SPRING 2015
THE MAGAZINE OF CLARKE UNIVERSITY
HALF A CENTURY OF COMPUTER SCIENCE P.2 A LEARNING EXPERIENCE P. 14
Dear Alumni and Friends, The end of the spring semester brings with it a season of celebrations. I once heard someone say, ‘No matter how long the winter, spring is sure to follow’. Spring is here at Clarke University and we are thoroughly enjoying the sights of green grass and budding trees. We celebrate this change of season and the many year-end festivities throughout the month of April as we prepare for Commencement weekend in May. I hope your spring is off to a wonderful start and that your Easter season was filled with happiness and blessings. This issue of the magazine is once again complete with stories about the wonderful people who make up the Clarke University community. Clarke’s history is filled with with strong, intelligent and pioneering women. Sister Kenneth Keller was one such woman and was the driving force behind Clarke’s computer science program. This year marks the 50th anniversary of computer science at Clarke. We have Sister Kenneth to thank for paving the way for countless students to pursue this field of study. Enjoy the computer science article and the great reflections from a few of our computer science graduates from around the country. The Clarke University mission promotes global awareness and social responsibility, while also encouraging personal and intellectual growth. Clarke graduates Scott and Julie Lammer wonderfully demonstrate these values. Both are teachers who have recently welcomed into their classes the addition of many students from the Marshall Islands. Their curiosity and desire to learn more about the cultural background of their students led them on a journey to the Marshall Islands. Read more about their travels and the valuable lessons learned about the people of the Marshall Islands on page 14. This issue of the magazine also includes an article about one family’s ‘tradition’ of attending Clarke. Clarke is often described as having a ‘family atmosphere’. The Enzler family gave new meaning to this expression with eight Enzler sisters all attending and graduating from Clarke! Mr. and Mrs. Enzler entrusted Clarke with their eight daughters and this place quickly became the girls’ home away from home. Enjoy their story and the fond memories they share of their time at Clarke. As we prepare our students for their lives after Clarke, the role of the internship experience has become a more significant component of a comprehensive collegiate experience. Clarke is grateful to have received a grant from Great Lakes Higher Education Guaranty Corporation to support expanded internship opportunities for students in need. We are thrilled to see an increase in internship participation as a result of this grant. Read more about our internship program and how you as alumni and friends are able to participate on page 27. I hope you enjoy Clarke: The Magazine and the opportunity to regularly connect with Clarke through the stories on these pages. As another academic year comes to a close, we continue to be thankful for your steadfast support of Clarke University. I wish you a beautiful spring! Sincerely,
Joanne M. Burrows, SC, Ph.D. President
TABLE OF CONTENTS | SPRING 2015
IN THIS ISSUE CLARKE: THE MAGAZINE OF CLARKE UNIVERSITY is published three times a year for alumni, parents and friends of Clarke University. Joanne M. Burrows, SC, Ph.D. President
ON THE COVER: HALF A CENTURY OF COMPUTER SCIENCE..............................2
Bill Biebuyck Vice President for Institutional Advancement Nicole Breitbach Director of Alumni Relations Courtney Leonard Director of Annual Funds
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT.....................................................................................................................6 UNDER THE MICROSCOPE.........................................................................................................12
Alissa Riegler Associate Director of Annual Funds and Special Events Gwen Hayes ’07 Communication and Multimedia Manager Ken Brown Executive Director of Marketing and Communication Gayle Langel ’08 Director of Creative Services
FEATURE STORY: A LEARNING EXPERIENCE.............................14
EDITOR: Ken Brown ASSISTANT EDITOR: Gwen Hayes ’07 DESIGNER: Gayle Langel ’08 Clarke University 1550 Clarke Drive Dubuque, IA 52001-3198 (563)588-6318 Fax: (563)588-6789
FRANCIS J. O'CONNOR WINNERS: WHERE ARE THEY NOW?........................................................17 CLARKE VALUES LED 8 ENZLER SISTERS TO CLARKE.................................................................20 CLASS NOTES ...........................................................................................................................23 CAREER-READY STUDENTS MAKING AN IMPACT........................................................................27
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.
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HALF A CENTURY OF COMPUTER SCIENCE It all started with a BVM, a computer the size of an office desk, and a vision. Fifty years ago, Sister Mary Kenneth Keller, BVM, introduced computer science to Clarke.
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CLARKE | THE MAGAZINE OF CLARKE UNIVERSITY
“Since this is the era of automation and since we are fast becoming a computerized society, everyone should at least be acquainted with the appearance and purposes of a computer,” Sister Kenneth Keller said in a 1965 article. Sister Kenneth welcomed students of every major to take her course. She believed the computer program at Clarke would add a positive dimension to all other courses. “Information Sciences offers a variety of career opportunities including government jobs, defense, all sciences, especially medicine, engineering or journalism,” she explained. Sister Kenneth could not have been more right. She knew early on what the future would hold for women in computer science. She herself was teaching math at St. Mary’s High School for Girls when she first encountered a computer. This took place during her quest for a master’s degree in mathematics, which she received in 1951 from DePaul University in Chicago. She spent some time studying at Dartmouth College. Computers broke the college rule of “men only” and while at Dartmouth, she worked in the computer center where she participated in the development of BASIC computer language. From Dartmouth she proceeded to the University of Wisconsin-Madison where she was the first person to receive a doctorate degree in computer sciences from the university and likely the first women in the U.S. to obtain this degree. Sister Kenneth once said: “A field which I think women will find fascinating is the rapidly developing area of information specialist. We’re having an information explosion and it’s obvious that information is of no use unless it’s available. By means of rapid access media files, disks and tapes — we can now store, analyze and retrieve information as needed in any subject.” Technology has changed dramatically since the start of the computer science program 50 years ago. Not only has the field of computer science changed, but the number of
women in the profession has grown significantly. Here are reflections from three computer science alumnae of Clarke.
GAIL (BUKOLT) COURY ’77
Vice President, Risk Management, Managed Cloud Services at Oracle During my time at Clarke, we had an IBM mainframe in the computer lab, and a dial-up connection to a more powerful IBM mainframe at the University of Iowa. All computer science majors were also required to combine that degree with another discipline. Clarke’s position was that knowing computers was not enough – you needed to have knowledge of another area to apply your technical skills, such as business, math, biology, etc. I remember one of the first assignments in Sister Kenneth’s class was to describe how a person stands from a sitting position. I was a bit frustrated because I couldn’t understand what this had to do with computers. In class, we had to read what we described and Sister Kenneth would follow our instructions. In most all cases, we were not detailed enough, which was the point of the assignment – computers will do exactly what you tell them, and only what you tell them. Sister Kenneth acting out the instructions that we all wrote was quite funny. Because of the highly technical approach that was used during my time at Clarke, including courses focused on assembly language, I learned how computers really work. This understanding has served me well in my career as it is still fundamentally the same. Over the years, I have generally been the only woman on my team at all levels, including my early years as a developer. But this has never inhibited me in any way. I have never seen gender in people. I look at the people I work with as my teammates and have done my best to ensure the whole team is successful.
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Girls sometimes shy away from the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) majors. They shouldn’t. In these fields, you often have a more flexible work schedule, options to work from home, and ample opportunity to excel.
matter. What matters is understanding the customer’s needs and creating something that they want.
