THE MAGAZINE OF CLARKE UNIVERSITY is published annually for alumni, parents, and friends of Clarke University.
INSTITUTIONAL OFFICERS
Fletcher Lamkin, Ph.D. President
Courtney Leonard Vice President for Institutional Advancement
Gayle Langel '08, '17 MOL Associate Vice President for Marketing & Communication
CONTRIBUTORS
Erica Davidson '23 Director of Annual Funds
Elena Dominguez '20 '21 MSW Director of Alumni Relations
Megan Hinderman Marketing Content Strategist
DESIGNER
Amber Kickbush ’13 Graphic Designer
CONTACT INFORMATION
Clarke University 1550 Clarke Drive Dubuque, IA 52001-3198 (563)588-6318 clarke.edu
Clarke University does not discriminate on the basis of age, gender, race, religion, color, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, or disability in its educational programs, admissions policies, employment practices, financial aid, athletics, or other universityadministered programs. Clarke University complies with all pertinent state and federal regulations concerning affirmative action, non-discrimination, and equal employment opportunity.
A MESSAGE FROM
Clarke University
Greetings!
In this year’s magazine, we are proud to share stories from cherished Clarke events and experiences, including time-honored traditions and new opportunities for the students of today. Stories range from the work of our Mission & Core Values Committee and their year-long focus on the Core Value of Freedom (p. 4) to lively performances that entertain and inspire, like the Edward J. & Cathy Gallagher Arts at Clarke Series (p. 12-13).
These moments are what motivate us to keep going when challenges arise—a definite reality for Clarke and the higher education sector as a whole. When faced with demographic shifts and increased financial strain, we must respond with resilience and vision. This is the driving force behind our 2023-2026 Strategic Plan and we're proud to share an extensive update on our progress beginning on page 2. With a focus on student success, we've raised over $13 million in philanthropic support since June 2023. These funds empower us to revitalize our curriculum, explore new academic programs, and seek strategic partnerships that reflect our mission—not compromise it. Rest assured, our Catholic educational mission and the BVM Core Values remain at the heart of everything we do. As we hope you see in the stories of students, alumni, faculty, and staff captured in this magazine, Clarke’s identity and BVM legacy continue to be the cornerstones of our educational community.
As we continue to advance, we invite you to be a part of the story, now more than ever. Your support—whether through giving, mentoring, referring students, or sharing your Clarke experience—is our mission in action. Mary Frances Clarke urged us to be “progressive with the times,” and thanks to you, we are.
With gratitude and optimism,
Fletcher Lamkin, Ph.D. President
Courtney Leonard Vice President for Institutional Advancement
Advancing Purpose
with
The 2024–2025 academic year marks the midpoint of Clarke University’s strategic plan. While year one focused on defining strategic priorities and goals, this year has seen major strides toward bringing that plan to life. our strategic priorities remain:
RISING TO MEET OUR INDUSTRY CHALLENGES
Our strategic plan was crafted with an eye on the future and shaped by the changing landscape of higher education.
Across the country, colleges are grappling with declining high school graduation rates, alongside persistent learning gaps from the COVID-19 pandemic, growing skepticism about the value of a degree, and rising operational costs.
Clarke is not immune to these pressures. But we are rising to meet them with determination, focus, and a forward-thinking vision.
A NEW ACADEMIC ERA
One of the achievements of the strategic plan was a comprehensive review of Clarke’s academic offerings. Thanks to the tremendous efforts of our faculty and staff, the following changes will take effect for fall 2025 and beyond:
• A more streamlined structure of academic programs, giving students greater flexibility to pursue a double major or minor without significantly extending their time at Clarke.
• A new general education program launching in fall 2025 that reflects Clarke’s liberal arts foundation and BVM Catholic heritage while equipping students with crucial knowledge and skills.
• All academic programs will enjoy a revitalized curriculum aligned to their respective fields. Making the path from a degree to the workforce clear is a key component of demonstrating the value of a Clarke education and increasing our overall retention rate.
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Experiential learning is key to academic success at Clarke, such as the Doctor of Physical Therapy practicum, which offers free services to community members.
The curriculum review also sparked opportunities for growth, such as the creation of a new Exercise Science major, made possible through a generous donor gift.
STUDENT SUCCESS AT HEART
At Clarke, student success goes beyond academics. Social, emotional, and financial support are central to our mission of helping students thrive.
Beginning this summer, a donor-supported initiative is enabling Clarke to establish a new professional partnership called Moving the Needle that enhances campus-wide systems and interventions for student retention. This immersive approach supports our goal of achieving an 80 percent first-to-second year student retention rate.
Complementing this work is the development of a Student Success Center, planned within the current library footprint. The first phase began in fall 2024 with the Academic Support Center, which brought advising, career services, the writing center, and more into one space. The change has been well received by students, like Danyel Rieck ’27.
MOMENTUM IN GIVING
In June 2023, Clarke began an important fundraising initiative to address key priorities. To date, more than $13 million has been raised, including a transformational $1 million multi-year commitment from the Edward J. and Catherine Gallagher Family Foundation. In recognition of their generosity, the sundeck on the roof of Mary Benedict Hall was named in their honor this summer.
Gifts made to Clarke's fundraising efforts in the coming year will directly advance the following goals:
• Modernize and enhance campus infrastructure.
• Preserve the rich legacy of our BVM founders.
• Position Clarke for a financially secure future.
“No matter what I go to the Academic Support Center for, someone is there to help,” Danyel said. “It’s nice to know exactly where to go and have a team that will listen and guide me.”
In the future, the Student Success Center will include admissions, student engagement, and other aspects of student life to make this one-stop location even more beneficial.
LOOKING AHEAD WITH CONFIDENCE
These transformative efforts underscore Clarke’s enduring commitment to its mission and BVM Core Values, even as we seek innovative partnerships and alliances to secure our future. These collaborations can take many forms, from the creation of new student pathways for degree programs to organizational changes designed to optimize efficiency and streamline operational costs.
Clarke was founded with a bold charge: to be “progressive with the times.” As alumni and friends, your connection to Clarke is vital. We invite you to reaffirm your connection by referring prospective students, serving as a mentor, and supporting us financially with philanthropic gifts. Your involvement makes a meaningful difference in the lives of Clarke students.
Learn more about our Strategic Plan at clarke.edu/strategicplan, then scan the QR Code to make a gift to support our efforts!
Free To Be Clarke
The first goal of Clarke University’s strategic plan is to “Live Our Mission and Values.” This seems like a simple statement, but those familiar with the BVM Core Values appreciate the depth behind these words. Freedom, Education, Charity, and Justice mean different things to different people— at Clarke these Core Values are grounded in the Gospel of Jesus and the mission of the BVM Sisters. What do these Core Values look like in the world today? And just how do we as a university community live out our commitment to our students and to the good of all?
With a $50,000 grant through Wake Forest University and the Lilly Endowment, Inc., the Mission & Core Values Committee at Clarke launched the Character & Charism Project to explore these questions. The grant included hiring Sister Joan Mueller as Clarke’s Chief Mission Officer.
“Clarke’s BVM Catholic identity is a beautifully unique feminine expression of lived Catholic values and intellectual thought,” Joan said. “I feel privileged to collaborate with the many talented and dedicated faculty and staff members who have already been doing this work at Clarke. I am also grateful to the many BVMs at Mt. Carmel Bluffs who have mentored me in this spirit, and I am thrilled to continue their journey.”
