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Clarke University Logo

11th Annual Clarke Day Success Supports Students

By Clarke News  |  April 4, 2025
President Emerita Catherine Dunn, BVM served as a guest bartender at the Clarke Social at Dimensional Brewing Co.

Thanks to gifts from over 500 alumni, students, friends, and employees Clarke University’s annual Clarke Day event raised more than $92,000. 

Throughout the day on Thursday March 27, members of the Clarke community showed their support in a variety of ways. This ranged from online gifts and sharing stories on social media, to on campus activities led by the Therese Mackin BVM ’50 Office of Institutional Advancement. Several student organizations also got involved, with Cast & Crew offering a “human slot machine” game and the Future Young Professionals hosting a Pie the Professional contest. Additionally, the Brew & Gold Coffee Corner offered a Lotus Tea special, the “Sr. Catherine’s Clarke Spark,” with a dollar of each drink going to the Clarke Day grand total.  

Celebrations even extended into the greater Dubuque community, with Dimensional Brewing Co. hosting a Clarke Social with celebrity bartenders and a tip night. All tips gathered throughout the day went to Clarke student scholarships and other resources. The evening event alone raised over $780. 

“Our goal this year was to celebrate, connect, and support our Clarke students and we are thrilled with how the community responded,” said Director of Annual Funds Erica Davidson. “From the laughter and excitement from games in the Atrium to connecting with alumni over the phone and at Dimensional, you could feel the school spirit. People are proud to be a part of Clarke’s history and its future.” 

While we are grateful for gifts of all sizes, we extend a special thanks to some of the advocates and organizations who made matching and challenge gifts as part of this year’s event. Trustee Emeritus Rob and Agnes Wahlert sponsored a $10,000 challenge gift for the university reaching 500 donors, and the Alumni Board collectively underwrote a $2,150 challenge gift once 50 students gave. Friends of the university John and Jane Kiefer also graciously offered a $100,000 match for all gifts to the Clarke Fund from now until May 31.  

“We are grateful to all our alumni, students, friends, and community partners who give in support of Clarke University and its mission,” said Vice President of Institutional Advancement Courtney Leonard. “Gifts to the Clarke Fund and other initiatives allow us to share the BVM Core Values and commitment to the common good with generations to come.” 

With the conclusion of Clarke Day, the Mackin Institutional Advancement Office now turns their attention to Great Give Day on May 21, an initiative of the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque and the 37th Annual Clarke University Golf Classic. The annual golf outing will be held on Monday, June 2 at the Dubuque Golf & Country Club and The General at Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa in Galena, with proceeds benefitting Clarke student athletes. Learn more at clarke.edu/giving/golfclassic.  

While these events are special celebrations, a gift to the Clarke Fund at any time of year can make a meaningful impact—helping current and future Clarke students achieve their academic goals. Contact the Mackin Office of Institutional Advancement at (563)588-6405 or development@clarke.edu to show your support.