Clarke University Class Notes 2023

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Alumni NEWS & NOTES

UPDATES:

CAREER & VOLUNTEER

Maurine (Mackin) Elliott ’63 published a book in June 2022 entitled "Finally: A Manual on How to Handle Cancer: Reflections, Ruminations and Rooting Out Rubbish." Maureen is a three-time cancer survivor, has served as a caregiver, a volunteer, and cancer journalist for 16 years. Through the years, Maureen has earned 31 personal and professional awards, including the Courage Award given in the Rose Garden of the White House and the prestigious Batten Medal in journalism.

Diane (Nolan) Kopp ’64 was welcomed as one of six new BVM Associates. Diane was born in Dubuque, Iowa, and was raised on a farm near St. Joseph on the Prairie, the original BVM Motherhouse. Diane first met BVMs when her mother worked at the Mount Carmel Infirmary. Diane and her sisters were always excited to go to Mount Carmel to visit the sisters with their mother on her day off. Diane graduated in the first graduating class at Wahlert High School in 1960. She attended Clarke University, studying under Teresa McDade, BVM. After graduation, she taught in Dubuque at Irving and Fulton schools, and in Columbia, MO. She became a mother of three boys. Her family moved to Fargo, N.D., for 20 years. In Fargo, she worked at Blue

Cross/Blue Shield Insurance. In 2000 Diane moved back to Dubuque and worked at Holy Family Day Care, retiring after 10 years. Diane began taking classes at the Roberta Kuhn Center at Mount Carmel Bluffs. She enjoyed learning from BVM Kitty Lawlor's class “BVM Pioneers.” Kitty encouraged Diane to become an associate. Diane met Associates Sharon Scully ’61 and Maureen Frommelt ’63. Sharon Scully became her mentor, companion, and friend through the discernment process. Diane looks forward to participating with the wider Circle of Friends and being involved in activities as an associate.

Mary (Minnehan)

Moothart ’72 was welcomed as one of six new BVM Associates. In her application, she shared, “The decision to become a BVM associate has been an extended process of discernment; living in a community that enjoys a rich influence of religious women, I have often considered increasing my understanding and commitment to each of these communities. However, upon reflection, it was my interactions with the BVMs that shined a light on women who act with informed intellect and charity on issues of justice in the community and world around them. It was through these women I formed my voice and was encouraged to use it!”

Mary and her husband Tim live in Dubuque and have six children and five grandchildren, whom they enjoy

“grand-spoiling.”

BVMs Judy Callahan, Mary McCauley, Mary Martens, and Associates Norm Freund and Lori Ritz ’73 were her companions in the discernment process. Associate Norm Freund shares, “Mary is a remarkable candidate for association! She truly lives the BVM core values, especially the value of justice. Her active involvement in assisting refugees, advocating for the poor, and seeking to generate a more non-violent world bear witness to the stances the congregation advocates for in our world.”

Teri (Hawks) Goodman ’76 was appointed by President Joe Biden as chair of the National Capital Planning Commission, which oversees federally owned buildings and land in Washington, D.C., and the surrounding National Capital Region, along with guiding the overall planning of the development of the capital. In addition to serving in this volunteer role, Teri works for the City of Dubuque as the Director of Strategic Partnerships.

Louise Kames ’77 celebrated 40 years of employment at Clarke University. She currently serves as the Director of the Art + Design program and a professor of art.

Kay (Krapfl) Klaren ’81, ’88M recently retired after 42 years of teaching. Most recently, Kay taught full time at Xavier Catholic Elementary where she taught second, fourth and fifth grades over 37 years.

Carolyn Merrill ’84 was elected to the Clarke University Alumni Association Board. Her term will begin in fall 2023.

Monica (Ryan) Kurtz ’88 was elected to the Clarke University Alumni Association Board. Her term will begin in fall 2023.

Karen KaneHerber ’92 was welcomed as one of six new BVM Associates. She is employed at Mount Carmel Bluffs in Dubuque, Iowa, as director of the Roberta Kuhn Center that provides enrichment opportunities for those 55 and older. Karen shared in her application for BVM association, “When I began work for the Sisters of Charity, BVM, I found many of my own core beliefs to be in common with the BVM sisters, for example, how people should be treated, and how individuals can bring their unique charisms to a larger community in ways that carry out mutual values.” Karen and her husband of 31 years live in Dubuque, Iowa. They have four adult children and two grandchildren. BVMs Julie O'Neill, Brigid Mary Hart, Alice Caulfield, Carol Marie Baum, and Associate Katie Anders were her

companions in the discernment process. In her application Karen shared, “I feel a new grounded-ness in myself, in part because all of us, lay or religious, who live or work here, stand on the shoulders of the women whose lives make up the history of the BVM community, and I also attribute this grounded-ness to relationships I've developed with sisters and associates.”