NEXT STEPS
To focus their efforts, the Mission & Core Values Committee decided to focus campus-wide efforts on one Core Value per year, beginning with Freedom. During the fall Focused Learn and Engage Day, Paulette Skiba, BVM offered her perspective on the BVM Core Value of Freedom and how it was embodied in the earliest BVM Sisters and shaped BVM schools.
“There are two current ways of expressing the Core Value of Freedom at Clarke,” Paulette said:
“Freedom: As a community seeking authenticity, we invite all to be open to God’s love and to be true to their best selves.” -Clarke Catalog
“Freedom: The gift to become who we are called to be at the deepest core of our being.” -BVM Core Values Book
“This core value reminds us that as we provide a quality education to our students, we also want their time of study to be a time when they can come to a deeper sense of self—to who they are called to be and to explore the values which they want to live by,” Paulette said.
“This Core Value reminds us that as we provide a quality education to our students, we also want their time of study to be a time when they can come to a deeper sense of self—to who they are called to be and to explore the values which they want to live by,”
- PAULETTE SKIBA, BVM
Freedom was also the cornerstone of the Mackin-Mailander “Crucial Conversations” lecture series and a discussion on social justice as lived by Kilian Pollard, BVM. Conversations continued daily in the classroom, such as in Associate Professor of Religious Studies Susanna Cantu Gregory’s Foundation of Spiritual Life and Spiritual Growth courses, or when Professor of Art Louise Kames’s ’77 Printmaking classes created an art exhibit of what Freedom means to them.
These academic opportunities are important, yet Joan and the committee agreed that they needed to offer formative educational experiences to apply the values outside of the classroom, too. For Joan, this included a special visit with the Softball team.
“I spoke to these young women about the commitment Mary Frances Clarke and her friends made to love God, self, and neighbor, and to live good and just lives. I asked them to imagine what this meant for these five women to come together and declare these intentions in such a profound way,” Joan said. “The team sat with the story of the Foundresses and decided to respond by making a commitment to non-violence.”
The team crafted the slogan, “Sorry can’t, made the promise,” as a rejection of violence, lying, stealing, and other negative behaviors. They had bracelets made as a physical reminder of their commitment and shared their efforts with the greater campus community during the October 8, 2024 Women’s Volleyball game. The event kicked off a year-long discussion for the team and campus as a whole.
“The goal is to create influence for students and keep people accountable for their behavior and actions,” said Harlee Makue-Vasconcellos ’26. “Violence comes in different ways, and our motive is to end disrespectful acts on campus. By handing out the wristbands, it allows students to say ‘NO’ to negative behavior and be able to share the promise with others.”
MORE TO EXPLORE
Next year, Clarke will explore the Core Value of Education. However, Joan and the Mission & Core Values Committee are not just planning a cookie cutter experience.
“Education will underly many of our major events. We will offer book clubs on Catholic Identity in the modern university, a workshop for young administrators to help them integrate the Core Values into their work and design a webpage with a Mission Menu full of resources available to everyone at Clarke,” Joan said. “Together, we can live out a modern expression of the Core Values and appreciate how that defines the students we send out into the world.”
Photos provided by Harlee Makue-Vasconcellos ’26
Ceremony 181 st Commencement
On Saturday, May 10, 2025, at 2 p.m., Clarke University welcomed friends and family to the Robert and Ruth Kehl Center on campus to celebrate the class of 2025.
238 candidates for bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree crossed the stage in acknowledgement of their impressive academic pursuits, including research, internships, and more.
Students receiving special honors included this year’s valedictorian Hailey Huckstorf ’25, from Waterford, Wisconsin. In an address to the graduating class, Hailey shared lessons from friends and professors and how one can change their perspective in times of adversity.
“If I have learned anything along the way, it is that this journey was about so much more than grades and degrees. We may not have noticed it day by day, but looking at the person who first arrived, we can really see the transformation we have gone through. Because of the good times, but especially because of the bad, we have become the people sitting here today,” Hailey said. “People who are stronger, wiser, more resilient…maybe a little sleep deprived, but nonetheless, people who are changed for the better. This change is not in spite of the hardships, but because of them.”
academic achievement throughout his time at Clarke.
Additionally, alumna and Board of Trustees member, Dr. Deborah Ashton ’72 received an honorary doctorate for her achievements. Deborah, a licensed psychologist, was a Postdoctoral Clinical Fellow, Faculty of Medicine at Harvard Medical School and has a Ph.D. and an Ed.D. in Clinical Psychology & Public Practice from Harvard University. She also founded Planet Perspective, an organization that specializes in inclusive culture and leadership assessments.
The world needs good people, not just nice people. People who will speak out, stand up, and make a difference,
Deborah said. “With Clarke’s Core Values of Freedom, Education, Charity, and Justice, I am confident you have the experience to do good in this world.”
Prior to commencement, Clarke’s graduation candidates and their guests took part in a Baccalaureate Mass at 10:30 a.m. in Sacred Heart Chapel, followed by brunch in the Dining Hall.
The class of 2025 would like to extend a special thank you to all who celebrated with them and supported them on their journey.
Beatrice Atienza NURSING
Plainfield, Illinois
Beatrice “Bea” spent nine years of her life in the Philippines before moving to the United States with her family in 2012. Having seen extreme poverty, she was inspired to work in healthcare and knew the Clarke Nursing program could get her there. She built meaningful relationships with her professors and classmates, and across campus as a Resident Assistant, member of the Clarke Activities Board, and barista in the Brew & Gold Coffee Corner. She was also a member of the 2023 NAIA National Championship Basketball team. However, Bea’s proudest moment came this spring, when she landed a job as a Registered Nurse with the Orthopedics unit for the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, making her dream to become a nurse a reality.
standout students
Richard “Ricci” Giambruno II
BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION, COMPUTER SCIENCE, AND PHILOSOPHY
Parker, Colorado
didYouit!
Ricci found Clarke through the Pride Football program, but some of the offensive lineman’s most impressive stats have happened off the field. His love of learning not only led him to triple major, but to assist his peers as a peer mentor, join the Scholar's program and Future Young Professionals, and more. Through the many connections he developed at home and through the Dubuque community, Ricci and his family developed Figlio Tech. The company’s first app, Waysense, is set to launch this spring and tracks safe driving habits for teenagers and families. Following graduation, Ricci will commit all his time to growing the startup alongside his parents and Board of Directors.
These are just some of the amazing students joining the ranks of Clarke alumni. Watch for more stories and good news at clarke.edu/newsroom.
McKenzie Nodolf PSYCHOLOGY, PRE-PHYSICAL THERAPY
Ripon, Wisconsin
McKenize is someone who embraced Clarke’s Core Values even before she was a student here. Her faith has been an important part of her life and led her to be heavily involved in Clarke Campus Ministry. She even volunteered to plan the university’s annual “Into the Streets” events two years in a row, coordinating a day of service for dozens of her friends and classmates. McKenzie was also involved in the Scholar’s program, the Clarke Student Association and the Clarke Organization of Student Physical Therapists, as well as playing soccer for the Clarke Pride. She will continue to build her community connections after graduation as she pursues her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree with Clarke.