I have been involved with Oracle’s Women’s Leadership (OWL) since its inception in 2006. Our goal is to provide leadership development, mentoring and support for our women working at Oracle. Many companies have similar groups so you need not go it alone. I want current students to know that computer science, information systems or information technology are all excellent career fields. Individuals that understand technology, and can relate that understanding to any other field of study will be very successful. There is unlimited potential for growth, challenges and opportunities to shape the future.
KAREN (SHEPARD) DEMELLO ’81
Software Design Assurance at Boston Scientific When I started college at Clarke I had never heard of computer science. However, I did notice certain people in the halls carrying large stacks of IBM punch cards that were rubber banded together. These cards, when folded, stapled and spray painted, made beautiful wreaths for the holidays. I took a computer science course to find out what these cards were all about; I was intrigued! My first programming classes used the punched cards fed in a batch to the IBM 360 computer. My last programming classes were in a new computer lab with new Apple personal computers – what a revolutionary change in just a few years! My favorite class at Clarke was systems analysis. In that class we formed teams to work on a project, and we visited a local business to determine what their requirements were. This class was by far the class that stuck with me the most, as teamwork and customer considerations were of utmost importance. You can be the best programmer in the world, but if you build something that nobody wants, it doesn’t
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Sister Mary Kenneth Keller, BVM, gives a computer demonstration to a student.
Many faculty had a significant impact on me, especially Sister Kenneth Keller, Sister Marianne Joy, and Sister Bertha Fox ’54. I felt very lucky to be among these amazing and inspiring women faculty at Clarke. Prior to taking Sister Kenneth Keller’s, classes I was a little afraid of her; she looked a little gruff and very serious. Once in her class I found that she had an amazing sense of humor and was nothing like I had imagined. She was very dedicated to her students, telling us that we could ask her for help any time day or night, except for Friday nights when Dallas was on TV. Clarke gave me technical tools as well as confidence, optimism and idealism that has remained with me since my college days. Immediately following graduation I was well prepared for the workforce, not only with technical skills but also with emotional skills to stay motivated and believe that the challenge at hand was achievable. The first 15 years of my career I worked in a 50 percent female-50 percent male environment. It was a healthy, fair and empowering environment. In 1998, I worked at a
CLARKE | THE MAGAZINE OF CLARKE UNIVERSITY
place that was 75 percent male; that place had a completely different feel to it. I’ll never forget when one of the company’s founders came by and said “Oh good, another woman engineer is here!” That seemed like such an odd statement to make. If women want to be treated equally, then we should make up half of the work force and not be an anomaly. I want current and future Clarke computer science students to know that you are entering a field that makes a difference in the world each second. From Fitbit trackers to financial portals, from medical technologies to automotive, from websites to smartphones: computers are now everywhere. You can make a difference in the world.
JESSICA MUNSON ’08 Software Engineer
Prior to Clarke, I had only the basic computer skills. I had planned on earning a degree in chemistry. I quickly learned that it was not my passion and I was directed to check out the computer science program. Thankfully, Sheila Castaneda ’73 did not turn me away for lack of programming experience when I asked about the computer science program at Clarke. She became my advisor and helped define my schedule
Clarke Night THURSDAY, MAY 14, 2015 | 7-9 P.M. Clarke University, Mary Josita Hall Dining Room
so I could still graduate within four years even though I had switched majors. After the first class, I was hooked. I learned all of the software engineering basics I needed to start my career while I was at Clarke. I was the only female in the computer science program during my time at Clarke. One memory that stands out is a classmate who would name all his variables after cheese. Although humorous, it was quite difficult to follow his code. The majority of the male students were encouraging and the ones that weren’t just pushed me to work harder. Shortly before I graduated, I accepted a position as a modification software developer. The position involved tweaking the mainline product to meet the client’s specific needs. When I started, I was the only female software engineer on my modifications team. When I transitioned to the mainline team, I felt like less of a minority since 30 percent of the team are women. I would encourage current and future Clarke computer science students to attend conferences which allow you to stay up to date on the latest trends and meet other software engineers who are as passionate as you. Try out new programming languages even if it is just writing a simple program. Be proud of what you accomplish. Programming is a bit of an art form and although it won’t be displayed in a gallery, it is your beautiful creation.
$10 per person pre-registered by May 12 or $12 at the door Teams of up to 8 players will test their knowledge of college-level academia, pop culture, Clarke facts and Dubuque history. Go up against the expert team made up of Clarke faculty emeriti. Prizes and giveaways will be awarded. Cash bar available. Visit clarke.edu/alumni/events to register. PAGE 5
Alumni challenges and a 360 degree view of this diverse and exciting world.” In 1995 Larkin began her journey as a voice for abused children. She started by building a child advocacy center from the ground up in Bloomington, Ill. She went from a staff of one to leading a full multi-disciplinary center and adding two satellite centers. Larkin accepted yet another challenge seven years ago when she became the executive director of Children’s Advocacy Centers for the state of Illinois.
BILLIE (SPRINGER) LARKIN ’70 DEGREE: SOCIOLOGY CURRENT POSITION: EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF CHILDREN’S ADVOCACY CENTERS OF ILLINOIS CITY AND STATE: BLOOMINGDALE, ILL.
CLARKE UNIVERSITY ALUMNI BOARD MEMBER
Billie Larkin did not find a career in child advocacy. It found her. Larkin was working for an agency in Illinois that helped people with disabilities when she said it was time for a new challenge. “I like a challenge,” she said, attributing that trait to her time spent at Clarke. “My liberal arts degree enlarged my critical and analytical thinking, preparing me to accept PAGE 6
“My position entails anything from producing legislation, to oversight of boards and multidisciplinary teams, technology assistance and training,” she said. “With 38 Children’s Advocacy Centers in Illinois, who last year saw over 10,000 children, the uniqueness of the position is each day is a new challenge, a new opportunity to create a better life for a child.” Larkin presented the 2015 Mackin-Mailander Alumni Lecture on Feb. 10 and told the audience that she loved her job. But she also said the last 20 years have been the “hardest, best, worst, happiest 20 years of my life. It’s grueling work.” The injustice Larkin witnessed led her to take the executive director position, even though it means less time helping children directly and more time doing other managerial tasks, such as meeting with legislators and sitting in meetings. Larkin has accomplished a great deal in her role. She has helped pass two important pieces of legislation in Illinois during her tenure: one in 2007 calls for fees and fines from criminal payments to be directed to children advocacy centers; the other, in 2013, called Erin’s Law, provides for prevention education to pre-K through fifth-grade children. A version of Erin’s Law has now been adopted in 21 states.
CLARKE | THE MAGAZINE OF CLARKE UNIVERSITY
UPCOMING ALUMNI EVENTS APRIL 20-23, 2015 Impact Week ONLINE
There is much work ahead, she admits. Larkin told the audience at the Mackin-Mailander Lecture that there are three major goals on the road ahead: fix a broken system, raise awareness and implement effective prevention programs in the state of Illinois. Larkin is doing all she can to be part of the solution. She has participated in walks from Springfield to Chicago and a bike ride from Chicago to St. Louis in an effort to raise awareness. And in 2013, she was appointed by the Governor’s Office to the Committee on Children and Family in Illinois. For her efforts, Larkin was awarded the Horowitz-Barker Professional Leadership Award in Washington D.C. in 2013. She also received a Clarke University Distinguished Alumni Award for outstanding achievement the same year. It has been a career filled with hard work, and Larkin is far from being finished with this mission. “How did I get where I am today — hard work and not being shy of a challenge,” she said. And her advice to Clarke students: “Go and make the best you can of your time at this rich environment of learning. Reach out, challenge yourself, get out of your comfort zone, try, perhaps fail and then try again and with those tries some wonderful learning and successes will occur.”
