naming of the Marie Miske Center for Science Inquiry and Ruth and Charles Carroll Chemical Science Wing. A quality educational experience has the power to transform lives and create new opportunities. As graduates of Clarke, Marie Miske ’42 and Ruth Carroll ’40 knew this to be true. We are grateful for their generosity and their commitment to Clarke University. This spring also presented me with the opportunity to go back to class – as a student. Backpack and all, I traded places with a current student for a day. Shannon and I both had an eventful day and I trust you will get a kick out of reading more about our role-reversal adventures. Spring was busy, summer was restorative, and now the start of another academic year is upon us. These first weeks of the fall semester are such an energetic time. Always know you are welcome on campus – we would love to have you back for the fall’s Homecoming festivities. Our thanks to you, our treasured alumni and friends, for your continued support. Enjoy this issue of the magazine. Sincerely,
Joanne M. Burrows, SC, Ph.D. President
TABLE OF CONTENTS | FALL 16
IN THIS ISSUE CLARKE: THE MAGAZINE OF CLARKE UNIVERSITY is published three times a year for alumni, parents and friends of Clarke University.
ON THE COVER:
Joanne M. Burrows, SC, Ph.D. President
FAREWELL TO RETIRING MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES................................. 2
Bill Biebuyck Vice President for Institutional Advancement Courtney Leonard Executive Director of Development
CENTER FOR SCIENCE INQUIRY NAMED AFTER MARIE MISKE ’42................................................7 CLARKE HONORS 100-PLUS YEARS OF SERVICE AT COMMENCEMENT........................................8 FRANCIS J. O’CONNOR WINNERS: WHERE ARE THEY NOW?.........................................................9
Gwen Hayes ’07 Assistant Director of Annual Funds Ken Brown Executive Director of Marketing and Communication Gayle Langel ’08 Director of Creative Services Susan Cain Copywriter
FEATURE STORY: PRESIDENT AND STUDENT SWITCH ROLES FOR FREAKY FRIDAY..............................................10
UNDER THE MICROSCOPE.........................................................................................................14 HOMECOMING SCHEDULE.........................................................................................................18 BOOK SIGNED BY JFK ADDED TO CLARKE’S COLLECTION...........................................................20 SNAPSHOTS...............................................................................................................................21 ALUMNI NEWS AND NOTES .......................................................................................................23
EDITOR: Ken Brown DESIGNER: Gayle Langel ’08 COPYWRITER: Susan Cain Clarke University 1550 Clarke Drive Dubuque, IA 52001-3198 (563)588-6318 Fax: (563)588-6789 Clarke University does not discriminate on the basis of age, gender, race, religion, color, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation or disability in its educational programs, admissions policies, employment practices, financial aid, athletics or other universityadministered programs. Clarke University complies with all pertinent state and federal regulations concerning affirmative action, non-discrimination and equal employment opportunity.
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT...................................................................................................................27
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ll e w e r a F
to Retiring Members of the Board of Trustees
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This year Clarke University will say goodbye to eight retiring and departing trustees who collectively represent 177 years of service to the university. The trustees are (from left to right): Mary Lou Anglin, BVM, 8 years; Tim Conlon, 23 years; Margaret Mary Cosgrove, BVM, 20 years; Robert Wahlert, 32 years; Carolyn Haupert, 12 years; Father Tom Zinkula, 12 years; Tom Lynch, 35 years; and Brendan Quann, 35 years.
CLARKE | THE MAGAZINE OF CLARKE UNIVERSITY
Clarke President Joanne Burrows, SC, Ph.D., said, “An institution is rarely blessed with trustees who have dedicated themselves so richly to an institution. “I want to wholeheartedly and respectfully thank the eight departing trustees for their collective 177 years of service to the university. It has been my great honor and an ongoing learning experience to work with each and every one of them. The position of trustee has been undertaken by these eight individuals mindfully, unequivocally and with a strong mix of passion and humor. We will carry on in the tradition of their vision.” Robert Wahlert’s son, Rob, who has been on the Clarke University Board of Trustees since 2007, will take on the position of Board Chair, replacing Cosgrove this October. “I am humbled by the faith that Clarke University’s Board of Trustees places in me to continue the fine work of Sister Margaret Mary Cosgrove, our prior chair,” Rob Wahlert said. “With the leadership of President Joanne Burrows, our trustees, faculty and staff, I look forward to serving Clarke University's continued growth and success. “I would like to thank our retiring Clarke trustee emeriti for their decades of dedication and stewardship to Clarke's strategic growth. To paraphrase Isaac Newton, ‘If we can see further than others, it is by standing upon the shoulders of giants.’” The Board of Trustees at Clarke University is the authority of the university. Among its duties, it appoints the president, approves all faculty appointments, and makes decisions related to capital projects and university investments. The large number of departing trustees is due to term limits implemented by Clarke in 2004 in order to align itself more closely with best practices in higher education governance. The Board will welcome six new members in the fall, bringing its number to 28. The new members are Father Mark Ressler, Karen (Manghera) Chiappetta ’83, Bernadette McManigal, BVM, Jane (Daly) Seaberg ’78, Cathy Schulze ’72 and Matthew Zelle ’01.
BRENDAN QUANN
Quann, who served 35 years on the Board, grew up in Brooklyn, N.Y. He attended the United States Military Academy, receiving his Bachelor of Science in Engineering in 1964. He earned his Juris Doctorate from the University of Iowa College of Law in 1973. His first connections to Clarke were through his wife, Jeanne (Powers) Quann ’66. Together they have four children; their daughter Maureen Quann ‘97 also serves on the Clarke Board of Trustees. Quann has worked as an attorney at the O’Connor & Thomas, P.C., law firm for the past 40 years. His favorite Clarke moment comes each spring, when five graduating seniors address the Board of Trustees regarding their experiences at Clarke. “Clarke is in good hands. The Board of Trustees and the Administration are as strong as they have ever been,” he reflected.
TOM LYNCH
Lynch served 35 years on the Board; from 2006-2010 as Board Chair. He attended Loras College, but was sent to the Korean War with the U.S. Air Force in his junior year. He later attended Syracuse University for a highly specialized language program and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Russian Studies. He met his wife, Barbara, while attending Syracuse. Together they have six children, all of whom are college graduates with successful careers.
Lynch will miss the wonderful friendships he has enjoyed while serving on the Board, as well as the joy of playing a role in contributing to the education of students. “I love commencement,” Lynch said. “I always think to myself, this is the payoff. This is what makes every minute I’ve given to Clarke worth it.”
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ROBERT WAHLERT
Wahlert served 32 years on the Board; from 1997-2002 as Board Chair. He grew up in Dubuque, attending St. Columbkille grade school and Loras Academy. A 1961 graduate of the University of Iowa, Wahlert served as executive vice president of the Dubuque Packing Company, then succeeded his father as chairman and CEO in 1978. Wahlert later established FDL Inc., which became a leader in the meat-packing industry. He has served in various leadership capacities with the Wahlert Foundation since 1970. He and his wife, Donna, have five children and live in Dubuque and Fort Myers, Fla. Wahlert said, “One of the most memorable times for me at Clarke was bearing witness to the proverbial ‘changing of the guard,’ when the presidency went from Sister Catherine Dunn to Sister Joanne Burrows. That, and surviving and rebuilding after the great fire in 1984. My heart will always be with Clarke.”
TIM CONLON
Conlon, who served 23 years on the Board, is a Dubuque native. Conlon’s Clarke connections run deep as three of his aunts, a cousin and one sister attended Clarke University, and his grandfather and father constructed all but three of the buildings on Clarke’s campus. Conlon attended Loras College and the United States International University in San Diego. He is the current president and owner of Conlon Construction Company.
Conlon is married to Christine, a retired registered nurse. Together they have three daughters, two of whom graduated from Clarke. He has enjoyed collaborating, socializing and sharing responsibilities with the inspiring Board Members, while dedicating personal time, energy, ideas and resources toward creating an unparalleled educational experience for Clarke students. He believes the Board does its best to establish open-minded foundations for life-long learning and aspirational fulfillment. PAGE 4
“I have a strong sense of gratification for the wonderful experiences I’ve had and the many opportunities to learn so much,” Conlon said. “I am left with a feeling of ownership, appreciation and dedication.”
MARGARET MARY COSGROVE, BVM
Cosgrove served 20 years on the Board; from 2014-2016 as Board Chair. She calls three different places home: California Bay Area, Phoenix and Dallas. She came to Clarke in August 1975 when she was invited to be an intern in the Business Office. She earned her BA from Mundelein College (now Loyola University in Chicago), Master of Education from LaVerne University in California, and Master of Business Administration from the University of Iowa. Cosgrove has taught at the grade school and college levels, and served as treasurer/CFO for her congregation. She is a consultant for the National Religious Retirement Office and the director of Client Service for Great Lakes Advisors, an investment management firm. She also works with clients of her religious congregation in matters relating to the performance of their portfolios. She finds great satisfaction in Clarke’s focus on the future, serving students both in and outside the classrooms, teaching them how to think critically, communicate effectively and develop team-building skills, all under the umbrella of Clarke’s core values: charity, education, freedom and justice.
