clarke
UNIVERSIT Y MAGA ZINE | 2 02 3
Alumni NEWS & NOTES
UPDATES: CAREER & VOLUNTEER
Maurine (Mackin) Elliott ’63 published a book in June 2022 entitled "Finally: A Manual on How to Handle Cancer: Reflections, Ruminations and Rooting Out Rubbish." Maureen is a three-time cancer survivor, has served as a caregiver, a volunteer, and cancer journalist for 16 years. Through the years, Maureen has earned 31 personal and professional awards, including the Courage Award given in the Rose Garden of the White House and the prestigious Batten Medal in journalism. Diane (Nolan) Kopp ’64 was welcomed as one of six new BVM Associates. Diane was born in Dubuque, Iowa, and was raised on a farm near St. Joseph on the Prairie, the original BVM Motherhouse. Diane first met BVMs when her mother worked at the Mount Carmel Infirmary. Diane and her sisters were always excited to go to Mount Carmel to visit the sisters with their mother on her day off. Diane graduated in the first graduating class at Wahlert High School in 1960. She attended Clarke University, studying under Teresa McDade, BVM. After graduation, she taught in Dubuque at Irving and Fulton schools, and in Columbia, MO. She became a mother of three boys. Her family moved to Fargo, N.D., for 20 years. In Fargo, she worked at Blue
Cross/Blue Shield Insurance. In 2000 Diane moved back to Dubuque and worked at Holy Family Day Care, retiring after 10 years. Diane began taking classes at the Roberta Kuhn Center at Mount Carmel Bluffs. She enjoyed learning from BVM Kitty Lawlor's class “BVM Pioneers.” Kitty encouraged Diane to become an associate. Diane met Associates Sharon Scully ’61 and Maureen Frommelt ’63. Sharon Scully became her mentor, companion, and friend through the discernment process. Diane looks forward to participating with the wider Circle of Friends and being involved in activities as an associate. Mary (Minnehan) Moothart ’72 was welcomed as one of six new BVM Associates. In her application, she shared, “The decision to become a BVM associate has been an extended process of discernment; living in a community that enjoys a rich influence of religious women, I have often considered increasing my understanding and commitment to each of these communities. However, upon reflection, it was my interactions with the BVMs that shined a light on women who act with informed intellect and charity on issues of justice in the community and world around them. It was through these women I formed my voice and was encouraged to use it!” Mary and her husband Tim live in Dubuque and have six children and five grandchildren, whom they enjoy
“grand-spoiling.” BVMs Judy Callahan, Mary McCauley, Mary Martens, and Associates Norm Freund and Lori Ritz ’73 were her companions in the discernment process. Associate Norm Freund shares, “Mary is a remarkable candidate for association! She truly lives the BVM core values, especially the value of justice. Her active involvement in assisting refugees, advocating for the poor, and seeking to generate a more non-violent world bear witness to the stances the congregation advocates for in our world.” Teri (Hawks) Goodman ’76 was appointed by President Joe Biden as chair of the National Capital Planning Commission, which oversees federally owned buildings and land in Washington, D.C., and the surrounding National Capital Region, along with guiding the overall planning of the development of the capital. In addition to serving in this volunteer role, Teri works for the City of Dubuque as the Director of Strategic Partnerships. Louise Kames ’77 celebrated 40 years of employment at Clarke University. She currently serves as the Director of the Art + Design program and a professor of art.