Fletch & Courtney A MESSAGE FROM
Greetings!
Our Foundress, Mary Frances Clarke, once wrote, “Leave the future to God, I have no fear as long as you are working unitedly.” She and her BVM Sisters knew that their faith in the Core Values of Freedom, Education, Charity, and Justice could see them through anything. While the world we live in today is drastically different from the Clarke of 1843, that same resolve is found in the hearts of all who hold an affinity for Clarke University.
In this report, we are honored to share several stories and facts that showcase this spirit. From innovative academic research to services and scholarships, we hope you’ll get a sense of the Clarke experience today. It is our sincere hope that with the tools and resources provided by our alma mater, every person who enters Clarke is taking a step toward becoming the best version of themselves.
As you review this information, we hope you’ll feel proud of your connection to Clarke University. In turn, this brochure introduces some of our plans to build an even greater legacy for Clarke. Through capital improvements and investments to our endowment, and sustained operational support, we are charting a path for a bright future.
We thank you for your tireless support of Clarke University. None of this would be possible without our alumni and friends. This was true for our foundress, and it remains so now, and always. Your continued support— whether through financial contributions, volunteerism, or simply sharing the good news about Clarke—helps strengthen the values we share and ensures that we can continue to make a positive impact.
Sincerely,
Fletcher Lamkin, Ph.D. President
Courtney Leonard Vice President for Institutional Advancement
THEN
The success of today’s Clarke student is built upon the foundation created by nearly 15,000 alumni and friends. In the past academic year, we honored many of those relationships through gifts, grants, and other forms of support.
As part of an estate gift, Ruth Powers Gamwell-Perkins, ‘41, established two endowed scholarships. One is specific to the Doctor of Physical Therapy program, acknowledging the role health and wellness played in Ruth’s life. The second is open to students in Clarke’s five other graduate programs. Each scholarship will allow a graduate student to experience the power of a Clarke education, just like Ruth did!
Thanks to a $50,000 grant from Lilly Endowment, Inc., we launched the Clarke Character and Charism Project in August 2024. In the first six months, this has included hiring Sister Joan Mueller, OSC, Ph.D. as the Chief Mission Officer, hosting a campuswide Mission & Core Value retreat, supporting our annual Into the Streets half-day of service, and a deeper exploration of the BVM Core Value of Freedom.
Monetary gifts are not the only way to support the Clarke mission. Sharing your story could inspire the next generation of students. With that in mind, we thank the over 1,988 alumni who have added to the story of Clarke through the Oral History Project! Many of you purchased commemorative books compiling over 600 of the most heartwarming, funny, and empowering stories, and we look forward to sharing more of these anecdotes in the years to come.
Today the Clarke experience is defined by a well-rounded approach that gives students the freedom to become the best version of themselves. This includes support inside and outside the classroom:
Launched in spring 2024, a new Psychology Lab enables students to design, analyze, and present their own research. More than that, the lab atmosphere encourages students to think about their long-term goals and the steps that will get them there.
The new Cupboard + Closet in Mary Josita Hall offers free food, clothing, and other resources. This initiative is a great way for alumni and friends to support today’s students, like Alumni Association Board Member Jen Moser ’96 did with a recent donation.
Read the full stories and more at clarke.edu/newsroom
The power behind many of these experiences is the Clarke Fund. Unrestricted gifts to our endowment can support everything from wellness initiatives and faculty research, to scholarships like the one Abigail received.
“When I was considering colleges, I wanted a college where I could feel like a part of a community. I wanted to make lifelong friends and participate in campus activities. Being a scholarship recipient means I can afford to live on campus and have that connection. I truly appreciate the sacrifices that individuals make to help students like me fund their higher education. The impact it has on my life will not only affect me this year but in years to come.”
Major: Communication Hometown: Maquoketa, IA
ALWAYS
Our United in Purpose campaign seeks to gather the resources that will make a distinctly Clarke education possible well into the future. These are just some of the campaign efforts that align to the four goals of our Strategic Plan.
Goal
1: LIVE OUR MISSION AND VALUES
Establish durable organizational structures and leadership capacity to articulate and model our mission and core values.
Goal
2: EMPOWER STUDENT SUCCESS
Starts with the creation of a new Student Success Center to foster the development of the whole student: mind, body, and spirit.
Goal 3: SUSTAIN INSTITUTIONAL VITALITY
Strengthen our foundation by renewing iconic campus spaces through thoughtful upgrades to classrooms, labs, and residence halls.
Goal 4: CULTIVATE A LASTING LEGACY
Secure new opportunities for students and faculty by growing Clarke’s endowment to $45 million.
In 2024, the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary championed these initiatives with a $6 million gift. With their aid and guidance, are laying the groundwork for a comprehensive campaign by enhancing our academic advising, modernizing our library, and creating a Student Success Center, along with upgrading our residence halls and academic areas.
Scan the QR Code to see how you, too can be United in Purpose for the Future of Clarke.
UNITED THROUGH
THE YEARS
A tie to Clarke lasts a lifetime. Many times, these connections resurface in unexpected ways. When Isabelle Barefoot ’23, ’24M started student teaching, she
was paired with her former third grade teacher, Tiara Gooch ’02. They bonded over their love of Clarke and education, and that passion was evident in the classroom at Sageville Elementary.
Scan the QR Code to see Tiara and Isabelle in action.
OF UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS RECEIVE SOME FORM OF FINANCIAL AID 100%
AVERAGE TUITION COST SAVINGS PASSED ONTO EACH STUDENT PER YEAR THANKS TO DONATIONS 8%
OF CLARKE’S ANNUAL OPERATING EXPENSES ARE NOT COVERED BY TUITION AND RELY ON ADDITIONAL RESOURCES FOR FUNDING 46%
CLARKE ENDOWMENT TOTAL AT END OF FY24 $ 32 MILLION
STUDENTS BENEFITED FROM EMERGENCY FUND GRANTS IN FALL 2024 120+ IN UNRESTRICTED SUPPORT SECURED IN FY24 $ 926,171
ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIPS AND GROWING 157
CLARKE 5 WAYS YOU CAN
SUPPORT
This brochure shares some of the stories that define a Clarke experience, but there is so much more to celebrate! Here are five ways you can show you are United in Purpose.
SUBMIT A CLASS NOTE
Add your own chapter to the Clarke story by sharing your personal and professional milestones since graduation.
UPDATE YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION
Complete a simple form to make sure we have an accurate mailing address, email account, and phone number on file. Don’t forget to opt-in for text messages!
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 Clarke Classic, and many other events throughout the year. Watch our calendar for updates.
DONATE TIME, TALENTS, OR TREASURES
Whether it is a gift to the Clarke Fund, 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 FOR LINKS TO THESE 5 RESOURCES FOR ALUMNI AND FRIENDS
