Thank a Professor Who Made a Difference
Dear Clarke University Alumni,
As fellow Clarke University graduates, we each carry stories of the people who shaped our paths. For many of us, a particular professor’s encouragement and belief in us made all the difference—someone who not only taught us but inspired us to go further, do more, and make a lasting impact in our communities.
Last fall, I had the great privilege of honoring my former Social Work professor, Lois Hand Buntz, by nominating her for the Elizabeth Hurlock Beckman Award—and she was selected! This national award recognizes educators who have profoundly influenced their former students to lead, serve, and make a meaningful difference after graduation.
For me, the Beckman Award offered a powerful opportunity to say thank you—to publicly acknowledge the lifelong impact Professor Buntz had on my journey beyond Clarke. Her belief in my potential and her commitment to the values of service and advocacy still guide my work today.
I’m reaching out to encourage you to consider doing the same.
If a current or former Clarke University professor inspired you to achieve your goals, make a difference in your field, or serve your community in significant ways, I encourage you to explore the nomination process for the Beckman Award. Nominations come directly from former students and are a heartfelt way to honor a teacher’s lasting legacy.
To learn more about eligibility and how to apply, visit: https://www.wellsfargo.com/private-foundations/beckman-award-trust/
If you’re unsure whether your experience fits the award criteria, or if you’d like to hear more about my own nomination process, I’d be happy to connect. You can contact the Clarke Alumni Relations team at alumnirelations@clarke.edu and they will put us in touch.
Let’s recognize the educators whose support helped shape who we’ve become—and share the impact of Clarke University with a wider world.
Warm regards,
Monica Ryan Kurtz, MSW, LMSW, ASDCS
Clarke University Alum, Class of 1988
Alumni Association Board Member
Beckman Award Recipient ’24
Read more about how Lois inspired Monica in their shared story, “Clarke Connection Garners National Award.”