Clarke faculty members hosted a Lunch and Learn opportunity for the Board of Trustees during their meeting last week.

Campus News

As the snow melted over the past two weeks, February’s campus events invigorated energy in the Clarke and Dubuque communities. Already we have hosted, among other activities, a presentation from Professor Emeritus Norm Freund, “A Night in Brazil,” several athletic games, an art exhibition opening, two Town Hall gatherings, and a talk facilitated by the African American Museum of Iowa. I am sure that upcoming celebrations like our Black Student Union Banquet and Admitted Student Day will continue to energize us. Please check out our Events Calendar to be in-the-know about additional upcoming activities and events.

As I mentioned in the previous Campus Update, the Board of Trustees held its traditional winter meeting on-campus last week. A lot of positive energy surrounded the discussions of all elements connected to living Clarke’s mission and preparing for a bright future. The meeting ended on two high notes: the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (BVM) announced a six million dollar gift as the lead gift in the upcoming comprehensive campaign, and the Board voted unanimously to extend my work here through June 2025. Please join me in thanking the sisters for their continued support of our shared mission, vision, and values! I look forward to working with them and you for the next 16 months.

Strategic Plan Update

Our Strategic Plan committee continues working diligently with support from across campus. At the recent Board meeting and the Town Halls, key performance indicators were shared—these KPIs will guide the assessment of the work we are doing. In addition, we are celebrating outcomes based upon early implementation of elements of the plan:

• We have chosen a new Learning Management System and have hired a consultant to train users and assist all with the transition to a new system. 
• Clarke faculty members will work alongside a consultant to conduct a curriculum audit, including a review of the credit hours required for majors and minors.
• The Faculty Advocacy and Policy Committee (FAPC) is creating an Academic Student Code of Conduct. 
• The Curriculum and Assessment Committee is reviewing a proposal for a new first-year writing curriculum, and we are in the process of interviewing candidates to teach those courses.
• The Academic Advising unit will add another full-time position.
• The Black Male Leadership Society surpassed its Fall 2023 retention goal with 20 out of 22 students returning, and six new students will join the program this spring.

Living our Legacy Spotlight

Tammy Link, Counter Attendant in Café 1843, 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. 

Tammy has been a welcoming, smiling face in Café 1843 since 2010. In addition to her pride in offering delicious and healthy options, she always shares a warm greeting with café visitors. They know that with Tammy at the counter, they will get much more than an explanation of menu items and a bite to eat – they have another person who wants to hear about their day and truly cares about them.

Sincerely,

Fletch

Interim President

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