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Clarke Holds 182nd Annual Commencement

By Clarke News  |  May 13, 2026
A woman reads from a podium at Clarke's Commencement Celebration.

On Saturday, May 9, 2026, at 2 p.m., Clarke University welcomed friends and family to the Robert and Ruth Kehl Center on campus to celebrate the class of 2026.

259 candidates for associate, bachelors, master’s and doctoral degrees crossed the stage in acknowledgement of their impressive academic pursuits, including research, internships, and more.

This year’s class showcased academic excellence, with 70 students earning academic honors. Among them were the two class valedictorians, MacKenzie Wisner ’26, Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science, and Faith Krapfl ’26, Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education and Mathematics. In an address to the graduating class, Krapfl shared just a brief mathematics lesson and a call to action for the class of 2026.

“Every single vector has a direction and every vector has a magnitude. I am here today to tell you that each and every one of you is a vector . . . having direction and magnitude in your life is a must,” Krapfl said. “In a world that seems so driven by hate and differences lately, why can’t we be the ones to start leading with love and kindness? There’s not a doubt in my mind that this group of students before me can do just that.”

Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and Sport Management graduate Marcela Fajardo ’26 was then recognized as the Francis J. O’Connor Memorial Award recipient. The most prestigious award given to a graduating senior, the award recognizes Marcela’s demonstrations of leadership, cooperation, generosity, kindness, and academic achievement throughout her time at Clarke.

Additionally, Assistant Professor of Education Lee Johnson was honored as this year’s Meneve Dunham Excellence in Teaching Award recipient, and Commencement Speaker Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Bullock was presented an honorary degree for his dedication to higher education and the greater Dubuque community prior to the awarding of degrees.

The class of 2026 would like to extend a special thank you to all who celebrated with them and supported them on their journey. To watch a recording of the ceremony, please visit our Clarke A/V YouTube page and select “Clarke University Commencement 2026.”