FATHER TOM ZINKULA
Zinkula, who has served 12 years on the Board, grew up on a farm near Mount Vernon, Iowa, in a family of nine children. He first became associated with Clarke University as a young priest in 1993 when the chaplain at that time, Father John Naumann, passed away and the associate pastors in town each presided over Mass for a year to bridge the gap until a new chaplain was named. He has since remained connected to Clarke by helping with Antioch retreats, assisting with campus ministry and serving on the Board.
CLARKE | THE MAGAZINE OF CLARKE UNIVERSITY
He attended Cornell College in Mount Vernon, Iowa, where he double-majored in mathematics and economics. He holds a Juris Doctorate from the University of Iowa, a Master of Arts in theology from the Catholic University of America and a JCL (licentiate in canon law) from St. Paul University in Ottawa, Canada. He is currently rector of St. Pius X Seminary, which is associated with Loras College. “It has been such a rewarding experience to serve on the Board of an excellent university with very fine and gifted fellow trustees at a challenging time in the history of small, private, liberal arts colleges and universities,” he said.
CAROLYN (SANDERS) HAUPERT ’66
Haupert served 12 years on the Board; from 2010-2014 as Board Chair. She has been tied to Clarke since her high school days at Wahlert Catholic High School, when she participated in a math contest for high school students. She later went on to earn her bachelor’s degree from Clarke. Haupert retired after a 25 year career with CyCare Systems, first acquired by HBOC and later acquired by McKesson. For more than 10 years, she was the director of products for both group practices and hospitals. As a senior vice president, she was instrumental in the founding and management of the electronic commerce business unit of the company, initially called CyData and now the RelayHealth business unit of McKesson. While serving as senior vice president, the business grew from a fledgling operation to a multi-million dollar revenue generator. Haupert and her husband, John, have been married for 34 years and they have a combined family of three sons, two daughters and six grandchildren.
She said, “I am pleased to have served and am confident that the current Board and new trustees will carry the vision forward.”
MARY LOU ANGLIN, BVM ’83
Anglin, who has served on the Board for eight years, graduated from Clarke University in 1983, majoring in Political Science with a minor in History with a Secondary Education certification. She earned her master’s degree in Pastoral Studies from the Institute for Pastoral Studies/Loyola University in Chicago. Anglin has been a BVM for more than 30 years. Most of her ministry was in education primarily in the St. Louis area. She grew up in the Dubuque area and now is very grateful for the opportunity to be back home and closer to her parents. Most recently, Anglin was novice director for the BVM Community and has been a part of the Initial Membership team for the past nine years. Prior to that, she taught middle and secondary school for more than 20 years. She was recently elected vice president of the BVM Community and began her first term in August. “I have great love for Clarke,” Anglin said. “My time as a student here was built on a strong faith and sense of community passed on to me from my parents. I made lifelong friends while here — strong, courageous women. To know that Clarke continues to ground itself in the strong values of education, charity, justice and freedom is very important to me.”
MEET US IN HAVANA? Cross an item off your bucket list and travel to Cuba with us. For additional details call the Clarke Alumni Relations Office at (563)588-6585.
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Richard P. Friedman NURSING SCHOLARSHIP The Richard P. Friedman Nursing Scholarship was established in 2015 in memory of Richard P. Friedman. Fellow Clarke University Board of Trustee members Bob Wahlert and Ron Wilgenbusch together with Pat Friedman, Richard’s wife, family and friends, raised memorial contributions in excess of $24,000 for the Richard P. Friedman Nursing Scholarship. Friedman served as a member of Clarke University’s Board of Trustees from 2007 until he passed away in 2015. He is remembered as a kind and generous man. Pat, Friedman's wife of 29 years, said, “I know my husband would feel very humbled by this scholarship in his honor. Education was of the utmost importance to him. We selected the nursing program as the beneficiary of this scholarship because Dick held this profession in the highest regard. Three of his sisters are retired nurses. In addition, he was so impressed with the outstanding care he received at Mercy Hospital, especially that last month of his life. He came to know the nursing staff by name and learned many were Clarke graduates. We are forever thankful that he was in such competent and caring hands.” This scholarship was awarded for the 2016-2017 academic year to nursing major Anna Herber of Dubuque, who will be a senior this fall. Anna’s parents are Karen KaneHerber ’92 and Christopher Herber ’90. Anna’s brother, John Herber, also graduated from Clarke in May 2016. Anna said, “I would really like to thank everyone for the generosity of this scholarship. I hope to become a nurse and make an impact on the lives of the people that I work with. This scholarship will help me to become one step closer to graduating and pursuing my career in nursing.” Friedman retired as president of Friedman Insurance and served in numerous leadership positions in the Dubuque
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community and the insurance industry. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in business administration and economics from Loras College in 1962 and was inducted into the Iowa Insurance Hall of Fame in 2015. Friedman was dedicated to education. He encouraged many young insurance industry professionals to participate in insurance education and seek professional designations. He established an educational incentive program at Friedman Insurance to encourage and reward professional development. He acted as a mentor and leader, encouraging service and giving back to the industry and local communities. Jan Lee, Professor of Nursing and Chair of the Department of Nursing and Health, said, "The nursing department is so grateful for those who provide scholarship aid for the students. The nursing curriculum is rigorous and places great time demands on students; scholarship support is an important adjunct for students in the financing of their education.” She continued, “The Richard P. Friedman Nursing Scholarship allows us to recognize a local student who is progressing well in the program and is a fine representative of the Clarke nursing community." The Richard P. Friedman Nursing Scholarship is not the only scholarship within the Friedman family. The Cyril and Edith Friedman Nursing Scholarship was established in 2005. Cyril and Edith Friedman were Richard’s parents. Cyril Friedman was a longtime member of the Clarke College Development Committee and chair of the Clarke University Annual Drive. Donors established this scholarship in his family’s name because of his affection and esteem for Clarke.
CLARKE | THE MAGAZINE OF CLARKE UNIVERSITY
CENTER FOR SCIENCE INQUIRY NAMED AFTER MARIE MISKE ’42 Generous and long-time supporters of Clarke University were honored during a naming ceremony for the Marie Miske Center for Science Inquiry (CSI) held on May 5. Marie (Moles) Miske graduated from Clarke in 1942 with a degree in Home Economics and became a successful registered dietician. She served as an Army captain during World War II as a dietician in the medical corps under the Surgeon General. She also worked for Walgreen’s and as a dietician in the Evanston (Ill.) School District.
growing of tobacco plants for a semester-long research project in the microbiology course for majors. Another area that has been enhanced because of this building is student research outside the classroom. Dedicated faculty/student research space has been vital for independent research projects.
Upon her death, Marie gave her alma mater the largest one-time gift in Clarke history. “She would be very surprised to see her name on this building,” said President Emeriti Catherine Dunn, BVM. “However, she would accept it with humble gratitude, because of her love for Clarke and the BVMs.” In addition, the Chemistry area on the second floor of the Marie Miske CSI has been named “The Ruth and Charles Carroll Chemical Science Wing.” Ruth (Donlon) graduated from Clarke in 1940 and she and her husband, Charles (Bud) Carroll, were long-time supporters of Clarke. Ruth served as president of the Clarke Alumnae Association in 1960. “They both loved Clarke and the BVM sisters and were generous in so many ways in their lifetime,” said Dunn. “It is fitting and an honor that an area of Clarke bears their names and no place is more special than in this beautiful building.” It was a gorgeous May day and the naming ceremony was held on the front steps of the building. Also addressing the audience was Chair and Professor of Biology Michelle Slover, Ph.D. She spoke of how the facility has enriched the lives of the students and faculty in the department. “Our teaching spaces, where we stress the integration of lecture and lab, are more accommodating,” Slover said. “For example, the human physiology lab housed in the Marie Miske Center for Science Inquiry has specific seating for the pre-lab lecture while another part of the room is open for equipment and experiments with computers set up in the periphery. This space, designed as such, has promoted student engagement and learning. This semester our new greenhouse helped with the
Tony Breitbach, Ph.D., the laboratory manager in the Chemistry Department at the time who transitioned to associate professor of Chemistry this fall, also talked about the impact of the CSI. “We are fortunate to now have a facility that is truly a treasure all on its own,” said Breitbach, an alumnus who graduated in 2007 with a major in Chemistry and a minor in Biology. “The new Marie Miske Center for Science Inquiry is equally modern as it is traditional, similar to Clarke’s mission and values, which are beautifully displayed in a floor mosaic in the entrance to CSI. The new building integrates seamlessly with the old through the stunning solarium, which has become a popular place for students to study, lounge and collaborate. In fact, special care was given to promoting collaboration in the design of the new building, such as connected labs, adaptable classrooms with movable tables or pod-like seating, and cutting-edge audio-visual technology.” The 46,000-square-foot, three-story Center for Science Inquiry, which opened in August 2013, houses the Chemistry and Biology departments and includes a greenhouse among its many features.
