Clarke Student Scores Big at
FIELD OF DREAMS Tucker LaBelle ’22 is just a sophomore at Clarke University,
involved working with Sanders’ campaign staff in advance of
yet he feels he has been blessed with many amazing
the event and on the day of, and hosting him and his family.
opportunities since arriving in Iowa from his hometown of
The other highlight that sticks out is when I was company
Athens, Ohio. One such opportunity is at Field of Dreams in
ambassador again for filming of an episode of the History
Dyersville, Iowa. As most locals are aware, the field was
Channel’s show ‘American Pickers.’”
made famous by the 1989 film Field of Dreams, starring Kevin Costner and James Earl Jones. In the film, an inspired Iowa farmer (Costner) builds a baseball field, then sees “Shoeless” Joe Jackson's ghost and other marvels. The film became an Academy Award nominee for “Best Picture of the Year” in 1989. The Dyersville field has gained world-renowned accolades not only from the film, but also as a beloved tourist destination. It serves as a moment in time and a place in cinematic history. The field and farm belonged to the Lansing family of Dyersville since 1906, and Don Lansing is the man who said “yes” to the Hollywood producers who wanted to use his boyhood home for the film.
He continued, “I have also been featured by the Associated French Press and several local news stations talking about
When LaBelle landed at Clarke and decided on a
the field, which has been amazing. Every day is a highlight
Communication major, he reached for the stars and sent his
at Field of Dreams. I was fortunate enough to meet many
resumé to Field of Dreams. The CEO offered him a position as
of my childhood role models who I thought I would never
tour guide, and this spring he was promoted to Social Media
meet, such as Ricky Henderson who is arguably one of the
Coordinator and Content Creator. He continues to work there
greatest baseball players of all time. I’ve also loved meeting
while enrolled full time at Clarke.
and creating a working relationship with a member of the original film cast, Dwier Brown, who plays Costner’s father,
When asked about stand-out moments in his position
John Kinsella, in the film.”
thus far, LaBelle shared, “I was given the opportunity to be ambassador for the company and oversee Senator Bernie
Clarke Assistant Professor of Communication Emily
Sanders, his family, and actor Susan Sarandon when they
Goodmann, said, “Tucker has been a stand-out student
visited the field. This was an incredible opportunity that
from the start. He parlayed an internship at the Field of
Tucker's story is just one example of how our students are career- and life-ready even before graduating from Clarke.
