WINTER 2012-13
THE MAGAZINE OF CLARKE UNIVERSITY
CLARKE’S VALUE MEAL P.2 GPS TO CLARKE’S FUTURE P.8 MOVING IMPACT FORWARD P.18
Dear Alumni and Friends, As this winter issue of Clarke: The Magazine of Clarke University reaches you, another year will be coming to a close. The year 2012 was eventful as we continue to move forward in new ways while building on the very core of the institution. As I look to the coming year, I see exciting and memorable times ahead for Clarke University. Watching the new science facility rise and take shape has truly been remarkable. As the vision we have established for Clarke’s future begins to unfold before us, it is becoming increasingly clear that this is just the beginning. In this issue are two feature articles outlining the key drivers to ensure that vision is achieved. The overview of Clarke’s 2012-2017 Strategic Plan provides a deeper understanding of the work and research that went into creating this roadmap to our future. Development of the plan’s guiding principles and vision will be of particular interest, as are the four core objectives that will serve to focus our efforts in the coming years. The cornerstone of the strategic plan, the convergence program, is also described. This program, in a very deliberate and specific way, will bring to life the differentiating elements defining the Clarke experience. The article on the capital campaign is of equal interest and importance to the vision of Clarke’s future. This campaign is the largest in Clarke’s history and is significant to our pursuits in many ways. Read more about the broad-reaching plans for this campaign and learn how it will enhance and support several areas of our university. This issue also has a wonderful story about the newest book by faculty member, Abdul Sinno. His beautiful collection of photographs showcases the magnificent tri-state landscape, the area Clarke calls home. We recently combined our counseling center and career services office and have included a story describing all the ways we are helping students and alumni become “career- and life-ready.” More relevant to alumni is the career services piece on an upcoming webinar series covering topics such as job search, interviewing and networking. I am sure you will all enjoy the article on the evolved role food plays at Clarke. Read about the recent farmer’s market event we held in our dining hall and you will understand that our students are enjoying more than just great meals. All of this, along with great memories and pictures from homecoming and other recent events, make this another impactful and enjoyable issue. Thank you for your continued support of Clarke University. As we come to the end of this calendar year, please know everyone in the Clarke family, alumni and friends alike, will be in our prayers. Enjoy this issue of the magazine and have a blessed new year. Sincerely,
Joanne M. Burrows, SC, Ph.D. President
TABLE OF CONTENTS | WINTER 2012
IN THIS ISSUE CLARKE: THE MAGAZINE OF CLARKE UNIVERSITY is published three times a year for alumni, parents and friends of Clarke University. Joanne M. Burrows, SC, Ph.D. President Bill Biebuyck Vice President for Institutional Advancement Tom Farley Executive Director of Marketing and Communication
FEATURE STORY: CLARKE’S VALUE MEAL ..........................................................................2 THE HOOP SCOOP........................................................................................................................6
GPS to Clarke’s
Future
Jill Paisley Director of Creative Services Jamie Specht Director of Marketing Gayle Langel ’08 Graphic Designer
FEATURE STORY: GPS TO CLARKE’S FUTURE ............................8
HOMECOMING HIGHLIGHTS.......................................................................................................12 CLARKE STUDENTS IMPACT DUBUQUE’S ART SCENE ................................................................14
FEATURE STORY: MOVING IMPACT FORWARD ..........................18
CAREER SERVICES CONNECTION ..............................................................................................22 CLASS NOTES ...........................................................................................................................23
Heather Ames Web Manager Gwen Hayes ’07 Copywriter EDITOR: Tom Farley COPYWRITER: Gwen Hayes ’07 DESIGNER: Gayle Langel ’08 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 university-administered programs. Clarke University complies with all pertinent state and federal regulations concerning affirmative action, non-discrimination and equal employment opportunity. PAGE 1
CLARKE’S VALUE MEAL
In honor of food week, Sunil Malapati, associate professor of chemistry, made ice cream using liquid nitrogen.
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CLARKE | THE MAGAZINE OF CLARKE UNIVERSITY
Mention college food and the school cafeteria to most parents of today’s university students, and it will probably trigger some repressed memories of their own college days. The thought may also bring to mind some of American cinema’s most iconic scenes on the subject (the “buffet line and food fight” combo in Animal House, or the “Students vs. Cutters” rumble in Breaking Away). How times have changed. Yet, it’s interesting to note why these times have changed. Once upon a time, kids grew up eating whatever was in the brown paper bag they dragged to school that day. At night, they ate whatever came to the table. Then, suddenly, kids became mobile. They had multiple commitments, practices to attend and a whole new universe that demanded their attendance online. Today’s youth became accustomed to eating on the run and fending for themselves. From this, their demand for choices emerged. Above all, this change was occurring in the age of information. In schools, students began learning more about healthy eating, while movies like SuperSize Me got them thinking about their food choices. So, while parents are still thinking Sloppy Joe’s and tater tots, their kids are walking into school cafeterias contemplating things like sustainability, organic and locally grown, reuse, and gluten-free. Clarke being Clarke, it’s no surprise that even the school’s dining hall has “remained progressive with the times.” The dining hall continues to be a welcoming and social environment where students, faculty and staff regularly dine as one homogenous group. While the mere thought of bringing university guests and prospective students to eat in the student cafeteria would be unheard of on most college campuses, at Clarke, the dining hall is just one more proof point of pride – an illustration of the BVM Core Values in action. But much more is happening here. Students are noticing, and appreciating, how food at Clarke has evolved.
Miles Breed, Clarke’s new director of dining services, has transformed food at Clarke. From the windows of the dining hall, you can look out and see the abundant organic garden that provides Miles with fresh ingredients. He also championed this year’s celebration of National Food Day by creating a signature event (see reprint of Telegraph Herald article on the following page) and partnering with campus ministry to support their week-long food week activities. More telling of Miles’ impact was the email he received a few weeks into this academic year. On move-in day, Miles had talked at length with the parents of a Clarke freshman. They were concerned about their daughter’s celiac disease, and need for a gluten-free diet. “You put our minds at ease,” said the mother. “You and your staff are true shining stars at Clarke.” Collaborations and conversations between Clarke, its students and the community have been commonplace throughout the university. Now, they are also helping Clarke find new ways to envision food and its role in our lives and in society.
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CLARKE TAKES A FRESH LOOK AT FOOD by Stacey Becker, TH Staff Writer
Clarke University brought a mini-farmers market to its students. Three tables displayed fresh cookies, ripe produce and photographs of Devon Beef from local businesses inside Clarke’s cafeteria as students, faculty and staff ate lunch Wednesday.
The cafeteria menu Wednesday also featured dishes made from food purchased from vendors at the minifarmers market: Heritage Beef in Bellevue, Iowa, Kruse Family Farm in Lancaster, Wis., and East Mill Bakeshop & Catering in East Dubuque, Ill. “It’s awesome being up here with the kids,” said Linda Sangston, an aunt of one of the owners of East Mill Bakeshop & Catering. “It’s good exposure that the kids realize what’s out there.” Sheldon Headings, with Heritage Beef, said students need to know that purchasing food locally makes a difference in their environment. Like the other vendors, Carol Ann Kruse, with Kruse Family Farm, said she enjoyed the event and would come back next year. “I already know I want to do it next year,” Breed said.
“Back home, I love going to the farmers market,” said Brittany Gosse, a senior biology/physical therapy major from Independence, Iowa, who purchased vegetables. The idea for the farmers market was hatched through Clarke’s sustainability committee. Miles Breed, director of dining services, said it's important to let students who haven't been to the Dubuque Farmers Market know that locally produced food is available to them. “It’s just more of a sustainable approach to food,” he said.
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Gosse, president of the student environmental club, agreed. She said the event, which the club helped organize, brought more awareness to the idea of local food and sustainability.