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CLARKE HONORS 100-PLUS YEARS OF SERVICE AT COMMENCEMENT Clarke University recognized the dedicated service of three long-serving and outgoing members of its Board of Trustees at the university’s 173rd Commencement held on Saturday, May 7. Thomas Lynch, Brendan Quann and Robert Wahlert, who provided a combined 102 years of service to Clarke, each addressed the graduates and received an honorary doctor of humane letters degree at the ceremony. “We have been extremely fortunate to have had three wonderful men guiding this institution for over three decades,” said Clarke President Joanne Burrows, SC, Ph.D. “Together these three have a combined 102 years of service to Clarke. They brought good sense, compassion and great humor to their roles as trustees. I will miss them.” Lynch has been a member of the Clarke Board of Trustees for 35 years, and served as the board chair from 2005-10. He is a wealth coach and managing partner with ECI/Bank Benefits of Minnesota and has also served as president of Bryn Mawr Financial Corporation and Planned Giving Systems Inc. He and his wife, Barbara, reside in Minneapolis. In speaking to the graduates, Lynch quoted British author G.K. Chesterton, “Education is a chest of tools.” He told the graduates that they now have a full chest of tools, but it would be a tragedy to now think the journey is done. “Commencement reminds us that this is truly just a beginning,” Lynch said. Quann has been a member of the Board of Trustees for 35 years. He recently retired after serving as senior counsel with the law firm of O’Connor & Thomas, P.C., in Dubuque, which he joined in 1976. He and his wife, Jeanne (Powers) ’66, reside in Dubuque. Quann told the graduates that “time is a precious commodity, not to be wasted. With your degree from Clarke University you have all the ingredients for a successful life. What you do with it is up to you.” Wahlert has been a member of the Board of Trustees for 32 years, and served as the board chair 1997-2002. He served as executive vice president of the Dubuque Packing Company, then succeeded his father as chairman and CEO in 1978. Bob later established FDL Inc., which became a leader in the meat-packing industry. He and his wife, Donna, reside in both Dubuque and Fort Myers, Fla. Wahlert gave a brief history of his time at Clarke, along with his recollection of the 1984 fire. He reminded the graduates that “Clarke lives” and that they “are part of a wonderful tradition here at Clarke.” Clarke conferred 220 undergraduate degrees and 81 graduate degrees at commencement. Also speaking at the ceremony were valedictorians Tessa Petsche, originally from Monona, Iowa, and Ina Prusinskis of Janesville, Wis. PAGE 8
2016 SPECIAL AWARD
RECIPIENTS FRANCIS J. O’CONNOR MEMORIAL AWARD Allison Smith Port Byron, Ill. The most prestigious award bestowed upon a graduating senior, this award is based on the demonstration of leadership, cooperation, generosity, kindness and academic achievement. MENEVE DUNHAM AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING Ann Adkins, Ed.D. Assistant Professor of Education The university’s highest award for outstanding teaching, a review committee of faculty and students recommend the selected recipient to the president. ROSE O’TOOLE STAFF RECOGNITION AWARD Mike Rohner Director of Advancement Services The award is given annually to acknowledge outstanding achievements that impact institutional success and/or contribute significantly to the mission of Clarke.
Read about what makes this year’s special award recipients noteworthy. Visit clarke.edu/magazine.
CLARKE | THE MAGAZINE OF CLARKE UNIVERSITY
FRANCIS J. O’CONNOR WINNERS: WHERE ARE THEY NOW? This is another installment in a series of articles on former Francis J. O’Connor Award winners. Since 1935, this award has been recognized as the most prestigious honor bestowed upon a graduating senior. The Honorable Frank A. O’Connor established the Mary Agnes O’Connor Award in memory of his wife. In 1991, Clarke University in cooperation with the O’Connor family, renamed the award the Francis J. O’Connor Memorial Award to honor the late Francis J. O’Connor, a long-time Clarke trustee. Criteria for the award include demonstrated leadership, cooperation, generosity, kindness and academic achievement. The award recipient is selected by a vote of seniors, faculty and staff.
ALEX KELSHEIMER WAS THE AWARD RECIPIENT IN 2011. Tell us about your career. Currently, I am finishing my intern year for Orthopedic Surgery where I was selected amongst my intern class to serve as chief intern. I started my second year as an Orthopedic Surgery resident in July. I will be based out of Des Peres Hospital in St. Louis for a total of five years, finishing in June of 2020. At this time, I am considering a fellowship after residency in either hand, shoulder/elbow or sports medicine. What impact did winning the award have on you? Winning the award was a much unexpected achievement as I had many colleagues that were equally deserving. This humbling award has given me the confidence and humility necessary to continue in my often-demanding medical education and career. The award also serves as a constant reminder that no matter what life throws my way, I can and should greet each experience with selflessness, determination, faith, love and kindness. What is your fondest memory of Clarke? I can recall multiple fond memories from my time at Clarke: the camaraderie in the Athletic Training room amongst athletes and AT students; men’s volleyball road trips; making the NAIA National Volleyball Tournament; playing on the tennis team; nights out with friends around Dubuque; campus-wide snowball fight; dorm antics and many others. What advice would you give a student today? College is about exploration. Don’t be afraid to do things and meet people outside your comfort zone. Learn a new sport, skill, develop hobbies, volunteer, meet people from other cities/states/ countries/cultures. All of this will build confidence, character and teach you something about yourself. Most importantly, be yourself and not what others want you to be. Before I left for college, my father told me, “Alex, college is about moderation. School, athletics social life, etc.” Sometimes this is challenging and I know I often did not master this task.
To view a full list of Francis J. O'Connor Award winners, visit clarke.edu/magazine.
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PRESIDENT AND STUDENT SWITCH ROLES FOR
FREAKY FRIDAY
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CLARKE | THE MAGAZINE OF CLARKE UNIVERSITY
We celebrated another successful academic year by honoring all Clarke graduates, past and present, with Clarke Impact Week in April. We shared stories online of alumni making a difference around the world, as well as the future plans of our 2016 graduates. We are proud to announce that during this year’s Clarke Impact Week we exceeded our goal of securing 173 donors (for the 173rd academic year). In honor of this accomplishment, our very own President Joanne Burrows went back to class for a day. In addition, a lucky student donor, Shannon Adami ’18, was chosen randomly from the pool of student donors to be President for a Day. Shannon is a junior this fall majoring in Business Administration with an emphasis in Marketing Management and a minor in Graphic Design. “I want to work in advertising,” she said. “I have so many things that I love and want to learn.” She came to Clarke because of her grandmother. “My grandmother really wanted me to attend a four-year college. I was wavering and considering junior college. I applied to Clarke and my grandmother passed away before I got my acceptance letter,” she said. “I felt like it was a sign from her. She would have been so happy.” Shannon serves on the Clarke Activities Board (CAB), is an executive in Clarke After Dark and holds three jobs on campus: server with Conferences and Events, photography intern in the marketing office, and clerk in the student ID room in the Student Activity Center. Shannon is from Machesney Park, Ill., and first came to Clarke on a bus trip for a VIEW scholarship weekend. “If you had told me that day on the bus that someday I’d be acting as president for a day, I would have never believed you!” she said. “I was so nervous and excited when I was notified that I was chosen. My first thought was, whatever am I going to wear?” So, on Friday, April 22, Shannon woke up much earlier than she is used to, donned a professional outfit (black dress and gold cardigan – points for sporting Clarke gold), and started her day by parking in Sister Joanne’s PAGE 11
presidential front-row parking spot. She then headed to a President's Cabinet meeting where she reviewed departmental updates with Bill Biebuyck, vice president for Institutional Advancement, and Daisy Halvorson, vice president for Business and Finance.
She wrapped up the day by meeting with Director of Dining Services Miles Breed to tour the kitchen and finalize the menu for Commencement. And, try as she might, she could not finagle an extra serving of those broccoli cheese bites out of Miles. “You already ate lunch,” he said. Shannon’s final thoughts? “It was exhausting! I need a nap. But in all seriousness, I think the biggest thing I learned as President for a Day was how important Sister Joanne's job is and how much it actually takes to be president. I learned about the impact alumni and donors have on campus, and I cannot thank our donors enough on behalf of the student body. It truly was an experience of a lifetime.” Sister Joanne’s day looked quite different. For starters, she dressed “casually,” at least for her, in jeans and red sandals. She jumped in full force first thing and attended Advanced Biochemistry with Associate Professor of Chemistry Sunil Malapati, Ph.D., learning about metabolism, phosphates and cancer treatments. Senior Paige Tomson appreciated having Sister Joanne in class with her.