Kainoa Gerard SECONDARY EDUCATION AND MATHEMATICS
Aeia, Hawaii
Kainoa may have chosen a school a long way from home, but Clarke quickly became a community he could count on. From his time with the Men’s Volleyball team to serving as a Resident Assistant, Prayer Partner with the BVM Sisters, and member of the Scholar’s program, he created connections across campus. Thanks to his work as a video intern for Clarke Marketing and his student teaching in the Dubuque Community School District, his learning opportunities extended throughout the region. His experience earned him the Francis J. O’Connor Award for 2025 and will serve him well as he works in the Dubuque Community School District while completing his Master of Arts in Education degree with Clarke.
Naomi Noel MUSIC EDUCATION
Peosta, Iowa
Choosing to stay close to home for her degree, Naomi has been able to see firsthand how her education impacts her friends and neighbors. Her love of music, especially the piano, has been evident in her many performances for the Clarke community, from Homecoming to Musical Menus and more. She also shares her passion with those throughout Dubuque, working part-time as a teacher for Centrally Rooted, a music education non-profit run by fellow Clarke alumna Callie (Mescher) FitzGerald ’07. Naomi will continue to strengthen her local connections by serving as 5th & 6th grade band instructor and 7th & 8th grade Music teacher at Mazzuchelli Middle School after graduation.
on the TENTH MUSE Musing
2025 marks 15 editions of the Tenth Muse literary magazine at Clarke University. Through thousands of pages featuring the work of hundreds of students, faculty, staff, alumni, and professional writers, each edition captures moments in time, ranging from moving personal reflections of the past and present, to visions of far-reaching futures. Now, we’re celebrating the stories behind the stories as part of the anniversary celebration.
Humble Beginnings
The Tenth Muse was—pardon the pun—born from musings in Clarke’s Language and Literature Department. Ann Pelelo was a relatively new faculty member and had worked on literary magazines at her previous institutions. Together with her department chair, Katie Fischer ’73, the two hatched a plan to bring a new era of creative writing to Clarke.
“I hadn't been at Clarke very long, but the department joyfully embraced the idea,” Ann said.
“Katie knew there was a history of literary work at Clarke, and she was excited to be a part of that and to build from it.”
“My Creative Writing and Writers Roundtable students had been performing public readings each spring in the Mary Frances Solarium,” Katie said. “A literary magazine was the natural next step to bring student writing into a more public venue and to encourage them to pursue writing in the future.”
The Tenth Muse was still in the early stages when Katie retired in 2015. As part of her retirement celebration, her husband, Jerry Enzler, established an endowed fund at Clarke to ensure the Tenth Muse would continue as a venue for the written word well into the future.
With department and financial support in place, Anna Kelley stepped in as the advisor, kicking off a whirlwind year for a dedicated group of students. That first crew spent many late nights and weekends selecting and editing submissions, creating the layout, and bringing their vision to life. According to Anna, the course challenged students to be analytical, collaborative, and empathetic while also meeting their deadlines.
“I will always feel so fortunate that I was given the opportunity to help bring this literary magazine into being because of the way in which the students threw themselves into it,” Anna said. “All a teacher wants is for their students to feel invested and excited about the subject they’re learning, and sometimes we go to great lengths to achieve this. But with the Tenth Muse, semester after semester, that enthusiasm was always there and, frankly, was both the most exhausting and rewarding part of my career as a teacher.”
“Anna built the groundwork to publish the first issue in spring 2015. It was outstanding from the get-go!” Katie added. “Anna was also responsible for bringing the Art Department production into the mix. I admit I love the first cover. In fact, it is framed and hangs on the wall of my home writer’s studio right over my desk.”
AN Evolution
In 2019-20, Associate Professor of Graphic Design Eric Wold and Associate Professor of English Steve Bellomy took over the reins of the Tenth Muse. And like most things in 2020, the status quo wouldn’t do.
“We came in at a time where COVID changed the game,” Eric said. “Suddenly this project that had always been very collaborative and discussion-based was being done virtually. That brought challenges but it also let us rethink the medium. We offered some short blog style pieces called the COVID Chronicles, and Volumes 10 and 11 are more condensed than others.”
“Volume 12 felt like a rebirth,” added Steve. “We were able to have a true launch party for the first time in years and that was a real celebration. It felt important to gather and reflect on this unique time in our culture and all the art that came from it.”
While the medium itself changed, so did student involvement. In the past, student submissions had focused heavily on creative writing. With the growth of the Graphic Design program at Clarke, more and more student artwork was being created to complement written pieces from their peers, as well as submissions from professional writers across the country. Illustrations, paintings, and photography—including images of ceramics and sculptures created in Clarke’s studios—offered more opportunities for a juxtaposition of text and images.
Jessica “Jes” Stewart-Wagner ’25 has played an instrumental role in this progression. They began with the magazine during their freshman year at Clarke as part of their Writing minor. Quickly, Jes saw the potential to express themselves beyond the written word.
“What started as a creative outlet transformed into a profound passion for publication design,” Jes said. “The Tenth Muse offers a unique opportunity to blend my love for design with creating a platform for fellow artists. There's something incredibly fulfilling about helping others share their creative voice while pushing the boundaries of my own artistic capabilities.”
Jes and the Tenth Muse staff hosted the launch party for Volume 15 on April 24, 2025, in the Mary Frances Hall Solarium, just as generations of Clarke students have before them. Students and community members read selections, including some virtual presenters from around the country.
INFLUENCE Beyond THE PRINTED PAGE
In recent years, other organizations on campus have embraced the Tenth Muse as a source of inspiration. In 2022, Volumes 1, 4 and 7 served as the source work for the Clarke theatre production, Tenth Muse: Reconstructed. Under the collaboration of alumnus Colin Muenster ’08 and Joe Klinebriel, select nonfiction, fiction, poetry, and other works were woven together to create a production exploring reconstruction, identity, and progress.
“Reconstructed celebrated and honored the Tenth Muse while also arranging it in interesting ways,” Colin said at the time of the production. “With a traditional play, all the pieces are there. This production was a little like building an airplane mid-air, but it was exciting and interesting creative work.”
2024 saw another collaboration, this time with Clarke Cast & Crew and the Music department. The Tenth Museical offered a Homecoming showcase that featured student soloists from the Music department, along with theatrical performances of two selections from Volume 14 of the Tenth Muse
As a new staff looks ahead to future publications and editions, one thing is certain: the Tenth Muse will continue to tell the story of Clarke, for students, by students.
“What started as a creative outlet transformed into a profound passion for publication design.”
-JES STEWART-WAGNER ’25
THE ARTS ARE FOR ALL
Throughout the 2024-2025 academic year, Clarke University hosted many entertaining and informative events under the banner of the Edward J. and Cathy Gallagher Arts at Clarke Series. While we’ve spotlighted just a few here, we encourage you to bookmark clarke.edu/artsatclarke for an ever-growing list of opportunities!
MUSIC
With showcases at Clarke and in the community throughout the year, it’s hard to choose only a few highlights for music. In the fall, majors demonstrated their skills with vocal and instrumental performances in a special Studio Showcase. Then, on March 28, Musical Menus delivered stellar performances to a sold-out crowd. Attendees enjoyed a delicious meal at the Hotel Julien while students, faculty, staff, and alumni honored some of music’s greatest divas.
