Briar Cliff University Commencement
Saturday the Ninth of May
Two Thousand and Twenty-Six Ten O’Clock in the Morning
Orpheum Theatre
Sioux City, Iowa
2026 Commencement
A Portrait of the Class of 2026
This year's graduating class is a true reflection of our university's broad reach and vibrant diversity. Our graduates are united by a shared pursuit of knowledge, yet they bring with them a world of perspectives and experiences preparing them to make a meaningful impact wherever their journeys may lead.
220
Degrees Conferred
GEOGRAPHIC REACH
25 U.S. States Represented
7 Countries Beyond the U.S.
33 Distinct Majors & Programs
From across Iowa. 93 graduates hail from 45 different Iowa communities, including 39 from Sioux City a testament to our deep roots in the region and our ongoing commitment to serving students from across the state.
From across the country. Graduates come from 25 states plus American Samoa including California, Minnesota, Colorado, Oregon, Illinois, Arizona, Washington, New York, Montana, Hawaii, and the great state of Iowa.
From around the world. This class includes graduates from seven countries beyond the United States: the United Kingdom, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, France, Thailand, and Costa Rica.
ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT
10
62
Degrees being awarded today span the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Bachelor of Social Work, Doctor of Physical Therapy, Doctor of Nursing Practice, Master of Arts in Management, Master of Science in Nursing, Master of Healthcare Administration, and a specialized post-master's certificate. Nearly three in ten graduates are receiving a graduate-level degree.
More than a third of bachelor's degree recipients earn Latin honors 31 summa cum laude, 10 magna cum laude, and 15 cum laude and 15 graduates earned a perfect 4.0 grade point average.
MISSION & SERVICE
97 Service Cord Recipients
94 Student-Athletes
15 Athletic Teams
75 Future Healthcare Professionals
A class of servant-leaders. Nearly half of those crossing the stage will wear a service cord recognizing significant contributions to our community and to others.
A class of scholar-athletes. More than 40 percent of this class competed for Briar Cliff across 15 different teams football, baseball, softball, soccer, basketball, volleyball, wrestling, golf, track and field, cross country, and esports.
A class of healers, teachers, and builders. 75 graduates today will enter healthcare professions as physical therapists, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, healthcare administrators, and radiologic and respiratory care technologists. Many others will enter classrooms as teachers, businesses as leaders, and communities as social workers and counselors.
“Start by doing what is necessary, then what is possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible.”
Saint Francis of Assisi
Briar Cliff University Commencement Ceremony
Processional
National Anthem ............................................................................................................................................... Addison L. Butler
Invocation
Sister Kathy Knipper, OSF, Ed.D. President of the Sisters of St. Francis
Greetings from the President ........................................................................................................... Matthew Draud, Ph.D. President
Student Speakers ......................................................................................................... Ryann Coughlin and Kristen Santos
Presentation of Awards Matthew Draud, Ph.D. President
Briar Cliff Medal ............................................................................................................................................... Debi Durham
Presidential Distinguished Leadership Award Nick Roth Spirit of St. Francis Award ....................................................................................................................Heidi Oligmueller
Presentation of Degree Candidates ...................................................................................................................... Ford Clark Assistant Professor of Sports Information
Conferral of Degrees Matthew Draud, Ph.D. President Steve Stouffer Briar Cliff University Board Chair
President’s Remarks ............................................................................................................................. Matthew Draud, Ph.D. President