The next stop for Shannon was the presidential office. There she met with Megan Stull, assistant to the President, and discussed Clarke University’s Strategic Plan. She also learned about researching and booking guest lecturers and performers for the Edward J. and Cathy Gallagher Arts at Clarke arts and lecture series. After that, Shannon met with executive director of Facilities & Security Chris Dressler, where she received a sneak peek of the new food science lab and toured the planetarium. She also reviewed the plans for the new nursing simulation lab that was completed over the summer. Then she sat down for lunch in the dining hall with Cabinet members Bill, Daisy, Kate Zanger, vice president for Student Life, and trustee and alumna Nancy (Swift) Klauer ’67.
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“I loved having lunch with Nancy, Bill, Daisy and Kate. I just feel like it is not something that a lot of people can say that they have had the opportunity to do. It was nice to be able to sit with some of the important people who run Clarke and make it all possible for this place to be a university where I will shape my future,” Shannon said. “And the broccoli cheese bites are my favorite.”
“I don't think many students at other schools get to talk with their president so that was a fantastic opportunity for me,” she said. “My class is small, with only five people, so it was really nice to have one-on-one discussions with her. Sister Joanne even answered a question correctly in class thanks to her knowledge of Latin from high school!” The Advanced Biochemistry class made an impression on Sister Joanne. “Critical thinking, general knowledge and experience make learning easier,” she said. “The professor showed students the structure of two molecules they would be discussing and asked which was more water soluble. “The students hesitated and slowly worked through the answer. I looked at the structures and, without knowing the chemistry behind it, could see that the simple structure was the most likely candidate for solubility in water – fewer bonds to break. This might not be the answer in every case but it will in most. My experiences in life have made me confident in this thought process, which is a learned and developing process for the students.” Next, Sister Joanne attended Contemporary Catholic Faith with Chair and Professor of Religious Studies Paulette Skiba, BVM, Ph.D. Sister Joanne was a few minutes late
WAY BACK WHEN
75 to this class, and Paulette was having none of it. “Not a very good start for your return to class,” she chided.
YEARS AGO
Sister Joanne apologized and insisted, “I was looking at the endowment funding!” Regardless, Paulette replied that she would make a note in Sister Joanne’s Starfish account, where attendance and tardiness are recorded.
ELECTRIC ORGATRON INSTALLED IN CLARKE COLLEGE AUDITORIUM Clarke’s new electronic organ, the largest model available, was recently installed in the college auditorium and promises to afford singular opportunity to the future for the musical experimentation. The instrument is the gift of a donor who wishes to remain anonymous.
50 YEARS AGO
Joking aside, Sister Joanne found this class right up her alley and was able to work in small groups with students discussing Judaism and The Great Divide, along with contemporary Catholic faith and Christian morality.
25 YEARS AGO
PHILOSOPHY MAJOR NOW OFFERED The beginning of a new school year brings many things to Clarke, new faces and friends, new classes and activities and this year, a new major. A quick peek in the new college handbook reveals that philosophy has been added to the list of majors available to Clarke students this fall. In past years, philosophy has been the only academic department of 18 that did not offer an established major. But the department staff of Norm Freund and Dr. Kent Anderson have changed that.
She ended her day as a student with a Ceramics class led by Assistant Professor of Art Jessica Teckemeyer, MFA. She listened as students discussed a project they had just completed where they had to not only create mugs to sell, but also devise and implement a marketing and business plan to determine value, sales and profits. Jessica handed students envelopes with money earned as a result of their efforts. “Learning is more complicated today,” Sister Joanne said. “Jessica opened class by reviewing what the students had learned from the mug sale assignment. The assignment, which spanned several weeks, asked students to go beyond the content and skills of making art and move to the world of making a living as an artist. They were required to build a business plan, determined what would sell, strategized their sales, manage production and carry out the retail operation. “These students will leave Clarke knowing the business side of their chosen field, critical and transferable learning in today's world. When I was a graphic design major 40 years ago, no one thought to teach us the business side of our craft.”
COFFEE HOUSE TO ENTERTAIN TOP EXECUTIVES Coffee House ’66 will take to the road again to give a special performance for “Top Flight” executives of Collins Radio Corporation in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The group will also travel to Longwood Academy in Chicago for a performance.
10 YEARS AGO
CLARKE EMBRACES HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH With a growing population of Hispanic students on Clarke’s campus, it’s very important for us all to celebrate and embrace another culture. As we do every February for Black History month through plays, trivia, games, history lessons and more, Hispanic Heritage month is another great time to educate ourselves about our Hispanic brothers and sisters as a campus, a community and as individuals.
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UNDER THE CLARKE ART EXHIBITION FOCUSES ON ENVIRONMENT The Quigley Art Gallery on the Clarke University campus hosts a wide range of exhibitions throughout the year. The spring semester largely features work by Clarke students. This spring, the gallery hosted the work of Samantha Hilby, who will graduate in December with a bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Art and a K-12 certification to teach art. The exhibition, titled “Invasive: Solving Environmental Crisis Through Innovation” was both thought-provoking and stunningly beautiful.
Glacier Machine by Samantha Hilby was created to replace melted glaciers through the mechanical means of an ice cream machine with legs.
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“The environment is the heart beat of all life,” wrote Hilby in her artist’s statement. “Our lives and the lives of future generations depend on the bond between humans and the natural world. The relationship is becoming severed because of our industrialized lifestyle. As we industrialize the natural world and infect the land, we often forget the fragility of nature. We must realize the vitality of this connection. It is our responsibility to become proactive in protecting it. “My artwork is focused on the revival of nature from the destruction of human industrialization. I am focusing on environmental disasters in the Canadian Tar Sands, the Arctic landscape and deforestation. I am then bringing forth the necessity of human action through machines inspired by whimsical design. These fantastical machines represent the innovation needed for the human race to survive. “As an educator I believe in the power of our youth. Our generation and children now will be more affected by this environmental destruction than any generations before us. We have built an anthropocentric society that has depleted 78% of our old growth forests, harvested toxic crude oil and increased our greenhouse gas emissions. My sculpture references actual machines that children may be familiar with such as vacuums and ice cream machines. I have also drawn inspiration from youth at Matter Creative in Dubuque. The artworks are made of hand-built ceramic, wood, metal and repurposed machine parts. The sculptural machines act upon representations of damaged landscapes to show what they are trying to fix. Although the artwork will not directly solve this crisis, I strive to inspire innovation and action.”
UPCOMING ALUMNI EVENTS TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20 Arts at Clarke: The Filharmonic Dubuque, Iowa Assistant Professor of Art Jessica Teckemeyer, MFA, called Hilby’s work “inventive and optimistic.” “Her goal to inspire people to find solutions to environmental disasters is admirable,” Teckemeyer said. “Her whimsical sculptures are inspired by Dr. Seuss, who also expressed his views on important issues while reaching a large audience, both children and adults.” Hilby is a Dubuque native and a graduate of Stephen Hempstead High School. Her mother, Sara (Merkes) Hilby ’90, is also a Clarke alumna with a degree in art and currently chairs the art department at Hempstead.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22 #CLARKEDAY ONLINE SEPTEMBER 30 – OCTOBER 2 HOMECOMING Dubuque, Iowa THURSDAY, OCTOBER 4 Mackin-Mailander Faculty Lecture: Mimi Vaassen Dubuque, Iowa TUESDAY, OCTOBER 11 Cheers Edina, Minn. TUESDAY, OCTOBER 11 Arts at Clarke: A Night in Spain Dubuque, Iowa WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 12 Coffee with Clarke West Saint Paul, Minn. TUESDAY, OCTOBER 18 Coffee with Clarke Dubuque, Iowa SATURDAY, OCTOBER 22 Lunchtime Cookout Rockford, Ill.
Create a lasting legacy for generations of Clarke students.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 26 Makin-Mailander Lecture: Anthony Ervin Dubuque, Iowa
h
START YOUR LIVING LEGACY TODAY Call 888-225-2753 ClarkeLives.org
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 12 Cheers Chicago, Ill. SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 13 Mass and Brunch Chicago, Ill. WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16 Coffee with Clarke Dubuque, Iowa
Visit clarke.edu/alumni/events for a complete listing of upcoming events and opportunities to connect!
