CLARKE UNIVERSITY

THE CRUX

Finding it changes everything.

CRUX TALKS

The Podcast with Kaelyn and Lucy.

Latest Headlines

Clarke Cheerleading Embraces a New Beginning

For Clarke University’s cheerleading team, the 2026 season brings a new identity and a new challenge. After transitioning from a varsity sport to a club, the program is now working to rebuild its roster and return to competition. CU Spirit Squad at a home football game. Last year, the team had nine cheerleaders, one member short of the minimum of ten required to compete. As a result, Clarke cheerleading was unable to participate in competitions. With ten members, the team wou

Hispanic Student Union Sets Up Month Long Celebration for Hispanic Heritage Month

Clarke University’s Hispanic Student Union, headed by President of the club, Isa Rivas, has packed students’ calendars with a slew of exciting and enjoyable events throughout the month-long celebration. HSU hosting a dancing event. Hispanic Heritage Month officially kicked off on September 15th beginning the celebration of Hispanic and Latino cultures that are represented here at Clarke. The university has been intentionally decorated to mark the beginning of such festivities

Founders Day Brings Clarke Community Together

On Monday, October 5th, 2026, Clarke celebrated Founders Day. Students, faculty, and staff came together to honor Clarke’s history. Founders Day celebrated the university's core values and recognized the legacy of Clarke’s original founder, Mary Frances Clarke. Everyone was seen enjoying cupcakes, taking photos, and celebrating together. The day offered the Clarke community a chance to reflect on where the university came from and the values that have continued to shape it fo

Benjamin Reiser

38 minutes ago

Clarke Cheerleading Embraces a New Beginning

For Clarke University’s cheerleading team, the 2026 season brings a new identity and a new challenge. After transitioning from a varsity sport to a club, the program is now working to rebuild its roster and return to competition. CU Spirit Squad at a home football game. Last year, the team had nine cheerleaders, one member short of the minimum of ten required to compete. As a result, Clarke cheerleading was unable to participate in competitions. With ten members, the team wou

Isaac Guerrero

Sep 29

Hispanic Student Union Sets Up Month Long Celebration for Hispanic Heritage Month

Clarke University’s Hispanic Student Union, headed by President of the club, Isa Rivas, has packed students’ calendars with a slew of exciting and enjoyable events throughout the month-long celebration. HSU hosting a dancing event. Hispanic Heritage Month officially kicked off on September 15th beginning the celebration of Hispanic and Latino cultures that are represented here at Clarke. The university has been intentionally decorated to mark the beginning of such festivities

Luz Del Rosario Kwiatkowski Pérez

Sep 25

What’s next for BMLS after Will Hudson’s Departure?

Over a period of time, Will Hudson served as the Associate Dean of Student Affairs & Director of Engagement at Clarke University, and has invested in the Dubuque Community School District for many years in multiple coaching roles, mentorship roles, and as a parent too. He was also the director of Intercultural Programs & Engagement for the Black Male Leadership Society (BMLS) here at Clarke University. Black Male Leadership Society after a meeting with Will BMLS provides sup

Crux Life

Isaac Guerrero

Sep 21

After California Trip: Women's Soccer Receiving National Votes

Clarke University Women’s Soccer is gaining attention after a strong 5-0-1 start to the 2026 season with two players earning Player of the Week already. Sophomore goalkeeper, Abigail Turley, was named the Heart of America Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Week, while freshman forward, Saydee Salcedo, earned Offensive Player of the Week honors on September 7th, 2026. Both players received these honors for the first time in their collegiate careers. Women's Soccer bef

Sports

Megan Slover

Sep 17

Strength in Numbers: Clarke Community Comes Together for Local Cause

On August 30th, 2026, Clarke Men's Volleyball and professors Chrissy Bartels and Sunil Malapati joined Project Rooted, a movement dedicated to providing fresh food to children in need, at the Boys and Girls Club for their annual Rooted Table event. This event brings together all members of the Dubuque community in not only celebration, but promotion of a better future. Volunteers from "The Rooted Table" Event Project Rooted was founded in Dubuque by co-owners Whitney Sanger

Crux Exterior

Jason Romero

Sep 14

OUR TEAM.

Benjamin Reiser

Editor-in-Chief

Benjamin is a communications and graphic design double major and a standout athlete on the volleyball team at Clarke University. As editor-in-chief of The Crux and Head of Social Media for Clarke Athletics, he excels in communication and leadership.

Benjamin's achievements go beyond sports and journalism. He was the 2022 national debating champion in Germany, won a Golden and Silver ADDY, the AAF Judges' Choice Award 2026, as well as being named Best Presenter at the NSAC Regional Competition in Kansas City in 2026, where Clarke placed 2nd overall.

His future plans include attending Germany's national journalistic school, aiming for a career in journalism or media hosting.