Anne (Schickert) Brown ’97 began her role as Deputy General Counsel at Rogers Behavioral Health. Anne was also elected to serve as Alumni Board Representative for the Clarke University Board of Trustees in spring 2023.

Dede Hall ’97 was elected to serve as Vice President for the Clarke University Alumni Association Board. Her term will begin fall 2023.

Bob Largent ’97 began his new role as Development Officer – Major Gifts at Clarke University in September 2022.

Chad Schockemoehl ’97 began his new role as Director of Sales at Cambridge Business Publishers.

Wendy (Schultz) Mitsuyama ’98 was elected to the Clarke University Alumni Association Board. Her term will begin in fall 2023.

Patricia Marroquin-Norby ’99, Ph.D. was recently featured on NPR's "Morning Edition" discussing an exhibit at New York City's Metropolitan Museum of Art exploring how Native Americans have used water and highlights the politicization of water as a resource. Marroquin-Norby serves as the museum's Native American Art Curator.

Erin (Germain) Sell ’00 began her role with Unified Therapy as Director of Marketing. Erin came to Unified Therapy with 12 years of healthcare marketing experience, having previously worked at Medical Associates Clinic and Health Plans in their Marketing department. She also spent ten years as a graphic designer at McCullough Creative and two years at Clarke University as an adjunct professor of Graphic Design.

Jamie (Slack) Viebach ’00 began her new role as Horticulture Educator at the University of Illinois Extension. She joined the Illinois Extension as a program coordinator for the DuPage County Master Gardeners in summer 2022 after nearly 20 years of organizing conservation efforts and teaching Illinois residents of all ages about plants and the environment.

Andy Schroeder ’02, ’10M was elected to serve as President for the Clarke University Alumni Association Board. His term will begin in fall 2023.

Marlene Weber ’02M recently retired after serving the Western Dubuque Community School District for 29 years.

Kenny Retzl ’03, Ph.D. began his new role as Director of Institutional Research and Assessment at Clarke University in October 2022.

Mary Rose CorriganPsihoyos ’04M was appointed to the Iowa Public Health Association Board in Jan. 2023. She currently works as the Public Health Director for the City of Dubuque.

Michael Frain, Jr. ’04 is employed as a Lead Software Engineer at The Walt Disney Company, marking his second promotion with the company in 5 years. He also serves as a referee in the Western Athletic Conference (Division 1 Football).

Major Josh Withington ’05 will be assigned to the Pentagon in Summer 2023.

Julie (Weires) Cirks ’06 began her role as Vice President for Enrollment Management at Clarke University in August 2022.

Sara (Beaves) Weires ’06 was named principal of Resurrection Elementary School in Dubuque and began her leadership role on July 1, 2022. Previously, Sara had worked as a fourth grade teacher at Resurrection.

Allie (Splinter) White ’06 began her role as Director of the Dubuque County Health Department in late December 2022.

Jim Liddle ’08 was named Executive Vice President as part of the First Community Trust Executive Management Committee. Jim joined FCT in 2012 after working at a regional accounting firm where he supervised the income tax and estate planning departments. He has also worked closely with clients in the area of trust administration and estate planning, and brings additional expertise in taxation, retirement planning, and investments. He is a life-long resident of Dubuque, graduating as valedictorian from Clarke University in 2008 with degrees in accounting and business administration. He received his CPA designation in 2011.

Colin Muenster ’08 began his new role as Technical Director at the Grand Opera House in Dubuque in January 2023.

Heidi Rhinehart ’09 began her role as Director of Advising at Clarke University in May 2023.

Dan Spain ’10 earned his 300th career win as Head Baseball Coach at Clarke University. He is the only Head Coach in program history to reach this milestone.

Nicole (Sullivan) Schaefer ’13 began her role as Campus Experience Manager at Clarke University in March 2023.

Wendy (Walker) Scardino ’15M began her role as the Vice President of Development and Marketing for the National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium in Dubuque.

Jessica DuBord ’17, ’20M served as the 2023 MackinMailander Alumni lecturer in March 2023. Her lecture, "Work In Progress," shared how her experiences have shaped the way she approaches life as a partner, parent, and educator, and seeks to inspire others to never give up on creating the life they want. Jessica works as a 4th grade teacher at Prescott Elementary in Dubuque and resides in the area with her husband, Ron, and their 5 children.

