Students, faculty, and staff took part in our Celebration of Scholarship as part of FLED.

Campus News 

The Countdown to Commencement has begun! The next four weeks include many milestones not just for our graduation candidates, but every member of the Clarke community. 

Before looking ahead though, I must extend a huge thank you to everyone who took part in Clarke Day on March 27 and Focused Learn and Engage Day (FLED) on April 1. Our 11th Annual Day of Giving raised over $92,000 that will support student scholarships and future programming at Clarke. And what better way to see that investment in action than FLED, a day dedicated to celebrating the research and growing professionalism of our students, faculty, and staff! Both events lent an air of excitement to campus that is sure to inspire as we push toward the end of the semester. 

Building from that, we look forward to the annual Schemmel Theology lecture on Tuesday, April 15, the Tenth Muse Launch Party on Thursday, April 24 and more exciting events to come. These opportunities even extend to our neighbors in Dubuque and throughout the region, such as the Clarke University Summer Scholarly Projects. This year, high school students may choose from a Writer’s Workshop, Virtual Reality Development, or a Head and Neck Dissection. If you know a high school student who may be interested, encourage them to apply before April 15! They can also view our summer camp offerings at clarke.edu/summercamps.  

While my updates frequently focus on the student experience of today, it’s important to acknowledge the incredible impact our alumni made during their time here and continue to make on the world around us. That is why I’d like to take a moment to share the Distinguished Alumni Awards. These honors are regularly bestowed to three deserving people during Homecoming, celebrating their achievements and adding to the Clarke legacy. Nominations are due Monday, April 14, so submit yours today! 

Strategic Plan Update   

The last of our strategic plan forums for employees will be held on Wednesday, April 16. Work on the strategic plan will continue throughout the summer as we look to the 2025-2026 academic year. Thank you to all who have taken part in these important discussions and the activities that bring our plan to life! 

Living our Legacy Spotlight

Louise Kames ’77, MFA, Art + Design Program Director, Arts + Media Department Chair, and Professor of Art, 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.   

As a member of the Clarke community for over 40 years, Louise Kames is someone who strives to embody the BVM Core Values that define the Clarke experience. She has mentored hundreds of students over the years as Professor of Art and continually seeks new ways to guide their creativity and self-expression. She also serves on the Mission and Core Values committee, often working behind the scenes to offer experiences and opportunities for students and employees to connect with the Clarke and BVM legacy in a more meaningful way.  

This extends to the greater community where she collaborates with area organizations to make art accessible to all. For years, she has offered classes and workshops with Bluff Strokes and Mt. Carmel for artists of all ages and abilities. More recently, she has secured several grants for projects including murals at Crescent Community Health Center and a documentary series about life in Dubuque. 

She possesses a strong commitment to civic engagement. She has facilitated campus workshops for Bluff Strokes and serves on the Dubuque Museum of Art Board. Kames has secured several grants for projects including artwork and murals at Crescent Community Health Center, Stream Roller PrintFest at Clarke, and video equipment for the Art + Design and Communication programs.

Additionally, her exhibit, “I Don’t See Anything That Isn’t Beautiful” is on display at the Figge Art Museum in Davenport, IA. A touching exploration of the beauty of nature and decay inspired by her friendship with a BVM sister living with Dementia, Louise invites viewers to explore their own relationship with mortality, nature, and connection.  

Thank you, Louise, for your tireless efforts to make our community a better place. 

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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