The farmers market on National Food Day is one part of Clarke's Food Week, a collaboration of several campus groups to raise awareness about health, fair trade and sustainable food. Breed, who started in April, has tried to incorporate as much locally sourced produce at Clarke as fiscally possible. He said it’s only a small percentage now, but he’s trying to change that. “I’m definitely a farmers market girl,” said Katie Bahl, manager of alumni relations events at Clarke who purchased some produce. “It’s neat to expose our students to fresh food options.” Story: (c) 2012 Telegraph Herald, a division of Woodward Communications, Inc. Reprinted with permission.
WHAT’S NEW IN FOOD AT CLARKE
CATCHING-UP WITH THE CRUSADER CALLERS
Reid Johannsen ’15, president and founder of the Clarke Culinary Club, gives some insight on this new student organization.
How did the culinary club get started? I’ve wanted to be a chef ever since I was in kindergarten. When I came to Clarke, I wanted a way to sharpen my culinary skills that I’ve learned over the years before I go to culinary school. When I attended the CONNECT week student involvement fair, I noticed there were no clubs that involved cooking, so I decided to start one! What do you do at meetings? Each Tuesday evening, about 15 students meet in the dining hall and we prepare a new dish together. So far, we've made banana bread, sourdough bread, candy corn, soufflé, creme brûlée, whole crab, eggplant parmesan, homemade pasta, an entire Thanksgiving dinner for the dining hall staff, beef stir fry, Christmas cookies, and numerous other items! What do you look forward to? My goal is to get more Clarke students involved in the Clarke Culinary Club so they can learn cooking techniques that can really come in handy after graduation. It’s a fairly new organization so we are trying to advertise and get our name out there. Why is your club important? Students should join the culinary club because cooking for oneself is becoming a dying art. We want to show students that cooking is fun and it’s a way healthier option than dining out or thawing a frozen processed meal. And it’s delicious! Bon appétit! For photos from the Culinary Club, visit www.clarke.edu/magazine.
Front (left to right): Heather Lott and Kanitral Averhart Back (left to right): Rachel Armstrong, Karan Sieverding, Amanda Rogers, Stacey Moeller and Concheta Diming Not pictured here: Jenn Brill, Kelsey Ewing, Chandler Zeien
This fall, eleven dedicated students spent over 600 hours talking to alumni, parents and friends of Clarke. On behalf of the Crusader Callers and the institutional advancement office, we would like to thank everyone who made a pledge or gift to our fall phonathon. On the phones, the students are able to talk to individuals from around the country and are thankful for the learning experience and advice they are given. Students enjoy talking to graduates in their field of study, hearing about alumni past experiences, as well as, learning about traditions that are still happening on campus to this day. The Crusader Calling Team will be on the phones again from January 22 through February 28. The students look forward to speaking with you! PAGE 5
THE HOOP SCOOP If we really wanted people to know what we are saying we’d say “we’re there,” but that doesn’t even sound cool or give people the chills. True, our saying is weird and unique, but so is our team. How do you juggle athletics and class work? It can be difficult to juggle athletics and take classes because it tires you out and there really isn’t a whole lot of time for anything else. However, it forces me to manage my time. I can’t afford to procrastinate. Does anything you learn in the classroom translate onto the court? How? I learned if you don’t understand something, ask questions. It’s better to understand something in class/practice, rather than after the test/game.
BRIAN O’DONNELL ’13 HOMETOWN: AURORA, ILLINOIS
MAJOR: SECONDARY EDUCATION AND HISTORY
Why do you participate in athletics? I play sports because I have been blessed by God with talent and I want to get the most out of it. It keeps me busy and I also enjoy being part of a team. I play sports because it provides me with new challenges every day. Most people don’t realize how demanding playing college basketball is. After playing for four years, I’m convinced I can do just about anything.
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Does the basketball team have any rituals? Every year, we make goals as a team, we pray before games and have a barbeque at Coach Drymon’s house after conditioning. Our best ritual is our team chant we holler every time we end a practice or prepare to take the court. Allow me to elaborate; it goes “1, 2…CU! 3, 4…WE DEHR!” Our slogan, “WE DEHR” roughly translates to “we’re there.”
What do you have to say about your coach? Coach Drymon is a good coach. He is fair in the fact that if you play hard and can execute, he will find a spot for you. He runs some of the hardest practices and conditioning workouts, expecting a lot out of us; which is good, because you should never set the bar low. His goal as a coach is to make us better players and I think he does this. How did you guys do last season? Last year we had the best season in my three years at Clarke; we went 19-11 and finished fourth in our conference. Each year we have gradually improved. My freshmen year we only won six games and my sophomore year we won 13 games. I feel that we are definitely going in the right direction. What expectations or goals did you set for this current season? Throughout my four years here, we have had the same goal of having a winning season and winning our conference tournament. This year, I feel we have the best opportunity to do both these things.
CLARKE | THE MAGAZINE OF CLARKE UNIVERSITY
The Clarke University Basketball season is underway and Cuttie took a break from cheering on the Crusaders to sit down with two players to get the scoop on hoops, classes, goals and the exciting life of student-athletes.
How do you juggle athletics and class work? Most people set alarms to remind them to start something. I use my alarm to notify me when study time is over so I can stay on schedule. While I’m on the road for away games, I do homework and study on the bus as much as I can. Besides athletics, how else are you involved on campus? I am the secretary of Clarke’s student government and the founder of a brand new campus organization called B.L.A.C.K Student Union (BSU). B.L.A.C.K stands for Building Love Amongst different Cultures for Knowledge. On top of that, I am a resident advisor, I work at the front desk in the Kehl Athletic Center and I will also be playing softball this year.
KAVERIA ALLEN ’13
HOMETOWN: JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA MAJOR: BIOLOGY
Why do you participate in athletics? Most people would say it’s to be a part of a team. I agree; however, I do it mostly for me. It keeps me grounded and motivates me to get good grades. It’s really stress relieving to know that for two or three hours per day, the only thing that is on my mind is perfecting my craft on the court. Oh, and I love to travel to away games and get free meals while on the road! Haha! Does the basketball team have any rituals? In the locker room about 10 minutes before game time we get in a circle hold hands and say what we want to do in the game like: intensity, rebound, consistency, work hard, etc., and we try to the best of our ability to do those things we said so in the end we come out with a victory. Then we say the Lord’s Prayer before every game. When it’s time for them to introduce the starting five, get hyped up and yell “C U on 2...1...2 C U”!
Does anything you learn in the classroom translate onto the court? How? My professors put us into discussion groups in class. I always take the role as leader in these groups, the same way I do on the court. As a leader, you have to be able to motivate your crew, as well as know what you’re talking about in order to be taken seriously. What do you have to say about your coach? Coach Adams is a great father to his kids and a fatherfigure to his players. He has a different approach than my previous coaches, but I like that he pushes me. He is very persistent in that there is no changing his mind, especially about me wearing ankle braces. Haha! What goals did you set for this current season? I expected our team to grow from last season. We were very young last season. I know we have the talent, so this year we will harness the gained experience and explode on the court. Now that we are a more mature team, we can take criticism from our coach and not get upset. He is trying to help us and proving to him that we can take his advice and build upon it is a great feeling. This should be one of the best seasons I have had in my college career at Clarke. PAGE 7
GPS to Clarke’s
Future 2012-2017 Strategic Plan Rooted in the Catholic tradition and the BVM Core Values, Clarke University will be a vibrant, relevant and collaborative environment that creates career- and life-ready graduates who positively impact the organizations and communities in which they work and live.
