Clarke University Magazine

SUMMER 2012

THE MAGAZINE OF CLARKE UNIVERSITY

finding the strength to be hopeful P.2 fine arts degree leads to fine career P.14

science building progress P.22

Special Year-in-Review and Honor Roll of Donors Enclosed

Dear Alumni and Friends, As the new academic year opens, I am aware that this is a special year for Clarke University. This is our one hundred and seventieth academic year. Over the decades, hundreds of faculty and staff have endeavored together to provide a quality education that fulfills Mary Frances’ imperative “to be progressive with the times” and thousands of women, and now women and men, have benefited from their efforts. This issue of the magazine features the stories of individuals who have labored and learned at Clarke and how our campus is evolving to meet today’s changing needs.

The arts have been a focus at Clarke since the first BVMs hauled a piano to Iowa. But today’s emphasis on career preparation in college often leaves questions about the utility of studying the arts. Read what graduates Sue Riedel ’68, Heather Meyer ’03, Matthew Zelle ’01 and Joel Cross ’03 have accomplished since leaving Clarke with degrees in fine arts. I hope you enjoy reading about how these alumni have applied their Clarke education – and the varied opportunities this type of degree offers.

From the start, the BVMs have been the cornerstone of Clarke’s quality and character. In this issue, we recognize two long-serving BVMs. Carol Blitgen ’58 retired in May after fifty years of teaching at Clarke.

As professor of drama Carol directed more than 100 productions and racked up numerous national accolades. Kate Hendel served Clarke for 31 years, most recently as the dean of adult and graduate studies. This summer, Kate was elected to the leadership team of the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Clarke student Jennifer Connolly’s story is one of love and perseverance. Jennifer returned to Clarke after the death of her husband, Andrew Connolly, an Iraq War vet who died from cancer last summer. Jennifer has a lot on her plate as she comes back to the classroom. Her son, Brody, has a rare muscle disease that requires a wheelchair and 24-hour ventilator.

You can learn more about our most recent graduates in this issue’s recap of the 2012 Commencement.

This year’s speaker and honorary degree recipient was Mary Ann Zollmann, BVM, a former Clarke faculty member and outgoing president of the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Construction of the new science building and the Joan Lingen, BVM Technology Commons (LTC) created high levels of excitement, as well as much dust and many detours over the summer. The LTC opened with a ribbon cutting the first week of school. The concrete and steel skeleton of the science building provides a glimpse of the great things to come. Read about the commons on “The Back Page” and see how the technology compares with what students used just a few decades ago.

Finally, this issue includes a special Fiscal Year in Review and Honor Roll of Donors insert. This section acknowledges the many supporters whose financial gifts contribute to the success of Clarke. Selected lists have been printed in the Honor Roll and you can find the entire list of donors published at www.clarke.edu/annualreport.

I want to personally thank you for your involvement in and continued support of Clarke. With your help, Clarke University continues to profoundly impact tomorrow. I hope you enjoy this issue of “Clarke: The Magazine of Clarke University” and I invite you to visit campus to see these stories come to life.

Sincerely,

Joanne M. Burrows, SC, Ph.D. President

TABLE OF CONTENTS | SUMMER 2012

COVER PHOTO COURTESY OF A FLEETING MOMENT PHOTOGRAPHY: ALISSA BRICKMAN

IN THIS ISSUE

FEATURE STORY: FINDING THE STRENGTH TO BE HOPEFUL...............................................2 HENDEL FOLLOWS GOD’S PLAN...................................................................................................7

CLARKE: THE MAGAZINE OF CLARKE UNIVERSITY is published semiannually for alumni, parents and friends of Clarke University.

Joanne M. Burrows, SC, Ph.D. President Bill Biebuyck Vice President for Institutional Advancement Tom Farley Executive Director of Marketing and Communication Tricia Pitz ’99 Director of Creative Services Jamie Specht Director of Marketing Gayle Langel ’08 Graphic Designer

FEATURE STORY: WHAT DO YOU DO WITH A DEGREE IN FINE ARTS?................................8

HOMECOMING PREVIEW............................................................................................................14

Melanie Johnson ’07 Web Manager Gwen Hayes ’07 Copywriter guest Editor: Lindsey Brown Schieffer ’07 GUEST WRITERS: Kylie Loeffelholz, Megan Gloss ’03 and Lindsey Brown Schieffer ’07 DESIGNER: Gayle Langel ’08

BLITGEN INSPIRED BY CLARKE COMMUNITY.............................................................................17 STUDYING ABROAD....................................................................................................................20

FEATURE STORY: Constructing impact: new science building progresses.........22

CLASS NOTES............................................................................................................................29

Clarke University 1550 Clarke Drive Dubuque, IA 52001-3198 (563)588-6318 Fax: (563)588-6789 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 university-administered programs. Clarke University complies with all pertinent state and federal regulations concerning affirmative action, non-discrimination and equal employment opportunity.

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Finding the Strength to be hopeful The story of how Clarke has helped a widowed mother of a special needs child find hope again.

by Lindsey Brown Schieffer ’07 Photos by A Fleeting Moment Photography

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CLARKE | THE MAGAZINE OF CLARKE UNIVERSITY

Jennifer (Steines) Connolly’s connection to Clarke began in the fall of 2003 when she unpacked her belongings in her new 4th floor room in Mary Ben while her high school sweetheart, Andrew Connolly, was deployed to Egypt. Not even a crystal ball could have predicted Jennifer would one day return to finish her studies at Clarke as a widowed mother of a child with special needs.

It wasn’t until Brody was born gasping for air that they knew he had health complications.

After being flown from Dubuque to University of Iowa Children’s Hospital in Iowa City, Brody was diagnosed with a severe case of congenital myasthenic syndrome, a genetic neuromuscular disorder causing severe muscle weakness, reduced mobility and feeding and respiratory problems.

During Jennifer’s freshman year, her and Andrew’s relationship remained strong through occasional phone calls, AOL instant messenger chats and letters written a few times each week. Andrew returned safely from Egypt mid-way through Jennifer’s freshman year.

After more than a three-month stint in Iowa City, Brody was able to come home. The Connollys temporarily lived with Jennifer’s mom while their townhome underwent electrical modifications to accommodate Brody’s life-support equipment.

“Everything was so perfect then,” Jennifer said. “We had gotten married and had a son. I felt like Andrew and I had the world in our hands.”

While Jennifer enjoyed everything about Clarke, financial limitations prevented her from beginning her sophomore year. She picked up more hours at Younguns Preschool and Child Care Center in Dubuque, where she had worked since high school.

Andrew was deployed again in 2005, this time to Iraq. During that deployment, he began experiencing back and leg problems that were chalked up to heavy-equipment use and spending so much time in Humvees. A post-deployment physical determined his eligibility for a small amount of disability. It was then that Andrew began studying business management.

Jennifer earned a lead preschool teaching position at Young-uns in 2007, but the next year, she was required to co-teach because of new state funding regulations which required her to have a bachelor’s degree to remain a lead teacher. She knew then that she wanted to complete her degree.

Jennifer and Andrew were wed on St. Patrick’s Day of 2008 and soon thereafter, gave birth to their first child, a boy they named Brody.

It wasn’t six months later that Andrew’s back pain led to tingling. After an MRI and subsequent biopsy, he was diagnosed with anaplastic astrocytoma, a rare form of cancer typically found in the brain.

His doctor recommended stopping his studies and gave him a life expectancy of one to three years; another doctor optimistically thought seven to ten.

“We were really hopeful,” Jennifer said.

Regardless, Andrew wanted to live life to the fullest.

They went to a Cub’s game, on two vacations to Las Vegas, on a hot air balloon ride and took Brody to the zoo. Andrew started blogging and encouraging others to pay it forward.

Knowing the cancer would eventually lead to his paralysis and that their small townhome was far from being handicap accessible, Andrew proactively applied for government assistance for disabled veterans who need an accessible home.

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Andrew was denied the grant because he was yet to be wheelchair dependant. That’s when Iowa Congressman Bruce Braley stepped in and helped make it happen.

As paralysis drew nearer, Jennifer left her job at Young-uns to become Andrew and Brody’s full-time caregiver. By July of 2010, Andrew was wheelchairbound. He struggled to move about their townhome and was unable to get to Brody’s room where the family typically said nighttime prayers together.

The family was able to say bedtime prayers together again when they moved into their new accessible home in October 2010.

signed into law this year, making funding available to veterans through 2022.

“Andrew wanted to fight for veterans who weren’t able to help themselves,” Jennifer said. “When you’re paralyzed, you can’t do as much as others can do so it’s hard to come up with those funds.”

