Celebrating One Clarke, One Community Week
In a celebration of its deeply-rooted history in Dubuque and the surrounding area, Clarke University will host One Clarke, One Community Week from April 21-30.
The week will consist of a variety of events, including the Inauguration of the University’s 16th President, Thom D. Chesney, Ph.D., at 4 p.m. on April 28 in the Robert and Ruth Kehl Center. A reception will immediately follow the ceremony. Both events are free, informal, and open to the public.
Chesney joined Clarke in 2019 after a unanimous vote from the Board of Trustees, but COVID-19 restrictions canceled the original ceremony. In the time since, Chesney, the Board of Trustees and leadership within the university determined they wanted to celebrate this new chapter of the university’s history in a distinctly Clarke way.
“Traditional inaugurations typically involve fanfare and focus on the individual,” said Jane Daly Seaberg, chair of the Clarke University Board of Trustees. “Instead, this is a celebration of our university community, our core values, the achievements of our students and employees, and our place in the history and future of Dubuque. We invite everyone in the community to celebrate with us.”
Beyond the inauguration ceremony, the week will feature a faculty and staff recognition event, special campus mass, Board of Trustees meetings and other gatherings. The week also coincides with Dubuque Days of Caring on Friday, April 29. University students and employees alike are encouraged to volunteer as part of this city-wide effort.
There is no better living example of the sentiment ‘One Clarke, One Community’ than to have our students and employees volunteer their time and talents in Dubuque and the greater area,” said Clarke President Thom D. Chesney. “Since its founding in 1843, Clarke has been dedicated to the common good, and taking part in Dubuque Days of Caring is a key part of our year-round array of volunteerism and service-learning activities.
The week’s festivities will close with the 2nd Annual Clarke Fest. Well on its way to becoming Dubuque’s favorite block party, ClarkeFest also offers free admission to the public. Held on the Wahlert Atrium Front Lawn from 4 – 8 p.m. on Saturday, April 30, visitors can enjoy music and art from local and national performers, an art sale featuring student and faculty pieces, and food from some of Dubuque’s most popular food trucks. The event is co-sponsored by Arts at Clarke, Clarke Activities Board, and the Clarke Student Association.
To learn more about all the activities offered during One Clarke, One Community Week, please visit clarke.edu/inauguration.