Briar Cliff Hymn ............................................................................................................................................................ Cliff Singers
Final Blessing ........................................................................................................................................................... Michael Horka Director of Campus Ministry
Recessional
Karron Leigh Cohoon Forest Lake, MN
Ashlynn Elisabeth Brant Glidden, IA
Jordan Brolin Sioux Falls, SD
Megan Jean Burghart Burlington, CO
Kylea Ann Fehr Terril, IA
Cade Steven Fuller Dike, IA
Taylor Jo Grabowski Cairo, NE
Caden William Ideker Harford, SD
Candidates for Doctor of Nursing Practice Degree
Christopher Lee Jacobs Sioux City, IA
Assumpta Ogbedeagu Covington, GA
Candidates for Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree
Clifford William Johnson Lake Andes, SD
Jami King Klamath Falls, OR
Vanessa Angel Kotek Faribault, MN
Evelina Krie Hartington, NE
Alisha Marie Leber Vermillion, SD
Emilee Leiting Sioux City, IA
Nahum Noble Luse Sioux City, IA
Jacob P. Christianson Glencoe, MN
Liam Edward Tier Brandso New Zealand
Cory Joseph Carignan Arvada, CO
Connor Durdan Grand Ridge, IL
Krysta Lynn Prior Yankton, SD
Heather Lynn Maier Gayville, SD
Gabriella Brianna Faye Meyer Wayne, NE
Olivia Jean Petersen Harlan, IA
Zachary Douglas Reicks Petersburg, NE
Mattilynn Reiner Tripp, SD
Keegan Barnet Ruskamp Wisner, NE
Tiana Lee Ikeisha Schroeder Epiphany, SD
Clayton Shoemaker North Loup, NE
Lydia Joy Sussner Mivnneota, MN
Jacob Daniel Valdez Sierra Vista, AZ
Tate Michael Van Beek Irene, SD
Trey Sebastian Wodke Cedar Rapids, IA
Tayler Nicole Wolfs Oxford, IA
Candidates for Master of Health Administration Degree
Victoria Dawn Johnson Carroll, IA
Amanda Kay Plathe Milford, IA
Candidates for Master of Arts in Management Degree
Eric Enlow Sioux City, IA
Cyler Melvin Tea, SD
David Martin Jr Wasco, CA
Mallie McNair Imperial, NE
Jack Thomas Moehrke Sioux City, IA
Yan Rosado Sioux City, IA
Rafaela Oliveira Da Silva Dois Córregos- São Paulo, Brazil
Brett Christopher Sitzmann Sioux City, IA
Jordan Lynn Bauer Correctionville, IA
McKenzie Lynn Best Sioux City, IA
Deynty Yudy Cruz Sioux City, IA
Miranda C. Dingus Sioux Falls, SD
Amber Emde Omaha, NE
Sara Ann Baxter Panora, IA
Filimaua Silotoa Afatia
American Samoa Pago Pago, AS Elementary Education
Andrea Alcaraz Sioux City, IA Psychology, Behavior Analysis
Kaylee Angerman Lawton, IA Accounting Cum Laude
Thavichakree Arunmala Kathu/Phuket, Thailand Business Administration
Jackson Drew Balmer Everett, WA Secondary Education
Avery Renee Beller Sioux City, IA Elementary Education
Phillip Benjamin Moore, OK Criminal Justice
Raymond Lane Boosinger Castle Rock, CO Accounting, Business Administration Magna Cum Laude
Keyuon Brinkman Sioux City, IA Business Administration
Addison L. Butler
Elk Point, SD Elementary Education Summa Cum Laude
Candidates for Master of Science in Nursing Degree
Nicole Lee Fisher West Point, NE
Alexis Catherine Gatewood Humboldt, IA
Paityn Karen Hagberg Moville, IA
Tyler Hoogendoorn Sioux City, IA
Stephanie Lynne Ienn Sioux City, IA
Rachel Lynn Langel Le Mars, IA
Clarissa Marie Leinbaugh Spencer, IA
Catherine Elizabeth Leonard Atlantic, IA
Candidate for Post Masters Certificate in Nursing
Candidates for Bachelor of Arts Degree
Karina Calles
Sioux City, IA
Business Administration Cum Laude
Kyle John Capece Omaha, NE
Business Administration, Sports Management Magna Cum Laude
Domenic Charles Ciani Westminster, CO K-12 Education: Physical Education
Ryann Lynn Coughlin Clive, IA Behavior Analysis, Psychology Summa Cum Laude
Brittany Ann Dawson Blue Grass, IA Accounting Summa Cum Laude
Baylee James Egan Bellevue, NE Sports Management Cum Laude
Audrey Elena Evola Alton, IL History, Secondary Education Summa Cum Laude
Kael Wyatt Forsyth Winterset, IA Secondary Education
Addison R. Frisch Kuna, ID Business Administration
Jarrod L. Gilliam Jr Tulsa, OK Accounting
Warrick Green Jr Nashville, TN Sports Management
Maurice E. Handcox Walla Walla, WA Criminal Justice
Jaida Lee Hansen Saint Cloud, MN Psychology Summa Cum Laude
Emily Jean Harden Winnebago, NE Multidisciplinary, Psychology, Sociology
Maria Elizabeth Harris Sioux City, IA Behavior Analysis, Psychology
Kylie Alice Hart Floodwood, MN Accounting, Business Administration Summa Cum Laude
Jesse Hastings
Mount Vernon, SD Multidisciplinary, Business Administration, Sports Management
Alexa Hurtado
South Sioux City, NE Behavior Analysis, Psychology
Heather Leah Martin Storm Lake, IA
