Clarke Connection Garners National Award

There are many alumni who will tell you that the connections they made at Clarke have served them well throughout their lives. However, former Social Work instructor Lois Ann Hand-Buntz and Monica (Ryan) Kurtz ’88 may be among the first to win an award for the power of their connection. 

This summer, Monica nominated Lois for the prestigious Elizabeth Hurlock Beckman Award, which honors a former academic faculty who inspired a former student to establish an organization, concept, procedure, or movement of benefit to the community at large. Lois was one of just 11 winners for 2024 and was recognized alongside Monica at a ceremony and dinner in Atlanta, Georgia on November 9.  

“I think the award, as well as the mentorship and friendship I’ve enjoyed with Monica speaks to the power of approaching your interactions with curiosity and kindness. You never know where that connection might lead,” Lois said. “Monica was a wonderful student at Clarke and every time our paths have crossed professionally thereafter has sparked ideas for both of us.” 

Founding the Autism Social Skills Program 

Though Monica and Lois have each enjoyed professional success in many forms, the award nomination focused on Lois’s guidance as Monica established her Autism Social Skills program.  

Monica had been working at Four Oaks, a residential care center in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, for several years when a young man with unique needs came into the program. When he was diagnosed with autism in early 2000, Monica took it upon herself to learn more about the disorder.  

“I took a week-long class to better understand autism spectrum disorder and I was hooked,” Monica said. “It became my life’s work, and I was with the Autism Social Skills program for the next 17 years.” 

What started with one student blossomed into a school-based program focused on social interactions and life skills that supported middle-school-aged children on the spectrum. Over time, the offerings expanded to a full K-12 experience, including social outings for high school students to attend movies, sporting events, and more.  

As the program grew, Monica would check in regularly with Lois for ideas and support. By this time, Lois was the CEO of United Way of East Central Iowa and had prolific connections across the state, as well as abundant fundraising experience. No matter how busy their schedules became; Lois and Monica were happy to make time for each other. 

“Throughout it all, Lois has been my champion. She helped connect me to resources and other leaders in the field. Her mentorship made those early victories for the kids possible,” Monica said. “She made such an impact on me in the classroom at Clarke, and it has continued all these years. I am thrilled that the Elizabeth Hurlock Beckman Award honors that experience.” 

Supporting the Next Generation 

Now, each woman seeks to share her expertise with others. Lois spends much of her time consulting on fundraising, often pulling lessons from her book, Generosity and Gender: Philanthropic Models for Women Donors and the Fund Development Professionals Who Support Them.  

Monica serves as an autism consultant for schools and organizations, while also updating her certification in the PEERS program led by Dr. Elizabeth Laugeson, whose work is featured on Netflix’s Love on the Spectrum. 

Beyond their consulting work, the Elizabeth Hurlock Beckman Award has presented each woman with a new opportunity to support the next generation of social workers. Together they received $25,000 from the Wells Fargo Foundation and Lois and Monica intend to use the funds to create an endowed scholarship for Social Work students at Clarke.  

For Monica especially, being able to give back to her alma mater as an Alumni Association Board Member and donor is a ‘full circle moment’ she’s dreamed of.  

“Going to Clarke changed my life,” Monica said. “Being raised in Dubuque, I remember biking past Clarke, as well as attending Senior High School and I thought I could never go there, but life has a way of funny way of working out. Not only was I accepted but I thrived with professors like Lois. I graduated as the Mary Frances Clarke award winner. It set me on a course for amazing things. I hope this scholarship provides future students with those same opportunities.”