The family enjoyed their new home together for nearly a year as the cancer spread up Andrew’s spine and into his brain. On August 26, 2011, Andrew passed away in their home at the age of 28.

“Before all of this happened, I thought Andrew and I would be married and have two kids by now,” Jennifer said tearfully. “I just didn’t expect life to go this way.”

While Jennifer takes life one day at a time and hesitates to envision her future for fear of disappointment, she is confident about one thing— she will hold her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Clarke in 2015.

“Now my goal is just to graduate, get a job and support Brody and myself,” Jennifer said. “Clarke’s just so welcoming and helpful. I just knew that’s where I wanted to be again. The faculty is amazing and they all want you to do well and succeed.” One education faculty member has a vested interest in Jennifer’s success--Andrew’s sister, Carolyn Wiezorek.

“The best thing about being in the house was seeing Andrew have freedom back and move freely from one room to another,” Jennifer said with a smile in her voice. “He could shower by himself. He could be in the kitchen and bake cookies again. Seeing life come back into him was the best.”

Andrew and Jennifer wanted other veterans to experience that same freedom and joy so they headed to Washington, D.C. to advocate for extending availability of funding for paralyzed veterans needing specially adapted housing—assistance that was set to expire at the end of that year.

The “Andrew Connolly Veterans’ Housing Act,” was PAGE 4

“I love Jenny and was so excited when she decided to return to Clarke,” Carolyn said. “I knew she would thrive here because of the caring faculty and staff, as well as the network of support Clarke offers. Andrew would be happy and proud of Jenny's initiative and determination.”

Jennifer has adjusted to life as a student again. “It has been the best thing for me to have something to focus on again,” Jennifer said.

She has also returned to Young-uns part-time and looks forward to being back at the head of the classroom. “I just always loved being with kids and I feel like I can make an impact on their lives,” Jennifer said.

So she keeps her eye on 2015—a year in which she has found the strength to hope.

C l arke

Trees

This year’s Earth Week, April 16-21, was an especially colorful one at Clarke University.

Faculty, staff and students knitted multi-colored sweaters and tied them to campus trees to highlight their history and call attention to conservation.

Tree sweaters, also known as granny graffiti or guerilla knitting, started with urban artists who wanted to add more color to their environments. Conservationists later used them to raise awareness of the importance of trees.

Each year, the graduating class at Clarke has planted and named a campus tree. Now those trees wear sweaters and tags that highlight their respective name and type.

Adorning the trees with sweaters brings more attention to the trees on campus—something the Arbor Day Foundation also did in 2011 by naming Clarke a 2011 Tree Campus USA. With this designation, Clarke will plant at least six trees a year, has a budget dedicated to tree care and maintenance, completes service learning projects related to trees, commemorates Arbor Day annually, forgoes cutting down trees unless strictly necessary, and has instituted a tree advisory council and tree care plan. Clarke was among only five other universities in the state to be named a tree campus.

Find your tree on the memorial tree map.

Visit www.clarke.edu/magazine.

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Clarke Students Receive

National Props for Advertising Campaign Prop

Alyssa Breitbach ’12, Stephanie Kronlage ’12 and Katelin Hermsen ’12 are proud of their award-winning prop. The trio also used the project as part of their senior art show.

A small group of Clarke University students brought home more hardware than just their large “naming wheel” prop from the American Advertising Federation’s annual National Student Advertising Competition in Kansas City. The group of eight students brought home the national award for best prop.

Their prop, a large wheel that focused on individuals and their relationships with their Nissan vehicles, was a component of a full advertising campaign for Nissan North America that the group designed and presented.

It was the first time Clarke students entered the competition.

“Winning anything your first year is pretty cool,” said Stephanie Kronlage ’12, the group’s creative director.

Eric Wold, assistant professor of graphic design, recently established a college chapter of the American Advertising Federation and then recruited Kronlage and two other senior graphic design majors, Alyssa Breitbach ’12 and Katelin Hermsen ’12, to join the chapter.

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The team hauled this large “naming wheel” prop to Kansas City and hauled back an award from the National Student Advertising Competition.

The trio used the project for their senior graphic design exhibit. “This really taught me how to work as a group,” said Kronlage.

For the national competition, they enlisted the help of business and communication majors Hilary Post ’13, Daniel Valencia ’15, Andrew Quam ’12, Charlie Fast ’12 and Peter Bayliss ’12. The eight students worked together for nine months and had to submit a 32-page plan book before presenting their campaign in Kansas City.

“It was very stressful because most teams had about 30 people and we only had eight,” said Kronlage. “But the experience was amazing.”

Kronlage, whose father hauled the award-winning prop on a trailer to Kansas City, said their presentation and large prop garnered many compliments from competing colleges.

Next year, Wold hopes to get even more students and faculty involved. Now, with one award-winning year under his belt, Wold said he knows more about how to prepare for the next competition.

CLARKE | THE MAGAZINE OF CLARKE UNIVERSITY

Hendel Follows God’s Plan For Kate Hendel, BVM, Ph.D., leaving Clarke University is bittersweet – and something she did not plan.

After 31 years at Clarke, Hendel became second vice president of the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary leadership team.

It’s God’s will and a whole new chapter in my life.

“If someone said last October or November that I would be standing in front of my sisters for election this spring, I’d have said they were crazy,” Hendel said.

Being on the leadership team wasn’t on Hendel’s radar until she was invited by her fellow sisters to consider a leadership role. Hendel prayed about where the Holy Spirit wanted her to serve. She was elected at the BVM Senate of Elections in April and is looking forward to her new position.

“It’s God’s will and a whole new chapter in my life,” Hendel said.

In her time at Clarke, Hendel served as a faculty member, campus liturgist, music department chair, director of general education and most recently as the dean of adult and graduate studies.

The Sisters of Charity, BVM chose a new leadership team for a four-year-term beginning August 1, 2012. They are Second Vice President Kate Hendel, BVM; First Vice President Mira Mosle ’65, BVM; and President Teri Hadro, BVM.

The installation ceremony for the new leadership team took place on July 22 in the Motherhouse Chapel in Dubuque. The team, which also consists of President Teri Hadro, BVM, and First Vice President Mira Mosle ’65, BVM, began its four-year term on August 1.

“We work collaboratively in providing leadership for the congregation in dealing with all issues that are part of an organization,” Hendel said.

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What do you do with a degree in the

fine arts?

Clarke graduates share how their’s have enriched their careers and beyond

by Megan Gloss ’03

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CLARKE | THE MAGAZINE OF CLARKE UNIVERSITY

Many a myth has been uttered about degrees in the fine arts, from studies in music and theater to painting, ceramics, graphic design and writing.

“They make it difficult to find work.”

“They’re hobbies, embellishments and are not useful.”

“They don’t serve a meaningful purpose in society.”

But a number of Clarke University grads not only have silenced that stigma, they’ve made exciting careers out of their fine arts degrees and have turned those “embellishments” into work that inspires culture, infuses creativity and cultivates the communities around them.

We’ve rounded up several Clarke grads that have helped pave the way in their respective artistic fields. Each discuss how their degree in the fine arts not only served them well in the work world, but enabled them to become inspired thinkers, creative doers and true leaders.

Heather Meyer ’03 Age: 31

Fine Arts Studied at Clarke: Drama/Speech

Words of wisdom: Be patient, but don’t wait.

Background in the fine arts: Since graduating from Clarke, I have worked in regional theaters across the country as an actress and a playwright. Now I live in Minneapolis where I work full-time as a writer and director at the National Theatre for Children. I also write political satire for Dudley Riggs’ “Brave New Workshop.” In addition to having my work produced in New York City, Los Angeles, Washington D.C., Chicago and other less fancy cities, I’ve created two award-winning shows for the Minnesota Fringe Festival. I also perform regularly as an improviser and actress in Minneapolis and at various improv festivals. I am now studying playwriting in Paris as part of an MFA program.

What activities were you involved in at Clarke that helped you further establish your career in the fine arts?

My involvement in the theater department was absolutely instrumental in developing the skills I use every day. I also worked on the Clarke “Courier” every semester. Both of those activities helped build my leadership skills, creativity and ability to work with a diverse group of people.

What in your career has been most rewarding?

It is super fun to be recognized on the street by a stranger who saw your work. It’s also rewarding to collect people you want to work with in a room and bang around ideas until you’ve all created something together. Ultimately, the most rewarding thing is to see something that was just half an idea in my head, come to fruition on stage.

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Matthew Zelle ’01 Age: 33

Fine Arts Studied at Clarke: Music

Words of wisdom: Always continue to learn new things, meet new people, stay connected with these people, and try to travel and experience new cultures as much as possible.

