Clarkson College celebrates our values and their historical significance each September. Spirit Week is an enduring tradition that recalls the vision of our founders, Bishop Robert H. and Meliora Clarkson. Each day of Spirit Week is themed to highlight one of our five Values with exciting events organized by our College community members.
Join the fun on social media by following and using #CCErastour. Let’s celebrate our history and Values together with a week full of fun, fashion, and fantastic memories!
In 2024, we're thrilled to take you on a journey through the eras of Clarkson College! This year's Spirit Week promises a nostalgic and fun-filled exploration of our rich history. Here’s a sneak peek at what’s in store:
The Clarkson College Value of Integrity is a direct reflection of the life of our namesake, Bishop Robert H. Clarkson. A memorial published in the Omaha World-Herald on March 11, 1884, included, “With what heedlessness of self; with what buoyancy of spirit; with what resolute patience, despite great discouragements; with what abundant, trying, exhausting labors he has gone on and carried on the work none know, or ever will know, who were not admitted to his inmost heart. He has built fifty churches. He has carried to success his two schools.” The fruits of his labor “are the love that now makes so many men and women he has helped to a better life, rise up and call him blessed.”
Start Spirit Week off with a free cup of coffee. Baristas will be in the lobby of the main building and on the second floor of the Clarkson Commons and Education Center.
Students, Faculty, and Stuff: Showcase your Clarkson College spirit and artistic abilities during the College-wide Spirit Week banner contest. Click here for the banner contest instructions.
All entries will be displayed on campus during Spirit Week Sept. 23–27.
Enjoy free entertainment and lunch in the Courtyard.The annual student and employee banner contest entries will be revealed, too! Learn more about how you can submit your team's banner artwork and/or vote for your favorites here.
Staff, faculty, and students will welcome friends, family, and the public campus. Take a tour, see interactive learning areas, and check out student spaces including suite-style living.
“Most students will recount Dr. Perry’s effective use of “warm fuzzies” and “nuggets,” her infectious optimism for life, and her passion for the nursing profession.” These words from Clarkson College alumni Dave Fuller encapsulate the Value of Caring and aptly describe Dr. Patricia Book Perry. She dedicated nearly 60 years of her life to nursing, education and Clarkson College. It was her vision and leadership that put the College at the forefront of developing a distance teaching program that evolved into what is known today as online education. During her time at Clarkson College, Dr. Pat Perry was recognized nationally as a highly respected educator and professional by her colleagues and students.
Sign up to volunteer to show your Clarkson College pride during Day of Caring. Join Clarkson College at the Nebraska Humane Society to create enrichment toys for the animals. We are very excited to expand into the animal community of Omaha. Participants will meet in the lobby of the main building to carpool to the site. Sign up here.
Indulge in fluffy pancakes, savory sausages, and a variety of delicious toppings from The Pancake Man. Don't miss out on free seconds!
Grab your kids or invite your friends to play a fun round or two of Music Bingo! We’ll meet in the courtyard and compete for prizes. Complimentary snacks included! Be sure to bring your blankets and chairs to have a good outdoor time! Sign up here!
No telling of the history of Clarkson College is complete without mentioning the petite and spunky Minerva Ryley. She was a fixture on campus from her graduation in 1898 all the way into the 1960s when she attended ceremonies and events, all while sporting her original nurse’s uniform complete with cap and Maltese Cross badge. Her legacy of Excellence was cemented in 1910 when she established the Bishop Clarkson Memorial School of Nursing Alumnae Association and began a tradition of dedication to graduates of the institution. Minerva’s passion for nursing and caring for others was apparent to everyone who met her. Her vivacious personality and dedication to education made her an excellent role model for students and her fellow health care professionals.
All students, faculty, and staff are invited to join the Clarkson College Wellness Committee to help keep our campus and neighborhood beautiful! Participants should meet in the lobby of the main campus building. Register Here.
Play games, win prizes, and explore different facets of wellness (physical, mental, spiritual, and financial) at our annual Wellness Fair. One-mile wellness walks depart from the Fair once every 30 minutes. Plus, the return of the dunk tank! See you in the Courtyard.
To volunteer to help at the Wellness Fair, sign up here!
Stop by the lobby of the main building and enjoy an ice cream sundae bar. All students and employees are invited.
