Clarke University Golf Classic Raises Funds for Student-Athletes
On Monday, June 2, the Clarke University Golf Classic raised over $67,000 to support Clarke student-athletes and athletic facilities. This event was hosted as a partnership between the Mackin Institutional Advancement Office and the Athletics Office.
Thirty-six teams representing many area businesses and long-time supporters of Clarke participated in this year’s outing. Foursomes were able to choose from two of the area’s premiere golf courses, The General at Eagle Ridge Resort and Spa in Galena, Ill. and the Dubuque Golf & Country Club.
Top finishers for the event at Eagle Ridge were the Tri-State Travel team, consisting of Andy Hillard, Corey Hillard, Matt Hillard and Keith Kropp. At the Dubuque Golf and Country Club, the team from Performance Food Group – Reinhart consisting of Jarad Baudhuin, Tim Conklin, Patrick Hicks, and Justin Weber took home the honors.
Following golf, over 100 participants joined us on campus to enjoy dinner and a silent auction. The auction raised nearly $10,000 for student-athletes, who make up nearly 80 percent of all traditional undergraduates at Clarke.
“This is always one of my favorite events of the year and that remains true for 2025,” said Vice President for Institutional Advancement Courtney Leonard. “You could feel the sense of camaraderie throughout the day, and it’s made even greater knowing the event benefits Clarke University and our students.”
Improving services for student-athletes
During the event, participants met some of the student-athletes and coaches who will see the benefits of the funds raised. Last year’s outing allowed for an expansion of Clarke’s Athletic Training Facilities and the creation of a team room in the Allendorf Classroom to better serve Clarke’s 20 NAIA competitive teams. This year’s funds will continue that progress as we enhance technology and facilities within the Athletics Department.
“We are so appreciative of the support from golfers and event participants,” said Director of Athletics Curt Long. “Proceeds will help us with needed improvements to the athletic spaces that help our student-athletes thrive in competition and in the classroom.”
There is still time to support this year’s Golf Classic project. Gifts can be made on our online gift page at www.clarke.edu/clicktogive.
Golf Classic Scholarship Continues
While this year’s beneficiary was the Athletics Program, the Clarke University Golf Classic has supported many initiatives over nearly four decades. This includes the Clarke University Golf Classic Scholarship, which reached full endowment in 2023 and can be awarded in perpetuity. This year’s winners are three exceptional local students who will receive a recurring scholarship for the next four years:
Carissa Hinderman, Warren Senior High School, Warren, IL
Intended Area of Study at Clarke: Biology and Pre-Physical Therapy
Celena Ortiz, Hempstead High School, Dubuque, IA
Intended Area of Study at Clarke: Nursing
Marissa Perry, Dubuque Senior High School, Dubuque, IA
Intended Area of Study at Clarke: Biology and Pre-Physical Therapy
Save the date for 2026!
The 38th Annual Clarke University Golf Classic will be held on Monday, June 1, 2026, and more information will be shared closer to the outing. For details on other great upcoming Clarke events, visit https://clarke.edu/alumni/alumni-events/