Background in the fine arts: I studied voice and piano starting at a young age. I was involved in band, choir and drama in high school and choir in college.

How has your fine arts degree from Clarke helped you establish your career?

While in college, I knew I didn’t want to be a professional musician, but wanted to stay involved in the arts. During my junior year, my advisor suggested I start taking some business courses and apply for an internship with the Dubuque Symphony Orchestra (DSO) in their administrative office. During my time with the DSO, I helped coordinate several of their guest artists’ performances, and from then on, I knew I wanted to help musicians with their careers.

Toward the end of college, I completed another two internships with the Kennedy Center Performing Arts, in Washington, D.C., and Glimmerglass Opera, in Cooperstown, New York. I then landed an assistant

position with Columbia Artists Management, in New York City, and later moved into my current role as an associate manager with IMG Artists, LLC. I currently manage Grammy Award-winners including violinist Joshua Bell and the Emerson String Quartet, along with flutist Sir James Galway and soprano Dame KiriTeKanawa. If it wasn’t for my fine arts degree from Clarke, I would never have had these opportunities.

What activities were you involved in at Clarke that helped you further establish your career in the fine arts?

I was involved in choir and the music department musicals.

What are the most rewarding things in your creative area?

Besides experiencing performances by my own artists, I have had the chance to travel worldwide and meet artists from all genres.

Clarke’s art exhibits, drama productions and music performances have the power to move and inspire. View a listing of this year’s Arts at Clarke events. Visit PAGE 10

www.clarke.edu/artsatclarke.

CLARKE | THE MAGAZINE OF CLARKE UNIVERSITY

Sue Riedel ’68 Age: 66

Fine Arts Studied at Clarke: Drama/Speech

Words of wisdom: Get a well-rounded education from the artistic side and business side. The more skills and talents you develop, the more employable you are. Dream big, be willing to try new things and never give up.

Background in the fine arts: I came to Dubuque from Davenport, Iowa, to attend Clarke and have been here ever since. After graduation, I worked at the Dubuque Department of Recreation as the fine arts supervisor until 1974 when I began teaching and coaching theater and speech at Hempstead High School from which I recently retired. I was the theater manager and artistic director at the Grand Opera House from 1986 to 2001. I also taught children’s theater classes. I am currently the theater manager and artistic director of the Bell Tower Theater, where I continue to teach children’s theater classes. I am a past board member of the Iowa Arts Council and serve as a board member on the City of Dubuque’s Arts and Cultural Commission. I have done location casting for films shot in Dubuque (“Take This Job and Shove It,” “Miles from Home” and the Academy Award-nominated “Field of Dreams”). I also worked on the set for those films and coordinated the last shot in “Field of Dreams,” with 1,500 cars and 3,000 people.

How has your fine arts degree from Clarke helped you establish your career?

I got a well-rounded education and was given opportunities that also taught me leadership. I participated in many musicals and plays, served as a choreographer for many productions, danced and sang in many shows, taught children’s theater, directed a children’s show, student-directed productions and toured in shows as a performer.

What activities were you involved in at Clarke that helped you further establish your career in the fine arts?

I was in many productions and served on many different crews for shows. I also was company manager for a USO tour group called Coffee House Theater. We traveled to Greenland, Iceland, Newfoundland, Scotland, Ireland and London entertaining service personnel for the U.S. Department of Defense. We did about three shows per day. I sang, danced, played banjo and did improv.

What in your career has been most rewarding?

Teaching for 38 years was the most rewarding. I loved working with such talented young people. I got many awards, but being a Gold Star Teacher was the most meaningful because I was nominated by my students and fellow teachers.

What have been the biggest challenges, and how have you overcome those challenges?

The biggest challenges have been renovating Dubuque’s Flora Park Barn into an arts center, starting a community theater, moving from the Barn to Sacred Heart School and renovating it into a theater again, buying the Grand Opera House and renovating it from a movie house back to a live theater venue and starting a community theater at the Bell Tower Theater. Raising money for arts projects has always been a challenge. In each project, people told me it would never work. I guess I like proving them wrong. It’s also been challenging to be a woman in leadership roles but Clarke gave me tools to meet those challenges.

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Joel Cross ’04 Age: 30

Fine Arts Studied at Clarke: art

Words of wisdom: Enjoy your time at Clarke—it goes by quickly.

Background in the fine arts: I’m originally from Dubuque and still reside there. I worked in the design field until 2007 and since then, I have been working in law enforcement with the Dubuque Police Department. Since working for them, I have designed the department’s new shoulder patch, the union logo and the rifle team logo.

What activities were you involved in white at Clarke that helped you further establish your career in the fine arts?

I was involved in a martial arts organization off campus that helped me develop my leadership skills and confidence—skills that are invaluable to me as a police officer.

What in your career has been most rewarding?

The most rewarding thing about my job is helping those who suffer great tragedy or loss and making a difference in the world by getting criminals off the streets. The biggest challenge often lies in getting someone to do something they are completely opposed to doing by convincing them it’s in their best interest.

Read what other alums are doing with their fine arts degree.

Visit www.clarke.edu/magazine.

about the author Megan Gloss graduated from Clarke in 2003, studying communication with an emphasis in journalism and music.

While at Clarke, she edited both the Clarke “Courier” and “Catalyst” and sang with the Clarke Collegiate Singers and Clarke Cantabile Singers, as well as performed in numerous concerts, recitals and productions. Since graduating, Gloss has edited a weekly entertainment publication, served as a project editor at a publishing house and established herself internationally as a writer, graphic designer and vocalist. She currently calls the Telegraph Herald newspaper home, where she has been a features staff writer, reporter and columnist for nearly a decade and where she edits the women’s magazine, “Her.” She also is a regular writer and contributor on vocal trends, techniques and pedagogy to the nationally renowned “Classical Singer” magazine and to “VoiceCouncil” magazine, based in London. As a vocalist and actress, Gloss has appeared in leading roles in numerous productions from opera to operetta and from musical theater

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and theater to jazz. She has been a vocalist with Madison (Wis.) Opera for nearly five consecutive seasons, has appeared as a guest soloist with the Dubuque Symphony Orchestra and has returned to Clarke as a guest artist for Musical Menus on Broadway, For a Blessed Christmas, as well as for recitals, music master classes and courses on media writing, newspapers and magazines. She also recently studied opera and language abroad and performed throughout Italy. In 2012, Gloss was awarded for her work in opera and musical theater with the Anna Sosenko Trust, a prestigious national grant awarded to only a handful of performing artists across the country. It recognizes promising young performers in their professional development. Juggling a busy performance and writing schedule between Dubuque, Madison and Chicago, Gloss continues to reside in the tri-states with her other half, Keith Ahlvin, and their cat, Mabel, in their “new” old home – currently a work in progress.

CLARKE | THE MAGAZINE OF CLARKE UNIVERSITY Clarke student-athletes earn Academic All-America honors Three Clarke University student-athletes have earned 2012 Capital One College Division Academic All-America honors.

Clarke senior Travis Gabehart ’13, of Franklin, Ind., was one of 15 student-athletes from across the country to be named a first-team Academic All-America honoree, while junior Jon Schoening ’14, of Glenwood, Iowa, and sophomore Josh Udelhofen ’14, of Platteville, Wis., earned third-team Academic All-America honors.

Gabehart, a member of Kris Dorn's volleyball program, was a two-time Mid-America Men's Volleyball Intercollegiate Conference (MAMVIC) All-Conference selection.

A three-time academic all-conference selection, Gabehart served as team captain this past season. He had 181 kills this past year and finished his career ranked tenth on the university's all-time kills list with 751.

Gabehart sported a 3.95 GPA and majored in history.

Schoening is a member of Coach Adam Hinders’ cross country and track and field programs. He carries a 3.89 grade point average and is majoring in biochemistry.

Udelhofen, a member of Jerry Hanson's golf program, carried a school record 74.1 scoring average through 20 rounds this past season and helped the Crusaders set a new season scoring average (316.5). He had seven Top 5 finishes in 11 events and captured medalist honors at the Clarke Crusader Invite, the Clarke Fall Classic and at the NAIA Midwest Invitational at TPC Deere Run in Silvis, Illinois. Udelhofen carries a 3.45 GPA and is majoring in business.

To be eligible for Academic All-America consideration, a student-athlete must be a varsity starter or key reserve, maintain a cumulative GPA. of 3.30 on a scale of 4.00, have reached sophomore athletic and academic standings at his/her current institution and be nominated by his/her sports information director.

Clarke Athlete Trio Honored Three Clarke University student-athletes were named All-Americans during the 2012-13 intercollegiate athletic season.

