Notable Alumni of the University of Dubuque: Leaders, Achievers, and Changemakers

Founded in 1852, the University of Dubuque (UD) has a rich history of nurturing individuals who have made significant contributions to their communities, professions, and the world. This Presbyterian university, rooted in liberal arts education, has fostered a diverse range of alumni who embody its mission of service, leadership, and innovation. This article highlights some of the University of Dubuque's notable alumni, showcasing their accomplishments and the impact they have had in various fields.

A Legacy of Leadership and Innovation

The University of Dubuque's journey began with the Rev. Adrian Van Vliet, who started tutoring students for the ministry. Formally named the German Theological School of the Northwest in 1864, the institution evolved over the years, expanding its curriculum and granting academic degrees. Key figures like President William O. Ruston and Cornelius M. Steffens played pivotal roles in reorganizing and relocating the campus. Steffens, during his presidency from 1908 to 1924, oversaw significant campus expansion and the introduction of co-education.

Throughout its history, the University of Dubuque has adapted to challenges, including the Great Depression and World War II, while continuing to provide educational opportunities. Under the leadership of presidents like Gaylord M. Couchman and Walter F. Peterson, the university modernized its campus and fostered ecumenical collaboration. Today, under the guidance of President Travis L. Frampton, the University of Dubuque continues to uphold its commitment to leadership, innovation, and service.

Alumni Honored for Their Contributions

The University of Dubuque acknowledges its distinguished alumni through annual awards ceremonies, recognizing their achievements in various fields. These awards celebrate alumni who have made a positive impact on their communities, on campus, and in their respective professions.

Rev. Cathy (Foster) Young: Alumna of Distinction

Rev. Cathy (Foster) Young, a 1989 graduate of the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary (UDTS), received the Alumna of Distinction Award for her outstanding contributions to ministry and community service. After earning a bachelor's degree from the University of Colorado, Cathy interned at First Presbyterian Church in Waterloo, Iowa, later serving as associate pastor and being ordained in 1990. She then became the senior pastor at Cedar Heights Presbyterian Church in Cedar Falls, Iowa, in 1997.

Cathy's impact extends beyond the pulpit. She co-founded the Family & Children's Council of Black Hawk County and the Waterloo Schools Foundation. She also chaired the W.B. Small Trust for two decades, providing scholarships to seminarians with Iowa connections. Cathy's journey to seminary was intertwined with her family life, balancing her studies with the responsibilities of being a wife and mother. Her dedication to education and ministry has left a lasting legacy in her community and at the University of Dubuque.

Capt. Christopher "Chris" D. Trone: Professional Achievement Award

Capt. Christopher "Chris" D. Trone, a 1979 aviation and flight management graduate, received the Professional Achievement Award for his successful career in aviation and his commitment to community service. Chris began flight lessons at age 16 and pursued his passion at UD, where he also participated in track, cross country, and wrestling.

After graduation, Chris worked as a flight instructor before embarking on a 35-year career at American Airlines. He started as a flight engineer and later flew the McDonnell Douglas MD-80 for nearly 29 years. Chris has also been actively involved in his community, coaching cross country and track at Rushville High School for over 30 years and contributing to the restoration of a local movie theater. He manages his local airport and serves on the school and hospital boards. Even in retirement, Chris remains engaged with UD's Department of Aviation.

Heather (Lange) Banner: Young Alumni Award

Heather (Lange) Banner, a 2014 marketing graduate, received the Young Alumni Award for her dedication to serving the military community. During her time at UD, Heather participated in cheerleading and various student organizations. After graduation, she worked in finance and the nonprofit sector.

Heather has volunteered extensively in the military community, serving as president of Operation Deploy Your Dress at Fort Cavazos and holding leadership roles on nonprofit boards. She has raised significant funds for scholarships and essential services for military families. Heather's impact has been felt both locally and globally, supporting military families worldwide.