STUDIO ART
Student art made an impact year-round with impressive displays in the Quigley Gallery, ranging from printmaking and painting to pottery, graphic design, and video elements. The department also welcomed non-majors to explore their creative side with the Pottery + Plants nights hosted by the Ceramics and Biology Clubs. Studio art was even celebrated beyond Clarke’s walls when Professor of Art Louise Kames ’77 was a featured exhibit at The Figge Art Museum in Davenport, Iowa this spring.
CLARKE FEST BRINGS IT ALL
TOGETHER
April 26 marked our 5th annual Clarke Fest, hosted by the Edward J. and Cathy Gallagher Arts at Clarke Committee. The block party offered inflatables, games, and food for the Clarke community and those throughout Dubuque. As always, the heart of the event is celebrating Clarke artists through live performances, art sales, and more.
PERFECT PLAN THE VISIT
Do you know someone considering college? Encourage them to take part in one of our Clarke Visit Events!
THEATRE
Clarke’s Cast & Crew club offered two wonderful productions this year. First, as part of our Homecoming 2024 celebration, Cast & Crew students collaborated with members of the Music program and Tenth Muse literary magazine to produce The Tenth Museical. In the spring, the comedic one-act Frankenstein Slept Here offered a frightfully good time to all in attendance.
ACADEMIC HIGHLIGHT DAYS
• Saturday, October 25, 2025
Health & Social Sciences
• Friday, November 14, 2025
Business, Communication, and Fine Arts
CLARKE PREVIEW DAY AT CLARKE FEST
• Saturday, April 25, 2026
More events are being planned throughout the year, and you can always Build Your Own Visit with a personalized schedule.
SCAN THE QR CODE TO LEARN MORE.
A tale OF
FRIENDSHIP
One winter day in the recent past, while waiting for a prescription to be filled at the drugstore, Sue Dolter ’73, ’87, MAE saw a bear— at least, what she was pretty sure was a bear.
“He was this sweet fellow with little ears, a big, round tummy, and a brown blob of a nose. He didn’t have a mouth, and his fur stuck out all over like coconut shavings,” Sue recalled. “I thought he’d make a perfect Valentine’s Day gift for my granddaughter, so I purchased him and sent him off to Nebraska.”
That was just the beginning. A few weeks later, Sue was at the same drugstore picking up another prescription. She passed the shelf where she had found the coconut bear. A twin had taken its place!
“It was a sign,” Sue said. “I pay attention to signs. So, I bought him, too. I christened him ‘Wuzzy,’ sat him on my living room sofa, and my imagination took off.” The coconut bear became the inspiration for a children’s book Sue tentatively titled Wuzzy
The story sat in her “Creative” file for a few weeks as she revisited and improved the draft.
About two months after she “adopted” Wuzzy, Sue was shopping at one of Dubuque’s décor stores when she spotted a baby bunny on a shelf. The bunny was very small, and its left paw was raised, as if in perpetual greeting. Of course, Sue bought her. The baby bunny joined Wuzzy on the sofa, and Wuzzy became Wuzzy and Doe. (By the way, female rabbits are called does.
Just ask someone who raises rabbits.)
BIG THEMES FOR LITTLE READERS
In three parts, Wuzzy and Doe tells the story of two stuffed animals who fear they’ll never fit in. Wuzzy, with his coconut-shaving fur, doesn’t look like other bears. What troubles him most is having no mouth, which means he cannot smile like the other animals on the shelf where he lives. And while Doe is a cute baby rabbit, she thinks she is too small to be chosen by a customer and so will never leave the store where she lives with other bunnies who are bigger (and therefore better). Ultimately, and with the help of a stranger who turns out to be a friend, Wuzzy and Doe find each other.
“I think fear of not belonging or not being what others think we should be is something we all face, especially children who are learning to navigate this big world,” Sue said.
"Sister Joan was a magnificent teacher, and everything I know about reading theory and reading instruction and how to encourage the development of children’s literacy skills I credit to her influence,” Sue said. “When I wrote Wuzzy and Doe, I imagined her nodding in approval.”
“Different readers find different messages in Wuzzy and Doe, but for me, one of the most powerful is the theme of kinship. Being cared for by others and giving care to others are deeply rooted needs we humans experience.”
For Sue, reading the written word has long played a powerful role in opening herself—and the many students she taught during her 44 years as an educator—to messages of hope, resilience, generosity, and goodness. She attributes much of her knowledge about nurturing literacy in young children and those of school age to former Clarke professor Sister Joan Lickteig, PBVM ’67.
Sue also gives credit to the BVM sisters who taught her in her undergraduate years and, later, those who were her colleagues when she joined the Clarke staff as Director of the Writing Center and adjunct faculty member, positions she held until her retirement from fulltime work in 2017. Today, Sue provides writing assistance to students in Clarke’s graduate programs. Wuzzy and Doe is her first endeavor in the field of “kiddie lit.” All in all, it seems only natural that, even in retirement, she continues to promote the BVM Core Values, this time in a story intended to appeal to both children and adults.
BRINGING WUZZY AND DOE to Life
Over the course of a little more than two years, Sue shaped Wuzzy and Doe, revising and fine-tuning the text. Along the way, she called on many guest readers and friends to offer responses to the story. However, the key to moving Wuzzy and Doe from text to full-fledged book was finding someone who could capture the charm of the story in illustrations. Sue did not know any professional illustrators personally, and she was reluctant to contact a publishing agency for leads. Then, in December 2023, inspiration struck. She did know an illustrator! She contacted her former student and Writing Center tutor, Faith (Britt) Walker ’15. Shortly after graduating from Clarke, Faith opened her own freelance design business, Design by Faith. When Sue reached out with a proposal for illustrating a children’s book, Faith was delighted to listen to Sue’s ideas and bring her vision to life.
“When Sue contacted me to illustrate Wuzzy and Doe, I was thrilled at the opportunity,” Faith said. “As a graphic designer, I am enthralled with illustration. I enjoy working with a variety of media to create my artwork, and I’m always looking to explore new methods while further refining my skills. Additionally, I run Little Blessings Daycare and it has been so special to see my daughters and daycare children light up when they read this story.”
“To me, the story of Wuzzy and Doe is one of self-acceptance and love of neighbor, reflecting Genesis 1:26: “God created mankind in his image,’” Faith added. “Through Wuzzy and Doe’s story, we are taught to recognize and embrace the God-given traits in all of Creation. When we hold the Catholic belief that we were all created equally and with so much love by God the Father, it is hard not to treat everyone with dignity and respect, despite the “flaws” they may see in themselves.”
As Sue shared her vision for Wuzzy and Doe, Faith initially wanted to watercolor the illustrations before deciding digital illustration would be the best way to achieve the desired aesthetic. She created character illustrations in Adobe Fresco and imported them into InDesign to create collage-style backgrounds and set the typography.