Morgan Bradford ’13, a senior from Anderson, S.C., became an NAIA All-American by placing seventh in the pole vault competition at the NAIA Outdoor National Track and Field Championships in Marion, Ind., with a clearance of 3.55 meters.

A seven-time national qualifier in pole vault, Bradford becomes just the second Clarke women's track and field athlete to earn All-American honors.

Dino Ramic ’14, a junior forward from Pasco, Wash., became the first Clarke men’s soccer player to earn NAIA All-American honors. The honorable mention selection led the 2011 Crusaders in points (29), assists (7), shots (60), shots on goal (26) and game-winning goals (4), and shared the team lead in goals with 11, and became Clarke's all-time leader in points (79), goals (32), assists (15), shots (190) and game-winning goals (9).

Clarke freshman Tyler Wills ’15, of Galena, Ill., was named an NAIA Men's Volleyball All-American.

A 6-6 outside hitter from Galena, Ill., Wills was one of 10 players selected to the All-America team. He led Coach Kris Dorn's Crusaders in kills (266), kills per set (2.66), digs (204) and service aces (30). Wills finished second in assists (182) and digs per set (2.04) and ranked fourth in total blocks (53).

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It’s time to come

HOME! Homecoming highlights There are many ways to reconnect and enjoy this years’ homecoming.

There is something for everyone…from concerts, to athletic events, to the reunion tent party. Here’s our top six list of things to do (in no particular order). We might suggest doing them all!

Alumni Tent Party and Festival

The annual tradition continues! Grab your classmates and friends and make plans to attend the tent party for live music, free popcorn, a nacho bar, giveaways and prize drawings. Even more fun awaits just outside the tent with family-friendly soccer games, booths and inflatables.

Alumni Recognition Brunch

Meet this years’ distinguished alumni award winners at our fabulously famous Clarke brunch in the student dining hall.

Tribute to Carol Blitgen ’58, BVM

Join us in Terence Donaghoe Hall for a special evening of music and theater in tribute to Carol Bligten ’58, BVM who recently retired from Clarke and was named professor emerita of drama.

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Presidential Scholarship Concert

Prepare to be wowed by musical performances from students, faculty and alumni during the inaugural Presidential Scholarship Concert where members of the Clarke community will be presented with the President’s Award for Arts Excellence. Event proceeds will help fund scholarships for the next generation of Clarke music students.

Downtown Saturday Night

Relive your college days with a night out in downtown Dubuque at some of the newest hotspots and timeless favorites with prizes and exclusive deals for Clarke alumni. What are you waiting for? Dig out your favorite Clarke shirt to wear that evening for an additional chance to win.

ALTON BROWN Food Network Star and Host of

Good Eats and Iron Chef America Alton Brown is speaking at Clarke on Sunday, September 30!

Make plans to stay the day and have a brush with fame.

UPCOMING ALUMNI EVENTS We’re hitting the open road with all the Clarke-ness you’d expect from being on campus. Don’t miss us in a place near you for a great Clarke time with great Clarke friends!

Here are some locations you will find us in upcoming months: September 28-30 Homecoming Clarke University Dubuque, Iowa October 14 Alumni Brunch Cherry Creek Marriott Denver, Co. November 6-14 Eurotrip Barcelona and Paris December 2 Chicago Holiday Christmas Party December 2 “Home for the Holidays” Bell Tower Theater Dubuque, Iowa December 12 MBA Reception Clarke University Dubuque, Iowa

Check out the full schedule at www.clarke.edu/homecoming or call (888)225-2753.

Visit www.clarke.edu/alumni/events for a complete listing of upcoming events and opportunities to connect!

PAGE 15

from the desk of

Bill Biebuyck Regardless of whether you are an alum, a friend, a faculty member, a staff member, or most importantly a student, this is an exciting time at Clarke. Enrollment is strong and growing, construction has begun on our new state-of-the-art science building, and this fall, as students and faculty return, they will be greeted by the new Joan Lingen, BVM Technology Commons. It will include technology-rich classrooms and seminar rooms, as well as study and research areas for students and faculty.

Other exciting happenings include the capital campaign, which is now underway. It is the largest capital campaign in the university’s history and has already reached 52% of the $34 million goal.

We can also boast about the accomplishments of our faculty and students. Two university professors and one recent graduate were awarded coveted Fulbright Scholarships for work and study abroad.

Student success is at an all-time high. Ninety-five percent of nursing students are passing their boards on the first attempt and the number increases to one hundred percent when measuring the pass rate for six months post-graduation. One hundred percent of family nurse practitioner and athletic training students pass their certification exams.

Last year, 99% of the physical therapy students passed their boards and 100% of those who applied for medical school were accepted. The list goes on, but I think you get the picture.

I had a mentor who often said, “You can’t raise money if you do not have an outstanding institution, and you will not have an outstanding institution if you can’t raise money.”

There is a lot of truth in this statement. The two go hand in hand. Clarke would not be the outstanding institution it is without the financial support we receive from you—our alumni and friends.

You have our commitment that we will always strive for excellence, and with your continued financial support, together we will ensure that Clarke always remains an outstanding university.

Thank you very much.

Sincerely,

Bill Biebuyck Vice President for Institutional Advancement

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CLARKE | THE MAGAZINE OF CLARKE UNIVERSITY

Blitgen Inspired by Clarke Community After 50 years of teaching and directing at Clarke University, it’s no surprise that Carol Blitgen’s resume is longer than most.

Of all her accomplishments, Blitgen said she is most proud of her teaching awards. The Bellevue, Iowa native has received more than a dozen local and national awards, including Clarke’s most prestigious teaching award, the Meneve Dunham Award for Excellence in Teaching.

Blitgen, ’58, BVM, retired this spring after teaching and directing at Clarke since 1962–but she won’t be a stranger to campus. Already this fall, Blitgen will direct Clarke’s production of Tennessee Williams’ “Glass Menagerie.”

“I think it’s just fun directing and now it’s nice to be able to pick and choose what I do,” said Blitgen, who has directed more than 130 academic and professional productions.

Blitgen said it was her colleagues who inspired her. “I learned so much from my colleagues and friends at Clarke,” she said.

Some of the faculty she is close to, including Doug Schlesier, Carmelle Zserdin ’61, BVM and John Lease, have also retired but stay in touch. Blitgen also keeps in contact with many former students, whom she plans to celebrate with at homecoming.

This year’s homecoming will feature a tribute to Blitgen from 6-7:30 p.m. on Friday, September 28 in Terence Donaghoe Hall.

Clarke Students Open for National Country Music Act

Thompson Square

Clarke University students Rebecca Brosnan ’13 and Max McNett ’12 opened for the popular country music duo Thompson Square on April 27 as part of the university’s May Daze weekend. Faculty recommended Brosnan, a musical theatre major, and McNett, a drama major, after watching them entertain the crowd at Clarke’s annual Musical Menus on Broadway in March. For their opening gig, Brosnan and McNett played songs by the Beatles, Smokey Robinson, Dixie Chicks and Sugarland.

PAGE 17

See photos from the concert. Visit www.clarke.edu/magazine.

Clarke’s pet therapy sessions become

‘positive experience’ Dozens of students, faculty, staff and board members are in attendance each week.

by Stacey Becker, TH staff writer

Between 20 to 30 students attend the weekly sessions with pre-screened dogs. Some students stay the entire time to play with the dogs, while others pet the dogs as they walk by.

Former Clarke President Sister Catherine Dunn is among the approximately 12 Clarke faculty, staff and board members who bring their animals to the sessions. The dogs are rotated in a schedule.

th photo

Clarke University students pet Lilah (left) and Clare while taking part in a pet therapy session at the Dubuque campus Wednesday. Each week for an hour members of Clarke faculty or staff bring in their pre-screened pets for students who might be homesick or missing their own pets.

Next week's finals were far from Mike Mulloy's mind as he played with the two yellow labs. "Its been helping me just be calm and ready for finals," he said.

Mulloy, a Clarke University junior majoring in elementary and special education, is one of the numerous student regulars who participate in Clarke's pet therapy sessions.

The Clarke Student Association, Residence Life and Counseling and Career Center sponsors the pet therapy sessions that are held for about an hour every Wednesday in Mary Josita Hall.

Lorie Murphy-Freebolin, director of the Counseling and Career Center, said the sessions that feature cuddly dogs were started last semester to help homesick and stressed students.

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"We really want it to be a positive experience for the students," she said.

The owner stays with the dogs during the session, which allows students to interact with the official in a different environment.

"It's a great way to build relationships with the students," said Elizabeth Ramos, assistant director of the Counseling and Career Center.

