clarke
UNIVERSIT Y MAGA ZINE 2 02 6
S E T O N & S W E N i n m Alu Greetings, As President of your Clarke Alumni Association Board, I’m thrilled to share some of the incredible highlights and celebrations that have shaped our Clarke community over the past year. From personal milestones to professional achievements, these stories are just a glimpse into the inspiring work our 10,000+ alumni are doing to make a difference around the globe. It’s truly heartwarming to see classmates reaching new career heights, embracing retirement adventures, and celebrating life’s big moments—like weddings and new arrivals—who just might be Clarke’s Class of 2048! These updates remind us that wherever life takes us, the Clarke spirit is alive and well. As you enjoy reading these stories, I encourage you to share your own. Whether it’s a promotion, a move, or a new passion project, we’d love to hear about it. The BVM sisters taught us humility, but this is your moment to shine—go ahead and brag a little! And while you’re at it, invite your Clarke friends to do the same. This digital publication is a quick, feel-good read that connects us all—no ads, no distractions, just good news from your alma mater! Lastly, if you’ve recently changed your address or contact details, please take a moment to update your information with the Alumni Relations office using this quick form. Staying connected means we can keep you in the loop on all things Clarke. Wishing you joy and continued success in 2026 and beyond! Go Pride!
Andy Schroeder ’02, ’10M Clarke University Alumni Association Board President
UPDATES: CAREER & VOLUNTEER
Jeffery Ruhlow ’18 was named as one of June 2025’s Top Agents with Farmers Insurance Agency.
Maxine (King) Baker ’76 retired after 41 years with 3M at the Ames, Iowa plant. Mary Ann (McKenna) Moon ’99 was elected to the Clarke University Alumni Board with her first term beginning in Fall 2026. Kenyon Duner ’00 was elected to the Clarke University Alumni Board with his first term beginning in Fall 2026.
Molly (Becker) Thompson ’19 launched Molly May’s Art Market, a thrift-style space for affordable, donated art supplies, in Dubuque, IA. She was highlighted in the Telegraph Herald article "Biz Buzz: Dubuque artist launches art supply thrift store..." Antonia (Naab) Frost ’20, ’21 LMSW was elected to the Clarke University Alumni Board with her term beginning
Andy Schroeder ’02, ’10M was promoted to Senior Vice President at Prenger Solutions Group. Justine (Ehlers) Paradiso ’09 was a featured speaker at the Association of Chamber of Commerce (ACCE) 2025 conference in Philadelphia. Kelly Harrold ’10 DPT was promoted to Rehabilitation Manager at Buchanan County Health Center. Tim Gelhaus ’15 was featured in Enterprise Sentinel and Rural News in a "Meet the Composer" article for his work in composing the Owen, WI Centennial Celebration Song. Phillip Breitbach ’17 started a new position as Business Intelligence and Systems Manager at Tucker Freight Lines.
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CLARKE UNIVERSITY | 2026
Fall 2026. Karyn A. Kuennen ’20 began new role as the Assistant Professor of Nursing at Clarke University. Anthony Butler Jr. ’22, ’25M started a new role as Director of Career Advising and Internships at Prescott College. Griffin Mulcahy ’23 began new role as an Athletic Trainer at Clarke University.
ADVANCED DEGREES All advanced degrees were obtained from Clarke University in December 2025 or May 2026 unless otherwise noted. Jacob Tebbe ’04 obtained his Master of Arts in Education. McKenna Crossen ’18 obtained her Ph.D. in Endocrinology and Reproductive Physiology at University of Wisconsin-Madison. Jeremy Foreman ’21 obtained his Master of Business Administration. Brandon Munoz ’21 obtained his Master of Business Administration. Keegan Koester ’22 obtained his Doctor of Occupational Therapy from St. Ambrose University in May of 2025. Adante' Jones ’23 obtained his Master of Business Administration. Jordyn Pfeiler ’23 obtained her Master of Arts in Education. Dylan Bangs ’24 obtained his Master of Business Administration. Rory Bickler ’24 obtained her Doctor of Physical Therapy.
Alyssa Egan ’25 DNP started her position at Medical Associates Clinic & Health Plans in their Cardiology and Cardiothoracic Surgery Departments. Grayson Eggers ’25 helped launch the first ever student art gallery for Clinton Middle School at the River Arts Center in May 2026. Justin Hernandez ’25 started his new role as Assistant Men’s & Women’s Volleyball Coach at Clarke University. Artur Nones ’25 started a new position as Financial Representative at Northwestern Mutual.