Freedom Charity E PAGE 8
Clarke University’s 2012-2017 Strategic Plan was approved by the Board of Trustees at their May 2012 meeting. A great deal of time and effort went into the preparation of this plan. The board’s approval allowed the committee to move forward with the forming of a new strategic planning committee and several sub-committees to oversee the rollout, communication and implementation of the plan and its many components. Even with the rollout commencing, it’s helpful to understand the depth and context of the committee’s work. Further, an appreciation of that work will best illustrate the very significance of this strategic plan. President Joanne Burrows, S.C., Ph.D. spoke with the strategic planning committee to frame for them the importance of their work. She explained how this would be the most serious work they would do that year, and acknowledged that their task would not be an easy one. Sr. Joanne reminded the committee to be transparent, to share and help sell the plan among their colleagues, and to prepare themselves for the passionate reactions their work would create. The committee then went on to develop a set of guiding principles, which they would use to evaluate decisions and lead them in creating the specific objectives for the plan. Four consistent themes began to emerge: Extend Our Reach: Be more intentional about telling the Clarke story and to become a bigger presence in the Dubuque community and its progressive, thriving environment.
Educate Through Lived Experiences: More than service-learning, this speaks to lived experiences as a broader term. It involves the integration of academic and co-curricular experiences for the benefit of student learning. Expand Enrollment: Enrollment-driven growth will require the expansion of existing programs and strengths, and may be achieved through reallocation, integration, combination and reorganization of existing programs and offerings. Enhance Our Infrastructure: Creating a “learning and working” environment that maximizes resources and aligns the quality of first impressions with quality of programs. Here, infrastructure addresses everything from facilities to human capital.
GUIDING PRINCIPLES: ˯˯ Focused on where we were going vs. where we were starting ˯˯ Included only goals that were measurable ˯˯ Is pragmatic ˯˯ Would build on and enhance areas of strength and would create an area(s) of distinctiveness ˯˯ Would create enrollment growth ˯˯ Fosters our BVM Core Values and helps to bring them to life ˯˯ Addressed what we heard from other constituencies – especially: ˯˯ Capitalizing on “small, friendly, caring” ˯˯ Providing graduates with “life skills” ˯˯ Would include items that can be finished or started within the five year timeframe
Education Justice PAGE 9
With a strategic decision-making framework in place, the committee spent the next several months conducting research, reviewing data and compiling best practice information. In March 2012, the committee gathered for a day-long retreat, from which a vision statement emerged. It read:
Clarke University will be a vibrant, relevant and collaborative environment that creates career- and life-ready graduates who positively impact the organizations and communities in which they work and live. The core piece of the strategic plan, the one area to concentrate on, is the main objectives. The driver for all objectives is to build on existing strengths to increase enrollment over the next five years. The four key areas that will achieve this enrollment growth are: ˯˯ Creating new offerings that prepare students to be both career- and life-ready. ˯˯ Generating vibrancy and spirit on campus through athletic expansion. ˯˯ Bringing the Clarke story to life. ˯˯ Capitalizing on the momentum in art and the sciences.
The communications-driven rollout will include two key components - a strategic plan webpage and a launch video. The webpage will house the plan overview, support documentation and other knowledge management information. The strategic plan launch video will feature administrators, faculty, staff and students speaking about the basic, yet important elements of the plan. These two tools have been used to provide resource information and source material for a host of rollout initiatives. They were developed to give departments and offices around the university the flexibility they needed to effectively communicate the strategic plan, and assist in the rollout. In some ways, the rollout of the strategic plan has already started. Tours of campus are already highlighting two very visible and significant strategic initiatives; the new science building and the Lingen Technology Commons. The more detailed work of the rollout was developed by the main strategic planning committee. The sub-committees, including the convergence committee, technology committee and camps committee, have begun work on the implementation aspects of the plan. This rollout of the strategic plan needs to provide all stakeholders with the answer to some very simple questions, “why is this important to me?” and “why should I care?” In that regard, the key indicator of success for the rollout is not to simply provide information. Rather, the rollout seeks to clearly articulate this vision of Clarke’s future, and to initiate the first steps in making the strategic plan relevant. For more information on the strategic plan, visit www.clarke.edu/magazine.
Freedom Charity E PAGE 10
“To be progressive with the times” Perhaps the centerpiece of the entire strategic plan comes under the “new offerings” objective. This initiative will be called the convergence program. The convergence program was designed as a means to envision a way of moving Clarke’s educational program into the future and recognize the changing nature of learners. It’s a contemporary way of looking at liberal arts. The plan seeks to initiate a program with the BVM Core Values of freedom, education, charity and justice as the underlying foundation of the Clarke experience. Clarke’s convergence program will capitalize on Clarke’s strength in being small, friendly and caring. These strengths enable faculty and staff to work across traditional academic and co-curricular areas to guide students in planning for academic success and personal growth. Varied experiences will offer opportunities for students to build life-long learning skills along with an understanding of how they can participate in the world in meaningful ways. This holistic program will become a signature student experience integrating the liberal arts, general education, experiential coursework, co-curricular and extra-curricular offerings and global experiences. Finally, the BVM Core Values will be seamlessly and intentionally woven through all of these components. A convergence program assures not only that every student is career- and life-ready, but that each student understands and carries the Clarke and BVM Core Values of freedom, education, charity and justice into the future. According to these core values, to be educated is to recognize one’s gifts and develop one’s potential, to recognize one’s interdependence, and to become whole and integrated. This program will help students reach their potential through more purposeful student engagement and result in a richer, more integrated student experience. The program will take a multitude of existing services, programs and opportunities and bring them together with intentionality in a way that impacts all undergraduate students and contributes to relevancy of a Clarke degree.
Education Justice PAGE 11
HOMECOMING
HIGHLIGHTS This year’s homecoming was a hit! The over 300 alumni in attendance enjoyed reminiscing at the various meals, parties, concerts and ceremonies throughout the weekend. Alumni traveled from 30 different states and nearly 60 graduating classes were represented. Visit www.clarke.edu/alumni to see more photos from these events.
N CLASS OF 1962
GOLDEN REUNIO
R
SILVE
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N
PTIO RECE
CLARKE AND LORAS PART
Y
H
NITION BRUNC
ALUMNI RECOG
UPCOMING ALUMNI EVENTS We’re hitting the open road with all the Clarke-ness you’d expect from being on campus. Don’t miss us in a place near you for a great Clarke time with great Clarke friends! Here are some locations you will find us in upcoming months: SUNDAY, JANUARY 20 Clarke Brunch and Lecture/Booksigning Clarke Professor Abdul Sinno, Author Iowa City Power Company SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 9 Clarke Hockey Night Mystique Community Ice Center Dubuque, Iowa
ATHLETICS HALL OF
FAME INDUCTEES
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15 Clarke Visits Naples Grey Oaks Country Club Naples, Fla. SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 17 Boca Raton Area Poolside Brunch Home of Juan Camilo Tamayo ’95 and Carla Ossa Boca Raton, Fla. SATURDAY, MARCH 2 Scottsdale Area Brunch Hyatt at Gainey Ranch Scottsdale, Ariz.
View more photos from Homecoming 2012 at www.clarke.edu/alumni.
Visit www.clarke.edu/alumni/events for a complete listing of upcoming events and opportunities to connect!
MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR
HOMECOMING 2013 - OCTOBER 11-13. CELEBRATING REUNION CLASSES ENDING IN 3 AND 8. PAGE 13
CLARKE STUDENTS
IMPACT
DUBUQUE’S ART SCENE Clarke art students, Emily Cram and Kayla Damisch participated in Voices’ ART SLAM event on September 14. ART SLAM is a competition among teams of 2-3 art students from area colleges who are provided a blank canvas and given 90 minutes to produce “a work of art”. For this first-time event, the two Clarke artists teamed up against their peers from Loras College, University of Wisconsin-Madison and University of Wisconsin-Platteville. The winning team would receive a $1,000 scholarship awarded by event sponsors Dubuque Museum of Art and Premier Bank.
