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The University of Dubuque Honors Six Alumni and Friends at Homecoming

By University Relations Staff

DUBUQUE, Iowa - The University of Dubuque recently recognized six outstanding alumni and friends for their achievements on campus, in their communities, and around the world during the 2025 Alumni Awards Ceremony on Saturday, October 4, 2025, in Babka Theatre, Heritage Center. Honorees were also celebrated at halftime of the Homecoming football game on Chalmers Field.

Alumni and friends honored were Joseph Chlapaty (C'68, DHL'98), Alumnus of Distinction Award; Jay Harmon (C'67), Professional Achievement Award; Natalie (Baker) Finley (C'11), Award of Merit; Andre Lessears (MBA'14), Service to Community Award; John Shook, associate professor emeritus of criminal justice, Volunteer Recognition Award; and Lieutenant Colonel USA (Retired) Linda (Hosch) Roach (C'83), Veterans Award for Distinguished Service.

Learn more about this year's award winners:

ALUMNUS OF DISTINCTION AWARD
Joseph Chlapaty (C'68, DHL'98)

Joe Chlapaty graduated cum laude from the University of Dubuque in 1968 with a degree in business administration. During his time at UD, Joe was a member of the Phi Omicron Fraternity and was on the football team. He was a residence hall advisor for two years. He also received The Wall Street Journal and UD Athletic Scholarship awards. Joe, a certified public accountant, earned a master of business administration degree from DePaul University in 1976. In recognition of his generous support and lifelong connection to UD, Joe was honored with a doctor of humane letters degree in 1998.

Joe's professional career began right after college when he accepted a position with Arthur Andersen and Company, an international accounting firm. In 1973, he joined Lindberg Corporation in Chicago and eventually was promoted to treasurer. In 1980, he joined Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc. (ADS) as the chief financial officer. In 1994, he was named president and became chief executive officer and chairman in 2004. Under his leadership, ADS became the country's largest producer of high-performance plastic polymer pipe and related products used in a variety of stormwater management and onsite waste treatment applications. In 2014, Joe led the effort to have ADS become a publicly owned company with its stock listed on the New York Stock Exchange. His strategic vision and business acumen left a lasting mark on the industry. He retired in 2017 and remains chairman emeritus for the Board of Directors.

Joe's endeavors and service extend far beyond the corporate world. Joe is a longtime supporter and serves on the board of KIPP Journey Academy, which is a free, open-enrollment public charter school in Columbus, Ohio. He also serves on the board of the Columbus Symphony Orchestra and Nationwide Children's Hospital. Joe has also been significantly involved with The Ohio State University, leading fundraising efforts for a new comprehensive research center and state-of-the-art hospital. In recognition of his work with Ohio State, in 2023 he received the Reese Medal Award given annually for philanthropic leadership. Joe also served on the Columbus Foundation Board and was recognized for his leadership and fundraising efforts by being awarded the Sayer Award in 2019.

Education remains a central focus of Joe's volunteer work. He serves on the Board of Trustees at Marietta College in Marietta, Ohio, where his son, Keith, graduated in 1997. Joe previously served on the board from 1999 to 2006 and rejoined in 2023 to help guide the college's long-term strategic planning. In 2010, Marietta College awarded him an honorary doctorate of laws degree in recognition of his contributions.

Joe has left a lasting legacy at the University of Dubuque through his commitment to the institution's Mission. He joined the UD Board of Trustees in 1992 and served as board chair from 2002 to 2024. He continues to serve as chair emeritus and is an active member of the Executive, Finance, and Investment committees. His leadership has been instrumental in guiding the University through periods of growth and transformation. Joe's generosity and vision have enhanced student opportunities and strengthened the institution for future generations. In recognition of their contributions, Joe and his wife, Linda (HON'23), were named the University of Dubuque's Second Century Founders in 2019 and are also members of the UD Heritage Society.

Joe and Linda reside in Dublin, Ohio, and have four children, Brent, Bryan, Keith, and Kevin. In their spare time, Joe and Linda enjoy traveling and spending time with their family and seven grandchildren.

PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Jay Harmon (C'67)

Jay Harmon graduated from the University of Dubuque in 1967 with a degree in business administration. While on campus, Jay stayed involved with being a two-year member of both the football and basketball teams and a four-year member of the baseball team. Along with athletics, Jay was named class president during his sophomore and junior years. He also served as the Phi Omicron Fraternity president during his senior year. After graduating, Jay continued his academic career by earning his master of business administration from the University of Northern Iowa in 1973.

In 1967, Jay started his 32-year career at John Deere in Waterloo, Iowa. At the time of his retirement in 1999, he was serving as the manager of logistics, where he would oversee production control, purchasing, transportation, receiving, storage, and material handling, which are all critical components of the company's supply chain.

During his time at John Deere, Jay also set out on another business venture by purchasing Day Star Jewelry in Waterloo, Iowa. He was the president and owner until he sold the business in 2007. After his time at John Deere, Jay worked as a materials management consultant until 2003, when he became the business manager for Thermal-Tech Systems in West Chicago, Illinois, where he is still employed today.

Along with his successful career, Jay found the time to volunteer and stay involved within his community. He spent 30 years as the chairman of the finance committee for the Westminster Presbyterian Church in Waterloo, Iowa. He also served as an elder, a trustee, and a Sunday School teacher. In 1982, Jay helped lead a citizens' effort to control the contents of the Black Hawk County Landfill, which eventually resulted in a vote for the city to acquire the ownership of the landfill. Over the years he enjoyed coaching his children in multiple sports during their elementary years and stayed involved with various sports programs at West High Community School District. His contributions to his community have been recognized with honors such as induction into the Optimist International Hall of Fame and the Waterloo West High School Athletic Hall of Fame. Currently, Jay serves as the director of his condo association.

Believing in the value of education, Jay established an endowed scholarship in honor of his late wife, Karolyn "Dee" (Gull) Harmon, which is now given annually to a UD nursing student. Jay is always proud to represent UD, and you will often see him wearing Spartan attire, especially when traveling.

Jay and Karolyn were married in 1967 and together raised four children, Niki, Anne, David, and Nathan. Jay is a proud grandfather to nine grandchildren and continues to cherish the lifelong friendships formed during his time at UD.

AWARD OF MERIT
Natalie (Baker) Finley (C'11)

Natalie (Baker) Finley graduated from the University of Dubuque in 2011 with a degree in business administration and a minor in marketing. While at UD, Natalie was an engaged member of the campus community as a student-athlete and held an on-campus work-study position. She was a four-year member of the women's soccer team, where she ranks in the Top 10 in 15 different categories, including first in career wins. She was named All-Conference for two years and helped her team to the 2009 IIAC Tournament Championship and the NCAA Division III Tournament.

Natalie has held roles in various industries, which have allowed her to gain experience in marketing, communication, and brand development. She established Nat Finley Photography in 2017, where she was able to combine her love for storytelling with her creative eye. Her work has been featured in local publications and community events. She is known for her warm, approachable style and ability to make clients feel at ease.

In 2021, just four years after establishing her photography business, Natalie co-founded a nonprofit organization called She Unites. This was created to empower and connect women through social engagement, service, and community-building opportunities. As executive director, she has grown the organization into a thriving network of women who support one another personally and professionally. Three years later, in 2024, Natalie was named the director of marketing and development at Opening Doors - Dubuque, a nonprofit that provides shelter and support to women and children experiencing homelessness and poverty. In this role, she leads strategic marketing initiatives, manages donor relations, and amplifies the voices of those served by the organization.

Today, Natalie actively serves in all three capacities, seamlessly blending her talents as a photographer, nonprofit leader, and marketing professional. Her work reflects a deep commitment to leadership, compassion, and service, making a lasting impact in Dubuque and beyond.