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FROM THE DESK OF
Bill Biebuyck Dear Alumni and Friends, Fundraising is usually the last topic most people want to read or talk about. However, it is necessary, or should I say, a critical part of a nonprofit organization’s ability to successfully function. Clarke is no exception. The 2015-16 academic year was fruitful for philanthropy at Clarke. More than $3 million was raised for student scholarships and many important campus initiatives. It is no secret that nonprofits will need philanthropic support to continue carrying out their mission into the future. We are seeing a shift in how nonprofits are asking donors for support and Clarke has been at the forefront of this shift for some time. Clarke was one of the first organizations to initiate a concept called, “Project Based Fundraising” (PBF). Previously, we, like many organizations, would request support from alumni and friends for operating purposes. Those gifts would be used to meet the general needs of the university. Our goal now is to partner with faculty and students to seek out urgent projects and match these projects to your interests. For example, a project could relate to your academic major, an enrichment activity (choir, sports, etc.) you enjoyed as a student, or a scholarship that helped to make your Clarke education more affordable. This past year, many of you were motivated to support special projects for the very first time. For example, we asked Computer Information Systems’ graduates to help us purchase new equipment for the Isidore Computer Science Lab and you did. We asked music alumni and former choir participants to help us send 30 students to Prague this summer and you did. And, do you remember the sundeck on the roof of Mary Benedict Hall? Well, it’s been closed for more than 10 years for safety reasons and the students have asked repeatedly to have it reopened. Again, we asked for your support so the new sundeck could open this fall and you did. Whether your gifts support scholarships, special projects or the area of greatest need, your generosity is critical to our success and we are most grateful for your support. We look forward to sharing our new projects with you throughout the coming year. Sincerely,
Bill Biebuyck Vice President for Institutional Advancement
YEAR
iew In Rev2015-2016
The 2015-16 Year In Review is available online at clarke.edu/annualreport.
The 2015-16 Year In Review is available online at clarke.edu/annualreport.
PAGE 16
CLARKE | THE MAGAZINE OF CLARKE UNIVERSITY
FROM MANY SUPPORTERS COMES
ONE MISSION
Clarke is grateful to have support from many sources. On behalf of the entire university community…
THANK YOU.
CLARKE UNIVERSITY BY THE NUMBERS 2015-2016 FOUNDATION AND GOVERNMENT GRANTS $1,246,517 was raised from 38 organizations MATCHING GIFTS $52,169 was raised from 40 individuals through 26 matching gift companies ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIPS AND AWARDS $153,778 was raised towards endowed scholarships and awards PARENT GIVING $106,950 was raised from parents of alumni and current students
REVENUE Tuition and Fee Revenue
79.1%
$27,941,941
Government Grants
0.7%
$252,609
Clarke Fund
2.0%
$700,874
Endowment Draw
2.8%
$976,487
Other General Revenue
2.0%
$710,520
13.4%
$4,738,721
TOTAL OPERATING REVENUE
$35,321,152
Auxiliary Revenue
FACULTY AND STAFF GIVING $42,575 was raised from 56 percent of Clarke faculty, faculty emeriti, and staff ALUMNI GIVING 12.4 percent of active alumni participated in a giving program $1,004,478 was raised from alumni households ESTATE GIFT COMMITMENTS 11 new members of the Mary Frances Clarke Legacy Society
EXPENDITURES Academic Affairs
26.2%
$9,250,412
Financial Aid
29.1%
$10,275,184
ALUMNI EVENTS The Clarke Alumni Association hosted 59 events and connected with 1,200 alumni and friends
Institutional Support
21.9%
$7,730,846
Student Life and Athletics
7.2%
$2,533,777
Auxiliary Operations
5.7%
$2,009,882
STUDENT SCHOLARSHIPS 352 endowed scholarships and awards totaling $414,670 were awarded to Clarke students
Enrollment Management and Marketing
5.4%
$1,921,669
Capital Expenses
4.4%
$1,550,553
TOTAL EXPENDITURES
$35,272,323
DONOR INVESTMENT IN CLARKE Clarke supporters invested $3,039,403 in facility renovations, program and student support, and technology advancements
Reservations are requested by Tuesday, May 10, by phone at (563)588-6553, online at clarke.edu/alumni/events or by emailing alumnirelations@clarke.edu.
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AGE PAGE 15 PAGE18 18
CLARKE
2016 HOMECOMING WEEKEND SEPTEMBER 30-OCTOBER 2, 2016 There is something for everyone during homecoming including concerts, athletic events, lectures, special parties and more. Here are just a few of the many events planned for homecoming weekend.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30 GOLDEN CELEBRATION | 4:30-9 P.M.
A special reception and dinner for the class of 1966 and previous golden reunion classes with awards presented to the 50th class.
SILVER CELEBRATION | 6-8 P.M.
Celebrate your 25th reunion with classmates on the beautiful Mississippi River. Enjoy complimentary appetizers and beer on the American Lady Yacht. Boarding begins at 5:30 p.m. Advance reservation required.
NEW! PRIVATE MISSISSIPPI RIVER CRUISE & HAPPY HOUR 6-8 P.M. | COST: $20 All aboard! Join Clarke alumni for a private cruise along the Mississippi River and enjoy complimentary appetizers and beer on the American Lady Yacht. Boarding begins at 5:30 p.m. Advance registration required. Price includes admission to Clarke on the River, only a few steps away at Catfish Charlie's.
NEW! CLARKE ON THE RIVER | 8-11 P.M.
Get the party started! All alumni are welcome to join us at Catfish Charlies for complimentary beer, soft drinks and snacks. Cash bar is also available.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 1
ALUMNI RECOGNITION BRUNCH | 10:30 A.M. - NOON Join us for a delicious brunch and recognition of our reunion classes. Advance reservation required.
USO TOUR COLLECTION | NOON - 4 P.M.
Celebrate the USO tour with a collection of photos, scrapbooks, articles and more. Enjoy a special video with pictures and interviews with Sister Therese Mackin, BVM ’50 and Sue Riedel ’68.
ALUMNI TAILGATE | NOON - 5 P.M.
Enjoy live music, giveaways, prize drawings, taco bar and beverages. Outside the tent enjoy a game of bean bags or activities for the kids.
FACULTY LECTURE SERIES | 1-3 P.M.
Featuring presentations from Faculty Emerita Joan Lingen, BVM ’61 Ph.D. and Assistant Professor of English Anna Kelley, MFA.
45-49TH REUNION RECEPTION | 3 P.M.
Alumni celebrating their reunion from the classes of ’67, ’68, ’69, ’70 and ’71 are invited to a dessert and coffee reception.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 2
GOLF SCRAMBLE | 10 A.M. SHOTGUN START
Alumni and friends are invited to an 18-hole tournament in support of the Clarke athletic department.
SUNDAY LITURGY | 11 A.M.
Join us for Catholic Mass and candle lighting ceremony in remembrance of our deceased alumni.
Visit clarke.edu/homecoming to view a full list of events and to RSVP.
CLARKE | THE MAGAZINE OF CLARKE UNIVERSITY
JOINING A MOST DISTINGUISHED GROUP The annual Distinguished Alumni Awards will be presented at this year’s Alumni Recognition Brunch on Saturday, October 1, during homecoming. The 2016 award recipients are:
MARGARET “PEGGY” (OPPER) GULICK ’90
BETH OTTING ’86
2016 Humanitarian Service Award Recipient (posthumous)
2016 Outstanding Achievement Award Recipient Margaret “Peggy” (Opper) Gulick ’90 believes she became who she is today through necessity, opportunity and incredibly supportive infrastructures. “Clarke is one of those infrastructures that not only provided me a diploma, but allowed me to explore, redefine and succeed,” Peggy said. “They also taught me that education does not stop at graduation. I have created, with gifted support teams and encouraging leaders, my value in my last two companies – applying analytics with solutions and ultimate sustainability.” Peggy is presently the director of business process improvement at AGCO Corporation in the Twin Cities. In 2015, her teams took on two business-altering projects, which included a pink tractor that raised over $50,000 for the Susan G. Komen Foundation and the implementation of wearable technology, Google Glass that has added safety, quality and productivity to assembly processes and consumer products. Peggy was also recently honored with the North American Women in Management STEP award in Washington D.C.
Beth Otting ’86 was hugely influenced by the BVMs in her life and in her decision to serve others. The strong call of God in their lives spilled over into her mission to do the same. She spent seven and a half years working as a project director for Habitat for Humanity in Ghana and Uganda. In 2015, Beth was accepted as a lay missionary for the Society of African Missions. In early 2016, she and her partner moved to Sasstown, Liberia, to set up a Catholic Mission. On Friday, Jan. 29, while taking a recreational break from their missionary training, Beth, her partner and three others went to a cove for a swim. One of the members of the group did not know how to swim and ventured out too far. Beth immediately swam to save him and was able to reach him, but in his desperation for life, he clung too hard to her and pulled her underwater. Thankfully, he did survive. Beth, however, did not. Her death, like her life, was in service to others.
Even with all of her success and travel, Peggy feels her family is her greatest life experience. When asked where her favorite place in the world is, it will always be home.
For full bios of the winners, visit clarke.edu/magazine.