While Faith created the illustrations, Sue let friends and acquaintances know that her dream of publishing a children’s book was coming true. One of those friends was Clarke alumna Tammi Noonan ’15, DNP, who works in the Oncology Department at Medical Associates in Dubuque. Sue is a breast cancer survivor, and Tammi is one of her providers. They first met when, as she completed her graduate program, Tammi brought her scholarly project to the Writing Center for Sue to review. In appreciation for Tammi’s care during her postsurgery health journey, Sue presented her with a Bluebird of Happiness, a beautiful glass figurine produced by Terra Studios in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
“I was telling Tammi about Wuzzy and Doe at one of our visits, and she said I simply had to somehow include the Bluebird in the story,” Sue said. “I called Terra Studios for permission to use the image, and they were thrilled.” This year, Terra celebrates its 50th anniversary, and they will commemorate the Bluebird with special displays and programs. They requested copies of the book for their gift shop.
“It felt like a true convergence of people trying to spread a little more love and joy in the world,” Sue said.
A likeness of the Bluebird appears at turning points throughout Wuzzy and Doe as happiness alights in the characters’ lives.
A STORY for All
Altogether, it took Faith nearly a year— working on the project only at night, after busy daycare and family-first hours—to illustrate Wuzzy and Doe. When she and Sue were satisfied with the finished product, they partnered with Julin Printing in Monticello, Iowa, to print the books just in time for Christmas 2024.
“I have printed almost all of my design work with Julin since starting Design by Faith, and the quality is always outstanding,” Faith said. “As always, I love holding my physical artwork for the first time, but this book is my favorite work to date. Seeing my illustrations on hand-selected paper was simply an amazing experience that I will always cherish!”
“It brought tears to my eyes to hold and feel this book,” Sue said. “I can already envision a parent or caregiver sitting down and engaging with a child and the book. The act of turning pages, asking questions, and really experiencing a story is an exceptional act of love.”
Sue believes so strongly in the power of shared stories that she is giving copies of Wuzzy and Doe away at no cost.
“This story is meant for everyone, and I want it to be available to anyone,” Sue said. “There is such joy in being able to freely give a part of yourself through a beautiful story, and I hope Wuzzy and Doe brings others joy, too.”
Tammi and Faith were among some of the first to receive copies, as well as Sue’s son Stephen Dolter, MD. A pediatric hospitalist and CMIO at Children’s Nebraska, Stephen requested 100 copies to distribute to young patients and their families. Also, Sue is reaching out to her contacts at Dubuque health care facilities and local service organizations such as the Presentation Lantern Center and the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Dubuque for their help in making sure Wuzzy and Doe reaches audiences in need of positive messages.
Clarke was also pleased to host a special live reading on Thursday, April 10, 2025 for alumni, their families, and community members. Sue and Faith were in attendance and enjoyed an evening of kinship—along with lemonade and cookies of course!
“Wuzzy and Doe is ultimately about self-discovery, rebirth, interdependence, and kinship—
sophisticated themes that are conveyed in the guise of a children's story,” Sue said. “These themes are also present in Clarke's mission and vision statements, expressed in different words. In a sense, then, Wuzzy and Doe is Clarke's mission come to life and four Clarkies’ shared contribution to the common good.”
From Clarke
TO THE
THE BASEBALL COACHING JOURNEY OF LUIS RAMON REYES
By: Brett Tudela, Sports Information Director
The Clarke University baseball program has a storied history with a long list of accolades. From its first season in 1991 all the way through the 2020s, numerous alumni have taken their talents to the coaching ranks.
A standout among them is Luis Ramon Reyes ’14, whose talents took him to the professional league. He is currently an assistant coach for the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels, a Single-A Affiliate in the Minor League system for the Minnesota Twins.
Luis spent two seasons as part of the Clarke baseball team in 2012 and 2013. He finished his career with a .289 batting average, 81 hits in 280 at bats, and showed a keen ability to not swing and miss, only striking out 31 times compared to 38 walks drawn in his career. He took this skill with him to the coaching ranks, but that doesn’t limit him to just teaching “his style” of hitting.
“There’s not a book on how to hit,” Luis said. “Every hitter is different, and every hitter has a swing that is their DNA. As a coach, I have to be able to apply the best process that I can put on the table for that specific hitter to keep developing his strength and work on putting aside his weakness.”
Before his move to the pros, Luis enjoyed stops at Murray State University, Northwestern Oklahoma State University, and Texas A&M International. He joined the Twins organization in 2022, first working with their Florida Complex League affiliate before joining the Fort Myers staff in 2023. Through it all, he’s stayed in contact with his Clarke connections, including former teammate and current Head Coach of Clarke Pride Baseball, Brian McCabe ’13. “Luis always thought at a really high level,” McCabe said.
“It was clear he had a bright future in whatever he wanted to do— in the baseball world or with his Chemistry degree. Seeing a Clarke grad who went on to be successful shows our guys now that their time at Clarke can lead to whatever they want to be.”
THE PROS
An important part of the journey for Luis is where he comes from, specifically his home country of Venezuela. Hailing from Puerto La Cruz, Luis cites the baseball culture in Venezuela for molding his style of play, which has transitioned into his
“I’m very proud to be Venezuelan,” Luis said. “Growing up there, I learned the game of baseball at three- or four-years-old. It’s been shaping me and giving me all of the wisdom and knowledge to be able to be where I am right now. I’m a little biased but I think we have had the best players from Latin America come from Venezuela.”
A proud baseball country, Venezuela has produced legends in recent Major League Baseball history, including All-Star and batting champion Luis Arráez, whom the Clarke alumnus worked with when Arráez was in the Twins system. Arráez is one of just three players in MLB history to hold the highest batting average of any player in a season in both the America League and National League.
Still early in his professional coaching journey, Luis sees a variety of possibilities in his future. Ultimately, his love of hitting and teaching hitters how to be successful will carve the path forward.
“As of now, I love hitting,” Luis said. “I like to help the hitters and see them develop, especially in the game today when it’s so difficult to hit. Hopefully I can make it to the big leagues as a hitting coach and stay there as long
Beyond Soccer: CLARKE COACH MIKE PAYE’S MISSION TO SUPPORT LIBERIA
When recruiting for Clarke Men’s Soccer, Head Coach Mike Paye connects with players from around the world. For the 2024-2025 season alone, the varsity and second-team rosters list student-athletes from 16 different countries, and he has been instrumental in growing the overall international student population at Clarke.
As each of his student-athletes seeks to make Clarke his home away from home, Mike also encourages them to show pride in where they come from. Mike demonstrates this in his own efforts to support communities in his home country of Liberia.
Civil war forced Mike to leave the country as a child. He found success in the United States playing soccer for Tyler Junior College and Creighton University. Following his college graduation, he established himself as the soccer coach for Clarke University, as well as the nearby Peoria City USL2 team. With his career on the rise, Mike felt called to return to where his story began.
“After my first year coaching at Clarke, I had the opportunity to go back to Liberia. It was life-changing,” Mike said. “I knew the poverty was extreme, but to see five-year-old children begging on the highways for food was heartbreaking. I knew God brought me back here for a purpose, and it has driven me ever since.”
Over the last six years, Mike has sent boxes of food, clothing, and other resources to Liberia whenever he could. These included items he collected personally and donations from his colleagues on the Clarke Athletics staff and beyond.
Initially, Mike was hand-delivering items to small villages with the help of his wife, who lives in Liberia with their two sons. Eventually, he was able to establish connections with a school in Grand Bassa County and a church in Monrovia, Liberia’s capital city, to see the donations go even further.
Mike and one of his teammates take a break from unloading the 40-foot shipping crate packed with donations.
