Golf Classic Supports Athletic Facility Improvements

On Monday, June 3, the Clarke University Golf Classic raised nearly $100,000 to support major improvements to the Robert & Ruth Kehl Center. This event was hosted as a partnership between the Mackin Institutional Advancement Office and the Athletics Office. 

Thirty-five teams took part in the event and were able to choose from two of the area’s premiere golf courses. The General at Eagle Ridge Resort and Spa in Galena, Ill. was a new option for this year. There, the winning team consisted of two current student-athletes and their fathers, Scot Giambruno, Ricci Giambruno ’24, Tim Raisbeck, and Ried Raisbeck ’24.  

While rain may have forced teams off the course early at the Dubuque Golf & Country Club, the Conlon Construction team consisting of Tim Conlon, Paul Ellerbach, Chris Lundell, and Chuck Morrow took home the day’s honors there. Following golf, over 100 participants went to Clarke to enjoy dinner and a live and silent auction. The auction raised around an additional $12,000 for the athletic facility updates. 

“This is always one of my favorite events of the year and despite the rain, that remains true for 2024,” said Vice President for Institutional Advancement Bill Biebuyck. “You could feel the sense of camaraderie throughout the day, and it’s made even greater knowing the event benefits Clarke University and our students.” 

Improving services for student-athletes 

During the event, participants met some of the student-athletes and coaches who will see the benefits of the revitalized spaces within the Kehl Center. Plans include an expansion to the Athletic Training Facility and the creation of a team room in the Allendorf Classroom to better serve Clarke’s 20 NAIA competitive teams. 

“We are so appreciative of the support from golfers and event participants,” said Director of Athletics Curt Long. “Proceeds will help us with needed improvements to the athletic training facilities and enable the creation of a team room that will provide teams with meeting space and video opportunities. Students will also be able to use the space to study individually or with their teammates and friends.” 

There is still time to support this year’s Golf Classic project. Gifts can be made on our online gift page at www.clarke.edu/clicktogive.  

Golf Classic Scholarship Continues 

While this year’s beneficiary was the Athletics Program, the Clarke University Golf Classic has supported many initiatives over the last 36 years. This includes the Clarke University Golf Classic Scholarship, which reached full endowment in 2023 and can be awarded in perpetuity. This year’s winners are five exceptional local students who will receive a recurring scholarship for the next four years: 

Denis Masinovic, Dubuque Hempstead High School
Intended Area of Study at Clarke: Social Work and Psychology

Fletcher James Riley, Dubuque Hempstead High School
Intended Area of Study at Clarke: Business Administration and Marketing 

Maria Schreiber, Dubuque Senior High School
Intended Area of Study at Clarke: Elementary Education 

Trisha Soat, East Dubuque High School
Intended Area of Study at Clarke: Accounting 

Madeline Teasdale, Dubuque Senior High School
Intended Area of Study at Clarke: Elementary Education 

Learn more about this year’s recipients at https://clarke.edu/giving/golfclassic/golf-classic-scholarship-winners/.   

Save the date for 2025! 

The 37th Annual Clarke University Golf Classic will be held on Monday, June 2, 2025, and more information will be shared closer to the outing. For details on other great upcoming Clarke events, visit https://clarke.edu/alumni/alumni-events/