Kutchera Service Trip Explores Social Justice in Missouri

During the 2026 Spring Break, six Clarke University students shared their time and talents with the broader community through the Kutchera Service Trip. The annual offering is supported by Joe Kutchera and his family in honor of his aunt, Sister Barbara Kutchera ‘59. 

This annual Campus Ministry offering has a heavy focus on social justice issues, and this year was no exception. Many of the stops on this year’s trip had a significant tie to the Black experience in America, from historic moments to modern sites.  

One of the first stops on the trip was a meeting with “Forward Through Ferguson”, a nonprofit group formed to help heal the community after the police-involved shooting of 18-year-old Michael Brown in 2014. For the past decade, the group has striven to advance conversation and action around racial equity, not just in their community, but across the region. Clarke students were also able to meet with police officers who served in the Ferguson protests following Brown’s death, as well as visit the site where Brown died. 

“The community still maintains that site, even when the city wanted to have the flowers and memorials removed,” said Bridget Bracy, a sophomore who participated in the trip. “Being at the site made you think a lot about how the world has changed and how it hasn’t. The community won’t let Michael’s story be forgotten.” 

Other stops on the trip included the Archdiocese of St. Louis, the Dred and Harriet Scott Memorial, the Missouri History Museum, and a stop from the underground railroad. For sophomore DeRyah Maxey, a visit to the Girot Museum of Black History had an emotional impact.  

“They had a replica of what a slave ship would have been like. The space was so dark and tight, it just made you ache for what these people went through,” DeRyah said. “I have always been interested in researching Black history and what my ancestors went though. This trip meant so much to me.” 

As for service, the students visited several churches and helped them set up community events, while also learning about the important work these institutions do for their neighborhoods. This included a stop near Hannibal, Missouri, where the students learned about the Venerable Augustus Tolton. 

“Augustus Tolton was the first Black priest in the United States, and we visited the church where he was baptized, as well as his grave. Fr. Tolton is on the path to sainthood, so to be at these sites is a moving and unique experience.” said Director of Campus Ministry Rick Rupprecht. “We are so grateful to Joe Kutchera and his family for making these service trips possible. These trips change lives and create memories when students think about their time at Clarke University.”  

If you’d like to learn more about future service trips and other Campus Ministry Activities, contact campusministry@clarke.edu.