Clarke University Celebrates Clarke Day, March 24-25

Last year, Clarke Day was a resounding success while being completely virtual due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Together, the Clarke community raised more than $82,000 from 538 donors, and we learned that the love we all have for Clarke simply couldn’t be contained within a single day … so we made a change for 2021. Clarke University’s seventh annual Clarke Day will be celebrated from noon on March 24 to noon on the 25th.

Clarke Day is still 24 hours, but we’re splitting it into two days of celebration! These 24 hours are for alumni, students, employees, and friends to share their Clarke pride on campus and through social media. All are invited to dress in blue and gold, and post photos and interact on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat using #ClarkeDay.

There are many ways to participate, but one of the most meaningful is by making a gift to the area of campus that is special to you. The Clarke Day donor participation goal for is 500 donors, and once reached, a $10,000 challenge grant sponsored by Mary Jo (Rossi) Furgal ’61 and Joe Furgal will be unlocked.

A new addition to Clarke Day this year is two separate Power Hour Challenges. During these challenges, the area of campus that receives the greatest number of gifts during the Power Hour will receive a bonus $1,500 gift. Those wishing to make an immediate impact can visit www.clarke.edu/clarkeday.

“Clarke Day is for celebrating and supporting our community and family at Clarke. For myself and so many students, Clarke has become our home away from home; our second family on Clarke Drive,” said Tucker La Belle ’22, a junior, and Clarke Student Association President. “Clarke Day engages all members of the Clarke family far and wide and truly shows the support and care for our amazing campus and institution. From the students decked out in Clarke gear to the amazing alumni and donor support, it is a true showing of what Clarke is all about!”

Clarke students are invited to tune in to the Clarke University Instagram Live at 6:30 p.m. CST, for a special Clarkie Social Hour with Tucker La Belle ’22 and Macy Boughn ’22. During this Instagram Live event, students can learn how their gift and participation in Clarke Day make an impact to current and future students that attend the university.

“Clarke Day means so much to everyone who is a part of the Clarke community, both within the current student body and alumni. It represents a day of celebration and an opportunity to support the Clarke community in every way possible. It’s full of excitement and pride in our school and community, acknowledging those who have helped provide the opportunities possible at Clarke,” said Macy Boughn ’22.

Members of the Clarke community and beyond, are invited to tune in to Clarke University’s Facebook page at 7:30 p.m. CST, for an Arts at Clarke Lion’s Den Session with Clarke alumni Maxwell McNett ’12 and Marcus DeJesus ’14.

Clarke supporters are also encouraged to celebrate Clarke Day with a new, original t-shirt. T-shirts are available online for a gift of $20. Clarke students are offered a discounted rate of $10 per t-shirt.

Clarke President Thom Chesney Ph.D., said, “While we saw much success and community last year during our fully virtual Clarke Day, getting to share our connectedness both virtually and in person this year makes Clarke Day all the more special to our campus and alumni community.”

Visit www.clarke.edu/clarkeday or email courtney.leonard@clarke.edu for more information.