Students who met Murphy-Freebolin while they played with her Shih Tzu, Brinkley, at one of the pet therapy sessions have talked to her about their lives.

Graciela Caneiro-Livingston, dean of Undergraduate Studies, brought her yellow lab, Lilah, and her neighbor's yellow lab, Clare, to the session on Wednesday. She said she brings the dogs to help students who can get stressed out.

Mulloy said the sessions always cheer him up. "I have not missed one since it started," he said.

Murphy-Freebolin said approximately 15 people have already registered to bring their dogs to the sessions in the fall semester. "It's been a great program," she said.

See photos from therapy sessions. Visit www.clarke.edu/magazine.

Story, photo and caption: (c) 2012 Telegraph Herald, a division of Woodward Communications, Inc. Reprinted with permission.

CLARKE | THE MAGAZINE OF CLARKE UNIVERSITY

Spain puts his stamp on Clarke baseball Dan Spain ’10, officially promoted to head coach on May 17, wasted little time adding some serious area talent to his roster. The almost immediate commitment of a former local prep baseball standout, Andrew Redman, drew surprise from some in the Dubuque baseball community and gave instant credibility to the Spain hire.

“We’re an NAIA school. We offer athletic scholarships. No one else in our area does that. We should be able to get the best players in Dubuque. My main thing is to have the community buy in to what Clarke baseball is all about and what this university represents.”

Redman, who went 6-4 with a 2.12 ERA in 72.1 innings pitched at Iowa Central Community College this past season, relished the opportunity to play for someone he bonded with when the pair joined forces for the Ramblers in 2007. The two now look forward to transitioning to a player-coach relationship.

“It’s going to be different,” Redman said. “I’ve always just known him as ‘Spainer.’ Now it’s going to be ‘Coach Spain.’ He’s a guy that you look at as a friend, but you respect him as a coach because he’s older than you and he knows more about the game.”

By Jacob Knabel

Spain’s obvious passion for the university and the surrounding community won over Clarke athletic director Curt Long.

“We know he’s had a tremendous baseball playing experience in the area,” Long said. “People know him and respect him, and he’s well connected with the fine players and recruits in this area. It’s a natural for him to lead our program and improve our recognition and notability.”

When Long extended the offer on the morning of May 14 to take the reins of Clarke baseball, Spain struggled to contain his excitement. For many of the hundreds of applicants for the position, the opening may have simply represented gainful employment.

For Spain, it fulfilled a dream. It was the chance to bring glory to his alma mater.

TH Photo

“I’ve been at Clarke here for four years now, one year as a player,” Spain said. “My goal coming to this school was to win a championship and do something great, and I haven’t had the chance to reach that goal. It’s great that I have a chance to continue my career here and hopefully live out what I planned on doing from the beginning.

“I love being here.”

Learn more about Dan Spain. Visit www.clarke.edu/magazine.

Get in the action!

Follow all of the Crusader athletic teams on their quest for victory.

Get up-to-the minute stats, see results and watch live events. It’s all a click away at www.clarkecrusaders.com.

PAGE 19

M

AMMOSER ’13 M M i a p le , S

n

SA

and Spanish Major: Communication Minor: English

Stu died in Sevil

2

ril 201 p A from January

Here is what Samm had to say about her time abroad: Q: What is the biggest difference between the Clarke campus and the university in Seville?

A: My school in Seville was one floor of a building. It had six classrooms, a study room, a bathroom and a front desk. Plus, I had to walk 30 minutes from where I was staying to the school building every day.

Q: What did you enjoy most about your time abroad?

A: Definitely the people! You are 4,000 miles away from anything familiar and seven hours ahead of home, so calling the United States is challenging and expensive. A bond is immediately created with your classmates and they made everything extremely enjoyable. Some of the people in the program have become my closest friends and we have stayed in touch.

PAGE 20

I lived in a homestay with a señora and three roommates from the program. The trip had a lot of ups and downs for me personally, which created really strong relationships with my roommates.

Many of the people from my program go to school at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and they are going to come and see me play soccer against Viterbo University in La Crosse later this year. I also made friends with some Spanish women on my soccer team and I had a couple of great professors whom I will never forget. I loved the lifestyle, and especially the siestas, but the people I met really made the experience a positive one.

Q: What did you miss most while you were away from home?

A: My parents. After going away to college (and realizing the world actually revolves around the sun and not me), I became pretty close with my parents.

When I'm at school in Dubuque, I talk to my dad almost daily and consistently email my mom. I also missed my friends a lot and I couldn't send them a quick text or call them when I was homesick. I think I went four months without seeing my three best friends, 100 days without seeing my dad, and three months without seeing my mom. It was one of those things I had taken for granted and did not realize how much they impacted my life until they were not right there.

Another thing I missed was the food, mainly hamburgers. I craved a good burger for months and had to have Portillo’s the second day I was back. The Spanish diet is a lot different from the United States, but I still enjoyed the food (and the best fruit ever).

Not to mention, my señora cooked and cleaned for me five days a week.

Q: What was it like to play soccer in Seville?

A: In Europe soccer is different. They do not have university teams like we do, but if you are a talented young soccer player, you are put into an academy team where you are educated in soccer and receive the equilvalent of a GED. Then you can go professional or enter the working world. But if you are not that talented or cannot afford it, then you will play for your

local community team. My roommate (Kia Miller, a Carthage College soccer player) and I played for Triana FC (a neighborhood of Seville – think Wrigleyville or Brooklyn) with women ages 20-29 who did not play in a soccer academy. These women had full-time jobs or were in school, but kept playing soccer because they loved the game. They also get paid every time they win a league game.

and we all had ups and downs during the trip. I experienced a break-up and one of my roommates had a friend pass away, so we really leaned on each other. I think we spent one Sunday watching “Modern Family” because it was raining. There were a couple Saturdays

SPAIN SEVILLE

Playing for this team was an experience mainly because everything was in Spanish. Think about the vocabulary we use in athletics – if you were not fluent in English it would be pretty challenging to follow. But the girls were fantastic and they loved translating for us. We practiced twice a week on a turf field which was about a 40-minute bus ride from the homestay.

Spanish soccer is a lot different from the United States, which took some getting used to. For example, contact in the United States is a major part of the game while in Spain the littlest bit of contact is considered a foul. The atmosphere in Spain is a lot different too. Soccer is the national sport and honestly like a religion in the country. Everyone takes soccer very seriously and the girls on my team were very competitive.

Q: What is one of your best memories from your time overseas?

A: Every Sunday my roommates and I would have a movie or TV night. We usually watched “Jersey Shore” to cure the homesickness. These nights were some of my favorite. I became pretty close with my roommates

I just spent socializing and enjoying the weather in the plazas of Seville. Being outdoors is a large part of the culture in Southern Spain, which we embraced.

Finally, I went to Barcelona for a weekend. I absolutely loved the city and I was there with four good friends, so it was probably the best weekend of the trip. Other highlights would be scoring a goal in Spain, riding a camel in Morocco, the Carnival in Cadiz, and spending a weekend on a beach in Malaga.

Q: What advice would you give other students interested in studying abroad?

A: Go! Seriously, do not think twice about it. You will not regret a moment of it—I promise. You will meet so many new people and create some friendships that will last a lifetime. I recently read a quote that said you start living when you leave your comfort zone—I could not agree more. I studied abroad during the second semester of my junior year, so by then life in Dubuque had become very comfortable. I went abroad for 100 days and my life took a 180-degree turn. I learned some painful lessons but the experiences will never be forgotten.

PAGE 21

constructing impact: new science building progresses

PAGE 22

Clarke University has officially kicked off the next chapter of scientific inquiry and education—one that will greatly benefit students and the greater community for decades to come.

On May 10, 2012, the board of trustees and university community gathered to celebrate the groundbreaking of Clarke’s new science building—the first new building on campus in more than a decade.

Scheduled to be complete in August 2013, this contemporary and adaptable three-story building enables the university to promote scientific inquiry for current and future generations of students.

“The new science building will exponentially enhance the scientific inquiry and education that will happen on campus,” said President Joanne Burrows, S.C., Ph.D. “It is a facility that will allow us to teach the science of tomorrow.”

The evolution of scientific study has outpaced the modest updates Clarke has been able to make over the years to its existing science facilities in Catherine Byrne Hall (CBH) which opened in 1965. The placement of graduates into prestigious graduate programs around the country and successful careers in academia, industry, government and healthcare are a testament to the adaptability and hard work of Clarke’s faculty and students.

“This building will help Clarke continue to be a leader in producing highly-prepared science and health science graduates,” said Joan Lingen, BVM, Ph.D., provost and vice president for academic affairs.

