Alumni Board Adds New Members
Clarke University is proud to announce three new members will be joining the Alumni Association Board beginning in September 2025. We caught up with these alumni to learn where life has taken them since their Clarke days and better understand what they bring to their board experience.
Christina (Hawes) Bergholm ’84
Area of Study: Computer Science
Current City: Denver, CO
Where has your Clarke degree taken you?
For over 40 years, I have served as a Solution Architect, Customer Success Manager, and Partner Success Manager with expertise in delivering complex technology solutions. I am very proud of my proven track record of leveraging data-driven strategies and innovative SaaS solutions to tackle intricate business challenges. My work spans across diverse industries, including healthcare, finance, and supply chain, and my goal is to always improve customer satisfaction, operational efficiency, and revenue growth.
My degree in Computer Science developed some of my most critical skills too, such as fostering trust and collaboration between business and IT stakeholders, managing complex projects from inception to completion. Throughout my career, I have played a pivotal role in developing strategies that drive business transformation, improve process efficiency, and enable data-driven decision-making. My leadership roles at renowned companies like Infor, Conga, and IBM saw me spearhead partner sales enablement, project management, and the implementation of business intelligence solutions.
With all my experience, I am particularly motivated to contribute to the Clarke University Alumni Board. I aim to ensure technology is leveraged effectively to support business objectives and sustainable growth, while offering real-world experience to enhance programs designed for today’s students and future generations.
Donald Burks ’91
Area of Study: Communication
Current City: Asbury, IA
Where has your Clarke degree taken you?
I currently work at Kendall Hunt Publishing as the K-12 Sales Manager, where I have been employed for 27 years. Some of my proudest moments have been when I’ve been selected as Salesperson of the Year. I’ve been selected numerous times over the course of my career.
During my time at Clarke, I became a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated. Our motto is Culture for Service and Service for Humanity. To this day I am still involved with service projects across the state of Iowa and Illinois. From feeding the homeless, helping with Habitat for Humanity Builds, participating in blood drives, providing school supplies to students, and cleaning highways to name a few. I feel strongly about giving back to the community. I am also a member of the Dubuque Black Men Coalition (BMC), where our motto is to improve the quality of life within our communities. Through the BMC, I volunteer as a mentor at Hempstead High School here in Dubuque. Our goal is to improve the educational and developmental outcomes for young men.
Most of all, I cherish time with family: my wife Karen, my kids Ashley, Brianna, Nate, Cristina, and my grandchildren Mya, Sayoko, Bodie, and Reece! I enjoy every moment I have with them. I lost my son Matt in 2016, which was life changing. I don’t take any moment with my family for granted. Family vacations and dinners are the best times for me.
Kylee Miller ’12
Area of Study: Communication & Philosophy
Current City: Rockford, IL
Where has your Clarke degree taken you?
After graduating Clarke as a double major in Communication and Philosophy, I attended Valparaiso University School of Law in Indiana and graduated in 2015. I have been at my current firm, Tuite Law, since January 2017 and made partner in spring 2024. For almost 3 years I didn’t lose a single federal court case. That’s 56 cases. 56 lives where the client has now qualified for their disability benefits.
My work has been recognized by the community, too. I have been honored as an Emerging Lawyer in 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025 by the Leading Lawyers, a peer nominated organization. This month I was named one of Rockford’s 40 under 40 by the Chamber of Commerce, and last year I was one of the Chamber’s “25 People You Should Know.” And in April 2025, I won my first election and became a Township Trustee with exactly 10,500 votes from the good people of Rockford. That was a really powerful moment for me.
Personally, I will be getting married this December to my fiancé, Ben, whom I met while working on a friend’s political campaign. I also enjoy volleyball, golf and volunteering in and around Rockford.
Thank you, Christina, Donald, and Kylee for volunteering with your alma mater! If you’d like to get involved at Clarke, contact our Alumni Relations team at alumnirelations@clarke.edu.