Clarke art students, Kayla Damisch ’12 and Emily Cram ’14 finish up their winning piece during the ART SLAM competition.
The art scene in Dubuque has always been strong, but has shown some incredible growth in recent years. Historically, the art scene at Clarke has been both a contributor to that success, and also a beneficiary. A clear illustration of this cultural collaboration of school and community is the Voices from the Warehouse event. Voices is a month-long art exhibit with multiple cultural events held in Dubuque’s Historic Millwork District.
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Filling the re-purposed 15,000 square foot gallery was a large, cheering crowd of local art patrons, community leaders, neighbors and, of course, students from each school. The Clarke team enjoyed strong support from faculty, staff members, friends and even some Clarke trustees. Eventually, “time” was called and some last strokes were quickly applied. A three-member panel of judges stepped in to carefully assess each piece. After 15 minutes, they whispered their decision to Mark Wahlert, Director of the Dubuque Museum of Art. The team from Clarke University was announced as the inaugural winner of ART SLAM. Clarke University has a long history of producing impact-creating students. ART SLAM was the perfect event to demonstrate the real impact Clarke’s art students have had, and will continue to have, on a community and its art culture.
CLARKE | THE MAGAZINE OF CLARKE UNIVERSITY
WOMEN’S SOCCER SCORES FOR FORMER TEAMMATE The Clarke University women’s soccer team and Coach Tyler Watkins rallied together this fall for a former teammate. The team raised nearly $900 in the third annual Kickin’ it for the Cure campaign, all to honor the family member of one of their former teammates. The funds raised were donated to the American Cancer Society in the name of Maria Vilar '12, of Caracas, Venezuela, whose mother has been diagnosed with breast cancer. Maria graduated from Clarke this past May and was a four-year participant in soccer. The idea to raise funds for Kickin’ it for the Cure came from Clarke soccer alum Georgina Reed '12, of Cornwall, England. She encouraged Watkins and his team to demonstrate how their togetherness and soccer-style effort can make an impact off the field as well. “This small gesture will mean everything to Maria,” wrote Reed. “For someone who brought so much light and joy to the Clarke soccer team, Clarke Residence Life, and the Clarke campus, I believe we can help bring the light back into the lives of Maria and her mother.” According to Reed, who was active in Kickin’ it for the Cure while at Clarke, Vilar has given up her spot at graduate school in Madrid to care for her mother.
This year’s funds were raised through t-shirt sales and donations. Those who attended this year’s homecoming soccer games were treated to a spectacular sight (and two wins) as the Lady Crusaders took the field in their blazing pink “Kickin’ It” t-shirts. “I’m very proud of our ladies’ efforts this year and for exceeding last year’s totals,” said Coach Watkins. “We hope we can continue to raise even more money in the years to come for this very important fight.” Over the past three years, the Clarke women’s soccer program has raised $2,975 for cancer research.
GET IN THE ACTION! Follow all of the Crusader athletic teams on their quest for victory. Get up-to-the minute stats, see results and watch live events. It’s all a click away at www.clarkecrusaders.com.
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Books by Faculty:
REVIEW OF SINNO BOOK Now more than ever, people are communicating in many different ways. Effectively getting your message across to the right audience, in the most optimal way, has become an increasingly complex equation. As chair and professor of Clarke’s communication department, Abdul Sinno keeps students at the forefront of this ever evolving field of study, and is well known around campus for his knowledge and passion for communication. Yet, the best illustration of Abdul’s passion can be found in what may be the simplest and oldest form of communication – the image. Abdul and his son, Rafic Sinno ’00, have produced yet another book on photography. Their newest book, “Scenic Treasures of the Midwest: Panoramas and Reflections” brings into focus the spectacular images of the tri-state area. There is so much that makes Clarke University unique and special. This book brings together two of these. One is the location, which is as historically rich and significant as Clarke itself. Another has always been the passion and knowledge of the faculty. Abdul Sinno and his new book certainly demonstrate that this tradition continues. See the article from the Telegraph Herald (below).
STOP TO SEE THE BEAUTY THEME OF NEW SINNO BOOK The book captures the essence of the tri-states. by Amanda Munger, TH Staff Writer
“The aim of this book is to show you have so much beauty right in your backyard,” said Abdul, a professor of communication and chair of the department at Clarke University in Dubuque. “You might take it for granted.” Flipping through the book is like holding the tri-states in your hands. A photographic collaboration between Abdul and his son, Rafic, with contributions from sons, Olli and Omar, and wife, Melissa, it shows unforgettable images from the area.
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Abdul and Rafic Sinno believe that people often forget to look up and take in what's around them.
One page takes you to a field peppered with hay bales in Bellevue, Iowa, another to snow-covered Dubuque and yet another to the main street of Galena, Ill., on a busy shopping day.
Their new book, “Scenic Treasures of the Midwest Panoramas & Reflections,” published by the Telegraph Herald, will make that nearly impossible.
The striking panoramic views cover places within 125 miles of Dubuque, each documented in the index by city and state.
CLARKE | THE MAGAZINE OF CLARKE UNIVERSITY
Most of the photos were taken in recent years, but a few were taken so recently that they were quickly added before the book went to print, like a shot of Dubuque at night, reflected in the water. “Many times you see something so overwhelming,” Abdul said. “That was just one of those unique ones. You look at that picture and you can tell how much it tells you about Dubuque. So much emotion is charged into it.” Some photos have text accompanying them, describing the photographer’s thoughts about the subject. Of a photo of the Galena Falls, it says, “You can stay forever watching the Galena Falls. Very few people are aware of this sight; isn't the best of beauty hidden?” Rafic, an assistant professor of business at the University of Dubuque, relished in the family trips to tri-state towns. “I think what's beautiful about this book is that every single member of our family contributed,” Rafic said. “In this day and age, it represents what so many families want to do; they want to do things together. I'm so thankful that I got the opportunity to put out a work that represents the area where we have shared so many experiences with each other.” Both Abdul and Rafic have trouble choosing a favorite shot. “It’s like asking me who is my favorite kid,” Abdul said “It’s hard to answer.”
But he admits he has a soft spot for pictures of his stomping grounds – Dubuque. Abdul moved here in 1988 from Lebanon and began working at Clarke a year later. He still remembers more than 55 years ago, when his English teacher asked who could spell ‘Mississippi.’ “I spelled it correctly,” he said. “The river has been and continues to be one of my biggest fascinations.” The focus of Rafic and Abdul's previous book, “The Mississippi River Border to Border,” the Mighty Miss remains a focal point in this book, with photos showcasing bridges, boats bobbing in the waters at Lock & Dam No. 11 and the view from Potosi Point, Wis. Rafic mentions a photo of Sinsinawa Mound that grabbed him from the moment he took it. “I remember I was taking that picture and it just happened to be a moment in time where the sun was reflecting just right and the cows were out,” he said. “The whole scene ignited in front of my eyes and captured me.” The rectangular book seems made for coffee table conversation. “It is a documentation of beauty,” Abdul said. “It deserves another look.” Story and photo: (c) 2012 Telegraph Herald, a division of Woodward Communications, Inc. Reprinted with permission.
Clarke’s art exhibits, drama productions and music performances have the power to move and inspire. View a listing of this year’s Arts at Clarke events. Visit www.clarke.edu/artsatclarke.
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MOVING
IMPACT FORWARD
For 170 years, Clarke University has been teaching impact with great success. Today, with the new science building, the university is demonstrating similar success by constructing impact. Looking to Clarke’s future, and with the vision embodied in the strategic plan, we will greatly expand our ability to deliver that impact.