Angela Brown ’24 obtained her Master of Arts in Education. Amy Candelario ’24 obtained her Master of Business Administration. Royce Clark ’24 obtained his Doctor of Physical Therapy. Anne Crawford ’24 obtained her Doctor of Physical Therapy.
Cassidy Grady ’24 obtained her Doctor of Physical Therapy.
Esmeralda Kajtazovic ’25 obtained her Master of Business Administration.
Arianna Hacke ’24 obtained her Master of Arts in Education.
Montana Lafrenz ’25 obtained her Master of Arts in Education.
Charles Jones ’24 obtained his Master of Social Work.
Melinda Leasman ’25 obtained her Master of Arts in Education. Joshua Roman ’25 obtained his Master of Business Administration.
Sarah Kile ’24 obtained her Doctor of Physical Therapy. Sydney Norman ’24 obtained her Doctor of Physical Therapy. Jack Sabers ’24 obtained his Doctor of Physical Therapy.
Kara Rogers ’25 obtained her Master of Business Administration. Jaden Voshell ’25 obtained her Master of Arts in Education.
AWARDS & HONORS
Faith Schier ’24 obtained her Doctor of Physical Therapy.
Marlie Beauchem ’25 obtained her Master of Social Work. Jenna Fielder ’25 obtained her Master of Business Administration.
Mary (Minnehan) ’74 and Tim Moothart received the 365 Impact Award in February 2026.
Jane Schissel ’83 was named recipient of the 2026 Clarke University Distinguished Alumni Award in the category of Humanitarian Service. Jane will be honored during Homecoming 2026. Her Distinguished Alumni biography may be found at clarke.edu/alumni-awards . Laurie (Arlen) Wehrspann ’84 was nominated for the Women’s Leadership Network’s 2026 Women of Achievement Award.
Renae Schaper ’24 obtained her Doctor of Physical Therapy.
Johanna (Hartke) Steel ’24 obtained her Doctor of Physical Therapy.
Ruth Ann Gaines ’69 was selected by the Iowa Communications Association as the "Most Outstanding Adjunct Teacher" at Des Moines Area Community College.
Kelly Ward ’89 received the 2026 Corridor Business Journal Women of Influence Award in 2026. Patricia “Patti” (Wetz) Bresnahan ’68 was honored with the Heart of St. Edward Award in Chicago, IL in April 2026. The City of Chicago also honored and congratulated her with a City Council Resolution. Photo: L to R Fr. Dominic Clemente, Pastor, Patti Bresnahan, Ms Sara Lasica, Principal.
Mike Haggas ’94 was inducted into Clarke University 2025 Athletics Hall of Fame for his accomplishments as a contributor/announcer.
Carole Caroll ’68 was named Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser of 2025 by the Association of Fundraising Professionals - Greater Tri State Chapter.
Jordan Gorgas ’25 obtained his Master of Business Administration. CLARKE UNIVERSITY | 2026
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Jamie (Malikowski) Margolis ’01 was named recipient of the 2026 Clarke University Distinguished Alumni Award in the category of Outstanding Achievement. Jamie will be honored during Homecoming 2026. Her Distinguished Alumni biography may be found at clarke.edu/alumni-awards . Zach Breitbach ’05 was named a recipient of the American Chemical Society Early Career Investigator Award. Emily (Behnke) Roling ’06 was nominated for the Women’s Leadership Network’s 2026 Women of Achievement Award. Mary Stewart ’06 was inducted into Clarke University 2025 Athletics Hall of Fame for her accomplishments in Women’s Tennis. Alexis Rettenberger ’11 was nominated for the Women’s Leadership Network’s 2026 Women of Achievement Award. Jennifer Burds ’12 MSN was nominated for the Women’s Leadership Network’s 2026 Women of Achievement Award. Brittany Gosse-Jesus ’14, ’16 DPT received the George Casey Award at Medical Associates Clinic for demonstrating a strong commitment to enhancing the patient experience.
Sarah CrewsUnderwood ’18, ’20 DPT was inducted into Clarke University 2025 Athletics Hall of Fame for her accomplishments in Softball. Haris Takes ’18 was inducted into Clarke University 2025 Athletics Hall of Fame for his accomplishments
Danny Zanger ’23 & The DZ Combo (Benjamin Drury ’10, Dan McNamara ’12) received the 2025 State of Main Award for Artist/Creative of the Year.