Rachel Spurling ’18 was featured as a competing professional snow sculptor in the Disney+ holiday special, Best In Snow

Eric Jones ’19 was elected to serve as Recording Secretary for the Clarke University Alumni Association Board. His term will begin in fall 2023.

Robert Lynch ’19M began his role as Assistant Women's Soccer Coach at Clarke University in January 2023.

Elena Dominguez ’20, ’21M began her new role as Associate Director of Annual Funds & Alumni Engagement at Clarke University.

Antonia (Naab) Frost ’20, ’21M began her role as a therapist at CWM Counseling in Platteville, WI. In her role, Antonia utilizes a variety a therapeutic approaches such as Person-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, StrengthBased Therapy, and Mindfulness.

Josh Sanchez ’20 was elected to the Clarke University Alumni Association Board. His term will begin in fall 2023.

Bailey (Theisen) Bardell ’20 began her role as a Teacher, Special Programs at George Washington Middle School in Dubuque.

Donovyn Curiel ’21 continued his career as an infielder with United Shore Professional Baseball League.

Travis McFarland ’21 continued his career with United Shore Professional Baseball League as first baseman.

Marco Melgoza ’21 continued his baseball career with the Empire Baseball League as an infielder for the Plattsburgh Thunderbirds.

Taiga Sato ’21 continued his baseball career with the Frontier League as an infielder for The Empire State Greys.

Gianna Garza ’22 began her role as LaunchPad Associate at GroupM.

Kaelyn Howe ’22 began her role as Education Group Coordinator at the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium in Dubuque.

Ron Jones ’22, ’23M began his role as Academic Advisor and Internship Coordinator for Clarke University in June 2023.

Parker Ostrander ’23 began his role as Lab Manager/Chemical Hygiene Officer at Clarke University in May 2023.

ADVANCED DEGREES

All advanced degrees were obtained from Clarke University in May 2023 unless otherwise noted.

Kristen (Klein) Pease ’14 obtained her Doctor of Nursing Practice.

Cory Reid ’16 obtained his Master of Business Administration in December 2022.

Theresa (Koos) DeVries ’17, ’19D obtained her Master of Business Administration from the University of Dubuque in May 2023.

Sophie (Keppler) Schemmel ’17 obtained her Master of Arts in Education.

Calli McQuillen ’19 obtained her Doctor of Nursing Practice.

Ryan Pearman ’19 obtained his Master of Business Administration.

Maggie Diossy ’20 obtained her Doctor of Physical Therapy.

Cody Bertram ’21 obtained his Doctor of Physical Therapy.

Camry Fields ’21 obtained her Doctor of Physical Therapy.

Jeremy Foreman ’21 obtained his Master of Business Administration in May 2022.

Alyssa Hughes ’21 obtained her Master of Social Work.

Paige Murphy ’21 obtained her Doctor of Physical Therapy.

Megan Pressgrove ’21 obtained her Doctor of Physical Therapy.

Hanna Rehfeldt ’21 obtained her Doctor of Physical Therapy.

Sonia Colavita ’15 obtained her Master of Business Administration.

Taiga Sato ’21 obtained his Master of Business Administration.

Elaina Skeen ’21 obtained her Doctor of Physical Therapy.

Audra Steil ’21 obtained her Doctor of Physical Therapy.

Lindsay Wardlow ’21 obtained her Master of Business Administration.

Cambrii Alexander ’22 obtained her Master of Business Administration.

Macy Boughn ’22 obtained her Master of Social Work.

Ragan Carey ’22 obtained her Master of Arts in Education.

George Chapa ’22 obtained his Master of Business Administration.

Parker Jeppson ’22 obtained his Master of Business Administration.

Jan Paule ’22 obtained his Master of Business Administration.

Kaylee Pitzen ’22 obtained her Master of Social Work.

obtained

AWARDS & HONORS

Charlotte Ashton, Ph.D. ’71 was named a recipient of a 2023 Clarke University Distinguished Alumni Award in the category of Outstanding Achievement. Charlotte will be honored during Homecoming Weekend 2023. Her Distinguished Alumni biography may be found at clarke.edu/alumni-awards.

Deb Duehr ’94 was featured alongside daughter, Emily Duehr ’01, Ph.D., in the Telegraph Herald as "People Who Make a Difference" highlighting their volunteer work and involvement with the Dubuque City Youth Ballet. Deb has been the ballet academy's rehearsal assistant for 26 years. Emily offers her time as the academy's communications coordinator.

