Clarke University

Sandy Blake '82 
President
OAK PARK, IL

One of the best lessons I learned at Clarke was how to protest with dignity and diplomacy. I've been through a lot of changes with Clarke: The transformation from an all-girls school to a co-educational college, the fire and rebuilding, and now the conversion to university status.  As students, many of us were opposed to the college going co-educational. We called impromptu student meetings and press conferences. The BVM sisters, I recall four in particular, encouraged our expression but cautioned us to behave in a way that would reflect favorably on us. It was a lesson taught in the classroom of life, and has served me well as a prosecuting attorney and now attorney and advocate for victims and survivors of domestic violence.

Marcia Swanson Capriotti '73 
Vice President
MARIETTA, GA

About Marcia:
I was born and raised in the Midwest. I served as an intern for Rep. John Conyers, Jr. (D-Mich) and was asked to continue on as a staff aide. After teaching and retail management at Lord and Taylor, I received my Certificate in Paralegal Studies at Indiana University, South Bend. I worked for a Superior Court Judge in South Bend before moving to Marietta, GA., to become Director of Youth Services at Cobb County Juvenile Court.   
  

Lindsey Brown Schieffer '06 
Secretary
ST. PAUL, MN

Favorite Clarke Memory:
I’ll always remember living on campus over the summer and the feeling of independence it gave me. I also really enjoyed my freshman year living in Mary Ben. My roommate, Melissa, and neighbors, Missy and Laura, and I had way too much fun. We came up with a lot of creative ways to have fun in a small town.

About Lindsey:
I graduated from Clarke in 2006 with a bachelor's degree in Communication and from Concordia University, St. Paul in 2010 with a master's degree in organizational management. By day, I am the assistant director of communication at Concordia University, St. Paul, and by night, I'm a volleyball junkie who plays, referees and watches the game every chance I get. 

Note to Alumni:
The feeling you get when you step foot back on the grounds of your alma mater is priceless! Come home often, my fellow Clarkies!

Molly Andersen Schreiber ’99 
DUBUQUE, IA

Favorite Clarke Memory: 
I remember singing in very old churches in Prague in the very cold months of January. Of course the heat was not on, so we were able to see our breath with every note we sang. I also had the pleasure of making so many lifelong friends at Clarke, including my late husband, Kyle.

About Molly:
I am a busy mother of four children and enjoy every moment of being active in their lives. I am currently Montessori Board President and active in both PTA's. I also enjoy teaching fitness and cycling classes when my kids are at school. 

Note to Alumni:
I currently live in Dubuque near the 4th Street Elevator, so if you are ever in town, don't be afraid to look me up!

Katy Dickinson Wethal ’99 
DUBUQUE, IA

Favorite Clarke Memory:
Traveling to work at Health Care for the Homeless in Washington D.C. on two Clarke service trips was life changing for me both personally and professionally.

About Katy:
I met my husband Robert at Clarke and after living in Colorado for eight years we are thrilled that our careers have brought us back to Dubuque. We have two daughters and although they are my favorite job in the world, my career as a nurse practitioner is a close second.

Note to Alumni:
I hope as alumni we will consider the foundation of faith, encouragement and nurturing that Clarke provided us and help to ensure that it can be given to others for generations to come.

Karen Chiappetta ’83 
ELMHURST, IL

Favorite Clarke Memory:
My favorite memory was seeing the original TRON movie with Sister Kenneth Keller at Kennedy Mall. Not sure what we enjoyed more - the movie or our after show 'pop' at the Dubuque Mining Company.

About Karen:
After a successful career in technical sales with IBM and Insight, I started The Sire Group, LTD., a privately-held retained search firm operating in the US, Canada and LATAM. My son is completing his first year in college, and daughter is finishing her first year in high school at Fenwick in Oak Park, IL.

Note to Alumni:
Looking forward to connecting with my classmates and hearing your stories!

Kathryn “Judy” Conway ‘’59 
NEW YORK, NY

Favorite Clarke Memory:
My best memories of my Clarke experience are the honor system which was in place during my student years and  prepared me to recognize correct moral choices in life and to act accordingly no matter the difficulty or consequence. A loving and tender memory of my student years is the Rose Window ceremony that initiated the Christmas Season.  This was a very special and spiritual event. I regret the 1984 fire [that] destroyed the window and this lovely tradition. My richest memory is the many student and faculty friendships developed at Clarke and continuing even today.

Note to Alumni:
Clarke provides a fine and intense education among peers who seek a common goal the chance to live out their lives in purpose and fulfillment. A Clarke education promotes mutual understanding and assistance, tolerance of differences, personal intellectual and spiritual growth and a continuing interest in promoting these concepts in Christian communities around the globe. This is our special gift and our responsibility. Our Clarke education provides the knowledge and wisdom necessary to meet life’s challenges and the patience and strength to conquer adversities.    

Fun Fact:
Kathryn is the recipient of the 2010 Distinguished Alumni Award for Humanitarian Service. Click here to learn more.

