New Class Welcomed with Convocation and Tree Planting Ceremonies
Clarke officially welcomed new and returning students and employees to campus on Friday, September 13 with the annual convocation and tree planting ceremonies.
The events began in the newly renovated Terrence Donaghoe Hall with addresses from President Fletch Lamkin, Dean of Academic Affairs Yvonne Zimmerman, and Professor of Philosophy Kent Anderson.
“I speak for all members of the Clarke community—past and present—when I say that we are glad that you are here at Clarke,” Fletch said. “We look forward to learning from you and with you as we continue to embrace the freedom to live our BVM legacy and core values.”
Clarke Student Association President Sydney Herzmann ’26 followed with a greeting on behalf of the student body, as well as advice for navigating this new chapter of their lives.
When you’re in college you can never have too many people that want to support you and be in your corner. Surround yourself with people who will lift you up. We are all in your corner no matter what.
Convocation concluded with the Tassel Ceremony. This tradition is a symbolic representation of the role incoming students will play in the story of Clarke University. Navigator faculty, who work with new students during CONNECT orientation and throughout the year, presented incoming students with an official tassel. These tassels symbolize the dedication and hard work students will put in as they advance toward their degrees and commencement ceremony.
The Tree Planting Ceremony followed Convocation. Norm Freund, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus, returned to campus to provide a history of tree planting. Members of the new class planted their scarlet oak tree on the front lawn of the Wahlert Atrium. Representatives from each Navigator class were also invited to share a dedication explaining what the tree symbolizes for them. These notes were then planted with the tree and blessed by Director of Campus Ministry, Rick Rupprecht.
As part of the ceremony, the senior class of 2025 also named their Firefall Maple, “Going Places” to represent how they will each take a part of Clarke with them as they go into the world after graduation.
Messages from the class of 2028
“A tree has roots in the soil yet reaches to the sky. It tells us that in order to aspire we need to be grounded and that no matter how high we go it is from our roots that we draw sustenance.” -Natalie S.
“Community is an everlasting endeavor, where we branch out from our roots learning to grow, have patience, and become optimistic. Just as trees lose and grow leaves, we all strive for renewal, working together as a community to become the best versions of ourselves.” -Kaeden K.
“This tree represents our growth as students at Clarke University. The roots represent our pasts, the trunk represents our presence, and the branches represent our futures. Even though we are branching to different paths, this tree will be the mark we live on this campus.” -Enrique R.
“We are all more than just athletes. We will use BVM core values to become successful individually & together.” -Joshua M.
“Since the beginning of the year, we’ve had winning roots. Roots that connected us to each other and helped us support each other’s growth. Roots help us remember where we come from and where our homes are. Clarke is our new home and our class is our new family. And together we can branch out and lay new foundations as we go into the world.” -Dianna E.
“Just as roots provide nutrients to a tree, the campus community provides us knowledge and opportunities to be successful and accomplish our goals. Trees grow and change through the seasons… we too, will develop and persevere through our time at Clarke.” -Abdimalik H. and Zack R.
“Starting college is like planting a tree the roots take time to settle, but soon enough, you begin to branch out and grow in ways you never imagined.” -Clara P.
“Roses are red, violets are blue, as we watch our tree grow, we will grow too.” -Freddy H.
“To us, this tree symbolizes connection and community, and how they support our core value of freedom – becoming the person you are meant to be. Like this young tree will go into something greater, so will we.” -Jazz D.
“This tree stands as a symbol to remind us of the strength and resilience we’ve shown getting to where we are now, and how together we will grow through every season.” -Esai G.
“Roots are important because they provide the tree with its necessities, for example, stability, nourishment, and strength. Roots are the foundation of the connections we have with those closest to us.” -Mikaylah P.
“Just like a tree goes through different seasons, we will experience various phases here at Clarke University. Times of intense workloads, relaxation, challenges, and successes. Overall, our college experience at Clarke University will help us grow into strong and well-rounded individuals, just like a tree growing tall and spreading its branches.” -Hasmar F.
“If you feel like you’re losing everything, remember that tress lose their leaves every year and they still stand tall and wait for a better day to come.” -Xavier H.
“In a forest of a hundred thousand trees, no two leaves are alike. And no two journeys along the same path are alike. — Paolo Coelho,” -Hilde L.
“A strong root system helps the plant grow bigger and stronger. Roots are important because they teach us how to be selfless. They allow us to connect with the Earth, our communities, and the environment; to receive and in turn give back. Roots help us remember where we come from and that promotes the freedom and the foundation that allows for growth.” -Elijah A.