Roberts Earns Engaged Campus Citizen Award Honorable Mention

Radie Roberts, Clarke University assistant director of campus ministry, received honorable mention for an Engaged Campus Citizen Award at the Iowa Campus Compact meeting in Des Moines on June 6.These awards, in their inaugural year, recognize individuals and groups in Iowa higher education for their work toward the Iowa Campus Compact mission of deepening and strengthening campus civic and community engagement.In nominating Roberts for the award, Anastasia Nicklaus, Clarke’s director of campus ministry, wrote: “Among the largest efforts Radie undertakes each semester is the Into the Streets program. This is a major organizational feat in which Radie is able to develop relationships with various agencies in the Dubuque area and link them with the over 150 students who volunteer for this morning of service. She also has taken on the facilitation of the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service, which helps the Clarke community to make MLK Day a ‘day on’ rather than a ‘day off.’  Radie seeks to add a dimension of reflection to the service experiences, as well, recognizing that engaged citizens not only serve, but also consider the ‘whys.’“Just as important, though, are all the one-on-one interactions Radie has with students as they prepare for and complete diversity experience requirements or other service opportunities. During these discussions, Radie is able to help students reconsider stereotypes and see the innate dignity in every person. She opens students’ eyes to the needs in the community around us, and inspires them to make a difference within it. In this way, the students truly become engaged citizens.“Radie is able to develop engaged citizens because she lives as one.  Students know that Radie cares about them because she goes above and beyond to help them. All the time Radie doesn’t seek attention, she seeks to serve.”For more information, contact the Clarke University Marketing and Communication Office at (563)588-6318.Clarke University is a Catholic, liberal arts and sciences university dedicated to preparing students who positively impact their workplace, family and community. Academic offerings include more than 40 undergraduate liberal arts and pre-professional programs, a robust adult degree program and six graduate degree programs.  Founded in 1843 by the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Clarke is located near the Mississippi River in the thriving city of Dubuque, Iowa. It is the only BVM university in the country.