“And this is especially important as the demand for professionals in these fields becomes greater throughout the world.”

Beyond science and health science majors, which make up more than half of the student body, this new facility will positively impact all Clarke students as they broaden their perspectives by completing general education coursework in the sciences.

PAGE 23

The foundation for the 46,000-square-foot building on the north end of CBH has been poured and walls are rising daily. A parking lot across the street on the corner of Clarke Drive and Clarke Crest Drive is ready for student use this fall.

See the progress as it happens.

Visit www.clarke.edu/magazine.

Carolyn Sanders Haupert ’66, Chairman of the Board on May 10, 2012 at the groundbreaking celebration.

Carolyn’s Remarks

As we prepare to break ground on the first new building on Clarke’s campus for over a decade in just a few moments, I am excited on behalf of the Clarke Board of Trustees to make another significant announcement.

Today, I am pleased to announce that Clarke University is officially kicking off the largest capital campaign in the university’s history. The “Impact Tomorrow” campaign is an effort that will total $34 million upon completion and will greatly enhance the Clarke campus and the university’s ability to provide the world-class Clarke experience we have come to know.

During this comprehensive campaign, we will construct a state-of the-art science facility, bolster our endowment, create a new athletic venue to meet the needs of our growing athletic programs and solidify a sense of place on campus with a series of enhancements to our outdoor spaces.

As of today, I am pleased to report that we have raised $17.4 million dollars which represents 52% of the campaign’s goal thanks to many alumni and friends who firmly believe in the impact of a Clarke education.

I would like to thank trustees Tim Conlon and Carolyn Gantz, who are serving as co-chairs of the campaign, the entire campaign committee and all of the trustees for their role in making the campaign a reality. There are also a number of campaign supporters here today and I would like to share our profound thanks for helping create the Clarke of tomorrow.

PAGE 24

Guided by a university-wide strategic plan as well as a comprehensive facilities master plan, the Clarke Board of Trustees and administration are clear about the university’s future. Today is our first step in achieving it.

CLARKE | THE MAGAZINE OF CLARKE UNIVERSITY

Joining a Most Distinguished Group The annual Distinguished Alumni Awards will be presented at this year’s Alumni Recognition Brunch on Saturday, September 29, during Homecoming. The 2012 award recipients are:

Mary Lourdes Conway Charles ’72

2012 Humanitarian Service Award Recipient The social justice pulse that fuels Mary Lourdes Conway Charles’ current work with atrisk students has traceable roots to Clarke and the profound influence of BVMs like Sr. Barbara Kutchera. For the past 18 years, as Grant Director and Adjunct faculty member at Loyola University in Chicago, Mary has created diverse programs to improve the educational performance and to eliminate an enormous array of obstacles to higher education for low income Chicago public school students. Mary directs grants and is actively involved in numerous projects including an innovative math TV show, a math website (MathFLIX) and an academic coaching program to encourage middle and high school students from underserved areas to remain in school. Mary also designed programs related to dropout prevention, college readiness, productive post-secondary planning and “Off to College Trunk,” a project that provides college dorm necessities to underrepresented collegebound students. Mary and her husband Ron are active in the parish where they raised their five children and both support the Working Boys Center in Quito, Ecuador, where Mary’s sister (Sr. Miguel Conway ’60, BVM) is co-director. Every day, Mary Lourdes Conway Charles demonstrates her spirit of service and continues to work towards the common good.

Dr. Anne Brown Donnersberger ’62

2012 Outstanding Achievement Award Recipient Dr. Anne Brown Donnersberger is a successful author and teacher who attributes her broad Clarke education as the foundation for her many great life achievements including her books. The Text Manual of Anatomy and Physiology has sold over a million copies and is now in its ninth edition. At Clarke, she studied Biology and Classical Languages with minors in Education and Chemistry and went on to earn her doctoral degree. Anne served as a founding faculty member in Biology at a Chicago community college, Moraine Valley and 35 years later, retired from her roles as Professor and Coordinator of Education and Department Chair of Biological Sciences at the same institution. Her time teaching at Moraine Valley sparked an interest to contribute to state teacher preparation programs. Her involvement with elementary and secondary education throughout Illinois led her to develop a 20-year faculty association with Northern Illinois University in teacher training and clinical supervision. In 2009, Anne retired from NIU knowing that many of her young teachers were enriching the minds of their students with a little bit of Clarke spirit that touched her as a student first in 1958. Since her start at Clarke, Anne has mentored thousands of students, including her three children, with enthusiasm and dedication to the profession of teaching.

Read their full bios. Visit www.clarke.edu/magazine.

PAGE 25

Powerful Support from a Progressive Spirit When Ruth Powers Gamwell Perkins ’41 listed Clarke as a beneficiary in her will, she could not have known the joy, relief, appreciation and excitement she would create in Clarke students.

“I think I yelled when I read the award letter,” said Colin Rust ’12, the first recipient of one of three endowed scholarships Perkins established through a simple bequest. “I had hoped for a scholarship, but I didn’t expect to receive $8,000 in total support. It is such a relief not worrying about adding to my student loans. It has given me peace of mind that allows me to dedicate myself more completely to my studies.”

Capitalizing on Clarke’s growth in graduate studies, Ruth established the university’s first scholarships specifically for graduate students. The scholarships will support students studying physical therapy, business administration and education.

“I relied on scholarship assistance as an undergrad,” Rust said. “Now as a graduate student, I am even more appreciative of the support provided through scholarships. I hope one day I’ll be able to do the same for others.”

Perkins was a long-time supporter and advocate of Clarke, often supporting new initiatives and endeavors that propelled Clarke forward. Her bequest was no different.

NEW (ACADEMIC) YEAR,

NEW GEAR.

To learn more about creating a lasting legacy at Clarke University through a bequest, visit www.clarke.edu/development, email development@clarke.edu or call (888)225-2753.

www.clarkebookstore.com

THE CLARKE UNIVERSITY CAMPUS STORE. Alma mater matters. Freshen up your Crusader cred by sporting the new line of Clarke apparel arriving at the Clarke University Whitlow Bookstore this fall.

PAGE 26

Stop by, support your old stomping grounds – and look super good doing it. Happy new gear.

SNAPSH

T

A photo collection from alumni gatherings across the country

St. Louis, Missouri (below) Danielle Jackson ’04, Michelle Grammer ’04, Jill Clift Surmeier ’01, Brian McDaniels ’03 and several other Clarke alumni were surrounded by Pac-Man memorabilia at a St. Louis gathering at Blueberry Hill.

Park Farm Winery, Bankston, Iowa (above) Clarke president Sister Joanne Burrows, SC, Ph.D. welcomes over 100 alumni and friends to the Park Farm Winery in Bankston, Iowa on July 11. Clarke’s music department and the alumni relations office hosted “Wonders of the World,” an evening of music and food from around the world.

Chicago Cubs rooftop event (Below) Many Clarke alumni and friends braved cold weather and rain for “Rock the Rooftop.” A Chicago Cubs vs. Los Angeles Dodgers game at Skybox on Sheffield. Enjoying the day is Hall of Fame inductee Keith Sanders ’91 and his children Marquise, Kylah and Kameryn.

Madison, Wisconsin (above) The Madison alumni were “Bringing Down the Haus” at the Essen Haus Bierstube. Pictured here are Carolyn Bell ’99, Mary Brewer Holford ’84, and Valerie Slota Lyford ’84 enjoying their time together.

Want to see more alumni snapshots? Visit www.clarke.edu/alumni/eventphotos.

PAGE 27

Zollmann: Clarke Gave Me Courage 2012 Special Award

Recipients Francis J. O’Connor Memorial Award Molly Fitzgibbons Mundelein, Ill. The most prestigious award bestowed upon a graduating senior, the award is based on demonstrating leadership, cooperation, generosity, kindness and academic achievement.

Mary Ann Zollmann, BVM, Ph.D., credits Clarke University with her success as a teacher, spiritual leader and activist for peace and justice.

Before she completed her four-year term as president of the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Zollmann received an honorary doctor of humane letters degree at Clarke’s 169th Commencement on May 12, on the Clarke campus. Zollmann spoke of Clarke’s impact on her life in her Commencement address.

“You honor me today with an honorary degree. I, in turn, honor you,” said Zollmann. “I would never be who I am today without Clarke University.”

Zollmann taught religious studies at Clarke from 1981-2000.

She was recently on the Board of Trustees at Clarke University and is currently on the board at Loyola University.

A dedicated advocate for women in the Catholic Church, Zollmann has also worked internationally to raise awareness of peace and justice issues.

It is at Clarke, however, that Zollmann learned to live her life truthfully.