“I knew God brought me back here for a purpose, and it has driven me ever since.”
Children celebrate the arrival of their “Kids Against Hunger” packets, one of Mike’s newest partners in his mission.
Expanding the Reach
For 2025, Mike ramped up his efforts with a fundraising drive under the banner of the Amos Foundation, which is named in honor of Mike’s father, who was killed in Liberia’s civil war. With the support of the organization Kids Against Hunger, Clarke and Peoria City fans, and private donors throughout the Midwest, the Amos Foundation collected nearly $100,000 worth of goods including clothing, food, sports equipment, and religious items such as Bibles. In turn, Mike used a combination of his own funds and donations from others to transport a 40-foot shipping container of goods to Liberia in early January. He then flew to Liberia to oversee the project himself.
For the next six weeks, Mike and his connections in Liberia distributed the items to men, women, and children across the country. For Mike, one of the most memorable experiences was visiting a remote village school three hours beyond the capital.
“We drove the car as far into the brush as we could. Then, four of us had to pile everything we could onto a motorbike to reach the village,” Mike said. “It was a lighthearted moment, but it really made you think about the children who are walking six miles or more to reach the school in such rugged terrain.”
Mike (left) is hands-on for every delivery, allowing him to build trust with the villages and keep the partnership growing.
When they arrived, Mike and his team were swarmed by dozens of children. They were ecstatic to receive clothes, shoes, and food. That joy only grew with several days of soccer games and time spent with the community.
“That’s the stuff that keeps you going,” Mike said. “When you see these children sleeping on mud floors or benches, it can make you break down. But they find a use for everything, and approach everything with so much gratitude. I have really found my purpose in this work.”
A Continuing Commitment to the Greater Good
Mike returned to the United States in February with plans already brewing for his next trip. The Clarke community was ready and waiting to help.
“I came back to find my office already filled with donations for my next trip in September 2025,” Mike said. “I have been blessed to have so many join me in this mission. I think because I have been so hands-on—gathering the materials, talking to everyone face to face, and being there for every delivery—it helps people trust me and recognize this is doing good in the places that need it most.”
“Students who are moving may not want to take a rug or a lamp or odds and ends home with them. Instead of throwing them out, I can take them and get them to people who really need them,” Mike said.
I just keep saying ‘yes’ and God continues to provide.
Mike has also established new connections across campus to expand his efforts, such as working with Residence Life to collect donations during move-out.
As he continues to pursue his mission, Mike is researching how to take the Amos Foundation from an LLC to a 501(c)3. This would allow him to pursue other grant and non-profit opportunities. In the meantime, he continues to build and foster the personal connections that have made his work possible.
“I take donations year-round, and I’ve met so many people who want to help,” Mike said. “Some of the items we need most are body care items, clothing, and shoes, but we will take all that is offered. I just keep saying ‘yes’ and God continues to provide. I have faith that we can bring more people in and do good in this world.”
Are you interested in supporting Mike’s efforts in Liberia? Contact him at mike.paye@clarke.edu to learn how you can get involved!
Mike (right) delivers food, clothing, and other goods to teachers and students at a village school.
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. You can explore even more uplifting updates anytime at clarke.edu/classnotes
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 2047! 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!
Speaking of keeping us informed, if you have moved recently or have updated contact information, please share it with the Alumni Relations Office at clarke.edu/alumni/updatecontact. We want to make sure we can keep you up to date on all things Clarke.
Wishing you joy and continued success in 2025 and beyond!
Go Pride!
Andy Schroeder ’02, ’10M Clarke University Alumni Association Board President
view highlights from the year in our Class Notes. From marriages and births to promotions and personal growth, we're here to share your joy!
Clarke Story
In honor of their years of distinguished service, the following faculty members have been granted faculty emerita/us status:
Associate Professor of Psychology
As several members of our Clarke community retire, please join us in celebrating them with well wishes from their colleagues and friends.
TIM KRIS PAULA BOFFELI TIERNEN SCHMIDT Faculty Retirements
Tim Boffeli is a teacher, counselor, advisor, guide, leader, and mentor all rolled into one. For his students, he goes above and beyond to ensure that they can obtain and understand the material. This at times includes some... unique... methods! He has been known to stand on tables (and jump from them), bring fake heads, old toys that demonstrate development, multitudes of client stories, and much more in an effort to make the material real and connected. He also endeavors to advise students and help them grow as academics and future professionals. Doing all of this leaves lasting impressions on students, he often has meetings and visits with former students throughout the year!
As a colleague he does many of these same things, sans standing on tables to demonstrate for us! He ensures that his department has all of the tools they need to succeed, encourages us to try new things, provides feedback whenever it is requested, and advocates for us all at times. Though this does not stop at just his department faculty, as he often helps those outside of his department.
-Brenna Burgart ’17, Assistant Professor of Psychology
Professor of Nursing
Kris brings a lot of creativity and enthusiasm to the classroom and students. Each year she plans a Halloween Pediatric bootcamp where she invites faculty, staff, and students to bring their kids to class fully dressed in Halloween attire. Clarke Nursing students are tasked with developing age-appropriate activities such as making play dough, coloring, putting puzzles together, etc. The students and the kiddos were fully engaged in the activities and the morning went well.
Kris is genuine with her interactions, and we have enjoyed working together over the years, she will be missed.
-Lisa Rettenmeier, Professor and Chair of Nursing
Professor of Education
Paula is one of my favorite humans and I would not be where I am today without her. There are certain people that you come across along the way that you can identify as changing the trajectory of your path in life as a result. We met when I took a job as an aide in her classroom more than 20 years ago. I was not interested in a career in education, but she always encouraged me to become a teacher, every time I saw her over the years. Eventually I did become a special education educator with her to thank. Years later we would be teaching partners at Clarke, and it was like we didn't miss a beat. She approaches each day and interaction from the heart and with humor, always seeking to bring joy. Whether she was your teacher, colleague, or friend, her impact cannot be denied. The world truly is a better place for many because of her.
-Lee Johnson, Assistant Professor of Education
Staff Retirements
BILL KATE
Vice President Emeritus for Institutional Advancement
For the past 15 years, Bill has been a cornerstone of leadership within the Clarke community. His efforts have not only generated critical support for our students, but also fostered lasting relationships with alumni and friends, all in service of advancing Clarke’s mission. We are grateful for the philanthropic legacy he has built and the many lives he has touched through his work.
-Courtney Leonard, Vice President for Institutional Advancement
ZENY RENIER
KENT BIEBUYCK ZANGER RENIER
Evening Circulation Desk Supervisor
Zeny has worked the evening shift in the library for the past six years as our parttime evening supervisor. Zeny helps the library run smoothly in the evening after regular staff have gone home for the day. Zeny came from the business world and has been instrumental in updating some of our workflow processes, which has been helpful. However, what has always impressed me most about Zeny, is her ability to relate to our students, especially our international students. She is a constant support to them, and encourages, and mentors them. It is not out of her wheelhouse to bring them home cooked meals on occasion. The library will not be the same without Zeny. We have appreciated all of her efforts these past several years and wish her the best as she starts a new chapter.
