Clarke Holds 180th Commencement Ceremony
On Saturday, May 4, 2024, at 2 p.m., Clarke University welcomed friends and family to the Robert and Ruth Kehl Center on campus to celebrate the class of 2024.
The 180th commencement ceremony honored 229 bachelors, master’s and doctoral degree candidates for their impressive academic pursuits, including research, internships, and more.
Students receiving special honors included this year’s salutatorian Hope Ward ’24 of Burlington, Iowa and valedictorian Emma Kanne ’24, from Gretna, Nebraska. In an address to the graduating class, Emma shared lessons from friends and professors and how one can change their perspective in times of adversity.
“As we flip over our tassels and flip the page to the next part of our story, let’s pray that we have the strength to dig a little deeper to find the blue skies and sunshine even when we face our battles, and that these things become easier by singing with those that stick by us,” Emma said. “Let’s not look at the next chapter of our lives with fear or worry, instead let’s change our perspective to see the beauty in the unknown.”
The Francis J. O’Connor Memorial Award, the most prestigious award given to a graduating senior, was then presented to Isabella Peterson ’24 of Oregon, Wisconsin. The award recognizes Isabella’s demonstrations of leadership, cooperation, generosity, kindness, and academic achievement throughout her time at Clarke.
Additionally, Tim Conlon, Board of Trustees member and a longtime friend of Clarke, received an honorary doctorate for his achievements. In an address to the graduates, he emphasized the importance of calling on the lessons learned here throughout one’s life.
As you begin the next steps of your life journey, I urge you to stay connected to your inner self. Recognize the blessing of your Clarke education and how the BVM core values have helped shape your character. From the day you arrived at Clarke, you were influenced by values embodied in everyone on campus, the faculty, staff, and administration. You are a different person today from the one who entered Clarke years ago. Listen to that inner voice that you have honed during your time here.
Prior to commencement, Clarke’s graduation candidates and their guests took part in a Baccalaureate Mass at 10 a.m. in Sacred Heart Chapel, followed by brunch in the Dining Hall.
The class of 2024 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 YouTube page and select Clarke University Commencement 2024.