Our alumni are making an impact around the world. To view more stories, visit clarke.edu/magazine.
TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 2015 Coffee with Clarke: Grants, Gifts and Growth Dubuque, Iowa THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 2015 CHEERS: Coralville Coralville, Iowa WEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 2015 5 Steps to Building a Powerful Network Webinar Presentation THURSDAY, MAY 14, 2015 Clarke Trivia Night Dubuque, Iowa SUNDAY, MAY 17, 2015 The Lion King Des Moines, Iowa TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2015 Coffee with Clarke: Adult Education at Clarke Dubuque, Iowa THURSDAY, MAY 21, 2015 CHEERS: Milwaukee Milwaukee, Wis. SATURDAY, JUNE 6, 2015 Brunch Rockford, Ill. WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10, 2015 Your Best U! Dubuque, Iowa Visit clarke.edu/alumni/events for a complete listing of upcoming events and opportunities to connect! PAGE723 21 PAGE
MANTERNACH, WALLRATH ROUND OUT LECTURE SERIES In addition to Billie Larkin’s ’70 Mackin-Mailander Alumni Lecture, two other speakers highlighted a busy lecture circuit at Clarke this semester. On March 17, Associate Professor of Religious Studies Dean Manternach, Ph.D., presented the Mackin-Mailander Faculty Lecture, titled Searching Faith: Catching Fire. Manternach discussed how, as a teacher at midlife, he is redefining who he is becoming. He told the audience that seeking adult maturity has costs, but we ultimately name who we are becoming and how we are influencing the shape of the communities to which we belong. He asked the question, “Is it worth it?” Manternach told stories of two recent experiences in his own life: taking part in a “vision quest” in southeast Utah that included four days of fasting and being alone, and a pilgrimage on the Camino de Santiago in Spain. He explained how a pilgrimage was a good analogy of how we go through life. A pilgrimage clearly has an end, he said, but in every moment the pilgrims are attending to what they are doing along the journey. It may feel like wandering, but it is wandering with a clear purpose.
Manternach also talked about how searching faith involves the practice of dialogue. Everything changes when we are intentional, open and attentive in the moment. He said we have to know who we are to be open to what other people have. On March 25, Lori Wallrath, Ph.D., professor and vice chair of the Department of Biochemistry at the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, gave the Mary Murphy, BVM, Endowed Lecture in Biology. Her lecture was titled The Nuclear Envelope: Setting Boundaries on Human Disease. In it, Wallrath talked about her research, which is focused on the role of chromatin packaging, gene expression and nuclear organization, with respect to human disease. She talked about her current investigations which are focused on the dysregulation of gene expression in muscular dystrophy and breast cancer metastasis. Her research has been supported by agencies such as the National Institutes of Health, the Muscular Dystrophy Association and the American Heart Association.
The Clarke University Board of Trustees voted to add FOOTBALL to Clarke's intercollegiate lineup in 2018. For more information, visit clarke.edu/magazine.
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Chair of the Clarke University Board of Trustees Margaret Mary Cosgrove, BVM, autographs a football in commemoration of the board’s approval of adding a football program.
CLARKE | THE MAGAZINE OF CLARKE UNIVERSITY
All in a
YEAR’S WORK
If you take a look into the library on any college campus, you will see a similar sight: students studying, librarians organizing books and faculty members doing research. The Nicholas J. Schrup Library on Clarke’s campus is no exception. Each day, library staff members are busy assisting students with research, answering questions, organizing materials and looking for new, innovative resources. Each year, the library has:
191
INSTRUCTION
ARCHIVE
SESSIONS
INQUIRIES
382,982
32
STUDY SPOTS
73
100
DATABASE SEARCHES
COMPUTER
STATIONS
126,000
TITLES IN E-BOOK COLLECTION
97,569 HARD COPY BOOKS
5
STAFF MEMBERS
56,686
LIBRARY USERS
4,948 ITEMS CHECKED OUT
GIVE WHAT IT TAKES TO
IT TAKES HEART. IT TAKES VISION. IT TAKES ACTION. IT TAKES YOU. Almost every student at Clarke receives some sort of financial aid. In fact, many wouldn’t be able to receive an education here without the support of donors like you. So your gift is more than appreciated; it’s necessary. Whatever is near and dear to you about Clarke can now be directly impacted by your gift. You choose where your gift will be used. It’s your gift, your way.
YOUR GIFT. YOUR WAY. PAGE 10 8
888.225.2753 yourgiftyourway.org
E
CLARKE TEAMS POST
STELLAR SEASONS The Clarke University women’s basketball team recently wrapped up a historic season while the men’s volleyball team is still in the midst of a dream campaign. Coach Don Adams’ Crusaders (20-14) were the first Clarke women’s basketball team to win 20 games in a season. Win No. 20 came in the championship game of the Midwest Collegiate Conference Tournament.
The Crusaders, who entered postseason play as the No. 4 seed, posted a 56-52 road win over third-seeded Mount Mercy University. The win gave the Crusaders their first conference title since the 1999-2000 team claimed its third straight league championship. It also earned the Crusaders an automatic berth in the NAIA Division II National Championship in Sioux City. "This is a great moment for this team and all the hard work they put in," said Adams. "This once again was a total team effort. This is something no one can ever take away from this team and that is that they are a champion." In the NAIA Tournament, the Crusaders lost to 32-0 Davenport (Mich.) University in the first round. Meanwhile, the men’s volleyball team held the No. 2 spot in the national rankings for four straight weeks and had a record of 25-4 as of March 16. The highlight of the season so far was a stirring 3-1 victory over then-No. 1 Grand View at the Kehl Center.
The Clarke women’s basketball team celebrates its victory over Mount Mercy which earned the Crusaders the MCC Tournament title.
THE CLARKE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS HALL OF FAME
will induct its fifth class during Homecoming weekend in October. Student-athletes, coaches and contributors who have demonstrated extraordinary performances and achievements in athletics will be recognized. To nominate someone for this year’s induction class, visit www.clarkecrusaders.com/halloffame. PAGE PAGE11 9
UNDER THE STUDENTS FIND GROUP STUDY MEETS THEIR NEEDS It’s not at all unusual to see Clarke students studying in the Wahlert Atrium, the Student Activity Center (SAC) or the Schrup Library. It’s also not unusual to see students having a good time with their friends in these areas.
SWAG is peer-mentored coaching, and it has become much more prevalent in academia than one-on-one tutoring. SWAGs are student-led study groups that meet on a regular basis for high-need general education courses, such as biology, chemistry and statistics, usually aimed at first-semester freshmen. “These are courses we know traditionally students struggle with,” said Clarke Learning Specialist Gina Burkart. “There is a lot of content there and in their first semester, students don’t know how to study. They don’t know how to balance six different textbooks at the same time. They’re not used to thinking critically about that material or anticipating how that material might come to them on a test. We work with them to put together different reading strategies and study for each class.” In SWAG, the students use concept cards – a more elaborate version of the traditional flashcard – play learning games, and just generally have conversations about the material.
Clarke’s SWAG (Study With A Guide) sessions have numerous advantages for students. But when you see a group of students having a good time with their friends and making meaningful progress on their studies at the same time, what you are probably witnessing is an offshoot of Clarke’s supplemental instruction program titled SWAG (Study With A Guide).