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Claudette Carter-Thomas: Community Impact Award

Claudette Carter-Thomas, a 1978 social work graduate, received the Community Impact Award for her contributions to the Dubuque community. Claudette worked for Job Services of Iowa and the Department of Human Services before embarking on a 38-year career as a probation and parole officer.

Claudette has been deeply involved in the Dubuque community, helping establish the Dubuque Chapter of the NAACP and co-founding the Rock of Ages Missionary Baptist Church. She has also served on the YWCA Board and Hillcrest Family Services Board. Claudette enjoys participating in the arts and spending time with family and friends.

Jeremy Jensen: Community Impact Award

Jeremy Jensen, a 2015 criminal justice and 2018 communication graduate, received the Community Impact Award for his service in law enforcement and community initiatives. Jeremy has served the Dubuque community for over 29 years, joining the Dubuque Police Department in 1994.

As police chief, Jeremy has been involved in community initiatives, including emotional intelligence training for Dubuque police officers. He has also collaborated with UD on campus safety, providing training on brain health initiatives and emergency response. Jeremy is the liaison for all brain health needs and coordinates with the Dubuque Police Department, UD Cares Team, and UD students.

Dan W. Wilharm: Veterans Award for Distinguished Service

Dan W. Wilharm received the Veterans Award for Distinguished Service for his military career and his contributions to the University of Dubuque. Dan enlisted in the Iowa Army National Guard in 1972 and served in various leadership roles throughout his career.

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In 2005, Dan became a military instructor at the University of Dubuque, where he taught ROTC classes and helped develop future military leaders. He retired in 2022 but returned to UD as the liaison for the ROTC program. Dan has received numerous honors for his service.

Jon Davison: Distinguished Alumni Award

Jon Davison, a 1961 physical education graduate, received the Distinguished Alumni Award for his 40 years of service to UD as a coach and athletic director. As a student, Jon was a four-sport athlete.

In 1966, Jon began his coaching career at UD, serving as the head men's basketball coach for 27 years and holding various other coaching roles. He also served as athletic director for over 20 years. In 2009, UD dedicated the Jon Davison Court in Stoltz Sport Center.

Alumni Achievements Across Disciplines

The University of Dubuque boasts a diverse alumni network with notable figures in various fields:

Walter Soboleff: A Tlingit scholar, elder, and religious leader, Soboleff was the first Native Alaskan to become an ordained Presbyterian minister.
Solomon W. Butler: A track star who set national and world records, Butler competed in the Olympics and was one of the first black players in the National Football League and baseball's Negro National League.
Tony Danza: An actor and retired professional boxer, Danza is known for his roles in the television series Taxi and Who's the Boss?.
Suzanne (Luck) Preiss and Jack Preiss: Both graduated from the University of Dubuque in 1972. Together, they became owner/operators of nine McDonald's franchises.
Charmain Jackman: A Harvard-trained licensed psychologist with over 25 years of experience in the mental health field.
Louis Dettorre: Appointed the commissioner of the Arizona Department of Real Estate in 2021.
Heidi McGinness: Served and revitalized rural, suburban, and inner-city churches and assisted the South Sudanese Underground Railroad.
Alvin "Al" Straatmeyer: A full-time Presbyterian pastor for two decades and the researcher and writer of Child of the Church - University of Dubuque 1852-2008.
Craig Downing: A World War II paratrooper and superintendent of Forest City Community School District from 1965 to 1973 and Sigourney Community School District from 1973 to 1984.
Joe Chlapaty: Led ADS to become the country's largest producer of high-performance plastic polymer pipe.
Jay Harmon: Started his 32-year career at John Deere and purchased Day Star Jewelry.
Natalie (Baker) Finley: Co-founded a nonprofit organization called She Unites and named the director of marketing and development at Opening Doors - Dubuque.
Andre Lessears: Instrumental in establishing the Black Men's Coalition of Dubuque, Iowa.
John Shook: Held a variety of positions with the Federal Bureau of Prisons and served as head for the Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice at UD.
Linda (Hosch) Roach: Retired in 2006 with 24 years of service and an incredible 18 moves.

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