PAGE 28

“What Clarke gave to me was the courage to live a life of fabulous originality,” Zollmann told the class of 2012.

Meneve Dunham Award for Excellence in Teaching Karen A. Glover, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Chemistry The university’s highest award for outstanding teaching, a review committee of faculty and students recommend the selected recipient to the president.

Rose O’Toole Staff Recognition Award Vivian Bannon Campus Visit Coordinator, Admissions The award is given annually to acknowledge outstanding achievements that impact institutional success and/or contribute significantly to the mission of Clarke.

Valedictorians Ashley Derga, of Farley, Iowa Carla Taft, of Cuba City, Wis. Being named valedictorian is the highest academic award Clarke University confers each year.

Read about what makes this year’s special award recipients noteworthy.

Visit www.clarke.edu/magazine.

Class Notes march through june, 2012

1930s IN MEMORY

Agnes Hogan Dull ’31

1940s IN MEMORY

Ruth Brouillet Badger ’40 Coletta Reece Crone ’45 Jane Ann Davidsaver ’49 Verna Oberbroeckling ’49

NOTES

Mafalda Layman Benchea ’41 Pensacola, FL. “I celebrated my 92nd birthday on January 28. I still live alone at my house. I have a maid who comes on Fridays to clean my house and wash my clothes. I have a driver who takes me places in my car.”

1950s IN MEMORY

Mary Elaine Drew Faber ’50 Nan Aid-MacEinri ’58 Mary Von Holdt, BVM ’58

NOTES

Carol Blitgen, BVM ’58 Dubuque, Iowa. At age 75, Carol has decided it’s time to retire, although it seems unlikely that she’ll stop directing plays. She’s looking forward to directing the Clarke production of Tennessee Williams’ “Glass Menagerie” next fall and she expects to do some guest lecturing.

Barbara Bernoudy Lowery ’58 Hialeah, FL. Barbara, a much-admired actress, director and long-time drama teacher, got a wonderful surprise when she learned just how much she still means to actor Rob Morrow, who was her student at Miami Sunset High School from 1978 to 1980. Morrow nominated Lowery for the non-profit Creative Coalition’s 2012 Teachers Making a Difference Award.

Anne Keays ’66 River Forest, IL. “In October 2011, I joined the law firm of Neal & McDevitt and continue to practice in the areas of technology law and intellectual property law. Last year I travelled to Tehran, Iran to present at the International Trade Conference on Internet and e-Commerce Law sponsored by the Center for International Studies and the Iran Central Iran Association. As the only American attending the conference, I spoke on laws protecting brand identity on the Internet.

About 550 Iranian lawyers, business professionals and students attended the sessions. The lawyers who hosted us were very gracious and we were able to exchange information on the workings of our respective legal systems. In spite of the dress code requirements, it was a wonderful experience.”

1960s IN MEMORY

Ruth Martin ’61

NOTES

Judy Van Ausdall Krueger ’62 Oklahoma City, OK. “This summer I was at my Oklahoma City parish event, a gentleman, new to the parish, noticed my Clarke College shirt. ‘Is Clarke the Clarke in Dubuque, Iowa?’ he asked. I said, ‘It most certainly is! It is a great school.’ He had told me he had two nieces that were attending Clarke, and he was originally from Dubuque. What a small world!”

Joellen Price, PBVM ’67 Hiawatha, IA. Sister Mary Joellen Price observed her golden jubilee with five other Presentation sisters on June 30, 2012, at Mount Loretto motherhouse in Dubuque.

PAGE 29

Mary Jean Jecklin ’69 Sarasota, FL. After encountering needy people all over our planet, she recently wrote, designed and (self) funded www.

PACforKids.com to advise travelers how to give gifts and/or money to needy people around the world. With her husband, Mr. Kelley Rea, Ms. Jecklin co-authored Buy the Best of Ireland: A Shopping and Learning Guide to Irish Goods and Crafts. She authored hundreds of travel articles. “I was greatly influenced by Sr. Dorita Clifford and Sr. Barbara Kutchera during my four years at Clarke,” she said.

1970s IN MEMORY

Constance Dyer ’70 Judy Mehl Anderson ’71 Virginia Spiegel Woodard ’71 Rose Marie Weepie, OSF ’76 Gloria Weir Melgaard ’78

NOTES

Lynn Gordon Underwood ’73 Chagrin Falls, OH. “I presented at two international meetings this summer.

The first was Using the Daily Spiritual Experience Scale to Improve Patient Care at the 10th National Symposia of the Romanian Association for the Study of Personality, in Targu Mures, Romania, May 30 - June 3. And the second was Enhancing Prayer through Poetry in a Secular Context at University College London. Senate House, June 29-30.”

Clara Esker ’77 Watsonville, Calif., is recognized by Continental Who’s Who as a Pinnacle Professional in the field of Education.

Sister Clara is a teacher as well as the Learning Center Director for Moreland Notre Dame School.

Nancy Linari House ’77 Toluca Lake, Calif., was recently featured on the television show, Modern Family.

Michelle Failor Olson ’78 Ankeny, Iowa. “Well, I’m officially retired.

That is, until I report to my new teaching job in Slovakia on Aug. 19!! :-) I’ll miss my friends, colleagues, students, and our family, that’s for sure, but we’ll be back!”

1980s NOTES

Cathy Fraher Bergmann ’82 Chandler, AZ. “I have returned from my second visit to Kumasi Ghana where I assisted BVMs Laurene Brady ’57 (a cousin of mine) and Irene Lukefahr with the operations of the Archbishop Mensa learning center. I had previously visited in 2010 when the center was under construction and it is wonderful to see it in use and to lend a helping hand. I kept a blog of both trips at www. cathys17dayjourney.vlogapot.com. Now on to my next adventure… state park volunteer at the Caverns in Southeast Arizona.”

Barbara Leibfreid Goebel ’83 Dubuque, Iowa. Barbara and her husband celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary.

They were married on February 12, 1972.

ADVANCED DEGREES

Carolyn Merrill ’84 Bettendorf, Iowa, Doctorate in Educational Leadership from DePaul University in Chicago with her dissertation “The Impact of Year-round Education on Fifth Grade African American Reading Achievement Scores in an Urban Illinois School.”

NOTES

Barbara Hellmann ’97 Bettendorf, IA. “I’m now an Oracle Applications Administrator for Trinity Logistics Corporation in Davenport, Iowa. I’ve made my home in Bettendorf for just over seven years now. I started at Trinity as an application developer writing reports using XML, SQL and PL/ SQL. Now I manage the applications side of the house working with our hosting provider to make sure the system is running at optimal levels. Our database is outsourced to a hosting provider out of New Jersey so part of my job is communicating with them. I spent last week in Las Vegas at a conference for users of the Oracle eBusiness Suite and other Oracle technologies. It’s always interesting to talk with other users who do the same job as you.”

Adam Pentel ’97 Fremont, NE. “I am graduating from residency as a general surgeon. I am moving to a town outside Omaha, NE to be a general surgeon. I now have three beautiful children: Ethan age 8, Nora age 5 and Andrew age 1. My wife and I are also getting ready to celebrate our 12th anniversary.”

Sheila Burke Rochman ’98 Brentwood, NH. “Daughter Cecily Bronagh Rochman was born on February 26, 2009. Daughter Fianna Moira Rochman was born on May 27, 2012.”

2000s 1990s

BIRTHS

IN MEMORY

Russell Farrey ’00 and Amy Galena, IL, girl

BIRTHS

David Bunting ’01 and Leslie ’02 Dubuque, Iowa, Elliot Michael

Louise Herron Mootz ’90

Heather Hartman ’96 and Donna Rockford, IL, Eleanor Ruth Michelle Mucha ’96 Minneapolis, MN, Grayson Virginia

PAGE 30

Deann Trapp Petitgout ’99 and Patrick East Dubuque, IL, Braylee Marie

Rebecca Mullins Ecker ’01 and Craig Durand, IL, Connor Allen

Anne Hirstein Hemmings ’01 and James Chicago, IL, Morgan

Jacqueline Adolph Wiersema ’06 and Gregg Morrison, IL, Cooper Scott

Benjamin Roberts ’01 and Radie ’03 Dubuque, Iowa, Duncan Richard

Emily Wilgenbusch ’06 and Justin Snedden Dyersville, Iowa, Taytem Carigan

Christopher Boxleiter ’02 and Shayna Dubuque, Iowa, girl Leslie Kilb Bunting ’02 and David ’01 Dubuque, Iowa, Elliot Michael Angela Richey Crowley ’02 and Mark Spirit Lake, Iowa, Jacob Daniel Melissa Ruff Keleher ’02 and William Benton, WI, girl Erica Laine Kowalski ’02 and James Elgin, IL, James Joeseph Radie Znaniecki Roberts ’03 and Benjamin ’01 Dubuque, Iowa, Duncan Richard Mary Beth Meisinger Cunningham ’04 and Brad West Peoria, IL, Colin Michael Beth Kluesner Jarding ’04 and Joe Farley, Iowa, girl Janet Wissing McQuillen ’04 and Chris Dubuque, Iowa, boy Zoe Pole Houlihan ’05 and Brendan Dubuque, Iowa, boy Stephanie Jaeger Murphy ’05 and John Dubuque, Iowa, Easton Patrick Andrew Birkenholz ’06 and Nichole Dubuque, Iowa, boy Julie Weires Cirks ’06 and Grant ’06 Dubuque, Iowa, Isabelle Ann Leigh Ann Koopmann Reisner ’06 and Greg Farley, Iowa, girl