Jane Daly Seaberg '78
LEWISBURG, PA

Favorite Clarke Memory:
The New York media tour over spring break my sophomore year is one of many great experiences I enjoyed at Clarke. Sitting down for a discussion with Gloria Steinem, touring The New York Times and taking in the city was life changing. I think about that trip every time I go into New York. I'm also very proud to say that acclaimed writer George R.R. Martin taught me at Clarke. 

About Jane:
I am living proof that a Clarke education works. I've spent most of my professional life advancing education. I first reported education news in Kansas and then edited editorial pages and the Sunday edition for my hometown paper in Iowa before returning to Clarke, the same academic year as its historic fire. The week after Clarke dedicated its new facilities, I headed East for new challenges. After leading PR efforts at Susquehanna University (PA), Georgetown University (DC) and Trinity College (CT), I worked as an admissions director for an independent college preparatory day school and as a marketing consultant to schools, colleges and universities. At last count, I have consulted with almost 40 institutions and am still proud of Clarke. I also volunteer often for social justice and education causes. This past year, I went back to school and earned a certificate in nonprofit executive management from Georgetown.  

Note to Alumni:
Clarke's future rests on our shoulders. In addition to being good financial stewards of the place that gave us much, we can help Clarke by opening doors and spreading the word about the value and quality of a Clarke education. As graduates, our word and our experiences hold sway with prospective employers, students and their families.   

Sheila Doyle Hocking '78 
SOLON, IA

Favorite Clarke Memory:
There are so many wonderful memories from my days at Clarke. It would be hard to choose just one to share. All of those memories cemented lifelong friendships. I can bump into a friend from Clarke after 30 years and it’s as if we just pick up where we left off. 

About Sheila:
My husband and I teach at South East Junior High in Iowa City. When we’re not teaching, we like to take courses and workshops in various parts of the United States. The Clarke Education Conference in April ranked right up there with the best.    

Note to Alumni:
It is because of the commitment alumni made to the Clarke Fund that I was able to attend Clarke. Serving on the Alumni Board is another way I am able to pay back that generosity.  Each dollar we give really impacts lives.

Rebecca Johll Franzen '95 
CUBA CITY, WI

Favorite Clarke Memory:
The Collegiate Singers trip to Ireland during my junior year and of course, all the wonderful friendships that were created while at Clarke. 

About Rebecca:
I’m a 1995 Clarke Alumni, married to Stacy Franzen, a 1996 Clarke Alumni. I’m the Mom of 3 girls, ages 8, 3 and 6 months and owner of two businesses—Franzen Music Studio and Sweet Notes Bake Shop.

Note to Alumni:
I would encourage all alums to rediscover Clarke and all it has to offer—it’s still the great place you remember!

Mary Kern Manning ’58 
SAVORY, IL

Favorite Clarke Memory:
(I have so many I should write a book!!) is sledding down the snow-covered hills back campus.

About Mary:
I am currently a practicing attorney with a private law firm. For 20 years I did child support enforcement for two different counties. I retired from Champaign County almost three years ago and then entered the private area.

Note to Alumni:
Don’t forget to share that “light” that you picked up at Clarke and shine it on your community.

Fun Fact:
Mary is the recipient of the 2010 Distinguished Alumni Award for Outstanding Achievement. Click here to learn more.

Sue McGovern Juergens ‘69 
DUBUQUE, IA

Note to Alumni: 
This is an exciting time for Clarke University and I am proud to be a new alumni association board member.  Living in Dubuque, I have the unique opportunity to witness not only how Clarke is consistently striving to offer its students the best education possible, but also to see how positively Clarke affects the entire Dubuque community. I cannot wait to see what happens next!

Charlie Sturm ’86 
ROCKFORD, IL

Favorite Clarke Memory:
Spending 5 years with some of the best people I could ever imagine meeting.

About Charlie:
I have been involved with my family business since graduation. I really enjoy getting back to Dubuque several times a year, to visit friends and to attend Clarke Drama Productions.

Mary Tockstein Callahan ’68 
WINTHROP HARBOR, IL

Favorite Clarke Memory:
One memory is of Robert Kennedy’s visit to Dubuque which I helped coordinate as president of the Clarke Young Democrats.

About Mary:
Following my Clarke education, I earned a degree in nursing and later a master of science in nurse-midwifery.  In 1991 my daughter, Kara Plemel, also graduated from Clarke with a BS in Chemistry. It is my hope that my two granddaughters will follow in our footsteps and consider Clarke University for their college education.

Rob Walton ‘02 
CHICAGO, IL

Favorite Clarke Memory:
One of my favorite Clarke memories took place in December 2000 when I traveled with the men's basketball team to Greece and Italy. What a great worldly endeavor that I never would have experienced without Clarke. As you might imagine, 20 gentlemen traveling together in Europe made for some interesting times!

About Myself:
I am thoroughly enjoying my experience as a member of the Clarke Alumni Board! As a 2002 graduate, I have stayed connected to Clarke for the past decade, whether on campus, at local functions, at music events, sporting events, or certainly many 'unofficial' Clarke get-togethers too!  My goal is to keep as many of us connected with each other as possible and utilize those networks to strengthen our alumni base.