Casey Kohr ’98 was nominated for a 2023 Distinguished Alumni Award in the category of Outstanding Achievement.

Patricia Marroquin-Norby ’99, Ph.D. was nominated for a 2023 Clarke University Distinguished Alumni Award in the category of Outstanding Achievement.

Tiara (Clay) Gooch ’02 was nominated for a 2023 Clarke University Distinguished Alumni Award in the category of Humanitarian Service.

Miranda McCaffery ’22 obtained her Master of Social Work.

Ricar Mends ’22 obtained her Master of Social Work.

Julianne (O’Connell) Beckett ’71 was named a recipient of a 2023 Clarke University Distinguished Alumni Award in the category of Humanitarian Service. Julianne passed away in 2022, but will be honored posthumously during Homecoming Weekend 2023. Her Distinguished Alumni biography may be found at clarke.edu/alumni-awards.

Mary (Minnehan) Moothart ’72 was nominated for a Clarke University Distinguished Alumni Award in the category of Humanitarian Service.

Sara (Leazer) Ayres ’03 was nominated for a 2023 Clarke University Distinguished Alumni Award in the category of Outstanding Achievement.

Alicia (Kramer) Frese ’03 was inducted into the Clarke University Athletics Hall of Fame for her achievements in softball.

Ann (Kluesner) Arnold ’07 was recognized as a Top 10 Teacher of the Year finalist for the Dubuque Community School District. Ann is a math teacher at the Alta Vista Campus.

Athena Ubl ’22

her Master of Business Administration.

Tony Breitbach ’07, Ph.D. was honored with Clarke University's Meneve Dunham Award for Excellence in Teaching. Tony currently works as an Associate Professor of Chemistry for the university.

Holly (Feser) Stessman ’08, Ph.D. was nominated for a 2023 Clarke University Distinguished Alumni Award in the categories of Outstanding Achievement and Humanitarian Service.

Gayle (McAllister) Langel ’08 ’17M was honored with Clarke University's Rose O'Toole Staff Service of Excellence Award. Gayle works as Director of Communication and Creative for the university.

Lorlie (Dague) Ryan ’11 was recognized as a Top 10 Teacher of the Year finalist for the Dubuque Community School District. Lorlie teaches second grade at Lincoln Elementary School.

Dan Tringale ’12 was recognized as a Top 10 Teacher of the Year finalist for the Dubuque Community School District. Dan is an 8th grade social studies teacher at Jefferson Middle School.

Kaveria (Allen) Lezza ’13 was named a recipient of a 2023 Clarke University Distinguished Alumni Award in the category of Rising Star. She will be honored at the Alumni Recognition Breakfast during Homecoming Weekend 2023. Her Distinguished Alumni biography may be found at clarke.edu/alumni-awards.

Jake Boresch ’14 was inducted into the Clarke University Athletic Hall of Fame for his accomplishments in bowling.

Josh Udelhofen ’14 was inducted into the Clarke University Athletics Hall of Fame for his achievements in golf.

Andrew Redman ’15 was inducted into the Clarke University Athletics Hall of Fame for his achievements in baseball.

Tyler Wills ’15 was inducted into the Clarke University Athletics Hall of Fame for his achievements in volleyball.

MARRIAGES & ANNIVERSARIES

Nick Marlette ’08 and Tiffany Higgins

Jennifer

Mary Bilunas ’74 and her husband, Paul, were married in June 2022 and moved back to New Hampshire in early fall.

Todd McNamara ’93 and Tricia Seaton

Elliott Carr ’12 and Colleen Doherty

Lynsey Christensen ’12 and Dan Moritz

Amanda Stone ’12 and Joseph Massaro

Ian Hart ’13 and Elle May

Brandee Rus ’18, 19M and Casey Kohnen

Connor Floyd ’19 and Caroline Herrig ’19

Abby Rahlf ’19M and Cody Lieb

Bailey Theisen ’20 and Adam Bardell

Nolan Baumhover ’22 and Hanna Burgmeier

(Pyssler) Stork ’71 and husband, John Stork, celebrated 50 years of marriage on August 19, 2022.