While the vision of establishing a training school for nurses emanated from Bishop Clarkson, it was his widow Meliora Clarkson who worked with the Episcopal church deaconesses to bring his dream to reality. Through their Commitment, Nebraska's first nurse training school was established in 1888. The Bishop Clarkson Memorial School of Nursing soon earned a reputation for graduating skilled, professional nurses who distinguished themselves in their careers. Now 136 years later, Clarkson College continues to draw inspiration from this hard work and commitment. Mrs. Clarkson's dedication to caring for those in need lives on in every employee, student, and graduate and is an inspiration to future generations of community members.
On this day of Commitment, the Clarkson College community pauses to reflect on the efforts and lives of alumni, students, faculty, and staff honored with the addition of commemorative bricks in the Clarkson Service League Heritage Garden. A new sculpture honoring the late Mr. Bruce Lauritzen, College benefactor and direct descendant of our founders, will be dedicated. The ceremony will also include the crowning of the 2024 Mr. and Ms. Clarkson.
If you would like to purchase a brick that will be presented at the Heritage Garden, get your orders in by August 31st.
The annual Legacy Series Lunch features a zoom panel of Clarkson College alumni who will share experiences on their transition from school to career. Bring your hunger for knowledge to Classroom 308 or Sign up on Zoom.
Abelardo’s Mexican Fresh will be available for in-person attendees.
All alumni, faculty, staff, and students are invited to mingle at the Blackstone Social Speakeasy establishment in the Blackstone neighborhood. The first round of drinks for alumni is complimentary! Must be 21 or older to participate.
With a lifetime of Learning and years of service as a unit nurse at Clarkson Hospital, Dr. Aubray Orduña changed careers in 1979 and joined the faculty of Clarkson College as a Nursing instructor. In 1989, she returned to the hospital, eventually rising to the role of Director of Evaluation and Case Management. Finally, in 2000, Dr. Orduña was offered the opportunity to serve the College as the Director of Diversity Services. She oversaw the Gateway to Success Scholarship program part-time and returned to teaching. She served as the director of the Practical Nursing program, became the Dean of Nursing, and served as College President before retiring in 2021. Her passion for teaching students has inspired generations of nurses and educators. She continues to serve Clarkson College as a member of the Board.
Join us for an enriching Continuing Education Event focused on "Mental Wellbeing in Healthcare and Education." This event is designed to provide healthcare and education professionals with the latest insights and strategies to support mental health within their fields.
Future, current and retired health care professionals are invited to attend this CEU event. Click here to register.
Clarkson College alumni are invited to join us at The Farnam, a beautiful new hotel in downtown Omaha, for this annual celebration. The classes of 1964, 1974, 1984, 1994, 1989, 2004, 2009, 2014 and 2019 will be recognized. We will also be celebrating 40 years since our BSN accreditation, 25 years since our first ATA trip, and several awards winner.
This year, we will be highlighting our five Clarkson College values (Learning, Caring, Commitment, Integrity, and Excellence) and their connection to five influential Clarkson College servant leaders: Bishop Clarkson, Meliora Clarkson, Minerva Ryley, Dr. Patricia Perry, and Dr. Aubray Orduña. These remarkable individuals made monumental steps towards the bright future that is Clarkson College today.
Clarkson College will sponsor a limited number of seats for Classes of 1974 (not including guests). RSVP as soon as possible to secure your spot. Reservations accepted online through August 28. The cost to attend is $50. All proceeds to go the Alumni Endowed Scholarship. Click here to RSVP.
Clarkson College alumni are invited to join us on the campus to enjoy a time of memories and stories from 1974. This event is free to attend and will be held in our ILC with complimentary brunch. We hope you will join us for a groovy time, all alumni are welcome. Click here to RSVP.
The Clarkson College Value of Caring will be highlighted throughout Spirit Week. Donations will be collected for an on-campus pantry, set to open during this academic year, where food and clothing will be provided to students in need. The goal of this inaugural donation drive is to stock the pantry with non-perishable food itmes and grocery store gift cards. Donations may be dropped off at the front desk in the main building or placed in bins located across campus.
Students and employees who donate 10 items or a minimum $10 donation will earn a free Spirit Week t-shirt! Click this link to donate online.
Limited quantities available! While supplies last!
