Flynn awarded Francis J. O’Connor Award

Luke Flynn, of Dubuque, was named the recipient of the Francis J. O’Connor Award at the Clarke University 2013 Honors Banquet held Friday, May 3, in the Dining Hall.Since 1935, the Francis J. O’Connor Award has been recognized as the most prestigious honor bestowed upon a Clarke University graduating senior.Criteria for the award include demonstrated leadership, cooperation, generosity, kindness and academic achievement. The award recipient is selected by a vote of seniors and faculty. The presentation of the award will be made at commencement on Saturday, May 11.In presenting the award, Clarke Vice President for Student Life Kate Zanger said Flynn has shown a passion and dedication for learning and success both inside and outside of the classroom that is remarkable.    “In the words of one of the faculty,” said Zanger, “he is an outstanding student with great intellectual curiosity and the internal drive to accomplish his goals. He is a real leader amongst his peers and has an easy, out-going personality that serves him well. He will excel at everything he does.”Campus leadership and involvement include Clarke Student Association secretary for one year, Clarke Wind Ensemble, Clarke Brass Ensemble and the Clarke Collegiate Singers. He spent a semester in study at the International University of Kagoshima in Japan.Clarke honors and awards include being a recipient of the Pauline Mathis Pfohl Award, the Harry and Goldye Kopple Fine Arts Award, the Ruth Bethke Fine Arts Award and he has been on the Dean’s list every semester.Off-campus he has won numerous competitions for original music compositions from places like Texas, California, South Carolina, Washington, D.C., New York and Japan. Most recently he composed the theme for the Julien Dubuque International Film Festival entitled, “Pioneer.”  He is a music composition major and will graduate Suma Cum Laude. He will pursue a master’s degree at Butler University in Indianapolis for music composition.         For more information, contact the Clarke University Marketing and Communication Office at (563)588-6318.