Outside of her professional endeavors, Natalie is a devoted wife and mother. She and her husband, Clay Finley, have been married for nearly 12 years and live in Dubuque, Iowa, with their two sons, Jocko and Floyd. As a family, they enjoy spending time outdoors and staying active by hiking, biking, and exploring the Mississippi River. They are also active volunteers in their community, participating in local clean-up efforts, school events, and nonprofit initiatives.

SERVICE TO COMMUNITY AWARD
Andre Lessears ((MBA'14)

Andre Lessears earned his master of business administration degree from the University of Dubuque in 2014. Before studying at UD, he earned his bachelor's degree with a major in history from Walsh University. In 2024, Andre began the journey to earn his executive doctorate in healthcare leadership from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and is set to graduate in 2027.

Before enrolling as a student at UD, Andre served the University as the director of multicultural affairs, where he established and advised a multicultural council and aided in campus-wide programming. Nearly 15 years later, in 2022, Andre returned to UD as an adjunct instructor in the master's program, which he is still active with today.

Andre has held directorial roles and has found success within those industries. At Cleveland Clinic Akron General in Akron, Ohio, where he served as the director of diversity and inclusion, he was instrumental in securing funding for a COVID-19 testing site in disadvantaged communities and contributed to the hospital's designation as an Autism Friendly Hospital. He is now serving as the vice president of organizational and leadership development at Regions Bank in Birmingham, Alabama.

Outside of his professional life, Andre has served and volunteered his time in service to the communities around him. Andre was instrumental in establishing the Black Men's Coalition of Dubuque, Iowa, in 2008, an organization dedicated to bringing men together across the city, facilitating dialogue with civic leaders, and launching early mentoring initiatives that connected Black male role models with students. He has also served on numerous boards and committees, including Dubuque Works, the March of Dimes of Eastern Iowa, Tri-State Human Resources Association, the Dubuque Area Chamber Minority Business Advisory Board, Project HOPE Advisory Committee, Iowa Workforce Development Board, and the Dubuque Area YMCA/YWCA Youth and Family Advisory Committee. He is a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. He has been a featured speaker at events such as the Ohio NAACP Conference, Ohio Diversity and Leadership Conference, Black Male Summit, Urban League Young Professionals, and the Civic Leadership Institute. His contributions were also highlighted in the publication co-curated by UD Professor of History Brian Hallstoos, titled Ahead of the Curve: The First Century of African American Experiences at the University of Dubuque.

Andre's leadership and advocacy have earned him national recognition, including being named a Top 100 Chief Diversity Officer by the National Diversity Council, the 2023 Most Inclusive Leader of the Year by Corporate Learning Network, and the recipient of the 2024 Diversity and Inclusion Award from the Birmingham Business Journal. He was also recognized as a Top DEI Leader for 2024 by ProvenBase and honored by the National Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials.

Andre and his wife, Ericka Lessears (MBA'14), currently live in Helena, Alabama. Together they have five children, Andre, Zoe, Erik, Alyssa, and Mackenzie.

VOLUNTEER RECOGNITION AWARD
John Shook, Associate Professor Emeritus of Criminal Justice

John Shook joined the University of Dubuque in 2014. Prior to time at UD, John earned his bachelor's degree in administration of justice from Pennsylvania State University and a master of public administration from The Ohio State University.

After graduating, John began his career with the Federal Bureau of Prisons as a correctional officer. During his 29-year career, he held a variety of positions of increasing responsibility at nine different duty stations, with his last position being associate warden at the United States Penitentiary in Leavenworth, Kansas. During this time, John became involved with higher education, serving as an adjunct instructor for various universities.

Following his career with the Federal Bureau of Prisons, John held the position of assistant professor and department chair of criminal justice administration at Waldorf College from 2011 to 2014 and was selected as the Alpha Chi Professor of the Year for 2014. He began as an assistant professor for criminal justice at the University of Dubuque in 2014 and was later awarded the position of associate professor. He served as head for the Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice for nearly seven years. While at UD, John received a variety of accolades, including Faculty of the Year (2020-2021) and the Wendt Center Faculty Character Advancement Award (2022-2023). He was recognized by the University of Dubuque Army Reserve Officers Training Corps (2022-2023) as Supporter of the Year for his support to the cadets and the ROTC program. Upon retirement in spring 2023, he was honored to be appointed as associate professor emeritus of criminal justice.