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“It’s social learning,” Burkart said. “You’re talking, having conversations, drawing connections, linking, playing trivial pursuit. It doesn’t feel like studying.” And it works. “The study groups run three times a week,” she said. “We tell students ideally to attend all three, even though it will be the same content. The first session you kind of get it. The second session you get it. The third time you have
WAY BACK WHEN
75 moved the information to long-term memory and can explain it to others. Some of the sessions get really high attendance. I have observed 30 students attending a Chemistry SWAG from 9-10 p.m. The ones who attend regularly, the ones who aren’t just popping in before a test, tend to outperform their classmates.”
YEARS AGO
Burkart said students are strongly encouraged to use the SWAGs early in their academic career. “The first semester they need to use us heavily,” she said. “The second semester we are used just as a guide. After that they will just come in every once in a while.” The students also take what they’ve learned and continue to use the methods taught. Just a quick walk through the Atrium will uncover examples of students engaging in social learning. “That’s what we encourage; to form your own group,” Burkart said. “In my college studies strategy class, one of the assignments is to form a study group and use these techniques. Students are assessed on their integration of the strategies into their classes. At the end of the semester, they present a portfolio of artifacts displaying how they have used the strategies, evidence of their growth, and plans for continued growth and application of the strategies in subsequent semesters. What worked? What hasn’t worked? What are they going to do next semester when they don’t have the class?”
50 YEARS AGO
TROUPE TALLIES ‘13X13’ USO SHOW Jazz, Broadway hits and folk songs will add up to a USOapproved product when the music department counts to “13x13” at 7 p.m. April 27 in TDH. The 13-member troupe will present the same show while touring military bases in the Northeast Command this summer. The troupe will tour Iceland, Greenland, Labrador and Newfoundland under the sponsorship of the United Service Organization.
25 YEARS AGO
The evolution of studying assistance has not only moved from one-on-one tutoring to group studying, but also from the idea that only certain people needed help. “In the past, the Learning Center just worked with people who struggled,” Burkart said, “but everyone really needs it. In fact, it used to be when somebody wanted a tutor they needed to justify why. But the best students are the ones who seek out these resources. We’re working to make them independent learners. We don’t want them to be dependent on us all four years. If they need to use us, fine. Ideally, the students will begin using the strategies their first year and then implement them throughout the rest of their academic career. If they run into a glitch—they know where to seek support.”
SOCIAL PROGRAMS INTEREST MAJORS Clarke College sociologists have termed “another opportunity,” their participation in the Catholic Charities venture, in which an extensive social program embraces, in addition to an organized recreational and vocational undertaking, a pre-school program as well. The nursery school provides for children between the ages of 2 and 5. Miss Hilda Mitchell, R.N., is working on specified afternoons, directing and conducting of the general schedule governing the preschool activities.
GLOBAL AWARENESS ACTIVITIES SET Global Awareness Week, sponsored by Clarke College, Divine Word College, Loras College, University of Dubuque and Wartburg Seminary, will be March 26-29. Global Awareness Week consists of people coming in from the community and speaking in classrooms. Their discussions relate to global experiences that they have had. The purpose is to enhance our understanding of the global community in which we all live.
10 YEARS AGO
ROCK STARS HIT CLARKE The Clarke College campus was a little star struck last Sunday evening as three up-and-coming musicians rocked the Kehl Center. Lasting more than four hours, the Gavin DeGraw concert featuring Tyler Hilton and Michael Tolcher proved to be worth the $18 studentpriced ticket. Around 1,000 people attended the concert. All three PAGE PAGE15 13 5 stars rejected the superstar persona and enthusiastically signed autographs and took pictures with hundreds of fans.
A LEARNING
EXPERIENCE Curiosity and genuine interest were the motivation behind Scott ’02 and Julie ’06 Lammer’s trip to the Marshall Islands.
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CLARKE | THE MAGAZINE OF CLARKE UNIVERSITY
When Scott and Julie (Bahl) Lammer started teaching elementary art nine years ago in Dubuque, they had no Marshallese students in their classrooms. Last year, they each taught nearly 40 Marshallese students. “They are some of the warmest and kindest students we have ever taught, and yet we knew very little about their culture,” said Scott. “We began asking around our schools and community and found there was generally very little knowledge of their culture and people. So, we traveled to the Marshall Islands to learn more about how they live, work, learn and play.” Scott was able to secure a grant from Funds for Teachers that would support their 12-day trip to the Marshall Islands. While there, they had the opportunity to meet with teachers, professors, students, shop owners, museum curators and anyone else who would talk to them about the Marshall Islands and their place in it.
isn’t because their students don’t know the answer. In their culture, if they answer correctly, they get picked on by their peers for showing off. If they answer incorrectly, they get scolded by their teachers for getting it wrong. “It is the complete opposite of our culture when it comes to standing out,” said Julie. “On the island, we visited a school and watched a girl present in front of her peers and it was very difficult for high school aged students to get up and speak in front of the class. That’s something we encourage our students to do. We put student artwork on display-- that would normally terrify Marshallese students.”
“We started at the COOP school, a private school widely regarded as the best in the Marshall Islands,” said Scott. “While there we were able to sit in on summer school classes, talk with students and instructors, and get a feel for the Marshall Island school setting. Next we spent time at a Majuro public school. This allowed us to compare the two school settings while we discussed the status of Marshallese education with their principal.” In a small nation where school is mandatory and a student’s high school graduation is celebrated enthusiastically like a child’s first birthday, there are still students who struggle with education and fall behind. After visiting several classrooms, Scott and Julie realized the reason why. “Here in the U.S., we have the saying, ‘The squeaky hinge gets the grease,’” said Scott. “On the island, they say the tall tree gets the lightening. If you stand out in America, you get help. If you stand out on the Marshall Islands, bad things happen. In their culture, you don’t want to put yourself in front of others.” When Scott and Julie ask questions directly to their Marshallese students, they often don’t get a response, but it
Scott and Julie (Bahl) Lammer visiting the Marshall Islands. In addition to visiting various classrooms, Scott and Julie learned a lot about the Marshallese mindset and lifestyle of the people simply by strolling around the island. Kids were always outside playing while the mothers were doing laundry or chatting with others in the community. Shop owners were sitting at their cash registers eager to talk to those who walked in. Taxis were always speeding by and if you had the 75 PAGE 15
cents needed to get to your destination, they would give you a ride. Things never really stop moving on this sleepy little island in the middle off the Pacific Ocean.
comfortable knowing I’ve been there and know where they are coming from.” “We went to the Marshall Islands with no preconceptions,” said Julie. “When we walked off that plane, we had no idea what to expect. And as frightening as that was, it was probably the best thing that we could have done.” Scott and Julie documented their trip through a blog in hopes to educate other teachers and community members about their experience on the Marshall Islands.
For a link to their blog, visit clarke.edu/magazine.
Scott meets with elementary school teachers at a co-op school.
WHERE ARE THE MARSHALL ISLANDS?
After learning more about the Marshallese culture on their trip, Scott and Julie have become more sensitive to their students’ lack of class participation, while still encouraging them to speak up. “When I get a student that is fresh off the island, I’ll give the class instruction and then go talk with them one-on-one to make sure they understand,” said Scott. Julie also noted some differences though not with the students, but rather with their parents. “When Marshallese families come to school conferences, sometimes the teacher will ask me to sit with them,” said Julie. “The minute the parents find out I’ve visited the island, they change their tone. They seem more
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The Lammers traveled 6,293 miles from Dubuque, Iowa to the Marshall Islands.
