Rooted in its Catholic mission, Clarke University has moved into the 21st century with an impressive tradition of excellence in education. Established in 1843, the university is named for an Irish woman, Mary Frances Clarke, who founded a congregation of religious women, the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (BVMs). When the community arrived in the river town of Dubuque in 1833, it was pioneer territory; though the city has changed radically in succeeding years, its vibrancy and Mississippi river beauty continue.
In 1884, Mary Frances Clarke wrote to her community of sisters, almost all of whom were teachers: “Let us…keep our schools progressive with the times in which we live…In teaching, we must…endeavor to make [students] think.” These directives of over a century ago have continued to inspire a faculty and staff of dedicated women and men to offer a challenging and growth-producing education to all Clarke students.
Throughout its growth and change, Clarke University has been “progressive with the times.” As new programs have developed, Clarke has continued to challenge and support students, who are the heart of the institution, in their intellectual and personal growth. In an institution known for its long tradition of excellence in education, students, faculty, and staff work together to maintain and strengthen that heritage.