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The university launched its current capital campaign last May (see Summer 2012 issue of Clarke, p.22). The Impact Tomorrow Campaign is the largest in our institutional history. This well-planned and strategically driven effort seeks to raise $34 million and will provide support to a number of important initiatives. From its origins, Clarke has thrived by providing its students and faculty an environment that has seamlessly blended academic rigor and personal values. The ability to continually meet the challenge of Mary Frances Clarke “to be progressive with the times” has come to define the Clarke experience. The new science building is certainly the centerpiece that will enable Clarke to continue providing students and faculty with such a learning environment. The science building project helped generate immediate success for the campaign, which has already achieved over 52 percent of its goal. “Although we are still in the early stages of the campaign, the response from Clarke alumni and friends has been outstanding,” said Bill Biebuyck, vice president for institutional advancement. “In the months ahead, we look to expand our outreach to more Clarke supporters and invite them to participate in this historic initiative.” The campaign is far broader than buildings and seeks to leverage many of Clarke’s institutional strengths. Clarke’s ability to be at the forefront of science and healthcare education will be greatly enhanced by the science building. In this area, the campaign will strengthen the momentum Clarke has attained in the area of sciences. Across the globe, we are faced with an aging population; while closer to home we will experience the increased healthcare needs of veterans and those in rural and underserved regions. The campaign will enable Clarke to meet the increasing demand for healthcare professionals and science graduates.
It also serves Clarke well to keep pace with the unprecedented growth experienced by the city of Dubuque. Just as the changing cultural landscape of our home city has successfully attracted businesses and visitors, Clarke must provide its students with an equally robust environment. The campaign will help establish a more vibrant sense of place on our campus. Initiatives to enhance Clarke’s visible identity include creating more locations along Clarke Drive for social interaction, and transforming the “front door” to our university. The campaign will also help to enrich Clarke’s campus and student life by expanding the university’s offerings and facilities for athletics and recreation. This component of the campaign addresses a key driver in attracting and retaining today’s students. Strengthening the campus spirit in this area also serves as an attractor that brings people to the university, giving them the opportunity to experience all the special qualities that reside here. Finally, and most importantly, the campaign will serve to support Clarke’s most differentiating and valuable asset – our students. By growing the general endowment, the campaign will do more to impact the future of Clarke than anything else. The financial equation has become an increasingly critical component for students seeking higher education. Therefore, growing the university’s general endowment fund will serve to offset the financial barriers many of today’s students face. In short, achieving the goals of the campaign enables Clarke to provide more students with access to the transformative culture of Clarke. After all, Impact Tomorrow is what this campaign is all about. PAGE 19
#TREE BRINGING A CLARKE TRADITION TO THIS GENERATION
This year, the Convocation ceremony officially opened the 170th academic year of the university. Keynote speaker, assistant professor of chemistry, Karen Glover spoke to students with a theme of family and togetherness. She ended her speech with a quote from Mary Frances Clarke, “Leave the future to God; I have no fear as long as you are working together.”
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KEEP UP WITH CLARKE!
Every year following the Convocation ceremony, another annual tradition takes place on Clarke’s campus. At the tree planting ceremony, freshmen plant their class tree and seniors finally give their tree its unique name. At this years’ Convocation and Tree Planting, the class of 2013 named their tree, #Tree (Hashtag Tree), in reference to a function on the social networking site, Twitter. The hash tag symbol (#) is added to a keyword or phrase in tweet messages, and is used to identify a subject that is “trending” or growing as a popular discussion topic. Hashtags also help a tweet show more easily in searches, which can draw more people into the discussion. Some of the more general hashtags may include #superbowl, #media, #debt, and #fashion. The popularity of hashtags has grown and expanded way beyond Twitter, while the word has come to define a whole generation of students – and one tree! To see a list of previous class tree names, visit www.clarke.edu/magazine.
LIKE US ON FACEBOOK FACEBOOK.COM/CLARKEUNIVERSITY FOLLOW US ON TWITTER TWITTER.COM/CLARKEU
LIKE THE NEW ALUMNI FACEBOOK PAGE FACEBOOK.COM/CLARKEALUMNI
A PHOTO COLLECTION FROM ALUMNI GATHERINGS ACROSS THE COUNTRY MILWAUKEE’S IRISH FEST (BELOW) Halligan Parks Czarnecki ’95, President Joanne Burrows, SC, Patricia Conway Parks ’57, Joan Madden Lucke ’55 and Halligan’s children: Colleen, Michael, Jack, Halli, and Nora, enjoy the Clarke gathering at Milwaukee’s Irishfest this summer.
QUAD CITY BOTANICAL CENTER PICNIC (ABOVE) This summer, alumni in the Quad Cities had a picnic and explored the gardens after an update from President Joanne Burrows, SC. Pictured: Kathleen Mullin ’60, Rosemarie Schneider ’01, Louise King Doering ’57, Allison Bedford Elfline ’99 and her husband, Robert, Kay Doty O’Brien ’62, and Barbara Carroll ’64.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK (BELOW) Past distinguished alumni winner and alumni board member Judy Conway ’59 hosted an alumni gathering in her home in New York. Pictured: Joey Stamp ’12, Kathryn “Judy” Conway ’59, Katie Kropf Zelle ’01 and her husband Matt Zelle ’01, and Mary Virginia Cook Manchester ’57.
DENVER, COLORADO (ABOVE) In October, Kelli Miller Schandel ’95, Brock Bixler, Paige Kack Bixler ’09, Jane Schissel ’83 and Patty Lynch ’65 enjoyed brunch and a beautiful view of the mountains in Denver, Colorado.
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Want to see more alumni snapshots? Visit www.clarke.edu/alumni/eventphotos.
CAREER SERVICES CONNECTION by Becky Herrig ’84, Assistant Director of Counseling and Career Services
At the heart of the vision statement driving Clarke’s 2012-2017 Strategic Plan is creating career- and lifeready graduates. To that end, the university recently combined the counseling center and career services, creating the new counseling and career center. The merger created natural efficiencies, such as sharing an office and other resources. More importantly, the two entities are now able to work together on many aspects of the student experience. Together, the services they provide are designed to encourage, empower, promote, support, and challenge the student – all central to the overall mission of Clarke University. The shared responsibilities of the services encompass career development, study abroad, reference materials and handouts, Exploring Your Options (choosing a major), Focus 2, and Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. Both the counseling and career areas offer individual student appointments. Career services focuses on experiential learning, job search preparation, resume/cover letter critique, interviewing skills, EDGE program, graduate school application, employer outreach, and the annual career fair. Counseling services offer wellness topics, adjustment and transitions support for the Clarke students. The main programs that focus heavily on preparing students for ‘life after college’, as well as being more hands on, are: EDGE, Internship-Academic Program, Alumni Mentorship Program, and job shadowing.
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The EDGE program has been a recent addition to the freshmen curriculum, and the purpose of this class is to help prepare students for the real world in the workplace, to give them an ‘edge’ on their future. The basic explanation for the set-up of the class is each student is paired with an on campus employer.
The student works six hours a week and also participates in a class that meets one hour a week. Throughout the course of the semester, students learn many valuable workplace skills through workshops and hands on experience. Each week, the student connects what they are learning in class to their on campus job through reflections. Students have the ability to get credits towards graduation through the Internship-Academic Program or internship for credit. Any students who are participating in an internship where they are acquiring professional experience related to their academic majors are able to participate in the program. Working with their faculty sponsor, supervisor, and career services, the students log hours, write journals, create and achieve learning objectives, and finish the program with a final reflection paper. The program allows students to get the real-world experience in their career field, while earning credits towards graduation. This is also the pilot year for the Alumni Mentorship Program. Participating students are paired with an alumnus in their desired field of study, and begin a year long process to establish a relationship with that mentor. The students begin by initiating contact with the mentor. Throughout the program, the students learn through the one on one contact and real world experiences provided by the Clarke alum. Job shadowing is a one-day experience where the students visit a workplace to gain an understanding of the job and the work environment. In the workplace, students have direct access to professionals, to observe and to ask questions. The program gives students an opportunity to explore, define and finally pursue their career interests. Providing students with real experiences, across several jobs, to help them determine future interests is just one of the benefits job shadowing offers. Clarke University continues to ensure that its graduates are “career and life ready,” and the services now available within the counseling and career center will help to achieve that vision.
