Iowa Females You Should Know: Sister Catherine Dunn
Who she is
Catherine Dunn, president emerita of Clarke University (formerly Clarke College) in Dubuque, is a Catholic nun who has distinguished herself in the areas of religion, education, business and government. On Sept. 29, she will be honored at organization 50-50 in 2020’s annual Equity for Women fundraiser. As president emerita, Dunn continues to work for Clarke as major gift officer in the university’s development office.
Where she’s been
Dunn was just 111 days into her tenure as president at Clarke when a May 17, 1984, fire destroyed three campus buildings. She oversaw the rebuilding and subsequent growth in the school’s enrollment, programs and facilities. In recognition of her leadership, she was awarded silver and bronze medals by the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education.
Earning her undergraduate and graduate degrees from Arizona State University, Dunn has honorary degrees from Clarke, Loras College, Mount S. Clare College, St. Ambrose University and the University of Dubuque. She also received the Who’s Who Among Outstanding Women Executives award. Dunn served on several boards including the Washington, D.C.-based boards of directors for the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education, and the Council of Independent Colleges.
As a woman religious in the Roman Catholic Church, in 2005 Dunn received the Vatican’s Papal Medal for her outstanding service to the church and education community.
Why you should know her
In her role as Clarke president, a position she left in 2006, Dunn was also recognized as a leader in both local and statewide civic projects.
Appointed to the Iowa Transportation Commission in 1989, in 1994 she became the first woman to chair the commission, leading the group for six of the 12 years she served. In 2000 she received a special Governor’s Volunteer Award for her service to the Department of Transportation.
Dunn “is an inspiration for everyone, but particularly for young women who at times may feel their options are limited,” said 50-50 in 2020 co-founder Maggie Tinsman, a former Iowa state senator from the Davenport/Bettendorf area. “She used her leadership abilities at every opportunity to make positive differences in the lives of people from many walks of life.”
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