AtaGlance • ATAGLA
the President A MESSAGE FROM
To the Clarke Community,
As many of you know, this fall Clarke faced some difficult decisions as we worked to realign our academic programs. These choices weighed heavily on us and were not made lightly. Yet even in painful moments like these, we draw strength from our faith, our mission and, most importantly, our community, just as we have for nearly 200 years.
Throughout this process, I have reflected on Mary Frances Clarke’s words to her BVM Sisters in 1885: “Leave the future to God; I have no fear as long as you are working unitedly.” These words are remarkable in a number of ways. One of them is the theme of unity— “working unitedly”—which continues to guide us as we move forward. Another is the idea of having no fear. The choice to “have no fear” is not a denial of difficulty, nor does it spare us from making hard decisions or facing adversity. Rather, “have no fear” is an invitation to move forward through difficult times with courage, trust, and shared responsibility.
For Clarke, the path forward does not diverge from the spirit of the BVMs but embraces it fully. In a higher education landscape where institutions struggle to identify what makes them unique, we stand apart as the only BVM institution for higher learning. The BVM story is one of faith, perseverance and hope. By leaning into this story and Clarke University’s unique place in it, we can offer a Catholic education with programming and involvement opportunities grounded in service, justice, and compassion.
It is in this spirit that we share our midyear report with you, to highlight the many actions students, faculty, staff, and alumni are taking to advance Clarke’s mission and build on this heritage into the future.
As we walk this path together, please know how deeply grateful I am—and how grateful we all are—for what each of you has done, what you are doing, and what we trust you will continue to do for Clarke University.
Sincerely,
Yvonne C. Zimmerman, Ph.D. Acting President
PRIDE Points of
Every day, students, employees, alumni, and friends of Clarke University are making a difference in the communities where they live, work, and learn. With our purpose-driven academics and community-focused student life offerings, it’s hard to pick just a few moments to highlight, but these are some of our favorites!
Fall 2025 welcomed 962 new and returning students to campus, including residents from 37 states and 14 countries.
The Edward & Cathy Gallagher Arts at Clarke Series supported many wonderful events, including the “Adorning the Hollow” Exhibition, which had over 300 visitors attend.
Clarke athletic teams have earned a tremendous reputation, as demonstrated by our Lacrosse team being chosen to host one of just four Olympic exhibition games in the United States this year against Team Vietnam.
Over 250 alumni and friends visited campus October 17-19 for Homecoming weekend activities.
Now in its 5th year, the Prayer Partners program has connected over 135 Resident Assistants and BVM Sisters through visits to Mt. Carmel, service activities, and faith exploration.
Dozens of students went “Into the Streets” for a half day of service organized by Clarke Campus Ministry, benefitting 10 local organizations.
Did you know we host alumni events all year long and across the country?
Check the schedule and learn how you can help plan an event at clarke.edu/events.
ALUMNI & FRIENDS MAKING A Difference
We are incredibly grateful to everyone who makes a gift for the future of Clarke. In 2025, we received several truly transformational gifts, including:
An anonymous donor supported the initial startup costs of our new Exercise Science major. With paths for a bachelor of science, bachelor of arts, and a physical education endorsement, this exciting new offering has attracted lots of attention from prospective students.
The Clarke University Nursing department has secured grants from the SC Ministry Foundation, which promotes the mission and ministry of the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati, and the Roy J. Carver Charitable Trust to update the Nursing Simulation Lab. Not only does this support our undergraduate nursing students, this specialized lab offers unique opportunities for the Doctor of Physical Therapy program as well as our annual Wellness Camp for area middle schoolers.
Honmai ’58 and Joseph Goodman gave $5 million to honor the life-changing education Honmai received from Clarke. Their gift leaves Clarke debt-free and helps ensure Clarke can continue to provide life-changing opportunities for the students of today. In recognition of their gift, we’re renaming the complex that holds the Nicholas J. Schrup Library and the Lingen Technology Commons to The Goodman Center.
The Goodmans hope that their gift inspires all members of the Clarke community to give back.
In the 2024-25 fiscal year, we received 3,501 individual gifts from 2,102 unique donors with an average gift size of $745. this fiscal year we’ve raised for Clarke and counting! $ 7.2 million
NEW WAYS
to Give Back
Inspired by the perseverance of the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Clarke community remains steadfast in our mission, while open to new opportunities. With this foundation, the Clarke University Board of Trustees has established the BVM Legacy and Innovation Fund with a goal of securing $10 million over the next two years.
The BVM Legacy and Innovation Fund will:
• Sustain operations
• Invest in academic programs and new initiatives
• Provide flexibility to navigate change wisely
The Sisters of Charity, BVM are honoring Clarke’s founding year, 1843, with a $184,300 dollar-for-dollar match to the BVM Legacy and Innovation Fund until May 31, 2026. Their generosity reflects more than 180 years of commitment to Clarke’s educational mission.
Scan the QR Code to make a gift to the BVM Legacy and Innovation Fund at clarke.edu/giving
Inspiration isn’t limited to dollars and cents—so often it comes from those who have walked the path before us. Here are just some of the ways our alumni are getting involved:
Chris Brewer ’13 is a member of the Board of Trustees and has employed several Clarke alumni and interns at his company, River City Logistics.
Clifton Henri ’01 donated a print of his work, “Wings” during Homecoming 2025 and is planning an alumni event at his gallery in Chicago.
Kylee Miller ’12 is a member of the Alumni Association Board and connects alumni through our Cuttie Travel Series on Facebook.
Want to share your story?
Scan the QR Code to complete a simple form!
5 WAYS YOU CAN
CLARKE Support
This publication shares some of the stories that define a Clarke experience, but there is so much more to celebrate! Here are five ways you can embrace the Clarke spirit.
REFER A STUDENT
Share the power of a Clarke education with the next generation. Your referral grants a student a $1,000 renewable scholarship and earns you recognition in our CARE Society.
SHARE AN UPDATE
Submit a class note to share promotions, marriages, and other life changes with your classmates. Then update your contact information to make sure you never miss a note!
REVIEW THE NEWSROOM
Stories bring our Core Values to life. You can get in on the action by sharing your story in an alumni spotlight – just email alumnirelations@clarke.edu for details!
ATTEND EVENTS
Clarke Alumni Relations hosts socials, the Golf Classic, and many other events throughout the year. Watch our calendar for updates.
DONATE TIME, TALENTS, OR TREASURES
Whether it is a financial gift, mentoring a current student, or sharing your experiences with a prospective student, YOU and your support are an important part of the Clarke story!
Scan the QR code or visit clarke.edu/alumni to view all this and more!