Convocation and Tree Planting Welcome 183rd Class to Clarke
New and returning students along with Clarke University employees celebrated the opening of 183rd academic year with the annual convocation and tree planting ceremonies on Friday, September 12.
The events began in the newly renovated Terrence Donaghoe Hall with addresses from President Fletch Lamkin, Vice President for Academic Affairs Yvonne Zimmerman, and Professor of Nursing and 2025 Meneve Dunham Award for Excellence in Teaching recipient Lisa Rettenmeier.
“I speak for all members of the Clarke community—past and present—when I say that we are glad that you are here,” Fletch said. “Together, we embark on a shared journey of enlightenment, where education is not just a path to knowledge but a light that guides us toward deeper understanding and meaningful growth. We look forward to learning from you and with you, as we continue to live our BVM legacy and Core Values – values that inspire us to seek truth, question boldly, and illuminate the world around us.”
Clarke Student Association President Sydney Herzmann ’26 followed with a greeting on behalf of the student body, as well as advice for navigating the busyness of college life.
Enjoy living in the present because soon enough you will be deciding where to move and what to do after college, and you’ll have no idea where you’ll be in a year. College has been the time of my life, and I hope you all enjoy Clarke as much as I have.
Convocation concluded with the Tassel Ceremony. This tradition is a symbolic representation of the role incoming students will play in the story of Clarke University. CU Seminar faculty, who work with new students during CONNECT Orientation and throughout the year, presented incoming students with an official tassel. These tassels symbolize the dedication and hard work students will put in as they advance toward their degrees and commencement ceremony.
The Tree Planting Ceremony followed Convocation with Professor Emeritus Norm Freund, returning to campus to provide a history of tree planting. Members of the new class planted their Norwegian Sunset Maple on the front lawn of the Wahlert Atrium. Representatives from each CU Seminar class were also invited to share a dedication explaining what the tree symbolizes for them. These notes were then planted with the tree and blessed by Director of Campus Ministry, Rick Rupprecht.
As part of the ceremony, the senior class of 2026 also named their October Glory Maple, “Timber Feli” in honor of recently retired Associate Professor of Psychology, Tim Boffeli.
Learn more about Clarke University’s heritage trees at https://clarke.edu/about-clarke/mission-history/heritage-tree-tour/.