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Campus Closed Friday, Classes Switch to Virtual 1/23

Out of an abundance of caution due to the forecasted weather, the Clarke University campus will be closed on Friday, January 23, 2026. Classes will switch to a virtual format. Students, please check your email and the platform utilized in each course for more information from your professors.   

Staff are excused from work, however, essential employees should report to campus unless otherwise advised by their supervisor.    

The Music Department’s Professional Performance Series has been rescheduled for Saturday, January 31, 2026 at 5 p.m. in Jansen Music Hall. 

Hours of Operation   

The Dining Hall will be open for Lunch from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Café 1843 will operate the convenience store from 7 a.m. – 9 p.m., with hot food items available from 7-10 a.m., 11 a.m.-2 p.m., and 5-8 p.m.
The library will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.  
The Kehl Center will be open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Practices are canceled except for teams with competition the next day.   

Winter Safety Information 

With wind chills reaching as low as -40, frostbite can occur within 10 minutes. During the winter weather advisory, stay indoors whenever possible. Be sure to keep your cellphone charged and have access to blankets, water, and other necessities.  

If you must go out, dress in layers: wear fabrics that retain heat, use insulation layers to trap air, and choose outer layers that are wind and water-resistant. Stay dry and avoid excessive sweating to maintain body heat. 

Stay indoors, stay warm, and stay safe, Clarkies! 

Clarke University 

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Alumni Spotlight: Benjamin Drury ’10

By Megan Hinderman  |  January 21, 2026
Director of Career Services Ben Drury

Clarke: Your path since graduation has taken a few turns that brought you back to your alma mater. Can you tell us about your journey? 

Benjamin: Yes! At times, the path was a winding one. I sort of fell into sales with Kephart Music and working business to business. I found that I really enjoyed making those connections and my Music Education background was in full use. I was also actively playing trumpet in different spots almost every night, so music was still very much the driving force. I added a Master’s degree in Trumpet Performance from the University of Iowa in 2015.  

When the pandemic hit, it introduced a new curve in the path. I kept with business to business for a time, but then found a new opportunity as Clarke’s Director of Career Services in 2023. It’s been really rewarding to share all the contacts I built over time with students and faculty here.  

It’s nice that the role also allows the flexibility for me to keep pursuing music and community involvement. The quartet I’m in, the DZ Combo, is releasing an album later this month and has a sold-out show at the Bell Tower Theater coming up. I’m also a part of Centrally Rooted with fellow Clarke Alumna Callie (Mescher) Fitzgerald ’07 and Dubuque Pride. 

Clarke: Wow! When you are that involved, how do you keep your energy up and stay motivated? 

Benjamin: I really think it can’t just be about yourself. When you are only looking out for yourself, it is easy to get tunnel vision or let yourself off the hook when things get hard. When you are giving to your community and thinking of others, it drives you to keep going and keep it together.  

Here at Clarke, I’ve always felt like the faculty and staff understand that. Everywhere I go I see someone from Clarke involved with the community, showing up for students, and putting in time to support each other. 

Clarke: Are there other ways your experience as an alumnus has influenced you, especially in your work as the Director of Career Services?  

Benjamin: I really love working with the students and helping them think through all the steps needed to reach a goal. Being able to share my own experience as a student makes it easier to relate to them and prove that I’ve walked in their shoes.  

In a typical year, I’ll place between 130-150 internships, but the work goes much deeper than that. When I work with students, we have conversations about how all the experiences they have – from academics to student life and more – contribute to that bigger goal of getting a degree and getting the job. 

As an alumnus, I can speak to my own experiences and pull in my network to drive that point home. I also extend some of my services to our Alumni Relations team. I am happy to work with alumni for internship placements and career fair participation, but I’ve also worked with alumni who are going through a career change and offering individual resources.  

I want to build bridges wherever I can. I am always open to new ideas and connections. I encourage folks to reach out at careerservices@clarke.edu or by phone at 563-588-6311. 

Thank you for sharing your story with us, Ben! Do you know a member of the Clarke alumni community we should highlight? Submit your nominations for a future Alumni Spotlight by emailing alumnirelations@clarke.edu.              

Interview edited for length and clarity.