CLASS NOTES JUNE 27 THROUGH NOVEMBER 12, 2012
1940s
NOTES
IN MEMORY
IN MEMORY
Kathleen Jones ’44
Susan Delance Ryan ’60 Marie Canfield ’61, BVM
NOTES
Margaret Gaffney Sinclair ’49 Appleton, Wis. “After graduation, I served an internship with Kodak in Rochester, NY. Then I was employed at UW Madison, Wis. at Elizabeth Waters Hall. I got married in Sept. 1951. I have six children: four boys and two girls. I’m currently residing at Heartwood Homes in Appleton, Wis.”
1960s
NOTES
Catherine “Katie” Culhane Perry ’52 Wilmette, Ill. “This is a photo of me with my grandchildren.”
Elizabeth Van Tassel Henika ’62 Dallas, Texas. “I have two adult daughters, Amy and Lori. Amy is married and living in Ft. Worth, Texas. Lori is in a committed relationship and living in Austin, Texas. She is an editor for Apple.”
1970s 1950s
IN MEMORY
Suzanne Judge ’70, BVM Gerri Simpson Meyering ’75 Carlene Noonan McDonnell ’78
IN MEMORY
Barbara Hutchinson Cassin ’50 Mary Ellen Flad Heinz ’50 Sonya Goering Paulus ’54 Maurna Murphy Donovan ’55 Anne Horton Lorenz ’56 Sophie Loboyko Strawniak ’57 Janet Gahan Dragstrem ’59 Janet Thoennes McClean ’59
NOTES Diana Borst Nawrocki ’58 Westchester, Ill. “This is an original piece of artwork done in hand cut glass. ‘The Lady’ is the title of this stained glass piece. Yes, it is similar to Ed Demers creation. (Ed Demers taught at Clarke for many years.) He rubbed off on me. It was done in honor of my mother. It resides at Divine Providence in Westchester, Ill. where my four grandchildren attend school. I am proud to have attended Clarke, now a University. I am still a working artist.”
Patricia Pape Caplan ’71 Columbia, Md. “I just retired after 40 years in education, the last 25 of which were spent as the public relations director for the Howard County (MD) Public School System.”
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Mary Lang Carney ’72 Chicago, Ill. “I am still married to my first husband Bill, now going on 32 years. It’s been a good time. In the last 10 years, he has spent time in both Iraq and Afghanistan as a consultant. He usually travels for his work and it is probably why we still like each other. We have four adult children. Initially after I finished medical school, I worked as an employed physician at Rush Medical Center. After 10 years there, I moved to St. Francis Hospital where I was the medical director of the St. Francis Hospital Center for Women’s Health. In 2000, because St. Francis Hospital was purchased by Resurrection Healthcare, the Center for Women’s Health was closed. So, my two partners and I started a private practice named CSR Primary Care. By 2008, my two partners had moved on to other pastures and I continue in my own solo practice. I also am currently the Department Chair of Family Medicine and for the next two years the president of the medical staff at St. Francis Hospital in Evanston, Ill. I continue to teach both medical students and residents. Medicine certainly has changed in so many ways. I am still struggling with electronic medical records, but the patients still come first. For fun, I have a great group of friends that started a book club almost 15 years ago which is still going strong. I must admit that I have also become addicted to golf, mostly nine holes at a time. When my husband was overseas the first time, my friends talked me into buying some clubs and taking some lessons. It is a great stress breaker and a chance to get out in fresh air.” Mary Lourdes Conway Charles ’72 Wilmette, Ill. “My husband Ron and I have five grown (almost - the youngest is a senior in college this year) children. Listed by order of birth they are: Matt, Paddy, Katie, Kevin and Colleen….and now 2 grandchildren!”
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1980s IN MEMORY
Lillie Sheppley Mulberry ’81
NOTES
Melanie Richardi ’81 Joliet, Ill. “My oldest son, Andrew, is a freshman in college. He is a flight major. My youngest son, Timothy, is a junior in high school.” Mary Jo Jacobs Duffy ’84 Iowa City, Iowa. “My mother, Margaret Rzab, passed away two years ago. I am now an associate director of clinical applications at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. I have a few co-workers who are alumni; Laura Norpel ’93, Cindy Elbert ’79 and Kurt Wendel ’92. Also, Rose Meyer works in pathology administration. I’m spending a lot of time in my gardens when I’m not working.” Suzette Kuhl Townsend ’86 Davis, Ill. “I have two sons. Caleb is 19 and Tyler is 17.”
1990s IN MEMORY
Celeste Pechous ’94 Los Angeles, Calif. “My brother recently was diagnosed with Scleroderma which is an autoimmune disease without cure. Luckily there is hope! He was approved for a stem-cell treatment this October. I started an online fundraiser in support of him to help with medical costs etc. at www.giveforward.com/huntforacure. But the reason I wanted to send this is because of the enormous amount of outpouring and generosity of gifts from Clarkies goes beyond my wildest dreams. I just felt like I needed to thank someone at Clarke and tell them that Clarke is amazing in its strength and journey when roads are difficult to travel. Clarkies are there almost 20 years later! I’m just blown away by the goodness of my fellow classmates (older and younger) who have shown their incredible support to my brother - and they don’t even know him. And THAT is Clarke.” Juan Tamayo ’95 Boca Raton, Fla. “After 17 years working for higher education, I was inspired to open JCT4Education which is an organization that connects students and educational institutions. View the website at www.JCT4Education.com.”
Susan Bausch ’98
BIRTHS
Katie Kendell Houselog ’97 and Tony Dubuque, Iowa, boy
NOTES
Emily Tropp Denson ’94 Spring Hill, Tenn. “I just adopted a baby boy, Edward Vincent. He was born July 28, 2012.” Michele Miller ’94 Stevens Point, Wis. “On July 15, 2012, I, along with five other women, became associates of the BVM Congregation in a commitment ceremony at Mt. Carmel in Dubuque. It is my privilege to be an associate to carry on the charisma and core values of Mary Frances Clarke and the BVM Sisters.”
Robert Largent ’97 Hazel Green, Wis. Bob was the winner on the CMT game show “The Singing Bee” in May 2012. He took home $500 and a trophy as he bested five other players on the show, in which contestants “sing” in the blanks of partial songs.
Louis Vasquez ’97 Crystal Lake, Ill. My current position is with Ambius, LLC, out of Buffalo Grove, Ill. And I’m living in Crystal Lake, Ill. I am still working as a programmer/ analyst. I’m working on Red Hat Linux 5 platform, programming in Progress OpenEdge 10.1C. I’m also currently implementing Vertex Sales Tax Q Series for another division (JC Ehrlich) of our mother company (Rentokil out of the UK). I maintain this software here at Ambius, LLC. I am, as they say in the IT world, a SME (subject matter expert) for Vertex. Currently, I am taking an online course to receive my certification on Vertex Sales Tax Software. Haven’t touched upon everything but enough of what I have done in the last 15 years.”