Even in retirement, John continues to serve the Mission through his volunteer work at the University of Dubuque's Wolter Woods and Prairies Environmental Stewardship and Retreat Center. He dedicates more than 20 hours a week during the growing season, securing grants, coordinating volunteers, and managing food distribution partnerships. In 2024, the donation garden he helped establish produced over 1,700 pounds of fresh vegetables for local nonprofit organizations. John shares his horticultural knowledge with students and visitors, fostering a deeper appreciation for sustainability and community engagement.

John also helps UD students by offering resume reviews, participating in mock interviews, and providing mentorship and job preparation support. His commitment to student development extends beyond the classroom, helping graduates transition successfully into careers in criminal justice and public service. He also continues to support community corrections in Iowa, serving on both the Eastern Advisory Board and the regional board for the First Judicial District, where he has held the role of chairperson. His leadership and advocacy contribute to the ongoing improvement of correctional practices and community reintegration efforts.

John and his wife, Ellen Sandberg-Shook, reside in Dubuque, Iowa. They have two children who are both UD alumni, Nora (Shook) Marturano (MM'20) and Amy Shook (C'17). The couple enjoys spending time with their grandson, Reid.

VETERANS AWARD FOR DISTINGUISHED SERVICE
Lieutenant Colonel USA (Retired) Linda (Hosch) Roach (C'83)

Lieutenant Colonel USA (Retired) Linda (Hosch) Roach began her military career in 1981 when she joined the University of Dubuque's Army ROTC program. She graduated in 1983 with a degree in aviation administration, earning cum laude honors, an Army scholarship, and the Governor of Iowa's Outstanding Cadet Award. She was commissioned as an aviation officer in the Regular Army and graduated as a Distinguished Military Graduate. Linda went on to attend the Army Aviation Initial Entry Rotary Wing Course and trained as a UH-1 helicopter pilot.

Her first assignment took her to Schwaebisch Hall, Germany, where she served in leadership roles including training officer, company executive officer, and battalion security and intelligence officer. While stationed there, she met her husband, Bryan, and they married in 1987. After five years on active duty, Linda transferred to the U.S. Army Reserves, serving with a battalion at NAS Dallas and later with the Individual Ready Reserve. During this time, she continued her education through Basic and Advanced Officer Training, Safety Officer School, and the Command and General Staff College, while also collaborating with the Joint Task Force Counter-Drug Unit in El Paso, Texas.

Linda's final eight years were dedicated to teaching at the Army Command and General Staff College, preparing future officers for leadership. She retired in 2006 with 24 years of service and an incredible 18 moves. Throughout her career, she had the privilege of serving alongside some of the Army's first female helicopter pilots, helping pave the way for future generations of women in military aviation.

Beyond her military service, Linda has remained consistently engaged in the communities where she lived, with a special focus on supporting military families during deployments. She continues to embody the spirit of service through active involvement at St. Paul's Catholic Church in Horseshoe Bay, Texas, where she co-chairs the Christmas Bag Project benefiting local families in need. She is also a member of the Star Republican Women, volunteers with the Horseshoe Bay Mahjong Committee to raise funds for charities, and leads one of two book clubs in which she participates. Linda was also active with the PTA, youth programs, and troop leadership as a Girl Scout leader for her daughter and a Cub Scout supporter for her son.

Linda and Bryan, a retired Army Colonel, reside in Horseshoe Bay, Texas. They have three children, Alysia, Carsen, and Elisabeth. The family enjoys traveling as much as possible. Bryan and Linda recently returned from cruise to Greenland and Iceland, and they have plans to visit Machu Picchu during summer 2026 with lifelong Army friends.