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Alumni

Alumni Events Continue Their Successful Streak

  • 23 April 2018

Bowling Tournament

Members and friends of the College community made the eighth annual Alumni Bowling Tournament on Jan. 27 a roaring success. Players donned creative costumes reflecting the bowling themed team names and filled the 12-lane alley at Scorz Sports Center in Ralston, Neb.

Each team bowled three games, and an awards presentation was held at the end of the evening. For eight years and running, “OMG (Oh My Gutter) II: The Sequel” were the Last Place Champions Team. Alumnae Joan Blum (’81, ’86, ’01), Mary Dishman (’85, ’91, ’09), Kassie McKenny (’07) and Renee Ruhkamp (’09), bowled a total combined score of 964. Members credit their lower-than-normal score to Dishman, who scored six points in the first three frames of game one. Runner-up for last place champions was awarded to “Pinguins,” consisting of Joann Acierno (’07), Daniel Aksamit, Sarah Flanagan and Rachel Pfeifer.

The tournament’s top rivaling teams battled to earn the Grand Champion Team award. In the end, the “High Rollers” with Erin (‘13) and Brandon (’06, ’13) Jordan and Rachel (’04, ’12) and Clark (‘06, ‘13) Thompson snagged the top placement with their combined total score of 1,715. The arch-rival “Strikeologists” team, consisting of captian Carla Dirkschneider (’07) and her teammates Nancy Beaner, Mike Dirkschneider and Matt Anderson, settled for runner-up with a final toal combined score of 1,592.

Registrar Natalie Vrbka received the Highest Individual Women’s Score award, bowling a combined score of 381. Brandon Jordan took the Highest Individual Men’s Score award, bowling a combined score of 584.

Earning the Best Team Name award was “Ebowla” with Luke Sieburg, Sharon Eden, Lori Bachle and Jeri List. For the second year in a row, Vrbka’s team took first place for Best Team Costume. “Spare Ribs” consisted of Student Services members Bailey Jorgensen, Becky Kemper, Vrbka and Brooke Clements.

First-time team members Colleen Nielson (’89), her husband Dave, Tami Hansen (’89) and Steve Stang (’89) competed as “Split Happens.” The group wore emoji hats and carried bedpans along with other toiletry items.

The annual tournament would not be possible without the assistance of Alumni Association Board members and Administrative Assistant Jean Delfs. A sincere thank you is extended to the event volunteers, organizers and supporters.

Decorated Table Trivia

Scrabble, lumberjacks, pirates, Cat in the Hat characters, chocolate factory workers and a scene straight out of Oz filled Howard Hall during the Decorated Table Trivia held Saturday, March 3. The unique annual event challenges participants to be the best and brightest at both creative decorating and trivia.

Alumnae, staff, family and friends enjoyed the well-executed tables scattered throughout the room. Alumna Susan Bristol (’78) brought sweet scenes to life with her “I Love Lucy Chocolate Factory” table theme. The decorated table displayed Lucille Ball’s candy factory nightmare and featured chocolates, line workers and hints of red as a nod to the show. Jen Anderson (’10) incorporated the high seas and buried treasure into her table theme, “We Aarrrgh Clarkson [College].” The table was transformed into a pirate ship, including a ship mast, maps, flags and a treasure chest with jewels. The love of trivia games was evident from Rita VanFleet (’67, ‘94, ’06) and her guests, who were dressed as game pieces at the “Scrabble” table. Carla Dirkschneider (’07) and guests at the “Cat in the Hat” entered the world of Dr. Seuss and included Thing 1 and Thing 2. Hosted by Carrie Sunderman (‘11), members of the “Trivia Choppers” wore beards and flannel to complete the table’s lumberjack vibe. The “Quizzard of Oz” brought wit to the movie and trivia event, earning Admissions Director Ken Zeiger this year’s Best Decorated Table award. The elaborate tablescape and costumes highlighted the famed yellow brick road, Emerald City and the film’s cast members.

Clarkson College Associate Professor and alumna Trish Weber (’95, ’08, ’11) served as the emcee during the seven rounds of trivia. Organizers changed the trivia categories this year, and each table enjoyed the challenge as they battled to earn the highest trivia score. The “Scrabble” team answered the most questions correctly and were awarded Starbucks gift cards.

Donations from this event help the Alumni Association support current students. The Alumni Association extends thanks to the event participants and trivia judges Clarkson College Controller Megan Wickless-Mulder and Health and Safety Coordinator Sharon Mantz for helping to make this event a success.

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