BIRTHS & ADOPTIONS

Diego Velez ’99 and Tara, boy

Katie (Bahl) Steffensmeier ’04 and Matt, boy

Julie (Wagner) Voss ’04 and Jeff, boy

Jerica (Brown) Schockemoehl ’05 and Mark, girl

Chelsea (Theisen) Beckman ’07 and Brian, boy

Chad Green ’08 and Meredith, girl

Devin Patterson ’09 and Kristen, girl

Casey (Breitbach) Smith ’10 and Justin, boy

Kimmy Traum ’10 and Alex Mihalakis, boy

Jackie Fleming ’11 and Bobby Huseman, girl

Ashley (Fitzpatrick) Jasper ’11 and Brian, boy

Kelly (McAllister) Goldsmith ’13 and Noah, girl

Diana (Pena) Miller ’13M and Andrew, girl

Shannon (Gallagher) ’13, ’16 DPT and Brian Regan ’11, boy

Lindsey (Roussel) Riegler ’13 and Adam, girl

Amanda (Rogers) Bennett ’14 and Pat, boy

Whitney (Kliebenstein) Weis ’14 and Brandon, boy

Traci (Johnson) Yeo ’14 and William, girl

Brianna (Brimeyer) Beitzel ’15 and Nick, boy

Miranda (Cratton) Kieler ’15, ’16M and Lee, boy

Morgan (Steines) Wilming ’15 and Zach, girl

Jodi (Deckert) Bender ’16 and Jacob, girl

Molly (Wubben) Hoppenjahn ’16, ’18M and Cody, girl

Kaitlyn (Svesetka) Humpal ’16 and Jacob, girl

Hillary (Kapparos) ’18 and Christian Cruz ’17, boy

Laikyn (Schaefer) Pfeiler ’18 and Aaron, boy

Nitshelle (Duverseau) Kerstein ’19 and Austin, boy

Courtney (Berendes) Weinschenk ’11 and Matt, girl

Megan (Riniker) Kenkel ’12 and James, boy

Molly (Latham) Summer ’16 and Tony, boy

Erica (Weitz) Wilgenbusch ’20 and Adam, boy

Meghan Douglas ’23 and Scott Wolf, boy

Mary (Theisen) Finch ’48

Elaine (Kuhl) Bromelkamp ’49

Barbara (Talbott) O’Connell ’50

Dolores “Dee” (Didesch) Owsley ’50

Shirley “Peach” (Weis) Murphy ’51

Marian Roth ’51

Rita (Scott) Wessing ’51

Loraine Bomkamp ’52

Patricia (McInerney) Griego ’52

Charlene (Vorwald) Hawks ’52

Helen (Tegeler) Molo ’52

Patricia (Pink) Kinsella ’54

Grace Stentz ’54

Geraldine “Geri” (Hanten) Goodman ’57

Mary Josita Zieser, PBVM ’58

James Marie Gross, PBVM ’59

Mary Dennis Lentsch, PBVM ’59

Alice (Kamp) McGhee ’60

Ramona Barwick, BVM ’61

Toshiko “Tish” Osada ’61

Connie (Kuuhl) Schlak ’62

Ann (Skelley) Beckman ’63

Susan (Seipp) Rhomberg ’63

Marilynn (Raymond) Vannucci ’63

Jacquie (Todd) Cashman ’64

Mary Benjamin Duschner, PBVM ’64

Vivian Wilson, BVM ’64

Joanne (Timmer) Ennis ’65

Mary Annette Skyles, PBVM ’65

Kathy (Wiewel) Dolan ’66

Mary (Dillon) Greibe ’67

Ruth Hutchison ’68

Kathleen (Leonard) Horvatic ’68

George Kozacik ’68

Joan Opatts, BVM ’68

Marie (Spriestersbach) Sheldon ’68

Susan (Haverland) Bauer ’69

Jean Margaret Black, BVM ’69

Margaret Connolly ’69

Mary Margaret “Peggy”

Devereux, BVM ’69

Mary Beth Hogan ’69

Tina Flores ’70

Elizabeth (Sullivan) Corrigan ’71

Helen “Kris” Maiers ’71

Kelly Sullivan-Soley ’74

Mildred Nachtman, OSF ’75

Bill Gerber ’76

Susan Thome ’77

Mary Alice Nauman ’79

Mary Beth (Lyons) Ford ’80

Katrine Laura Poe ’80

Barbara (Matias) Johnson ’81

Jeanne Herkes ’88

Patricia (Jungblut) Taylor ’89

Carla (Arnold) Kipper ’94

John Etienne ’02

Brian Gockel ’02

Robert Pelelo ’12

Liz Moser

Clarke University Class Notes are contributed by individual alumni as well as information gathered from media outlets. Every effort has been made to provide complete and accurate information. However, if you notice any discrepancies, please notify the Institutional Advancement Office at (888)225-2753.