CLAUDNYSE JENKINS ’05
2016 Rising Star Award Recipient
Claudnyse Jenkins (affectionately known as “Nyse”) ’05 believes her education from Clarke University provided her with a holistic view of life. It prepared her for her career, but also taught her to value humanity. In everything she does, she thinks about justice and charity foremost. After graduating from Clarke, where she majored in Political Science and English, Nyse went directly to the Western Michigan Thomas M. Cooley Law School in Lansing, Mich. Nyse worked for boutique law firms before opening her own practice. She has served hundreds of lowincome clients to ensure they have access to quality legal services. She is also the executive director of the Weiss Children's Advocacy Center in Flint, Mich., where she provides legal services to abused children and assists in providing services for the children who have been affected by the Flint water crisis. As she began her own practice, Nyse made sure to embody the ideals of the BVM values into her business. She finds the most rewarding career experience she has had thus far is providing legal defense to people who would not have otherwise been able to receive justice. PAGE 19
BOOK SIGNED BY JFK ADDED TO CLARKE’S COLLECTION A used book with an interesting past has found its way home to the Clarke University Rare Book Room. Joseph Biggs, of Front Royal, Va., bought a copy of John F. Kennedy’s “Profiles in Courage” in the 1990s for 25 cents. “I have a degree in history from James Madison University and I like to look for historical books,” Biggs said. “I bought the book, showed it to my wife and put it on a shelf. I didn't look inside it until a few days later.” He got quite a surprise when he did. “It was signed by John F. Kennedy,” he said. “And there was a letter and a picture of Toni Flynn from Clarke College.” Biggs’s first thought was to return the book to Flynn, but when he searched for her he found that she was deceased. He then attempted to contact her husband, with no success. The book went back on the shelf – until last year. Biggs and his wife had the book appraised and found it was valued between $3,000 and $4,000. They considered donating the book to a local college, but decided against it. “We said, this book belongs at Clarke,” he explained. In October, Joseph contacted Bill Biebuyck, vice president of Institutional Advancement at Clarke, and asked if Clarke was interested in the book. Biebuyck told him he would be honored to accept the book on Clarke’s behalf. The book now resides in the university's Rare Book Room. Toni (Flynn) Gibbons ’61 was originally from Des Moines and her family owned the property where the Living History Farms now stands. The Flynn homestead still stands on the site. Flynn died in 1995 and is remembered fondly by classmate Joan Lingen, BVM, Ph.D., ’61, Clarke Provost Emerita and Professor Emerita, as well as other members of the Class of 1961. “She was the smartest person in the class,” said Lingen. Ila (Struck) Dineen ’61, who was a close friend of Toni’s, said she probably got the book autographed when Kennedy was campaigning in Dubuque prior to the 1960 presidential election.
PAGE 20
“I also got his signature on a piece of paper when he was in Dubuque,” Dineen said. Toni was a Woodrow Wilson Fellow and earned an advanced degree at Georgetown University. She then worked in the U.S. Secretary of State office. She made quite an impact on the political scene in Washington before she died of breast cancer, Dineen said. “She made a remarkable contribution to Clarke,” said Dineen. “And she was a very good human being.” Biggs’ contribution to Clarke will pay tribute to a remarkable Clarke alumna. Biggs said he is just glad the book made its way back to Clarke. “I’m glad we found a home for it,” Biggs said.
#clarkeday THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2016 Clarke Day is a day to celebrate all things Clarke. For 24 hours, we will flood the campus and social media sites with Clarke pride, memories, photos and more. Support Clarke on Clarke Day and help us reach our goals for the 24-hour campaign.
A PHOTO COLLECTION FROM ALUMNI EVENTS ACROSS THE COUNTRY
MILWAUKEE Alumni gathered at Louise's in Milwaukee, WI. Pictured L to R: Connie (Wendler) Bach ’60, President Sister Joanne Burrows, Kathryn Conway ’59, Mary (Schultz) Johnson ’59, Albert Kehm, Mary Susan (Coffey) Kehm ’59, Jeanne Hochstatter ’59, Jean Jackson ’65, Ann (Porter) Nagy ’63, Joan (Madden) Lucke ’55
TRIVIA NIGHT Clarke Alumni and friends gathered for Clarke’s 2nd Annual Trivia Night.
WASHINGTON DC BRUNCH Alumni and friends gathered at the Army Navy Country Club in Fairfax, VA, for Clarke’s annual Presidential Brunch. Back row L to R: Patrick McMullen and Joseph Furgal Front row L to R: Flora (Perry) McMullen ’61, Mary Jo (Rossi) Furgal ’61, Carol (Enzler) Dinan ’61 and Alexa (Victor) Kastantin ’67
CORALVILLE, IOWA Alumni and friends gathered at 30Hop in May. Pictured L to R: Alumni Board Member Shelia Doyle Hocking ’78, Nicole (Heidersheit) Breitbach ’15, Boots Hansen, Lesley (Longerbeam) Puffer ’95, Mary Jo (Jacobs) Duffy ’84, Joe Duffy PAGE 21
Want to see more alumni snapshots? Visit clarke.edu/alumni/eventphotos.
GIVE WHAT IT TAKES TO
IT TAKES HEART. IT TAKES VISION. IT TAKES ACTION. IT TAKES YOU.
Almost every student at Clarke receives some sort of financial aid. In fact, many wouldn’t be able to receive an education here without the support of donors like you. So your gift is more than appreciated; it’s necessary. Whatever is near and dear to you about Clarke can now be directly impacted by your gift. You choose where your gift will be used. It’s your gift, your way.
YOUR GIFT. YOUR WAY. PAGE 22
888.225.2753 yourgiftyourway.org
E
ALUMNI
&
MARCH 19 THROUGH JULY 8, 2016
NEWS Rita Holmberg ’42 Dubuque, Iowa In Fall of 1942, having earned a Food and Nutrition major at Clarke, Rita started a dietetic internship at the Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore. For a short time after completion, she taught student nurses in the hospital’s School of Nursing. But it was still wartime so she entered the U.S. Army’s Women’s Medical Specialist Corps in early 1945. She served as a commissioned Hospital Dietitian in challenging domestic posts. On retirement from the military and her return to the Midwest, Rita’s long-term love of writing prompted her transfer to the business area of food and to the dramatic advances being made. Advances which called for clear, accurate consumer information. Among her positions were Armour and Company, McCann-Erickson Advertising, food editor at Better Homes and Gardens, and Peavey Company. After returning to Dubuque in the late ‘70s, Rita enjoyed teaching classes in Organization and Management and in Purchasing. Rita has authored a college text book, Meal Management Today (Waveland Press), co-authored a Farm Journal Magazine cookbook, Great Dishes from the Oven (Simon & Schuster), and numerous magazine and newspaper food articles and columns. By Fives to Ninety-five is available from River Lights Bookstore in downtown Dubuque and Amazon.com.
Jeanice (Fox) Janes '57 Richardson, Texas Jeanice's sister, Ellen (Dunn) graduated in 1960 and her sister Berdie graduated in 1954. Our maiden name is Fox. Berdie, or Bertha, entered the BVM order after graduation, continued her education and was professor in the Clarke music department for many years. Jeanice's grandson will be attending Clarke this fall. His name is Aidan Philpot who lives in Seldovia, a village of 300 people in Alaska. He will be playing on the basketball team (a dream of his) and is planning to pursue a career as a physical therapist. He recently played on the Alaska All Star basketball team. After scoring the most points in the game, he was interviewed by the major TV station in Anchorage, where it was noted that he will be attending Clarke this fall. A second student from their small school has also been accepted at Clarke. Two Alaskans for Clarke!
Donna (Boyle) Farley '66 North Liberty, Iowa Donna's father recently passed away at the age of 100. He was a great supporter of Clarke as he paid for all her expenses from his farming income in the late 60's when prices were not like they are now! Sheila (Maloney) Loughren '66 Cedar Falls, Iowa Sheila and her husband, Dick, celebrated 50 years of marriage in August 2016. As the mother of three and grandmother of five she feels blessed. Sheila and Dick moved from their home of 46 years last summer to a smaller town home (all on one floor) in a retirement community and are still settling in, but now they lock the doors and go when the spirit moves them. Kathy Burns '67 Alexandria, Va. Kathleen received the Leadership in Business and Career Development Award at the Alexandria Commission for Women’s 36th annual Salute to Women Awards Banquet in March. Kathleen is considered a change agent and role model for other women and girls. She displays perseverance, fortitude, patience and attention to detail in her efforts to make change in her community.
