Francis J. O’Connor Memorial Award

The Francis J. O’Connor Memorial Award was established by the late honorable Frank A. O’Connor of Dubuque, Iowa, in memory of his wife. In 1991, the University in cooperation with the O’Connor family renamed the award the Francis J. O’Connor Memorial Award to honor the late Francis J. O’Connor, son of Frank and Mary Agnes O’Connor, and longtime Clarke trustee.

It is awarded by vote of the Faculty and the Senior Class to the senior who is most outstanding in scholarship, cooperation, generosity in service, leadership, and loyalty to Clarke.

2025 Francis J. O’Connor Recipient

Kainoa Gerard

Kainoa was a leader in the classroom, on the court, and in his community.  Some of his activities included:  

• Member of the Men’s Volleyball Team and Clarke Association of Student Athletes Representative
• Served as a Resident Assistant, Prayer Partner, and Scholar’s Program participant while maintaining a 4.0 GPA
• Worked in the Dubuque Community School District through the Professional Development School and as a substitute teacher

After graduation, Kainoa will enter the Master of Arts in Education program at Clarke and serve as the graduate assistant for Clarke Volleyball.

Previous Recipients

Isabella Peterson, 2024

Giana Michels, 2023

Anthony Gonzalez, 2022

Rashaud Colbert, 2021

Sydney Eustice, 2020

Caroline Herrig, 2019

Kyle Majerus, 2018

Natascha Myers, 2017

Allison Smith, 2016

Adam O’Dell, 2015

Brittany Gosse, 2014

Luke Flynn, 2013

Molly Ann Fitzgibbons, 2012

Alexander Kelsheimer, 2011

Colleen Dansart, 2010

*For a complete listing of recipient names you may contact Academic Affairs.