-Sue Liebold, Library Director and University Archivist
Vice President for Student Life
With a deep sense of gratitude and admiration, I congratulate Kate on her retirement. Her decades of dedicated service to Clarke have been nothing short of extraordinary. She has led with compassion at the heart of everything she does and has left an indelible mark on all of us. The countless lives touched, guidance shared, and difference made over the years will continue to echo in the halls of Clarke for years to come.
-Callie Clark, Vice President for Enrollment and Student Affairs
Security Officer
Kent has significantly influenced Clarke throughout the years. He has contributed to training new staff, provided valuable suggestions for the department, and filled in during shifts when necessary. Kent builds relationships with everyone on campus and participates in many events. Although he is retiring, he will continue to work part-time, so you may still see him around from time to time!
-Emily Dalen, Facilities Manager
of Clarke Education’s Professional Development School 25 Years
When Michele Vosberg moved to the Dubuque area in 1996, she was coming off several years as a middle school teacher. New to the area, she thought she’d try a different approach to education through a part-time role at what was then Clarke College. At the time, she couldn’t have known how that instructor role would change her life.
Michele taught the Reading Methods course, and her first year was an eye-opener. Not only was she adjusting to teaching at the college level, but she was also seeing Preschool-12 education in a new light. Working with her students, she realized there was a disconnect between the classroom and the clinical teaching experience happening in classrooms throughout the community.
“When I started attending teaching clinical sites, I found a mixed bag,” Michele said. “At best, my students got to work with small groups or read aloud to the children. At worst, they spent their clinical hours in a conference room grading stacks of spelling books or cutting out bulletin board material. There was very little teaching.”
This lit a fire in Michele to find a better way—one that she worked to spread across her department. She researched and attended conferences nationwide, but nothing seemed to fit. At 32,000 feet on a flight home from a conference, the idea for the Professional Development School (PDS) came to her.
“The key was expanding the clinical experience. We needed to work with real classrooms, real teachers and real students, and it needed to start earlier in their college career,” she said.
With support from her department chair, Michele found a partner in St. Anthony’s Catholic School to test this novel approach. However, it was far from easy.
“They gave us a classroom and agreed that I could have some of their in-service time to explain the program to the teachers, but we had no money,” Michele said.
The key was expanding the clinical experience. We needed to work with real classrooms, real teachers and real students, and it needed to start earlier in their college career.
“Sister Marge Clark knew that the BVMs were getting some new dining tables, and she talked them into giving us some of the old tables and chairs. She also knew a student with a truck. With my two young daughters in tow, we dragged those tables and chairs into our new classroom. I begged Andy Bellings at Clarke to give us a couple of old computers. I think he thought I was crazy at first, but he showed up with two old computers and hooked them into the internet in our classroom.”
That fall, the first Clarke PDS cohort launched with 21 students and the results were undeniable. With two Clarke faculty members onsite to observe and coach, students better understood what worked and what did not in a classroom and were able to adapt more quickly when things didn’t go as planned.
“Students weren’t just reading a textbook and regurgitating the information on a test. They were living and breathing what they were learning. If they read something, they immediately connected it to their experiences in schools,” Michele said.
In short, more time in the classroom meant more prepared teachers— and the Education Faculty weren’t done yet.
A LABOR OF Love
As more schools signed on for the elementary Professional Development School, Professor Emerita Paula Schmidt saw the opportunity to develop a special education block as well.
“When I started in 2003, I would spend my mornings in the schools supervising these great experiences, and then my special education classes only had the observation hours not connected to PDS,” Paula said. “We only had a handful of students adding the special education endorsement at that time. I was confident if we could marry the classroom theory with PDS practice, we could grow that.”
Paula soon found a partner in Table Mound Elementary and Cyndie Nelson, a seasoned teacher with their special education program. Together, they built the structure for the program, with Paula even offering to substitute teach so teachers from Table Mound could visit other schools and see the PDS program in action. Finally, Paula and her team were able to present to the Table Mound faculty in April 2007, a moment Paula will never forget.
“I went into labor that morning, but I had put my heart and soul into this. I had to see it through,” Paula said. “I presented the Special Education PDS in the morning and delivered my son that afternoon.”
The program launched that fall and has been an instrumental part of the student experience at Table Mound ever since. And as Paula predicted, it’s had a major impact on special education at Clarke.
“Special Education is always changing, so to be able to put theory and policies into practice with guidance from your professors makes a huge difference,” Paula said.
Students at other colleges have a minimum of 80 observation hours throughout their four years. Our students hit that in a semester.
A GROWING Legacy
Michele took her experience to the next level by founding the National Association of Professional Development Schools. While her work now extends across the country, she still holds the Clarke experience as a model of what can be done.
TAKING THINGS K-12
With special education now in place, the last piece of the puzzle was programming at the high school level. This proved more difficult because while elementary training covered general education, secondary introduced subject areas, creating a need for more specific matches for the Clarke student teachers. Students were able to participate in a middle school PDS with Mazzuchelli Catholic Middle School, but the Education Department had yet to find a high school partner. It was a challenge that Assistant Professor of Education Cathy Stierman was determined to take on.
“We’ve been able to offer PDS blocks at both Hempstead and Senior High School now and you can see the impact it makes for those developing teachers,” Cathy said.
“I’ve also had the privilege of having alumni who went through the PDS program serve as the coordinating teachers. Having them share their insights is valuable for teacher and student alike.”
While generations of students can attest to its impact, the effectiveness of PDS is more than anecdotal. Cathy dedicated her dissertation work to exploring teacher preparation methods, with a focus on Professional Development Schools in particular. Using Clarke as a case study, she surveyed graduates five years out and found that 98 percent were still in education. Meanwhile, the national average hovers closer to 20 percent.
“Students who experience a PDS and classroom involvement beyond student teaching not only stay in the profession longer, but experience higher rates of satisfaction,” Cathy said. “With our own PDS, we are continually evaluating the program to ensure students get every opportunity possible.”
“I am proud of the work I’ve done and of the work that everyone at Clarke has done to promote better learning for not only our pre-service teachers, but the students and teachers in our private and public-school partnerships,” Michele said. “I walked away from PDS work knowing that if this was my legacy, it was in good hands at Clarke, in our partner schools and in the thousands of schools and educators that are now a part of school and university partnerships.”
BUILDING THE FAMILY Legacy
Thanks to the Oral History project and our partners at PCI, Clarke received hundreds of stories from Clarke alumni in 2024. Of these, some of our favorites come from our Legacy families—the parents, children, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and others for whom Clarke has played a part in their story. We’ve shared snippets from some of our favorites here and look forward to highlighting more of these treasured tales in future outreach.
MARGARET ANN “PEGGY” (O’CONNELL) CURRAN ’79
When I was deciding which college to attend, I chose Clarke primarily because I lived in Dubuque and my mother, Charleen Reilly O’Connell ’50, attended there. I grew up knowing her teachers and classmates and saw what a lifelong connection Clarke made with her. . . I am still sad that the 1984 fire destroyed many of Clarke’s beautiful and venerable buildings. Walking the carpeted hallway was always a serene and social experience. Passing my mother’s graduation portrait hanging in Eliza Kelly Hall was always a proud and loving moment. I am thankful that the campus was restored beautifully, the picture legacy survives, and the Clarke spirit thrives.