M - Master’s Degree from Clarke D - Doctorate Degree from Clarke
PAGE 23
Mary Day '70 Hiawatha, Iowa Mary recently returned from a 10 week deployment after flooding in Louisiana – a lovely state. This summer she worked on the NACL Flood Insurance project in Washington. Mary (Mattern) Gonderinger '82 Omaha, Neb. Mary achieved one of her bucket list items with the publication of her children's books, Socks and Hobbs, and Jacob’s Backward ABC’s. She especially enjoys author visits, reading her books to area school students and summer camp participants. Mary and husband, Bob, have five grown children and are soon to be first-time grandparents. Susan (Butler) Ritts '85 Dubuque, Iowa Susan has been selected for the 2016 Distinguished Hometown Alumni Award by the Foundation for Dubuque Public Schools. A press release said the award "celebrates the achievements of local public school graduates and showcases their accomplishments." After graduating from both Loras College and Clarke University, Butler Ritts, a 1978 Dubuque Senior High graduate, worked at her family's business, Cottingham & Butler. She and her husband, Edwin, support several organizations that connect to Dubuque Public Schools. Throughout the years, Susan's philanthropic efforts have focused on the arts, education, human services, healthcare, historic preservation and the environment. She has served on the board of directors of the Dubuque Symphony Orchestra, Finely Health Foundation, and the Clarke University Alumni Board, among others. Mark Schechinger '87 Livingston, Mont. Mark was born and raised on a 160acre farm in Shelby County, Iowa. After college, he worked for a computer firm, writing tech manuals, while also writing travel and feature pieces for local magazines. He moved from Alaska to Florida to Europe in the last 10 years and has authored more than 200 travel articles for national and
PAGE 24
M - Master’s Degree from Clarke D - Doctorate Degree from Clarke
international magazines. In the year ahead, he plans to revisit France and Germany to continue work on the next book in this series. In between, he resides in Shelby County, Iowa, on the family farm, now being worked by the fifth generation of his family. His first book, Shelby's Creek, was recently published and is in stores now. The second book of series will be available in the fall of 2016. Cindy (Carlsson) Lucas '90 Newark, Ill. Cindy was a freshman in the old buildings and stood in front of Mary Fran as the steeples fell during the Clarke fire. Her job with an engineering company had her on the rebuilding site doing compaction testing, and eventually she graduated from the new buildings. Renee (Schriner) LoDolce ’93 Richmond, Texas It's official! Renee is now a published, printed author. (Besides her EBook "College Out of the Box.") Her new book "Celebrate the Unique You: Seeing Yourself Through God's Eyes" Bible study is now available on thousands of sites, bookstores and resources across the United States. Carla (Redell) Heidy '94 Chicago, Ill. Carla, a teacher at Nathanael Greene School in Chicago, received the Educator of the Year Award. She received this honor for her dedication to her students in the area of reading. Cindy Weidemann '95 Dubuque, Iowa Cindy was promoted at UnityPoint Health-Finley Hospital to compliance, risk, regulatory director. Wiedmann has been with Finley for more than 30 years. She was most recently the director of performance improvement. Jill Kreinbring '96 Quakertown, Pa. Jill is an equine biomechanics lecturer and travels the world. To see her website visit jkinspiredllc.com/about/
Robert Wethal '97 Dubuque, Iowa Robert has accepted the position of vice president of patient care services and chief nursing officer at Mercy Medical Center--Dubuque. For the past eight years, Wethal has served as director of critical care and cardiovascular services at Mercy. Wethal obtained a BSN degree from Clarke University in 1997 and a master’s in Health Care Administration from Des Moines University in 2014. He is certified in adult critical care by the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Wethal completed the Iowa Hospital Association's Executive Leadership Academy in 2011. Aaron Walling '07 Dubuque, Iowa Aaron was promoted at Eagle Point Software to business development manager for mid-size accounts and domestic partners. He has been with the company since 2014. Alex Wilharm '11 Alex, University of Louisville assistant volleyball coach, has been named as one of The American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Thirty Under 30 Award winners for 2016. This award was created in 2009 to honor up-and-coming coaching talent at all levels of the sport. He is in his third year as assistant coach for the University of Louisville volleyball team after acting as a volunteer coach for the prior two seasons. A 2011 graduate of Clarke University, he was a sport management major. He played volleyball for Clarke where he led the Crusaders to the national finals. He was a two-time All-MAMVIC first teamer and was named National Player of the Week twice as well as being an Academic All-Conference selection for three years. Travis Ferrell '11 Sanger, Calif. Travis was hired as the new boys’ varsity basketball coach at Reedley High School. Jay Stienstra '14 Galena, Ill. Cemeteries are rarely seen as good places to be, but that's where a Galena resident, Jay Stienstra, spends most of his free time. In 2012, Stienstra
enrolled at Clarke University to gain a master's degree in organizational leadership. He has photographed and recorded data from more than 35,000 headstones in Jo Daviess County. He presented his headstone effort as his final project. His professor, Loren Rice, agreed to the proposal – with one condition. "The best way for the project to be valuable was for it to be shared," Rice said. In February, Stienstra donated all the photos and information to every library in Jo Daviess County for public consumption. He said the information can be used as a genealogy tool.
Lingen Art History Scholarship, the Clarke Fine Arts Scholarship and the Clarke Transfer Presidential Award, Hanson received the Vasari Art History Award and has had her work published in Clarke University's Tenth Muse for the past two years. Following her exhibit at DubuqueFest, Hanson plans to stay in the area and hopes to build a clientele interested in pet portraits. In addition, she hopes to work with Plumery Tails Malamusement Park in Galena, Ill., to illustrate poetry and children's books. ADVANCED DEGREES
Megan Lehmkuhl '14 Clinton, Iowa Megan received the Anatomy Discipline award. This award is given to the student who had the highest cumulative grade in Anatomy, Neuroanatomy, and Cell and Tissue Biology combined. She is in her second-year earning her doctor of osteopathic medicine degree at Des Moines University. Cory Fleege '15 Galena, Ill. Cory works in skilled nursing at Mercy Medical Center Dubuque and was recognized among the 100 Great Iowa Nurses for 2016. This award recognizes nurses who have made meaningful, lasting contributions to their patients, colleagues and the nursing profession and are viewed as mentors to other nursing professionals. The Iowa Nurses Association, Iowa Nurses Foundation and the University of Iowa College of Nursing collaborate each year to create this list, which celebrates nursing by honoring 100 nurses from around the state. Kassidy Hanson '16 Garner, Iowa Kassidy was awarded DubuqueFest Fine Arts Festival's Emerging Artist Scholarship. As the sole scholarship recipient, she had her exhibit series of shelter dog portraits on display in May 2016. All dogs painted were at one time up for adoption at the Dubuque Regional Humane Society, and 20 percent of all of Hanson's sales will be donated back to the shelter. Hanson has amassed a series of local accolades. In addition to receiving Clarke University's George & Frances
BIRTHS Robert Wethal '97 and Katy (Dickinson) '99, boy, Dubuque, Iowa Sarah (Murray) Fitting '01 and Bryan, girl, Peosta, Iowa Megan (Bentley) Meier '01, '02M and Nick, girl, Dubuque, Iowa Angie (Schmitt) Katrichis '02 and Andy, boy, Sherrill, Iowa Dawn (Pollard) Goerdt '03 and Bobby, girl, Dubuque, Iowa Erin (Huss) Roeder '06 and Nick, girl, Bellevue, Iowa Ronda (Lewis) Pennekamp '06 and Matt, boy, Lancaster, Wis. Kari (Sieverding) Ernst '06, '12M and Curt, boy, Bellevue, Iowa Cheryl (Kerper) Biermann '07M and James, girl, Peosta, Iowa Whitney Hansel '08 and Seamus O'Brien '09, twin boys, Shullsburg, Wis.