2000s
Tara Griffin Herbst ’03 and Dusty Sherrill, Iowa, Ariana Sarah Sreenan Scherer ’03 and Jason Genoa, Ill., boy Emily Sexton ’03 and Jennifer Chicago, Ill., Owen Lucas Adam Clodfelter ’05 and Katey ’06 Indianapolis, Ind., James Andrew Katherine Welter Gansen ’05 and Jesse Dubuque, Iowa, boy
Kimberly Kanaly ’09 Huntley, Ill., Master of Science in Education in Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment from Walden University.
BIRTHS
Christina McGreevey Moon ’00 and Aaron Rochester, Minn., boy Kevin Schilling ’02 and Elizabeth Galena, Ill., boy
Julia Rusniak Jacques ’03 Palatine, Ill., to Michel Jacques Jennifer Mayhew Parrish ’03 Rincon, Ga., to Josh Parrish
Sarah Bakke Helle ’05 Dubuque, Iowa, to Justin Helle
ADVANCED DEGREES
Kayla Carr Hopson ’08 Maquoketa, Iowa, Master of Health Care Administration from Des Moines University
Alison Miller Schluenz ’02 Bettendorf, Iowa, to Matthew Schluenz
Katey Hosch Clodfelter ’06 and Adam ’05 Indianapolis, Ind., James Andrew
Kellie Quint Ruba ’06 and Dan Dubuque, Iowa, boy
Matthew Beaves ’07 Dubuque, Iowa, Master of Business Administration from Clarke University
Megan Bentley Meier ’01 Dubuque, Iowa, to Nick Meier
Rhonda Prellberg Huber ’04 Byron, Ill., to Steven Huber
IN MEMORY
Jennifer Thein Lange ’05 Manchester, Iowa, Master of Arts in Education from Clarke University
Eric Degenhardt ’01 Dubuque, Iowa, to Abigail Hurm ’09
Dustin Nunn ’05 and Gail ’06 Sioux Falls, S.D., Zea Lilian
Gail Schroedl Nunn ’06 and Dustin ’05 Sioux Falls, S.D., Zea Lilian
Jan Theisen ’09
MARRIAGES
Jessica Keller Cigrand ’07 and Aaron Dubuque, Iowa, girl Nate Lech ’07 and Kayla ’10 Dubuque, Iowa, Maya Eleanor Tiffany Kohl Roling ’07 and Jake Dubuque, Iowa, boy Melissa Randecker Ginter ’08 and Andy East Dubuque, Ill., Maycee
Keri Balster Andrews ’06 Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to David Andrews Michelle Fleege Raulin ’06 Cuba City, Wis., to Aaron Raulin Brigid Kelley Anderson ’08 Minneapolis, Minn., to Aric Anderson Alice Lingle Drummond ’08 Cordova, Ill., to Tom Drummond Jason Fuller ’08 Dubuque, Iowa, to Allison Ziegler ’10 Adam Manganiello ’08 Riverside, Ill., to Laura Van Der Bosch ’08 Laura Van Der Bosch Manganiello ’08 Riverside, Ill., to Adam Manganiello ’08
Erin Kane Callahan ’09 and John Dubuque, Iowa, boy
Natalie Deutmeyer Riniker ’08 Dubuque, Iowa, to Jeremy Riniker
Devin Patterson ’09 and Kristien Elizabeth, Ill., boy
Molly Schroeder Weber ’08 Epworth, Iowa, to Ben Weber
Courtney Townsend Tucker ’09 and David ’09 Dubuque, Iowa, girl
Aaron Cox ’09 Wheaton, Ill., to Heather Steele ’09
David Tucker ’09 and Courtney ’09 Dubuque, Iowa, girl
Heather Steele Cox ’09 North Henderson, Ill., to Aaron Cox ’09 PAGE 25
Abigail Hurm Degenhardt ’09 Dubuque, Iowa, to Eric Degenhardt ‘01 Theresa Cerjak Dressler ’09 Cuba City, Wis., to Aaron Dressler Sarah Bahl Hartman ’09 Dubuque, Iowa, to Greg Hartman Danielle Wallenhorst McQuade ’09 Cuba City, Wis., to Jay McQuade
NOTES
Clifton Henri ’01 Chicago, Ill., “I got news that I am named as one of Chicago’s ‘Top 40 Game Changers under 40’ by WVON’s Urban Business Round Table. It feels good to know that as an artist you can put your head down, dive into your work, dive into your creative process and look up, and be surrounded by people that appreciate and applaud you for it. The ‘Top 40 Game Changers under 40’ was initiated to identify and honor Chicago’s most dynamic young executives, entrepreneurs and thought leaders in the areas of creative arts and education. The awards program selects 40 Chicagoans, age 40 and under, who have excelled in their fields.” Hillary Clinton Koetz ’02 Sherrill, Iowa. “I have a three-year-old daughter, Evelyn and expecting another in April. I have owned and operated my own business called HandPickd (Just for You) for over a year. I am a florist who works out of my home and have a wonderful design partner. We design with fresh flowers for weddings, parties, sympathy and everyday events.” Denise Wubben Stejskal ’02 North Liberty, Iowa. “This summer, Grant and I took a sailing trip to the Caribbean. We visited St. Thomas, Culebra, Culebrita and St. John.”
Nicole Merritt ’04 New York, N.Y., “I am one of nine individuals selected as the 2012-13 class of Emerging Leaders of New York Arts Fellows. The ELNYA Fellows Program offers young arts professionals and advocates an opportunity to collaboratively shape a season of ELNYA programming and activities. Participants will build their leadership skills while growing the ELNYA community and advancing the field of arts management. I also work for the International Society for the Performing Arts (http://www.ispa.org) in New York as a coordinator. I manage the leadership developments, arts exchange, and networking programs in addition to coordinating international and domestic conferences. I’m also the Vice President on the Board of Directors for the Nouveau Classic Project, a contemporary performing arts group based in New York. I have a Master of Arts Management degree from Carnegie Mellon University, and have worked in Germany and the United Kingdom. Cultural events, networks, and international exchange are a few of my interests.” Brooke Palmer Temby ’04 Eagle Mountain, Utah. “On November 17, 2012, I graduated from the Basic Parish Nurse Preparatory Course presented by Rocky Mountain Parish Nurse Ministries and will be starting a Health Ministry at Hilltop United Methodist Church in Sandy, Utah. I am also currently enrolled in an online Masters of Nursing Education program at Western Governors University with anticipated graduation in December of 2013.”
Michael Daly ’08 Omaha, Neb., “I’m currently preparing to start my third and final year of law school at Creighton University. Besides schoolwork, I’m keeping busy by working as a law clerk at Lamson, Dugan and Murray, LLC and serving as the executive editor of the Creighton Law Review. There will likely be some big changes in store for me for this next year as a I attempt to secure an associate position at a firm in either Omaha or Kansas City and preparing for the bar exam. I still credit any successes I’ve had as the result of a great education from the Clarke philosophy department. Knowing what a syllogism is makes all the difference in the world in law school.” Mirelis Rivera-Rodriguez ’08 Bayamon, Puerto Rico. Mirelis is finishing her masters in physical therapy at the University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus School of Health Professions in May of 2013. She also works as an athletic trainer in Puerto Rico. Some of her clients were in the Olympics representing Puerto Rico this summer.