CAROL (ENZLER) DINAN ’61
I was born in Dubuque, Iowa, the second of 13 children. My family had a strong connection to Clarke— my oldest sister Jean started there, and eventually all eight of us girls attended. We were quite the Clarke family! My parents were initially hesitant to let Jean go so far away, but they came to see that Clarke was the best place for us to learn and grow. When Jean went, the rest of us followed—it was almost like we had to! The university even featured our family in their publications, highlighting our unique story. . .Even after graduating, I’ve stayed in touch with a few Clarke friends, especially around the holidays. And my sister who lives nearby is able to visit the campus regularly. It’s wonderful to still feel that connection to the place that meant so much to my whole family.
*Interviews have been edited for print, however full versions will be presented in the Oral History Project books.
Clarke will always hold a dear place in my heart. The friendships, the traditions, the sense of belonging—it was an incredibly formative experience. I’m grateful my parents chose Clarke, and that our family legacy there lives on.
CATHLEEN M. “CATHY” (FRAHER) BERGMANN ’82
I chose Clarke because it felt like a family affair. My mother’s cousin graduated from there in 1957 and through her, I learned about the school. I had other choices, but something about Clarke just felt right. Plus, I wanted to break the trend of Iowa people going to Arizona for college. I wanted to be the one Arizonan going to Iowa. It was also an opportunity for me to explore my family roots and connect with relatives I had never met before. Growing up, I didn’t know much about my mom’s side of the family, so going to Clarke allowed me to learn more about my family history and form strong connections with my relatives. It was a powerful experience for me, and it shaped who I am today.
that Pay Forwardit
Families that choose Clarke contribute to academics, athletics, the arts, and so much more. We recognize the important role these connections play in our community with unique scholarship opportunities like:
DANIEL MATTHEW “DANNY” ZANGER ’23
I have a long-running history with Clarke. My mother has been the Vice President for Student Life there for 29 years. From a young age, she would bring me into the office as a newborn and I would do her work with her. . .My sister had also attended Clarke, graduating five years before me. So I was continuing a family legacy. At Clarke, I was involved in the music department as a composition student, participating in various recitals and performances. I was a member of the Clarke Jazz Ensemble and even performed a Lion’s Den session with my own jazz group, the DZ Combo, which featured a fellow Clarke alumnus on drums at the time. My time at Clarke really gave me the space, time, and environment to think about the future I wanted and develop into the career I could see myself in. It provided me with the skillset, opportunity, and environment to become the best version of myself. Even now, I stay connected with some of my Clarke classmates. A few of them teach music lessons at the nonprofit organization I work for, Centrally Rooted, so I see them regularly at team meetings and around the office. Clarke has truly been a constant in my life, from my mother’s long career there to my own educational journey. It has played a pivotal role in shaping who I am today.
Students with a parent, grandparent, sibling, or spouse who is a Clarke University student or graduate are eligible to receive a Clarke University Legacy Grant of $1,000 towards tuition. The grant is renewable over four years.
The Clarke Alumni Referral and Engagement (CARE) Society Scholarship offers a $1,000 renewable scholarship to full-time undergraduate students who are referred to Clarke by an alumna/us or a current full-time Clarke student.
While these awards cannot be stacked with athletic letters of intent amounts, there are many scholarship and funding opportunities that can make your college experience even more rewarding. Learn more about scholarships offerings and how you can support future students at clarke.edu/scholarships.
In Remembrance
As a member of the Clarke Community, you know that it is the people you meet and the connections you make that shape your experience in school and into the future. From June 2024 to May 2025, we lost several people that shaped our community in different yet important ways. Please join us in honoring their memories. We also extend a special thanks to Christine Olsem, ’83 BVM Associate, for sharing portions of her eulogies for the BVM Sisters represented.
Diana Malone, BVM
Born in Chicago, Diana attended Mundelein College where she earned a degree in Chemistry. She entered the BVM congregation and professed first vows in 1959. Over the next 68 years, her service to the BVM Sisters focused on education first at the high school and then the college level. In a stunning 47 years at Clarke, she served as professor, chairperson of the chemistry department, athletic director, and director of student activities.
Upon retirement in 2015, she continued to volunteer in the community alongside her dear friend Mary Lou Caffrey, BVM. In 2022, they moved to Vista at Mt. Carmel Bluffs where they could spend more time with their BVM Sisters.
Sister Diana passed away at the age of 89 on Monday, May 5, 2025.
Eugena Sullivan, BVM
After building strong relationships with the BVMs as a Chemistry student at Clarke, Eugena entered the BVM congregation and professed final vows on July 16, 1961.
Eugena served as a secondary science teacher and an elementary teacher before returning to Clarke to serve in the computer center and then as Registrar, often working alongside her dear friend Marguerite Neumann, BVM. One of her most memorable moments from her 37 years at Clarke was when a fire devastated campus two days before graduation. It was Eugena who retrieved the diploma covers from the charred building and had new diplomas printed for the graduates.
Sister Eugena passed away at the age of 93 on April 13, 2025.
Sara McAlpin, BVM, ’56
Sara enrolled at what was then Clarke College in 1952, where she completed a bachelor’s degree in English with a minor in history. After graduation, Sara entered the BVM congregation, professing her first vows in 1959.
Steve Kapelke
After graduating from Milwaukee Lutheran High School and serving in the U.S. Army, Steve attended NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts. He completed his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Filmmaking and added master’s degrees from the University of Milwaukee and the Iowa Writer’s Workshop.
In her 68 years as a BVM, Sister Sara ministered as a secondary teacher and as an elementary teacher before returning to Clarke to teach American Literature and Writing in 1961. Over the next 53 years, she enriched the Clarke experience in the classroom, earning the prestigious Meneve Dunham Award for Excellence in Teaching, serving as the Mackin-Mailander Lecturer, and retiring as Professor Emeritus in 2003. Even in retirement, she joyfully served Clarke as Archivist for another 11 years.
Sister Sara passed away at the age of 90 on Saturday, October 19, 2024.
During her time at Clarke, Sr. Sara mentored many students, including Martha Middleton ’74. To honor Sara’s memory, Martha started an endowment fund for the Sr. Sara McAlpin Memorial Scholarship for Clarke English majors. If you’d like to join Martha in acknowledging Sr. Sara's dedication to Clarke or seek to honor another member of the Clarke community, we’re here to help. Contact the Therese Mackin, BVM, ’50 Office of Institutional Advancement at development@clarke.edu, call us at (563)588-6405 or toll free at (888)225-2753.
Steve had an illustrious career in education, including roles at Clarke as Interim Dean of Adult and Graduate Studies at Clarke from 2012-2014 and Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of Faculty from 2023-2024. In his more recent role, he supported the development of an Academic Advising unit, First-Year Studies Department, and first-year writing curriculum, along with other unique student-learning opportunities.
Steve passed away at the age of 77 on September 23, 2024.
William
“Bill” Kochendorfer
For over 18 years, Bill proudly served as a security officer for Clarke, building many lasting friendships with students, faculty, and staff. In addition to his security role, he was highly skilled in martial arts and self-defense and was thrilled to share this with students at Clarke when they requested a self-defense class. In 2016, he was honored with the BVM Core Values Award from Clarke University. Prior to his career in security, Bill served as a rehabilitation specialist at the former Chiropractic Rehab Center situated in Asbury Square and was also employed in the physical therapy department at Vita Care.
Bill passed away at the age of 73 on Wednesday, May 14, 2025.
