Campus News 

Relationship-building is at the heart of the Clarke community, creating lasting connections and endless opportunities. For example, earlier this month, the Mackin Office of Institutional Advancement hosted events in Naples and Sarasota, Florida, which brought together alumni and friends for engaging conversations. There will be more opportunities to connect with alumni and friends across the country in the upcoming weeks. Check out the Alumni Events webpage for more information.

Later today, we will come together to celebrate our nursing students at their Blue Coat ceremony. This event marks a significant milestone—the transition to clinical practice—in their journeys to becoming licensed nurses. In addition, we are hosting an event that is open to all at 7 p.m. showcasing the exceptional talent of our Music Program faculty in Jansen Music Hall.

The Super Bowl party on campus this weekend is sure to bring people together, and next week we will welcome the Board of Trustees to campus.

More events are coming up that provide excellent opportunities to connect with others. Please keep an eye on the campus calendar and Arts at Clarke page for updates. 

Strategic Plan Update  

I am consistently impressed by the progress we are making to bring our Strategic Plan to life.

Goal 3 of our Strategic Plan is connected to institutional vitality, and one of its objectives is to engrain processes and feedback loops for continuous improvement. The active participation in both the Strategic Plan forums with faculty and staff and the Academic Affairs forums reflects a robust feedback loop which ensures that we are evolving in response to the needs and ideas of the community as we live our educational legacy and mission. 

Goals 1 and 4 focus on Living our Mission and Values and Cultivating a Lasting Legacy. Kudos to our Physical Therapy Program for its recent partnership with Culver-Stockton College. Collaborations like this directly align with the objectives of those two Strategic Plan goals.

Living our Legacy Spotlight

Catherine Smith, Director of Residence Life, is in this volume’s spotlight.

Living our legacy stems from our mission: 

Clarke University is a Catholic academic community that believes learning is lifelong and life changing. We inspire intellectual curiosity, cultural engagement, professional preparedness, spiritual exploration, and a commitment to contributing to the common good in a global society.  

Within just two years at Clarke University, Catherine 'Cat' Smith has made significant contributions to our campus community. Her response when a sprinkler line recently froze and broke in the Catherine Dunn Apartments is a testament to her dedication. Alongside the Residence Life and Facilities staff, Cat played a key role in relocating affected students, supporting clean-up efforts, and providing clear guidance on next steps for all involved. 

Her resolve under pressure came as no surprise, as she has been a calm and steady presence for students in University Housing. Through her dedicated work in resident assistant training and her support of new campus initiatives like the Cupboard + Closet in Mary Josita Hall, Cat plays a key role in creating a safe and welcoming environment for students. 

In addition to these contributions to our community, Cat exemplifies the BVM Core Values through her active participation in the Sustainability Committee, her engagement with student organizations, and her role as a BVM Associate. 

Thank you, Cat, for demonstrating the Clarke Core Values every day with each person you meet.  

Go Pride! 

Fletch

Visit our Newsroom webpage to learn more about all the great things happening on campus and in the wider community!

Clarke University

www.clarke.edu