FRANCIS J. O’CONNOR WINNERS: WHERE ARE THEY NOW? This is another installment in a series of articles on former Francis J. O’Connor Award winners. Since 1935, this award has been recognized as the most prestigious honor bestowed upon a graduating senior. Originally, the Honorable Frank A. O’Connor established the Mary Agnes O’Connor Award in memory of his wife. In 1991, Clarke University in cooperation with the O’Connor family, renamed the award the Francis J. O’Connor Memorial Award to honor the late Francis J. O’Connor, a long-time Clarke trustee. Criteria for the award include demonstrated leadership, cooperation, generosity, kindness and academic achievement. The award recipient is selected by a vote of seniors and faculty.
ALISTON THOMAS WAS THE AWARD RECIPIENT IN 1991. Tell us about your career. I joined Hewlett Packard/Agilent over 16 years ago as a business development manager for gas chromatography products in the Americas Field Marketing Center. I served as the Americas Chemical Analysis Group Applications Scientists manager and as a senior inside sales representative. I was then promoted and currently serve as the Inside Sales, Intern Program and North America Bids Team manager. I hold a B.S. in chemistry from Clarke, a Ph.D. in analytical chemistry from the University of Illinois, and an MBA from Cornell University. What impact did winning the award have on you? It had a profound positive impact on me personally, as well as my career. In addition to financial resources to begin graduate school, I was able to meet other individuals who also attended graduate school and were willing to share their experiences with me. These conversations positively influenced my approach and outcome in graduate school. What is your fondest memory of Clarke? Looking back, I have several fond memories of Clarke. I enjoyed meeting with my professors and the stimulating conversations we would have on a variety of topics. I also enjoyed tutoring students in the computer lab and snowball fights. What advice would you give a student today? Pursue your passion. I am an avid believer that with the right work ethic and attitude, one is more likely to excel when working on their passion. As someone who has coached, taught and mentored others, it is always a joy to see someone doing something they love to do.
To view a full list of Francis J. O'Connor Award winners, visit clarke.edu/magazine.
AGE 15 PAGE 18
A NOTE FROM THE ALUMNI RELATIONS OFFICE As a Dubuque native, Clarke University has always been near and dear to me. I started coming to events at Clarke when I was 10 years old. My mom, Jean Heiderscheit ’01, enrolled as a fulltime day student in the music education program and brought my siblings and me (pictured below) along to many on-campus performances. I am excited to say that I too will become a Clarke University alumna this May when I earn my MBA. I am proud to join the many families of Clarke legacy graduates like the Enzler Sisters featured in this issue and I look forward to sharing my own Clarke memories with other alumni and friends. As Clarke prepares for commencement, our alumni office looks forward to celebrating our 300 new alumni by hosting an Alumni Welcome Reception in their honor this April. Our hope for students attending this event is for them to get a glimpse of the type of events we host, engage with current alumni, and most importantly, to celebrate their accomplishments. We look forward to a busy spring of events and celebrations. Our office also has plans this spring to visit Iowa City, Iowa; Milwaukee, Wis.; travel to see the Lion King in Des Moines, Iowa and enjoy brunch with the Clarke Culinary Club in Rockford, Ill. We also recently implemented a new event series titled Coffee with Clarke. These informal networking events take place on the third Tuesday of each month at different coffee shops in Dubuque. Also, our 2015 homecoming plans are underway and our reunion year class agents should be in touch with their classmates soon. If you are interested in planning an event during homecoming weekend, please let us know. I hope to see you on campus soon!
Nicole Breitbach Director of Alumni Relations
uation
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A PHOTO COLLECTION FROM ALUMNI EVENTS ACROSS THE COUNTRY DES MOINES, IOWA (BELOW) Clarke alumni met for coffee in Des Moines, Iowa. Pictured from left to right are Carol (Zeman) Corrigan ’61, Kim (Esser) Hall ’79, Joann (Jolin) Hotovec ’60, Alissa Riegler, Chad Green ’08 and Maggie Maloney ’64.
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZ. (ABOVE) Liz (Boetto) White '75, Marian Norris '76, and Lori Ritz '73 pose for a photo at the alumni event in Scottsdale, Arizona.
OMAHA, NEB. (BELOW) Elizabeth (Mattern) Rhodes ’85, Alissa Riegler, Melinda (Page) Kenton ’82, Ann (Weber) Kauffman ’80, Nicole Breitbach, Matt Carlson ’11, and Mary (Mattern) Gonderinger ’82 gathered in Omaha, Nebraska.
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIF. (ABOVE) Kaveh Naemi, Nicole Lovell ’97, Carol (Boyle) Schrader ’77, Catherine Dunn, BVM, and Andy Schroeder ’02, ’10M enjoy dinner in San Francisco, California. Want to see more alumni snapshots? Visit clarke.edu/alumni/eventphotos.
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CLARKE VALUES LED 8 ENZLER SISTERS TO CLARKE Clarke University has an appeal that has the potential to span years, decades and generations. When one sibling chooses to attend Clarke, others are sure to follow. Women who have attended Clarke have watched their daughters attend, and then their granddaughters and grandsons. There are the numerous families that have seen brothers, sisters, cousins and in-laws attend Clarke.
and where there were relatives – especially our uncle, Monsignor Leroy Enzler at Loras – was an appealing choice.”
When these generational families are asked about this draw, the topic usually turns to Clarke values. That is certainly the case with the eight Enzler sisters – all of whom are graduates of Clarke.
The fact that her older sister was there helped draw Carol Dinan ’61 to Clarke. Additionally, she and Mary Patricia Breitfelder ’63 were the only two of the sisters who were also natives of Iowa.
“Certainly Clarke instilled a strong sense of how to live a Christian life, with personal responsibility, honor, as well as respect for others,” Jean added.
“I am an Iowan by birth – born in Dubuque – and I have always found it to be a drawing card,” Carol said. “My first memories are of the Mississippi River and the Fourth Street Elevator. So once my older sister chose Clarke and seemed so happy there, the decision was easy. I applied to two other Catholic women’s colleges, both in Pennsylvania, and received a scholarship to one. Clarke also awarded me a scholarship and I chose to accept there.” An established connection at Clarke made the college decision an even easier one. This was a time before cellphones and email and texting and Skype. Leaving home meant real separation.
Kathleen Enzler gave the Commencement Address at her youngest daughter Brenda’s graduation in 1980. Pictured are, front row from left, Eileen, Brenda and their mother Kathleen; back row from left, Jean, Kathleen, Constance and Mary Patricia. Jean Rossi ’60 was the oldest of the Enzler sisters. Jean’s father, Clarence, was a Dubuque native and the family had relatives in Dubuque area. But the family lived in the Washington, D.C., area when Jean made her decision to attend Clarke.
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“As the oldest I was the first to choose Clarke,” she said. “My parents and I considered several Catholic girls schools nearer D.C. Since it was a big step to go so far away from the family, going to school in Dubuque where Dad grew up
“I think we all probably applied to at least one other school and Brenda English ’80 really did want to go to Villanova,” said Kathy Brooker ’67. “I think Mom and Dad were instrumental in getting us to go to Clarke. It was hard to be so far from home. We didn't have computers and iPhones. We only came home for Christmas and usually only made one phone call to home during the year – most likely on Mom and Dad's anniversary. I was lucky that I had Margaret Enzler ’65 at Clarke with me and then Mary Patricia had just gotten married and I saw her and her husband Bob, a lot during the year.” Said Kathleen, “It was a very easy step following four older sisters to Clarke, especially when I was able to travel by train to Clarke with Marge. It was fun having her show me around and all her friends talked to me in the halls, the cafeteria, the mail room, etc.”
