A Mission for the Modern Era

When Clarke University began developing their 2023-2026 Strategic Plan, one of the leading charges was to “Live Our Mission and Values.” Now, thanks to a $50,000 grant from Lilly Endowment Inc., the University is developing strategies to make nearly two centuries of BVM history and teachings accessible to a new generation. 

Deemed the “Clarke Character and Charism Project,” the grant will fund the work of a diverse team of Clarke employees as they continue to integrate the spirit of Mary Frances Clarke and the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary into Clarke initiatives. This will focus on understanding the charism, or the spiritual gifts attributed to the BVM sisters, including the BVM Core Values of Freedom, Education, Charity, and Justice.  

Thanks to the grant, Sister Joan Mueller, OSC, Ph.D., has joined the project as the Chief Mission Officer. In her role, she will coordinate the research and the development of intellectual and formative approaches that will make BVM teachings ever more accessible to the community.   

“Clarke’s BVM Catholic identity is a beautifully unique feminine expression of lived Catholic values and intellectual thought,” Sr. Joan said. “I feel privileged to collaborate with the many talented and dedicated faculty and staff members who have already been doing this work at Clarke. I am also grateful to the many BVMs at Mt. Carmel Bluffs who have mentored me in this study, and I am thrilled to honor their journey.”  

Prior to Clarke, Joan served as a Professor of Theology and Christian Spiritually at Creighton University for over 20 years, retiring with Professor Emerita status in 2016. As part of her work there, she led Project Welcome, which assisted hundreds of refugees from Sudan and Myanmar as they resettled in the greater Omaha, Nebraska area. The program focused on ensuring stable housing, financial security, and excellence in education for refugee children. The work was deeply aligned with her ministry as an active Poor Clare Sister.  

“I moved into Mt. Carmel Bluffs about seven months ago and discovered a shared vision with the BVMs. Both our communities connect deeply with value of service, especially when working with children and young adults” Joan said. “I have been blessed to have Sisters like LaDonna Manternach ’82, Kitty Lawlor, Catherine Dunn, Mary Frances Reis, and Mira Mosle ’65 share their cherished charism with me. When the Chief Mission Officer position became available, I was honored to be asked to share this intellectual tradition with others.”  

The Clarke Character and Charism Project has already led to new resources for onboarding new employees to help them understand the BVM Core Values of the Clarke mission. Academic Affairs is weaving these themes into the CU Conference, the yearly orientation for faculty and staff. Additionally, the committee is developing materials to promote discussion on the value of “Freedom” and what this means from a BVM perspective. As the work progresses, these materials will be made available to alumni and the greater community.