54 years later, thief makes amends

IOWA CITY — The mystery of a portable radio stolen 54 years ago from a Clarke College teacher's lounge may never be solved, but the anonymous thief has tried to make amends.

Clarke College President Sister Joanne Burrows said she received a letter last week from Chicago with a falsified address. In the letter, the writer admits taking the radio in 1955. Five $100 bills were included with the letter.

The writer recalls decades of shame for the theft from the Dubuque Catholic school. The writer asks for forgiveness, saying the money was to be used by current faculty.

Clarke College was an all-women's school in 1955.