CLARKE | THE MAGAZINE OF CLARKE UNIVERSITY
Family and values is really what it all came down to for the sisters. “Our parents strongly encouraged us to attend Clarke, partly because of our dad’s family connections in Dubuque but also because it was a college that would continue the values that we had already learned from growing up in a devout Catholic family,” said Constance Regan ’71. “Although, each of us had a unique college life, I liked knowing that I was walking the same halls and living in the same dorms as my sisters had.”
“Dad and Mom entrusted Clarke with our ongoing maturation, and their trust in Clarke was well-founded.”
To read about the Enzler Sisters' fondest memories from Clarke, visit clarke.edu/magazine. Mike Haggas ’94 and his wife, Jen (Baumann) Haggas ’95, are both Clarke graduates, who both had numerous family members attend Clarke. Read their story at www.clarke.edu/magazine.
THE ENZLER SISTERS Jean Rossi ’60, Cary, N.C. Carol Dinan ’61, Alexandria, Va. Mary Patricia Breitfelder '63, Bellevue, Iowa Margaret Enzler '65, Washington, D.C.
CLARKE UNIVERSITY 2 0 1 5
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Kathleen Brooker '67, Montross, Va. Constance Regan '71, Lake Barrington, Ill. Eileen O'Brien, '76, Davenport, Iowa Brenda English '80, Rockville, Md.
Adds Carol: “I learned so much academically, spiritually, and personally while at Clarke. I learned to take risks and to challenge myself to be the best I can be. Having two of my sisters attend Clarke at the same time was a wonderful and unique experience.”
MONDAY, JUNE 1, 2015 Dubuque Golf & Country Club
Join Golf Classic Chairs, Dick and Mary McKay for this premier golf event to fund six Clarke University scholarships for tri-state students. The Golf Classic offers guests 18-holes of golf and prizes, a midday meal and gourmet steak dinner with live auction. To learn more, visit clarke.edu/golfclassic.
Perhaps Margaret ’65 summed it up best. “I see our Enzler legacy as the virtues instilled in us through our parents, and it was their wish to preserve these values by entrusting Clarke to keep us steeped in them - almost as a middleman - so that we in turn would bring these values to future generations.
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CLARKE UNIVERSITY is proud to host these summer academies and camps
FOR ENTERING GRADES 10–12 | JUNE 29 - JULY 2
Learn how the worlds of food and science intertwine.
FOR ENTERING GRADES 6-9 | JUNE 10-12 FOR ENTERING GRADES 6–9 | JUNE 2-5
Discover the basics of food, flavor, cooking and the value of learning to “play with your food.”
Learn more about the exciting world of nursing from practitioners, hands-on experiences with a high-fidelity simulator and touring a local health care facility.
FOR ENTERING GRADES 9–12 | JUNE 29 - JULY 2
Explore and actively engage in hands-on experiences with cutting-edge technology.
FOR ENTERING GRADES 7–9 | JUNE 23-28
or student musicians with a minimum of 2 years ensemble experience
Sharpen your skills and learn about exciting possibilities in music with professional string musicians. FOR ENTERING GRADES 9–12 | JUNE 29 - JULY 2
Learn about the social work profession, issues of social justice and opportunities to get involved in your community. FOR ENTERING GRADES 10-12 | JUNE 23-27
advanced 9th graders and graduated seniors welcome FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO REGISTER FOR A CAMP, PLEASE VISIT PAGE 22
CLARKE.EDU/CLARKEACADEMY
Refine your string skills, work with guest artists and participate in a showcase performance.
ALUMNI
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NOVEMBER 1, 2014 THROUGH FEBRUARY 26, 2015 NEWS Virginia (Mitchell) Dunn ’42 Vacaville, Calif., Virginia celebrated her 95th Birthday in January surrounded by her five children, eight grandchildren and 10 greatgrandchildren. She has many memories to cherish including her time at Clarke. She is extremely proud of her family and enjoyed every moment of her birthday party. Born and raised in Sioux City, Iowa, Virginia now lives in Vacaville, Calif. Barbara (Vonderhaar) McShane ’65 Harrisburg, Pa., Barbara is retired but is also an NIH Scientist Emeritus. Carol (Kemp) Aschenbrener ’66 Washington, D.C., “After 40 years in various positions in academic medicine, I retired from the Association of American Medical Colleges on December 31, 2014. In my most recent position as Chief Medical Education Officer for the AAMC, I had the opportunity to work with the CEOs at five other associations of schools of the health professions to establish the Interprofessional Education Collaborative (IPEC), which is now widely recognized as a major influence in catalyzing the integration of required learning experiences that will better prepare physicians, nurses, pharmacists, dentists, public health clinicians
and other health professionals to work together in the interest of individual patients and populations. In recognition of the impact of IPEC’s work, I and the other five founding leaders of IPEC will receive the first Geraldine Polly Bednash Leadership Award from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing in March. The work with other health professions has been an incredible experience. While developing strategy and catalyzing the development of learning resources together, we not only learned much more about each other’s profession but also developed wonderful friendships. In March, I also received a William Gies Award for Achievement at the meeting of the American Dental Education Association. My teachers at Clarke, enlivened by the spirit of Vatican II, cultivated the open-mindedness and collaborative skills that have been essential to this work.” Jane (Ohlheiser) Carter ’66 Fernandina Beach, Fla., “Building our retirement home and can’t wait to get out of the snow and cold! Would love to find some alumni close by!” Kathy Burns ’67 Alexandria, Va., “I was invited to give academic papers before the Australian New Zealand Studies Association in North America (ANZSANA) in Dallas and the Australasian American
Association for Literary Studies (AAALS) in Portland, Oreg. Topic was Sir Richard G. Casey, the first Australian named U.S. Ambassador to Washington, D.C. He served from 1940-1942 and my talks were to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the appointment. My ties to Australia go back to living here for five years when I was the only U.S. reporter in the Parliamentary Press Gallery. Upon returning to the USA, I spent four years as the inaugural program director for the Center for Australian and NZ Studies at Georgetown University. And I have returned to Down Under eight times for a variety of lectures and hope to visit there again in 2015.” Mary Pat (Genoar) Dyer ’69 Des Moines, Iowa, “My husband Robert Paul (Bob) Dyer passed away on November 15, 2014. I was with Bob for 45 years and married for 38 years. I feel blessed to have been a part of his life. He will be truly missed by many. Please keep him in your prayers.” Lori Ritz ’73 Phoenix, Ariz., “I will be retiring in June after 27 years as an educator in Washington School District of which 15 years were a principal of Title I K-8 school of 850 students.” Kathy (Maloney) Loomis ’74 Davenport, Iowa, “My Father, Patrick Maloney, died on December 10, 2014.”