Grant Cirks ’06 and Julie ’06 Dubuque, Iowa, Isabelle Ann Mark Dumer ’07 and Stephanie Dubuque, Iowa, boy Danielle Moser Bockenstedt ’08 and Stanley Garber, Iowa, girl

Amanda Martin ’06 Ames, Iowa, Masters of Education in Student Affairs from Iowa State University Jacqueline Adolph Wiersema ’06 Morrison, IL, Masters of Science in Education in School Counseling from Western Illinois University Matthew Boleyn ’08 Dubuque, Iowa, J.D. from the University of St. Thomas School of Law

NOTES Dina Klancir ’00

Nicholas Booth ’08 and Daphne ’09 Lisbon, Iowa, Cooper Martin Ashley Thein Finch ’08 and Alex Bernard, Iowa, girl Daphne Vrstal Booth ’09 and Nick ’08 Lisbon, Iowa, Cooper Martin Joel Miller ’09 and Alisha Dubuque, Iowa, boy

MARRIAGES

Jill Reiter Hunchis ’03 Rochester, MN, to Jordan Hunchis Rachel Wadle Nieland ’03 Grimes, Iowa, to BJ Nieland Heidi Zittergruen Ploessl ’03 Guttenberg, Iowa, to Chuck Ploessl Carolyn Strang Fischer ’08 Dubuque, Iowa, to Louie Fischer Nathan Komoroske ’08 Madison, WI, to Emily Rossini ’09 Emily Rossini Komoroske ’09 Madison, WI, to Nathan Komoroske ’08

ADVANCED DEGREES

Brian Day ’05 Aurora, CO, Masters of Science in Computer Science from University of Southern Florida

Empire, CO. “About four months ago I began a new job at Global Technology Resources (GTRI), a growing small business in Denver with less than 250 employees. Within my first week I was introduced to a gentleman working in a different department of the company named Bruce Ryan. As we started talking, it turned out that Bruce grew up in Dubuque and had also graduated from Clarke in 2000, but was in the night program. Well, two weeks ago, the Account Executive for my team resigned and Bruce was promoted to take his position. So now, ironically enough, he and I are a two-person team at GTRI supporting Raytheon as Account Manager and Account Executive. It is one of the largest accounts that GTRI holds, and we have the potential to become the top-selling team in our company. We are calling ourselves “Team Crusader” due to our Clarke backgrounds. I ordered shirts from the Clarke bookstore and surprised Bruce. Our CEO’s and two of our regional managers were there when I presented Bruce with the shirt. He was so surprised!”

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Ella Phillips ’01 Saint Paul, MN. “After a decade away from academia, I am starting law school this fall at William Mitchell College of Law.” Daniel McCutchen, OCS ’03 Omaha, NE. “I added three letters to my professional title: OCS (Orthopedic Clinical Specialist).”

Daniel Abben ’04 Chicago, IL, will begin a full-time Ph.D. program in industrial and organizational psychology at DePaul fall of 2012.

Paige Kack Bixler ’09 Centennial, CO, married Brock Bixler on September 4, 2011, at Red Rocks Country Club in Morrison, Colorado. She is presently employed by Children’s Hospital in Denver, Colorado and also is pursuing her masters degree in Pediatric Nurse Practitioner at University of Colorado. The groom is employed with Baker Hughes in Denver, Colorado. The newlyweds enjoyed a honeymoon in St. Lucia and reside in Centennial, Colorado.

2010s BIRTHS

Kathlyn O’Connell Ellerbach ’11 and Scott Dubuque, Iowa, girl Ivonne Simonds ’11 and Rick Eagle Dubuque, Iowa, boy

MARRIAGES

Valerie Small Gallucci ’10 Dubuque, Iowa, to Michael Gallucci Veronica Stierman Gregory ’12 Dubuque, Iowa, to Andrew Gregory

In the Spring 2012 magazine Snapshots section Angela Haggas Kruszynski ’93 and Richard Kruszynski ’94 were mis-identified in the photo of the Arizona alumni event.

We regret this error.

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NOTES

Tosha Anderson Allen ’11 Bettendorf, Iowa, “I was selected as one of 100 Great Iowa Nurses for 2012 based on my contribution to nursing by: 1) Developing a Mentoring Program at my institution. 2) Community involvement: Going on a local television program and discussing the importance of patientcentered care. 3) Giving to the nursing profession by getting my Master’s degree in nursing. Visit www.greatnurses.org for more info.”

Madeline Vaassen ’11 Dubuque, Iowa, received her Clinical Specialty in Geriatrics. There are only 1,252 Physical Therapists certified as Geriatric Clinical Specialists by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties.

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 www.clarke.edu/magazine.

(Don’t forget to send pictures!)

The Clarke University Athletics Hall of Fame will induct its second class as part of the university’s 2012 Homecoming Weekend in September. Five individuals will be inducted into the Athletics Hall of Fame, which was formed to recognize student-athletes, coaches and contributors who have demonstrated extraordinary performances and achievements in athletics.

2012 Clarke University Athletics Hall of Fame Class ˯˯ ˯˯ ˯˯ ˯˯ ˯˯

Jenny Berg Thate ’03 Julie Bokermann ’01 Megan Koppenhoefer ’01 Scott Savary ’94 Jaron Warner ’01

Nominate someone for the next induction class in 2013. Visit www.clarke.edu/magazine.

THE BACK PAGE A LOOK AT TODAY AND YESTERDAY

Clarke Keeping Up With Today’s Mobile Students Having grown up with the internet, cell phones and wireless capability, today’s college students expect the same technology on campus.

Mary Kenneth Keller, BVM

The Joan Lingen, BVM Technology Commons, opens this fall in the previously unfinished lower level of the Nicholas J. Schrup Library, will enhance Clarke’s technology and accommodate technology-savvy students.

This collaborative space for students and faculty will feature two computer classrooms and the technology to record and deliver streaming video lectures for online courses. It will also include a video conferencing room and an information commons with a centrally located e-learning support desk, computer work stations, scanners and printers.

Andy Bellings, a network administrator who has seen numerous technology changes in his 20 years at Clarke, said the technology in the commons will be cutting edge. “Students grow up with technology and we have to accommodate mobile students here,” said Bellings.

Joan Lingen, BVM Technology Commons

Another longtime Clarke employee, Senior Systems Analyst Sheila Sullivan ’70, was a student at Clarke when some of the first computers were used on campus.

In 1968, Sullivan and her peers used an IBM 1130 with an online printer, a tape reader and punch, two Flexowriters, and a Bi-Tran Six Trainer—an instructional computer donated to the college. The lab was located in the current commuter lounge in Catherine Byrne Hall and was only available to computer science students.

Even 40 years ago, Clarke was on the cutting edge of technology, thanks to Mary Kenneth Keller, BVM. Keller, among the country’s first women to earn a Ph.D. in computer science, led Clarke’s computer science department and consulted for national corporations. Clarke’s Keller Computer Center and Information Services is named in her honor.

Thanks to Clarke’s class of 1961, the university’s new technology commons will be named after another member of the campus community–Joan Lingen, BVM, Ph.D. In celebration of their 50year reunion, the class of 1961, of which Lingen is a member, designated their giving to the technology center and suggested naming the center in her honor. Lingen, now provost and vice president of academic affairs, has worked at Clarke for 45 years.

See photos of this amazing new space.

Visit www.clarke.edu/magazine.

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1550 Clarke Drive Dubuque, Iowa 52001-3198

This magazine was printed with soy ink on 30% post-consumer recycled paper.

Some people see blue and gold.

We see pride.

Be here for Homecoming 2012

September 28-30, 2012 Celebrating reunions of classes ending in 2 and 7.

Get Homecoming details, including the complete schedule and hotel listing, at www.clarke.edu/homecoming.