Luz Del Rosario Kwiatkowski Pérez

Editor-in-Chief Elect & Podcaster

Luz is a dedicated communications major with a Spanish minor and a member of the Women’s Basketball team at Clarke University. Currently in her junior year, she is making a strong impact both academically and athletically. She also took over the podcast together with Kaelyn.

Luz aspires to pursue a career in journalism, with the goal of becoming a news anchor. She started as a junior writer with The Crux and has now taken on the role of Editor-in-Chief Elect, looking to take over the lead of the newspaper in the following year.

Chrissy Bartels

Faculty-Sponsor

Chrissy Bartels is a professor of communication, specializing in media literacy and critical analysis. With a wealth of experience in the field, Chrissy is dedicated to equipping her students with the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate the ever-evolving media landscape.

With a background in filmmaking and a passion for storytelling, Chrissy brings a unique perspective to her teaching. Her expertise in researching, fact-checking, and storytelling allows her to guide her students in understanding the power and influence of media, as well as the ethical responsibilities that come with it.

Chrissy has developed innovative curricula and educational programs that emphasize the importance of critical thinking and media literacy. Her expertise extends beyond the classroom. Her research focus is violent women in film and the distinct societal effect they have on American audiences.

With her engaging teaching style and deep understanding of media literacy, Chrissy is dedicated to shaping the next generation of media-savvy communicators and filmmakers, empowering them to navigate the complex media landscape with confidence and critical thinking skills.

Paul Kurutsides

Staff Advisor

Paul is an award-winning photojournalist, and Clarke alum (Communications ’08). Previously, he has worked on the Clarke publications, Courier (2006-2008) and Catalyst (2008,) as well as almost eight years at the Telegraph Herald (2014-2022) in Dubuque, Iowa. With all this experience, Paul is the perfect fit for the position of staff advisor. He brings real world experience to the team, offering advice wherever need be.

CRUX ALUMNI.

since the new edition of The Crux in 2023

Harlee Makue-Vasconcellos

Senior Writer

Harlee Makue was a double major in Communications and Sports Management at Clarke University while also competing on the Softball team. During her time at Clarke, she was an active member of The Crux, where she contributed her passion for sports and storytelling to the publication.

Harlee brought her perspective as a student-athlete to The Crux, using her experience in athletics to help strengthen the publication’s sports coverage and develop her skills as a writer. Her involvement left a lasting impact on the publication and contributed to the collaborative spirit that continues to define The Crux.

Originally from Las Vegas, Harlee pursued her passion for sports with aspirations of building a career in sports reporting or sports management. Her time at Clarke and with The Crux provided valuable experience that helped prepare her for her career beyond college.

Laura Ruley

Managing Editor

Laura studied Digital Media Studies at Clarke University, where she combined her passion for design with an interest in the intersection of creativity and technology. During her time at Clarke, she served as Managing Editor of The Crux, playing an important role in shaping the publication and overseeing the design of its newsletter. Through her work with The Crux, Laura helped bring the publication’s stories to life visually and contributed to its continued development as a student-led publication.

Madelyn Patten

Podcast Project Manager

Maddie studied Communication at Clarke University with a minor in Sport Management and a focus on marketing. During her second year with The Crux, she took on the role of Podcast Project Manager, bringing her passion for storytelling to the publication’s growing podcast efforts.

Beyond The Crux, Maddie was actively involved across campus as co-president of the Communication Club and a peer tutor at the Academic Support Center. Her experience with Clarke’s Marketing Department also allowed her to further develop her analytical, creative, and communication skills.

Sophie Spicuzza

Senior Writer

Sophie studied English and Secondary Education at Clarke University, combining her lifelong passion for writing with her goal of becoming an educator. During her time at Clarke, she was a contributor to The Crux, where she brought her strong writing, analytical, and persuasive communication skills to the publication.

Beyond The Crux, Sophie was a member of the Women’s Soccer team, a tutor at the Academic Success Center, and part of the Scholars program. Her experiences both in the classroom and on the soccer field helped develop the work ethic, leadership, and communication skills that shaped her time at Clarke.

Dean Ormonde

Podcaster (Fall 2024)

Dean studied Communication at Clarke University after transferring to the university, where he discovered a passion for communication and storytelling. During his time at Clarke, he worked with The Crux as a podcast intern, helping contribute to the publication’s growing podcast efforts and developing his skills in audio storytelling.

Outside of The Crux, Dean was an active member of the Communication Club, serving on its board, and competed as a member of the Clarke Baseball team. His experiences on campus strengthened his communication, teamwork, and interpersonal skills while allowing him to pursue his outgoing and ambitious personality.

Tye Ojala

Senior Writer (Spring 2024)

Tye Ojala was a communications major in his senior year. He did an internship at the Crux in the spring semester 2024, solidifying his skills in journalistic work. The outside hitter was also captain of the Men's Volleyball Team. He aims to pursue a career in journalism after his time at Clarke.