Jennifer (Hoffmann) Flores '06 Dubuque, Iowa Jennifer received her doctorate from the University of Northern Iowa in 2016 and is teaching as an adjunct instructor for Clarke's Education Department. Sara (Griffin) Wertz '07 Cedar Rapids, Iowa Sara received her Doctorate of Nursing Practice with specialization in Nurse Anesthesia from the University of Iowa in May 2015. MARRIAGES Sara (Griffin) Wertz '07 to Ryan Wertz, Cedar Rapids, Iowa Justine (Ehlers) Paradiso '09 to Anthony Paradiso, Dubuque, Iowa Krista (Roussel) Ligeralde '12 to AJ Ligeralde, Dubuque, Iowa Lindsey (Roussel) Riegler '13 to Adam Riegler, Dubuque, Iowa
Brooke Lyons '08 and Jason Jarchow, girl, Dyersville, Iowa Kate (McTague) Biekert '08M and Clint '08M, Jesse, Dubuque, Iowa Alice (Schmidt) Wilfong '09 and Shawn '09, Tessa Ann, Dubuque, Iowa Andrea (Zickuhr) Leach '09 and Joel, Benjamin, Dubuque, Iowa Emmy (Esser) Brown '09, '11D and Dustin '09, '11D, girl, Morton, Ill. Amy (Miller) Blum '09 and James, boy, Dubuque, Iowa Krystal (Domeyer) Smith '10 and Andy, boy, Epworth, Iowa Heather (Haas) Roesch '10 and Brian, boy, Hazel Green, Wis. Kelsey (Kuepers) Duss '10 and Brian, girl, Cuba City, Wis. Ashley (Fitzpatrick) Jasper '11 and Brian, boy, Farley, Iowa PAGE 25
Andy Winders '11 and Monica, girl, Dubuque, Iowa Justin Glen '11D and Kayla, boy, Rochelle, Ill. Ben Maiers '13D and Amanda, boy, Peosta, Iowa Melissa (Fritz) Wagner '14M and TJ, boy, Dubuque, Iowa Meggan (Mausser) Sigwarth '15 and Jerry, boy, Holy Cross, Iowa Heather (Durkin) Scheffert '15 and Steve, girl, Cascade, Iowa IN MEMORY Dorothy Townsell '32 Pauline (Schulte) Murphy '39 Miriam (De Brun) Swanson '43 Verena (Cahill) Faherty '45 Charlotte (Faber) Kintzinger '46 Helen (Remus) Keene '48 Mary Fran (Jaeger) Jones '50 Arlys (Schrup) Runde '50 Marjorie (Costello) Klise '53 Kay Hoffmann '53 Rita (Kolfenbach) Purcell '55 Mary Sheehan '55 Joan (Wagner) Frank '57 Rosemary (Leahy) Frerich '62 Millie (Murphy) McKoskey '62 Catherine Heinz '63 Barbara (Schell) Ware '63 John Agnes Smith '63 Beverly Baum '63 Frances Dunne '64 Cheryl (Beaber) Green '64 Jeanne (Chambers) Stoner '64 Ruth Jackson '65 Ann (Montgomery) Ribando '65 Suzanne (Diers) Blouin '67 Marie Rummelhart '67 Karen (Gallagher) Sweet '67M Janet (Thiel) Marxen '67 Incarnata Gephart '74M Sharon Stone '75M Barbara (Alessi) Wadle '76 Anne Marie Stelter '78 Linda (Clark) Osterkamp '81 Nivard Hainault '81M Freddy Miranda Jordan '02
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M - Master’s Degree from Clarke D - Doctorate Degree from Clarke
KEEP UP with Clarke! LIKE THE ALUMNI FACEBOOK PAGE FACEBOOK.COM/CLARKEALUMNI JOIN OUR NETWORK ON LINKEDIN SEARCH “CLARKE UNIVERSITY ALUMNI NETWORK” VIEW PHOTOS ON FLICKR CLARKE.EDU/FLICKR/ALUMNI VIEW VIDEOS ON VIMEO VIMEO.COM/CLARKEUNIVERSITY
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SUBMIT A CLASS NOTE YOUR LIFE IS FULL OF AMAZING HAPPENINGS – AND WE LOVE TO SHARE IN YOUR JOY! Share your updates with us for inclusion in the magazine by emailing alumnirelations@clarke.edu or online at clarke.edu/alumni. (Don’t forget to send pictures!)
i n m u l A
CLARKE | THE MAGAZINE OF CLARKE UNIVERSITY
NORMA (SCACE) KRAMER ’10 MAJOR:
Communication CURRENT POSITION:
Executive Director, Excursions…Great Travel Happens at Dubuque Bank and Trust CITY AND STATE:
Dubuque, Iowa
Working for a bank doesn’t always include a nine to five routine filled with crunching numbers, managing financial records and counting coins. Norma (Scace) Kramer ’10 is currently the Executive Director of Excursions…Great Travel Happens at Dubuque Bank and Trust. In this unique role, she helps clients and guests plan their travel experiences. “It is my pleasure to organize and execute travel opportunities,” said Norma. “From day trips to extended trips and international travel or even a local event, I can help our clients create lasting memories.” Norma’s career journey began 22 years ago as a bank teller at Citizens National Bank in Decatur, Ill. After several new opportunities including becoming a branch manager, brokerage assistant, developing a travel program and becoming the quality service officer, she and her family
relocated to Dubuque. She started at DB&T as the assistant in the travel program and was then promoted to Executive Director. It was during this time Norma decided she wanted to plan an experience of her own. It had always been a personal goal of hers to get her college degree, so she enrolled as an adult student in the Communication program at Clarke. “As an adult, the TimeSaver program was a perfect fit,” said Norma. “I could continue my career, maintain a family life and at the same time pursue my dream of an education. After just one visit, I knew Clarke was the right place with the right opportunity.” Norma was right. She did fit in at Clarke and was able to easily apply the skills she learned in class to her career. “Everyone at Clarke was exceptional,” said Norma. “They went above and beyond to assist in anything I needed. The most significant person in my college life was Dr. Abdul Sinno. He was my advisor, but more than that, he became my friend and mentor through the years I attended Clarke and after. He has the highest regard for individuals and taught me so much. “Education is so important and it is something that can never be taken away from you,” said Norma. “Clarke University is a great place to realize your full potential with a quality education, while being surrounded by caring individuals and mentors.”
Our alumni are making an impact around the world. To view more stories, visit clarke.edu/magazine.
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CLARKE CAMPUS BUSY WITH EVENTS THIS FALL Clarke University has several events planned for this fall. Schedule a visit to campus and take in one of these offerings:
Mackin-Mailander Lecture Series will present two lectures in October. This year’s theme is Health and Wellness.
The Filharmonic will perform in the first Edward J. and Cathy Gallagher Arts at Clarke event of the academic year on Tuesday, Sept. 20, at 7:30 p.m. in Jansen Music Hall. This group of Filipino-American youngsters were featured in NBC’s hit musical competition, “The Sing-Off.” General admission tickets are $10.
Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy Mimi Vaassen will present the faculty lecture on Tuesday, October 4, at 7:30 p.m. in Jansen Music Hall. Admission is free.
The Drama/Musical Theatre Department presents the musical “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown,” on Oct. 6-8, at 7:30 p.m. and on Oct. 9 at 2 p.m. in Terence Donaghoe Hall. This delightful and ever-popular musical comedy, written by Clark Gesner, brings to life the characters created by cartoonist Charles M. Schultz in his comic strip Peanuts. Tickets are $12 for adults; $10 for seniors; $8 for non-Clarke students; $5 for children 12 and under. For groups of 10 or more, tickets are $5 each. Edward J. and Cathy Gallaghar Arts at Clarke presents “A Night in Spain” on Tuesday, Oct. 11, at 7:30 p.m. in Jansen Music Hall. This event will feature Clarke ensembles, Flamenco dancers and Spanish cuisine! General admission tickets are $10.
Olympic swimmer Anthony Ervin will be the Mackin-Mailander featured lecturer. The gold medalist in the 50-meter freestyle at the 2000 Sydney Games will speak on Wednesday, Oct. 26, at 7 p.m. in the Robert & Ruth Kehl Center. General admission tickets are $10; free for area youth in grades kindergarten through 12th grade. The Drama/Musical Theatre Department’s second production of the year is “Shakespeare’s Women,” presented Nov. 17-19 at 7:30 p.m. and Nov. 20 at 2 p.m. in Terence Donaghoe Hall. This unique script, written by Libby Appel and Michael Flachmann, brings together a highly theatrical combination of scenes displaying Shakespeare’s complex and intriguing view of women during the Renaissance. Tickets are $10 for adults; $7 for seniors; $5 for non-Clarke students. For groups of 10 or more, tickets are $5 each.
Be sure to check clarke.edu/artsatclarke for more information and additional event information.
FEDJE JOINS CLARKE AS VP FOR ENROLLMENT
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Clarke University welcomes Jay Fedje as the vice president for Enrollment Management.
Originally from Minneapolis, Fedje graduated from Bethel University with a bachelor’s in Communication Studies and an master’s in Organizational Leadership.
Jay comes to Clarke from Drury University in Springfield, Mo., where he served as vice president for Enrollment Management. Previously, he served as dean of Admissions at Drury and director of Admissions at Bethel University in St. Paul, Minn. He has more than 20 years of experience as an admissions counselor, director of admissions and a coordinator of assessment and strategy.
“I saw Clarke University as a place that had tremendous opportunity to develop and build its enrollment,” Jay said. “All the pieces are in place here – great traditions, experienced staff and faculty, unique and excellent academic programs, strong leadership, a progressive mindset within a community of faith and deep convictions. I’m very excited to be a part of forging new enrollment strategies at such a strong university.”
THE BACK PAGE A L OOK AT YES T ER DAY AN D TODAY
R.C. AND CELESTE WAHLERT ATRIUM This October, Clarke will celebrate the 30th anniversary of the R.C. and Celeste Wahlert Atrium. This building stands in center of campus and upon completion it restored connectivity for the Clarke community following the great campus fire in May 1984. In October 1986, Clarke celebrated the dedication of the R.C. and Celeste Wahlert Atrium with a six-day celebration. Today, Wahlert Atrium is comprised of the Nicholas J. Schrup Library, Jansen Music Hall, Sacred Heart Chapel, administrative offices, and provides a central gathering place for students.
1986
2016
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1550 Clarke Drive Dubuque, Iowa 52001-3198
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CLARKE
2016 HOMECOMING WEEKEND SEPTEMBER 30-OCTOBER 2, 2016