Dickinson to speak at Clarke Commencement

Clarke University is pleased to announce Richard Dickinson, president and CEO of Greater Dubuque Development Corporation, will address the graduates at the university’s 170th Commencement on Saturday, May 11, on the Clarke campus. Dickinson will also receive an honorary doctor of humane letters degree at the ceremony.Dickinson became the director of Greater Dubuque Development Corporation in June of 1995. Prior to this appointment, he was sales manager for the eastern U.S. and marketing representative for North America for H.B. Fuller Company, a Fortune 500 company located in St. Paul, Minn.

Dickinson’s career in industrial sales has been balanced with 15 years of public service. He was elected mayor of Sabula in 1978, and then served as a City Council member before becoming a six-year member of the Jackson County Board of Supervisors. Dickinson served in the Iowa Legislature as the Representative for the 34th House District from 1990-94.

Dickinson has led the economic development efforts of Greater Dubuque Development Corporation since his appointment as director in 1995. As president and CEO, he is the principal liaison between business and government on all issues relating to economic development. Under Dickinson’s leadership, Greater Dubuque Development has become one of the most respected economic development groups in the country, while the Dubuque region has been recognized as an international model for sustainable development. His nine-member team at Greater Dubuque focuses on Business Retention and Expansion, National Marketing and Workforce Solutions.“Many throughout the Dubuque region know Rick Dickinson from his admirable work with the Greater Dubuque Development Corporation. Rick has a wealth of experience in the corporate world, economic development and public service. He brings vision and value to his work and we look forward to the important lessons he will share with our graduates,” said Clarke President Joanne M. Burrows, SC, Ph.D.Dickinson’s community service includes the 2002 Campaign Chair for United Way of Dubuque Area Tri-States and founding board member of the Iowa Child Advocacy Board. He has also diligently served as a board member for the Dubuque Racing Association, Every Child/Every Promise, Boy Scouts of America, Dubuque Initiatives, Safe Community Task Force, Prosperity Eastern Iowa and Mid-America Economic Development Council.Rick and his wife, Rae Ann, have two daughters, Katy Wethal and Sara. Both daughters, and son-in-law Robert Wethal, are Clarke University alumni.  This year’s Commencement exercises begin with a baccalaureate liturgy at 10 a.m. in Clarke’s Robert and Ruth Kehl Center, at which graduates will receive their academic hoods. The Commencement ceremony begins at 2 p.m. Graduates will receive their diplomas and special awards will be bestowed at Commencement. Degrees will be conferred upon both undergraduate and graduate students.Clarke University is honored by the presence of Archbishop Jerome Hanus at the Commencement ceremony. Archbishop Hanus will preside one final time at Clarke’s Commencement before his upcoming retirement from the Dubuque Archdiocese.

To accommodate additional guests, the liturgy and ceremony will be simulcast on televisions in Jansen Music Hall in the Wahlert Atrium on the campus of Clarke University. Clarke will stream the liturgy and Commencement ceremony via Clarke’s website for off-campus viewing.For more information, contact the Clarke University Marketing and Communication Office at (563)588-6318.

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