MARRIAGES & ANNIVERSARIES
in Men’s Basketball. Kea Whittington ’18, ’19 MAEd was inducted into Clarke University 2025 Athletics Hall of Fame for her accomplishments in Women’s Basketball. Samantha Lampers ’20 was nominated for the Women’s Leadership Network’s 2026 Women of Achievement Award. Roane Hand ’21 was named recipient of the 2026 Clarke University Distinguished Alumni Award in the category of Rising Star. Roane will be honored during Homecoming 2026. Her Distinguished Alumni biography may be found at clarke.edu/alumni-awards .
Veronica (Hughes) ’68 and Michael Larkin celebrated 56 years of marriage
Kylee Miller ’12 and Ben Donovan
Halie Denlinger ’17, ’20 MAEd and Haris Takes ’18 4
CLARKE UNIVERSITY | 2026
Nitshelle (Duverseau) Kerstein ’19 and Austin, girl Liliana Cruz ’18 and Edison Yepez
Sawyer Foss ’21 and Kiara Lebouton ’23 Tucker Mai ’21 and Natalie Donath
Jessica (Anderson) ’19 and Bryce Leonard ’18, boy Alexa Bissell ’19 and Riley Michaud ’18 Tucker La Belle ’22 and Savannah Johnson
Autumn (Lamb) ’20 and Zachery Prucha ’19, girl
Andrew Samuelson ’19 and Emily Sass ’21, ’22 MSW Brandi Blatz ’25 and Nathan Huinker
BIRTHS & ADOPTIONS Jared Munson ’12, girl Laikyn (Schaefer) Pfeiler ’18 and Aaron, girl
Olivia (Haack) Mueller ’19, ’21 DPT and Randy, boy
Derek Ziehme ’20 and Lauren Vos ’22, ’24 DPT
CLARKE UNIVERSITY | 2026
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MORE FEEL GOOD STORIES Erin (Kane) Callahan ’09 was highlighted in HER Magazine March 2026 article "Family affair: Erin Callahan, of Dubuque, embraces raising a big family"
Clarke University Class Notes are contributed by self-submitted information as well as from media outlets. Every effort has been made to provide complete and accurate information. However, if you notice any discrepancies, please notify the Alumni Relations office at alumnirelations@clarke.edu.
Landon W. Koester ’18 entered his 9th Season with the Green Bay Packers as one of their Equipment Managers. Emily DeVilder ’23 now has two children, got married and works at the high school that she graduated from. She is also a coach for soccer and cheerleading.
IN MEMORY Mitzi (Creglow) Di Marco ’50 Jacqueline ’Jackie’ (Dailey) Johnson ’53 Joanne (Ryder) Thinnes ’53 Rita (Pink) Eversoll ’54 Jane (Flynn) Rodell ’54 Mary Jane (McMahon) Ferring ’55 Audrey (Thiel) Beauvais ’56 Martha (Crowley) Gude ’57 Shirley Blood Ruedy ’58 Julia Acosta, BVM ’59 Mary Ann (Cowlishaw) Rogge ’59 Ellen (Fox) Dunn ’60 Theresa (Mitchell) Deppe ’61 Mary Jo (Rossi) Furgal ’61 Mary Jo (Luedtke) McElmeel ’63 Patricia (Carney) Nauman’64 Jacqueline "Jackeye" (Clerc) Winders ’64 Marian Sweeney, PBVM ’65 Louise (Mitchell) Brown ’66 Annette (Ersfeld) Hegler ’69 Annamarie Kane ’69 Maureen (Crowley) Rogina ’69 Dorothy (Graber) Chase ’70 Carolyn (FitzGerald) Gantz ’70 Kathleen (Kisting) Alam ’71 Mary Jo (Landon) Vrotsos ’72 Marien (Hickey) Davis ’73 Linda Clodek Neilan ’77 Jennifer (Boyce) Clark ’78 Virginia (Benincosa) Jordan ’79 MA Deb (Berning) Thiell ’88 Margaret Ann Grindorff-Heinz ’90 Frank Lammer ’90 Vicki Carnicle ’98 Ariel Spillner ’21 6
CLARKE UNIVERSITY | 2026
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