Clarke College Gets $500 and a 55-year-old Apology

By Katie Wiedemann, Reporter

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By Katie Wiedemann

Story Created: Nov 25, 2009 at 6:07 PM CST

Story Updated: Nov 25, 2009 at 6:07 PM CST

Dubuque - A former Clarke College Student is trying to make things right, 55 years later. An anonymous person recently sent the Dubuque College a five hundred dollar cash donation, along with an apology.
As students and staff at Clarke College prepare the campus for the holiday season, they're learning of a strange, yet heartwarming story.
Late last week, a hand-written letter showed up in the school's mailbox.
The author wrote, "About 55 years ago I was involved in the theft of a portable radio from teacher's lounge on the ground floor of your main building."
Clarke's Communication Director Mike Cyze says that theft happened in 1954 when Clarke was an all-female college and the radio was considered high-tech.

Cyze said, "At that time I assume the radio was a primary communication vehicle and an entertaining piece of equipment."

The writer of letter asked the college for forgiveness, and enclosed five crisp one hundred dollar bills.

Cyze said, "We hope that this person, whoever they may be knows that they are forgiven and certainly we appreciate the generosity of the gift."

Cyze says it doesn't matter who sent the letter and the money, as long as that person feels the 55 year old weight is off their shoulders.
Cyze said, "I think the really refreshing part is it goes to prove that you can right a wrong at any point, no matter how long ago it happened."

A lesson of giving and forgiving; just in time for the holidays.
As the person who wrote the letter requested, the college says it will use the five hundred dollars on something for the faculty and staff.
They are not sure yet, exactly what that will be.

Next Article Dubuque Group Pushes Prayer at Council Meetings

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