M - Master’s Degree from Clarke D - Doctorate Degree from Clarke
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Susan (Boge) Schneider ’78, ’04M Dubuque, Iowa, Northeast Iowa Community College inducted Sue Schneider into their Hall of Fame. After earning an associate degree of nursing from NICC in 1980, Sue Schneider launched a career devoted to nursing, education and administrative leadership in health care. Now the director of nursing at NICC, Schneider’s roots at the Peosta campus run deep: The campus was built on her parents’ farmland in 1979. "I am passionate about the nursing profession and the education we provide students at NICC. My goals are to provide students and faculty with the direction they need to provide compassionate, competent care," Schneider said. "As the director of nursing at NICC, I am able to facilitate students’ dreams of becoming a nurse. We need to train and educate our student nurses, offer the highestquality education possible and create in them a passion for lifelong learning in health care." Karen (Shepard) DeMello ’81 Mountain View, Calif., “I am listening to a fascinating NPR article and thinking about how lucky I was to attend Clarke when I did. Sister Kenneth Keller and Sister Marianne Joy were incredible! They were intelligent, insightful, and progressive. Clarke College was so "ahead of the curve" in its computer science department! I’ll never forget when we got the first Apple computers in the lab. What a concept to be able to type on the actual computer versus taking our deck of rubber-banded IBM punch cards to the batch queue!” Melinda (Page) Kenton ’82 Omaha, Neb., Terry (TK) and Melinda Kenton became grandparents for the first time with the birth of Cecilia Elizabeth Kenton (daughter of Chelsea Kenton and Conan Fredinburg) on the Feast Day of St. Cecilia, November 22, 2014. Tammy (Hutson) Norcross-Reitzler ’85 Davenport, Iowa, “Charles and I got married on July 5, 2014 in Newton, Iowa, where I had been the Pastoral Minister of Lifelong Faith Formation for over 20 years. On July 28, 2014 I began my job in Campus Ministry at St. Ambrose University.”
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M - Master’s Degree from Clarke D - Doctorate Degree from Clarke
Debbie (Duffy) Tancrell ’94 Dubuque, Iowa, Debbie D. Tancrell, 32nd Street office manager, has been promoted to first vice president at American Trust and Savings Bank. She joined the bank in 2004. She earned Bachelor of Arts degrees in English and music from Clarke University and a master of music in vocal performance degree from Indiana University. Brendan Foster ’96 Park Ridge, Ill., Brendan has a new position as the Executive Director of the National Veterans Art Museum located in Chicago. Jason Knockel ’96 Dubuque, Iowa, Kunkel & Associates announced Jason Knockel as the recipient of the Tim Kunkel Character Award for 2014. This award recognizes exemplified professionalism, leadership, compassion, hard-work, and a great sense of humor. The Tim Kunkel Award is presented to a Kunkel & Associates employee who portrays Tim’s character. Molly (Junk) Andersen Schreiber ’99 Dubuque, Iowa, “I recently published a children’s book entitled ‘Sadie Loves Yoga.’” Katie (Kropf) Zelle ’01 New York, N.Y., In November, Katie was promoted from HR Administrative Assistant to Assistant Vice President - HR Connect Team Lead at BNP Paribas. She manages a team of three people. HR Connect is the first point of contact for employees if they have any type of problem. Jessica (Bellmann) Ehrlich ’02 Sherrill, Iowa, Jessica was promoted to the first vice president at American Trust and Savings Bank. She joined the bank in 2000. Jolene (Link) Koopmann ’03, Peosta, Iowa, Jolene was appointed the coordinator of volunteer services at UnityPoint Health - Finley Hospital. She has extensive experience working with non-profits and volunteer management. Most recently, Koopman was the volunteer coordinator at Riverview Center in Dubuque.
Jennifer (Hoffmann) Kieffer ’06 Bellevue, Iowa, HK Financial Services announced that Jennifer Kieffer joined the firm as retirement services technical specialist. She earned her B.A. in business administration with an emphasis in finance from Clarke University, Dubuque. She has 12 years of experience in her field. Katie Knepper ’07M Peosta, Iowa, Kate Knepper, director of client transition at Prudential Retirement, has assumed the role of site lead for the Dubuque office. She has been with Prudential since 2004. The role, which periodically will transition between office leaders, serves as the first point of contact for site-specific business, corporate and community initiatives. Paula Schmid ’09 Fridley, Minn., “I was married in September 2014. My husband Matt is from Minnesota. We met when I was in Georgia with Peace Corps. He works in IT for the U.S. Department of State and is serving in Asmara, Eritrea. I am going to be joining him in a couple days and will be working an administrative job there at the U.S. Embassy.” Brittany Clayton ’10 Rockford, Ill., Dubuque County ISU Extension and Outreach announced Brittany Clayton as the new urban youth coordinator. She will work with youth, volunteers and professionals to plan, implement and evaluate educational programs and experiences. Her primary focus will be positive youth development using programs that connect young people with adults. She graduated from Clarke University in December 2010 with a Bachelor of Arts in history. She since has worked with youth, including 18 months as an environmental and recreation education instructor for the Rockford (Ill.) Park District, and on the program staff at YMCA Camp Greenville in Cleveland, S.C. Bridgette Clark ’11 Rock Falls, Ill., “I will be attending Kishwaukee College come fall 2015 to achieve a massage therapy degree.”
Traci Johnson ’14 Dubuque, Iowa, The Resource Raiders and Treasure Trove of Conservation Cove assemblies, produced by The National Theatre for Children, are touring through schools in North Carolina, South Carolina, Ohio and Kentucky. Traci is joining NTC for her first tour. Traci brings her excellent comedic timing and versatile performing skills to Treasure Trove. She’s from the great state of Iowa and is ready to hit the road as Captain Doorknob.
Craig Christopher ’12 West Des Moines, Iowa, Jessica Bixby ’13 and Craig Christopher ’12 are engaged. Daniel Tringale ’12 Houston, Texas, “I am a seventh-grade Language Arts teacher at Stovall. I will be coaching seventh-grade volleyball, basketball, and soccer.”
Catherine Savitch ’14 West Richland, Wash., Catherine has recently landed a design position at M3-Messenger Corp.-- a national design-build firm in Seattle and New York specializing in environmental design, brand development, and graphic design.
MARRIAGES Rebecca (Mensing) LeGrant ’05M to Pete LeGrant, Van Horne, Iowa
Maureen (Murphy) Ramirez ’03 and Harry, Cameron Daniel, River Grove, Ill. Elizabeth (Noonan) Boyle ’04, ’06M and Scott, girl, Cascade, Iowa Michael Frain, Jr. ’04 and Jennifer, William Carlton, Simi Valley, Calif.
Melissa (Cyze) Perkins ’05 and Dave, Stella Jane, Fitchburg, Wis. Jessica (Kilburg) Bredeson ’06 and Derek, boy, Dyersville, Iowa Molly (Morrow) Powers ’06 and Dan, boy, Dubuque, Iowa
Aurora Buschkamp ’13 Dubuque, Iowa, Aurora Buschkamp is a recent graduate of Inspirit Massage School & Wellness Center. She has certifications in sports and deep tissue massage. She graduated from Clarke University in May 2013 with a bachelor’s degree in athletic training and a minor in biology. She works at Hempstead High School as an athletic trainer and will work at Inspirit as a licensed massage therapist.
Art Miller ’08 to Christine Eck ’08, Mokena, Ill.
Luke Flynn ’13 Dubuque, Iowa, “My thesis composition, ‘Rift’, just won the Ablaze Records Orchestral Masters composition contest! They will record and release my piece on their ‘Orchestral Masters Vol. 4’ album.”
Heather (Lott) Blackmore ’14 to Kiza Blackmore, Pearl City, Ill.
Kelly Hopper ’08, Kendall, Dubuque, Iowa
BIRTHS
Sarah (Bahl) Hartman ’09, ’12M and Greg, William Gregory, Dubuque, Iowa
Tanya (Muskievicz) Eikstadt ’02 and Andy, Otis Robert, Rockford, Ill.
Jeremiah Parrish ’09 and Shannon, girl, Epworth, Iowa
Jessie Rebik ’02 and Seth Myers, Ethan David Myers, Galena, Ill.