2010s BIRTHS
Kayla Shaffer Lech ’10 and Nate ’07 Dubuque, Iowa, Maya Eleanor Meghan Gilroy Hines ’12 and Seth Dubuque, Iowa, Cordelia Evangeline
MARRIAGES
Christopher Civitate ’10 Des Moines, Iowa, to Stephanie Elbe Rebecca Bradford Flores ’10 Fawnskin, Calif., to Phillip Flores ’11 Alison Ziegler Fuller ’10 Dubuque, Iowa, to Jason Fuller ’09 Julie Schlichte Gansen ’10 Dyersville, Iowa, to Joe Gansen
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Phillip Flores ’11 Fawnskin, Calif., to Rebecca Bradford ’10 Clare Ehlers Hanson ’11 Waterloo, Iowa, to Will Hanson Heidi Corbett Shannon ’11 Independence, Iowa, to Matt Shannon ’11 Matthew Shannon ’11 Independence, Iowa, to Heidi Corbett ’11 Kimberly Lyon Hayward ’12 Maquoketa, Iowa, to Justin Hayward
NOTES
Justin Einerson ’11 Des Moines, Iowa. Justin was named assistant men’s basketball coach at Grand View University in June of this year. He assisted Jerry Drymon at Clarke from 2008-2011. Jolene Green ’11 Dubuque, Iowa. “I am working in Suwon, South Korea teaching English to high schoolers and am having the time of my life!” Alexander Kelsheimer ’11 Chesterfield, Mo., “I’m currently a second year osteopathic medical student at Des Moines University.” Matthew Shannon ’11 Independence, Iowa. “I married Heidi on July 7, 2012. I got a job with Wapsie Valley at about the same time. I’m currently taking some graduate classes at the University of Northern Iowa. I’m still coaching wrestling at Independence and coached 7th grade football at Independence this year as well.” Kayla Messerschmidt ’12 Platteville, Wis., “In the six months since I graduated, I have moved to Kenosha, Wis., passed my RN boards, got a job as an ER nurse at Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare-All Saints in Racine, Wis., and got engaged! What a busy and wonderful six months it has been! My life has truly been blessed!”
Kylee Miller ’12 Valparaiso, Ind., “I’m going to Valparaiso University School of Law in Indiana on a full tuition scholarship this fall. I want to thank Norm Freund and the rest of the philosophy department for all of their guidance, and the communication department for enhancing my communication skills that I will be relying heavily on. It’s amazing to me that Clarke has 100% acceptance rate into law school. I’m excited to join my fellow alumni.” Joseph Stamp ’12 New York, N.Y. “I will be interning with LARK play development center. My official title is ‘General Management Intern’ which means I will be working closely with playwrights and directors to help them collaborate on projects. The internship is for the entire fall, and it started in September.”
SHARE YOUR JOY:
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 www.clarke.edu/magazine. (Don’t forget to send pictures!)
YOUR INPUT IS MAKING AN
IMPACT Thank you to the hundreds of Clarke alumni and friends who participated in the recent online survey. We have collected the data, analyzed the results and are diligently incorporating our findings into new and existing projects. For example, survey results identified that alumni and friends want more resources to network and sharpen job-searching skills. As a result, Clarke alumni relations office is now offering a free webinar series focused on the jobsearch and career networking process in collaborating with the counseling and career services office. Clarke has also created a new Facebook page – www.facebook.com/clarkealumni just for alumni to connect with Clarke and other alumni. Look for more indepth results about the survey in the spring issue of the magazine.
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CLARKE TO HOST WEBINAR SERIES Have you noticed how much the job search process has changed? The internet and social media websites have drastically altered the way hiring managers find employees. For better or worse, these new tools also give employers new ways to delve deeper into a candidate’s background or an employee’s outside of work activities.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 17 Join us for “Unearthing Hidden Gifts,” by New York Times & USA Today Bestselling author Heather Gudenkauf. In this presentation, learn how a toy box, a love for reading and hiking, and a leap of faith lead to the bestseller list. Heather will discuss how she unearthed her passion for writing and how she gets inspiration from the world around her. TUESDAY MARCH, 19 Join us for a presentation by Clarke Chair and Professor of Art Louise Kames ’77. The center piece of the exhibition is a series of drawings that reference traditional Catholic Lenten practices. The subject is the ambiguous, moody atmosphere created when incense is spread throughout a sacred space. These works incorporate drawings of devotional palm cross weavings. There is a long and varied tradition of weaving the fronds into crosses, floral and bird-like forms. The woven palm frond is similar in subject to organic forms in her past drawings. PAGE 28
While you still need to have basic skills in networking, interviewing and building a credible resume, today it is just as critical to understand how to use Twitter to find jobs before they are posted or use Facebook and Linkedin to expand your professional networks. This year, the Clarke University Alumni Relations Office, in tandem with the Counseling and Career Center, is introducing a new careerfocused webinar series. The series is designed to help build successful careers and develop effective job search strategies. Each edition of the webinar series will feature some of the nation’s top career authors and experts, providing live insight and useful tools right to your computer. Knowing you have a busy schedule, you’ll also have access to the webinar recordings and PDF's of the presentations anytime, via any device. Our webinar guest speakers and topics include: January 2 | Tony Beshara’s presentation on “Organizing the Job Search Process” will help you prepare for your own career seeking journey. Tony is the author of Job Search Solution, along with four other books, and has been recognized by Dr. Phil as one of the top career authors in the nation. February 6 | Joshua Waldman will speak on “Seven Mistakes Job Seekers Make Online.” He is author of Job Searching with Social Media for Dummies and will offer tips, best practices and proven strategies for job seekers on how to use social media to land a job. June 5 | Diane Darling will present “Make Your Network Work for You!” She is the author of Networking for Career Success and will discuss building a network and ideas on how to work a room, introduce themselves and engage others. All you need is a computer, smart phone or tablet to participate. You can also join an ongoing discussion about careers, career opportunities and ideas with fellow alumni. Building a successful career starts with having the right job search skills. Join us and continue your commitment to improving your career opportunities and make the next job search faster, easier and more productive!
For more information, go to www.expertwebinarseries.com/clarkealumni.
THE BACK PAGE A LOOK AT TODAY AND YESTERDAY
CLARKE HAS A HISTORY OF ACTING UP! Take a stroll around the lobby and stairway of Terence Donaghoe Hall (TDH) and you will start to get an idea of the artistic caliber of Clarke drama productions. In that space, hanging frame-to-frame, are the posters from past performances. For decades, incoming freshmen (proudly talking up their “Bye, Bye, Birdie” experiences) have eyed those posters and quickly realized – this is no High School Musical. Welcome to drama at Clarke, kid!
1975
2012
Many changes have occurred in recent months, but the quality and historical significance of Clarke’s drama department remains. This fall, Carol Blitgen ’58, BVM, directed one more production in TDH. The play was an American stage classic, produced in classic Clarke fashion; Tennessee Williams’ The Glass Menagerie. Often considered the most famous play of the modern period, The Glass Menagerie is generally treated realistically and performed in its original form. Yet, this year’s production featured more non-traditional stage sets and an original score composed by one of the performers, Clarke sophomore Adam O’Dell ’15. The play last appeared on the TDH stage in 1975 and, more than likely, that performance also included some special Clarke touches. Even with the retirement of Carol Blitgen ’58, BVM, the drama faculty continues to show strength and depth. The department is anchored by chair, Ellen Gabrielleschi, and Joe Klinebriel, and welcomed Brock Fisher this fall.
On campus, Clarke drama has always made an impact. Today, that impact has a far wider reach thanks to the thriving cultural environment in Dubuque. With the wonderful strengthening of the arts here in the Dubuque area, drama at Clarke is well positioned to continue its own growth and excellence.
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Guided by faith. Inspired by purpose. Supported by you. Five Sisters of the Blessed Virgin Mary began something very special in 1843. Today, you are called to carry on their vision, commitment and generosity of spirit to a new generation of Clarke University students. Like the Sisters, you can create a lasting legacy at Clarke University through your bequest. Please advise your attorney which option is best for you. ·· Designate a percentage of your estate. ·· Allocate a specific dollar amount or property. ·· Assign the remainder after all other bequests have been made.
To learn more, visit www.clarke.edu/development, email development@clarke.edu or call (888)225-2753.