Clarke Honors 238 Graduates at 181st Commencement

On Saturday, May 10, 2025, at 2 p.m., Clarke University welcomed friends and family to the Robert and Ruth Kehl Center on campus to celebrate the class of 2025. 

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

Students receiving special honors included this year’s valedictorian Hailey Huckstorf ’25, from Waterford, Wisconsin.  In an address to the graduating class, Hailey shared lessons from friends and professors and how one can change their perspective in times of adversity. 

“If I have learned anything along the way, it is that this journey was about so much more than grades and degrees. We may not have noticed it day by day, but looking at the person who first arrived, we can really see the transformation we have gone through. Because of the good times, but especially because of the bad, we have become the people sitting here today” Hailey said. “People who are stronger, wiser, more resilient…maybe a little sleep deprived, but nonetheless, people who are changed for the better. This change is not in spite of the hardships, but because of them.” 

The Francis J. O’Connor Memorial Award, the most prestigious award given to a graduating senior, was then presented to Kainoa Gerard ’25 of Aiea, Hawaii. The award recognizes Kainoa’s demonstrations of leadership, cooperation, generosity, kindness, and academic achievement throughout her time at Clarke.  

Additionally, alumna and Board of Trustees member, Dr. Deborah Ashton ’72  received an honorary doctorate for her achievements. Dr. Ashton, a licensed psychologist, was a Postdoctoral Clinical Fellow, Faculty of Medicine at Harvard Medical School and has a Ph.D. and an Ed.D. in Clinical Psychology & Public Practice from Harvard University. She also founded Planet Perspective, an organization that specializes in inclusive culture and leadership assessments.  

“The world needs good people, not just nice people. People who will speak out, stand up, and make a difference,” Dr. Ashton said. “With Clarke’s Core Values of Freedom, Education, Charity, and Justice, I am confident you have the experience to do good in this world.”

Prior to commencement, Clarke’s graduation candidates and their guests took part in a Baccalaureate Mass at 10:30 a.m. in Sacred Heart Chapel, followed by brunch in the Dining Hall.   

The class of 2025 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 2025.