Kate (Christopherson) Steger ’09 and Justin, girl, Dubuque, Iowa
Keith ’03 and Abby (Peckham) Gutierrez ’04, ’10M, boy, Dubuque, Iowa
Ashley (Ruden) McAllister ’10 and Elliot, girl, Dubuque, Iowa
Laura (Strezewski) Lupo ’10 to Matthew Lupo, Lisle, Ill. Courtney (Asbury) Roach ’11 to Charlie Roach, Westlake, Ohio Lucas Grymonprez ’13 to Tessa (Westpfahl) Grymonprez ’13, Cambridge, Ill.
Wes ’06, ’08M and Andrea (Nie) Speer ’07, Wyatt, Monticello, Wis. Jill (Donlon) Stannard ’06 and Brandon, girl, Elkader, Iowa Meghan (Manders) Herrig ’07M and Scott, Boy, Dubuque, Iowa Matt Boleyn ’08 and Jessica, Alayna Kathryn, Dubuque, Iowa
M - Master’s Degree from Clarke D - Doctorate Degree from Clarke
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Kristin (Roling) Wessels ’10 and Brian, boy, Dyersville, Iowa Andy ’11 and Angie (Miceli) Bishop ’11, girl, Bellevue, Iowa Nicole (Essman) Ronek ’11M, and Brad, girl, Peosta, Iowa Jeremiah Smith ’11 and Roberta, Boy, Sherrill, Iowa Sarah (Driscoll) Thibadeau ’11M and Andrew, boy, Dubuque, Iowa
IN MEMORY Kay (Eckart) Degnan ’36 Bernadene (Raftis) Clemens ’46 Jeanette (Frommelt) Schreiber ’50 Kathryn (Leonard) Loudis ’52 Virginia Hughes, BVM ’54 Mary (Kern) Manning ’58 Joyce (Carney) Snyder ’58 Mary Duggan, BVM ’60, ’67M Barbara (Bradley) Fitzgerald ’61 Helen Humeston ’67 Bernard Mauss, PBVM ’61, ’71M Carol Kruger ’77M Kevin Francis ’96
SHARE YOUR JOY:
SUBMIT A CLASS NOTE YOUR LIFE IS FULL OF AMAZING HAPPENINGS – AND WE LOVE TO SHARE IN YOUR JOY! Share your updates with us for inclusion in the magazine by emailing alumnirelations@clarke.edu or online at clarke.edu/alumni. (Don’t forget to send pictures!)
M - Master’s Degree from Clarke D - Doctorate Degree from Clarke
KEEP UP with Clarke! LIKE THE ALUMNI FACEBOOK PAGE FACEBOOK.COM/CLARKEALUMNI JOIN OUR NETWORK ON LINKEDIN SEARCH “CLARKE UNIVERSITY ALUMNI NETWORK” VIEW PHOTOS ON FLICKR CLARKE.EDU/FLICKR/ALUMNI VIEW VIDEOS ON VIMEO VIMEO.COM/CLARKEUNIVERSITY PAGE 26
h
CAREER-READY STUDENTS
MAKING AN IMPACT By Elizabeth Palmer ’15
Clarke University students are gaining a competitive edge in the Dubuque community as student internship participation has increased during the 2014-15 academic year. “Internships are becoming increasingly important and expected. Clarke students who have participated in an internship, or multiple internships, will definitely have an advantage after they graduate,” said Becky Herrig ’84, assistant director of counseling and career services. “Not only does an internship give a student important work experience in their chosen academic major, it provides opportunities for networking, learning about the field, being mentored, and a chance to ‘audition’ for jobs. Internships clearly help students become not only career ready, but life ready.” Clarke’s counseling and career services office has seen a flood of students this fall inquiring about the internship process. This has likely been a result of more students hearing about internships – from the media, parents, faculty – and the great value they can provide. But it also because of the Great Lakes Career Ready Internship Grant that Clarke received in July 2014 from Great Lakes Guaranty Corporation, based in Madison, Wis. The grant allows students to participate in an experience that otherwise might seem unaffordable by providing compensation for their internships. Clarke is using the $149,426 awarded in the 2014-15 academic year to develop paid internships, convert unpaid internships into paid ones, and collaborate with local businesses and non-profits. “Career services, with the help of faculty, has had fantastic results getting Clarke students lined up with internships – in on-campus positions, as well
as in for-profit and not-for-profit organizations in the Dubuque community,” said Ann Knepper, career services support staff. “More than half of those students are placed with employers with which career services has not previously worked. “The grant we received for this academic year has certainly helped increase the ‘buzz’ about internships on campus.” According to Herrig, Clarke had 143 internships this academic year, including 82 in the spring. Clarke students impact the Dubuque community through their internship hours and commitment to local businesses. Mike Schaul, owner of Express Employment Professionals in Dubuque, said, “We interviewed three or four candidates and went with Clarke student Kyle Collins ’16. We had him do a one-hour job shadow initially and he’s helped with answering phones, reference checks and filing. He gets to see how the interview processes work, and every type of business out there from manufacturing to banking and insurance.” “Having the Great Lakes Grant is an appealing factor,” said Collins, a junior psychology major. “Many internships are typically unpaid, but as an eligible Clarke student I get paid, which helps fund my study abroad trip to Europe this summer. The grant will take me through this spring and help me with my MBA program as well.”
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A few of the many other Dubuque businesses supporting Clarke interns include: Hillcrest Family Services, Design Mill, Plane Art Designs, Project Concern, Dubuque Fighting Saints Hockey, Unified Therapy Solutions, and The Belltower Theater. In addition to internship assistance, Clarke’s counseling and career services office also helps students with resumes, cover letters, interviewing tips and “soft skills,” preparing them to enter the working world. “Career services is the best resource on-campus to prepare you for and match you with an internship,” said Collins, “My first internship this past fall was at Mount Carmel in Dubuque. My second internship
was with Institutional Advancement completing data entry, filing and event coordinating. I feel like I took a load off of their shoulders with small duties and also with some main projects, such as the Our Lady of Peace Reunion of a BVM-run school event in August. I created the mailing list and invitations for an event that over 600 people attended.” Herrig encourages students to pursue at least one internship during their career at Clarke. “Many employers will look first to former interns when they have job openings,” she said. “Clarke interns have the advantage of also working with top-notch faculty and dedicated employers who support students through the internship process.”
k e e w t c a p #cuim ril 20-23 ap
Another academic year is coming to an end and it’s TIME TO CELEBRATE. Join us online April 20-23 to honor ALL Clarke graduates, past and present. We will be sharing stories of alumni making a difference around the world, 2015 graduates’ plans for the future, and how the BVM core values are carried on after commencement. Also, if 172 (for the 172nd academic year) donors make a donation to Clarke during impact week, President Joanne Burrows will do something you would never expect! LIKE us on Facebook and get involved! PAGE 28
Visit clarke.edu/cuimpactweek for more information.
THE BACK PAGE A L OOK AT YES T ER DAY AN D TODAY
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GREEN Sustainability has always been a value of Clarke. Students have been studying the environment in campus greenhouses and in the Dubuque community for many years. The examination of our environment, how we impact it and how it affects every segment of our lives is a growing field. As a result of this, Clarke has developed a new environmental studies major. This new program will focus on using the tools of the natural sciences, social sciences and humanities to solve problems in resource depletion and environmental degradation.
1550 Clarke Drive Dubuque, Iowa 52001-3198
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