Students participated in the Involvement Fair last week.

Campus News 

The fall 2025 semester at Clarke has gotten off to a tremendous start. With all the activities on campus, it is hard to believe we are only in our third week of classes. 

Before I recount all the activities on campus, I ask you to join me in a moment of remembrance. Today, on September 11, we pause to honor the lives lost and forever changed on this day in 2001. As a campus community, we reflect on the importance of unity, resilience, and compassion—anchored in our BVM Core Values—as we seek to contributing to the good of all in a global society. 



From course projects already in full swing to our bustling Student Involvement Fair on September 2, it has been wonderful to see our students engage with the community. This continues with our Convocation and Tree Planting Ceremony on Friday, September 12. Convocation is a longstanding tradition where the campus gathers to formally welcome the new students. The incoming class is also awarded honorary tassels that symbolize the dedication and hard work they will put in as they advance toward their degrees and commencement. Convocation is followed by a tree planting ceremony, as well as the senior class revealing the name of their tree, joining the ranks of over 100 years of Clarke graduates. 

While we are always focused on our students, Clarke is also proud to offer opportunities for the greater community. Professor of Music Keisy Peyerl Xavier offered a fantastic piano recital on September 6. Additionally, the Quigley Gallery is currently hosting A Review of Form Exposes Function, an exhibit celebrating the long-term collaboration between the Art + Design and Biochemistry departments. Looking ahead, we are excited to welcome Pulitzer Prize and Peabody Award winning podcaster and artist Yohance Lacour to campus for the Mackin-Mailander Lecture on Wednesday, October 1. Along with his national recognition, Yohance also has ties to Dubuque, having won the Purchase Prize at the 2024 Dubuque Museum of Art's Craft Invitational Exhibition. Find more events like these at clarke.edu/artsatclarke. 

Strategic Plan Update   

In my last update, I mentioned Clarke’s “Moving the Needle” project with our partners at Credo Powered by Carnegie. This initiative took a key step forward this week as Credo consultants engaged with faculty, staff, and students during a visit September 9-11. Community members were able to offer insights and data that will inform our two-year collaboration with Credo to create an environment where all students can thrive. I will continue to highlight these efforts as Credo compiles their report and shares findings. 

Living our Legacy Spotlight

Brenna Burgart ’17, Visiting Assistant Professor of Psychology, is in this volume’s spotlight. 

Living our legacy stems from our mission:  

Clarke University is a BVM 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 good of all in a global society. 

Brenna graduated from Clarke in 2017 with a double major in Psychology and Drama. While her education took her to the East Coast for her master’s program in Forensic Psychology, she returned to her alma mater in 2021. In that short time, she has had a profound impact on Psychology students by revising coursework, bringing in guest speakers, and introducing new courses like Forensic Psychology and Addictions. Meanwhile, Brenna is continuing her own education with a PhD program in Psychology at Capella University. 

The Clarke Core Values are also exhibited in Brenna’s dedication to community service. She serves as the faculty advisor for Cast & Crew, Clarke’s student theatre group. Beyond campus, she holds membership and board positions with the Dubuque Jaycees, supporting many community events, like the annual 4th of July Fireworks display, as well as networking and volunteer opportunities year-round. Brenna is also a board member for Mental Health America, where she has focused on providing education about mental health and resources. She has fostered connections for students with these organizations as well.

Thank you, Brenna, for your drive to integrate the Core Values into life on campus and the greater Dubuque community. 

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

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