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3rd Annual Celebration of Scholarship Honors Research and Campus Involvement

By Clarke News  |  March 30, 2026

On Monday, March 23, Clarke University held its third annual Celebration of Scholarship.  The annual event offers opportunities for students, faculty, and staff to share their research as well as connections to the greater community.  

Over three dozen students presented posters on topics ranging from biochemistry to art, educational best practices, music, and more. Breakout sessions throughout the day also allowed for more in-depth research from faculty and student teams, including a demonstration from Clarke’s new Mock Trial team.  

“The Celebration of Scholarship is truly part of the institutional fabric that we look forward to annually,” said Dr. Aimee Taylor, Chair of First-Year Studies and member of the Faculty Development Committee which hosted the event. “It generates excitement around our scholarly work and shines a spotlight on the rich, rigorous academic environment here at Clarke. Most importantly, this event helps students make a pivotal shift from student to professional. This year, we saw tremendous growth in the event from years one and two with new features, like Mock Trial that was livestreamed on YouTube and funded awards. I’m thrilled to see what next year will bring.”  

As part of the Celebration of Scholarship, the following awards were presented:  

  • Steve Kapelke Award for Most Innovative Presentation: “8-Week Sound Design Course & Performance” – Kaedynce Stevens, Maya England, and Katey Theis 
  • Best Research: “Examining the Impact of Bacillus subtilis Pretreatment on Calcium Oxalate Stone Formation and Malpighian Tubule Function in Drosophilia melanogaster” – Samantha Miller 
  • People’s Choice for Best in Show: “Effects of Sports Related Concussion on Mental Health” – Riley Bard 

Additionally, students were able to take part in a Career Fair and meet with 27 companies and area organizations offering internship and employment opportunities. The Clarke Alumni Association Networking Committee assisted with the orientation for the Career Fair, offering a unique opportunity to network with current and former Clarke students. 

Finally, Clarke University seniors took the next step towards Commencement with Grad Finale. Hosted by Academic Affairs, this portion of the event was dedicated to helping those on their way to graduation ensure that any requisite paperwork had been completed.