Clarke Receives $1 Million from The Gallagher Family Foundation
Clarke University is pleased to announce a $1 million gift from The Edward J. and Catherine Gallagher Family Foundation headquartered in Waterloo, Iowa. The gift funds campus renovations and improved student services as part of Clarke’s current strategic plan and comprehensive United in Purpose Campaign.
Clarke has a long history with the Gallagher family. Catherine (Cassidy) Gallagher attended Clarke in the late 1940s. Although financial hardships prevented her from graduating, her commitment to Clarke and the BVM Sisters remained strong. She returned to Clarke as a member of the Board of Trustees from 1980 to 2004 and received an honorary Doctorate of Humanities from Clarke in 2001.
She and her husband, Edward, were very generous supporters of the university during their lifetimes, which included founding the Edward J. and Cathy Gallagher Arts at Clarke Series as well as significant support of past capital projects. Their legacy of supporting Clarke continues through The Gallagher Family Foundation, which is led by their children and grandchildren.
We are extremely grateful to the Gallagher family their generosity and long-standing commitment to Clarke University, This gift will drive progress through campus capital improvements for students, faculty, staff, and the greater Clarke community.
In recognition of the gift, Clarke will name the “Gallagher Sundeck” in Mary Benedict Hall in honor of Cathy and Edward and their family. The sundeck is a popular gathering spot among students, offering stunning views of the tri-states.
“The sundeck serves students of all majors and backgrounds as a spot to study, enjoy each other’s company, or simply take in the serene beauty around them,” said E.J. Gallagher, Cathy and Edward’s son who now serves as the president of the Gallagher Family Foundation. “It seems like a fitting way to honor my parents and what they valued about Clarke and Dubuque.”
“This generous gift is another fantastic representation of the Gallagher’s strong philanthropic legacy at Clarke,” said Vice President of Institutional Advancement Courtney Leonard. “Their longstanding generosity has profoundly impacted generations of Clarke students, and we are honored to see their tradition of support continue to flourish.”
To learn more about Clarke’s strategic plan and how you can show your support, visit clarke.edu. You may also contact Institutional Advancement at (563)588-6405 or development@clarke.edu.