Kelsey Martinmaas Sioux Falls, SD
Ashley Marie Mefferd Clear Lake, IA
Abby P. Petersen Moville, IA
Meredith Rose Illg Emmetsburg, IA
Business Administration, Marketing
Alexander Johnson Maidstone, England
Business Administration, International Business
Nathan Michael Karnes
South Sioux City, NE Business Administration
Nora Anna Kastning Elk Point, SD
Elementary Education, Secondary Education Summa Cum Laude
Je-Han King Huntsville, AL
Business Administration, International Business
Perry J. King Brookings, SD History
Logan Nicholas Kraegel Omaha, NE
Business Administration, Finance Cum Laude
Kaylee Elizabeth Lafferty Glendale, AZ
Business Administration Magna Cum Laude
James Alandies Lillard III
Sioux City, IA
History, Secondary Education Magna Cum Laude
Candidates for Bachelor of Arts Degree
Jessica Lopez-Walker Sioux City, IA
Psychology
Annette Christine Lord Sioux City, IA
History
Clayton Luett Underwood, IA
K-12 Education: Physical Education
William Matthew Lugar Cherokee, IA Accounting, Finance
Alan Yahir Macias-Macias South Sioux City, NE Accounting
Ondine Manceau Nantes, France International Business, Business Administration
Cade Kenneth Marquardt Litchfield, MN
Business Administration, Sports Management Cum Laude
Carl-Andy Michel Naples, FL
Business Administration, Marketing
Chayce Allen Montagne North Sioux City, SD Sports Management
John Lawrence Nelson Mission Hill, SD Business Administration Summa Cum Laude
Zakia Abdalla Adam Sioux City, IA Respiratory Therapy
Caitlin Rose Anderholm Hermiston, OR Environmental Science
Cum Laude
Kaleb Banez Yuba City, CA
Human Performance and Management
Aliyah Basham Exeland, WI
Biology Cum Laude
Connor Neubeck Marshall, MN
Business Administration, Marketing
Harrison Thomas Nissen Kingsley, IA Magna Cum Laude
Oscar Perez
Sioux City, IA Business Administration
Zakary Rachow
Chula Vista, CA Business Administration, Marketing
Valeria Ramirez Sioux City, IA
Business Administration
Jonathan William Reed Fort Collins, CO
Sports Management
Colin Rhynalds
North Bend, NE
Business Administration
Danté Rigal
Johnson City, NY
Business Administration
Cole Stephen Ritchie
Sioux City, IA
Sports Management
Kellyn Rogers Andover, KS
Sports Management, Marketing
Maria Russell Remsen, IA
Elementary Education Cum Laude
Emilio Salceda Espinosa Puebla, Mexico International Business, Marketing
Kylie Morgan Sanger Windsor, CO Elementary Education Summa Cum Laude
Jenna Rose Santos Sioux City, IA Accounting, Business Administration Summa Cum Laude
Kristen Michelle Santos Sioux City, IA Elementary Education Magna Cum Laude
Brock Saya Johnstown, CO Business Administration, Sports Management Summa Cum Laude
Damon L. Schmid Kingsley, IA Business Administration, Sports Management
Gordon James Seppala Forestburg, SD Business Administration
Candidates for Bachelor of Science Degree
Chelsey Ann Bieret Wall Lake, IA Kinesiology Summa Cum Laude
Chase Garner Lee Brown Hughes Springs, TX Human Performance
Wesley Brown Council Bluffs, IA Computer Science
Alfonso J. Díaz Borbón San Jose, Costa Rica Computer Science
Carleigh Alyceson Eurek Kearney, NE Radiologic Technology
Evan C. Fuchs Lincoln, NE Human Performance
Karis Celeen Gifford Lincoln, NE Radiologic Technology Summa Cum Laude
Madison Marie Goosmann Merrill, IA Environmental Science
Halbast K. Hariri Covington, WA Computer Science, Business Administration
Brandon Gregory Harris Lu Verne, IA Human Performance
Gabriel Shepherd Broken Arrow, OK Accounting, Business Administration
Blake Sindelar Howells, NE Business Administration
Finlay Skilling Bedford, England Behavior Analysis, Psychology Summa Cum Laude
Justice Christian Weers Neola, IA K-12 Education: Physical Education Summa Cum Laude
Cayden Werner Marshall, MN Graphic Design, Mass Communications
Arya Jane West Fremont, NE Accounting, Business Administration
Amy Lynn Westhoff Sioux City, IA Business Administration, Marketing
Jalyn Suzann Yakey Rockford, IL Business Administration, International Business
Hailey Elexis Yon Forest Grove, OR Business Administration
Taylor Hofer Port Orange, SD Biology
Hannah Hoglund St. Michael, MN Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry
Sarah Eloise Jones Frodsham, Cheshire, UK
Human Performance
Magna Cum Laude
Kaydence Cheyenne Kinder Suisun City, CA Radiologic Technology
Jesse Kofi Koranteng London, England
Computer Science
Brandon Kron Lawton, IA Computer Science
Kenadee Christine Loew Carroll, IA Kinesiology Summa Cum Laude
Timothy Grant Luse Sioux City, IA Biology Cum Laude
Timothy McCarthy Council Bluffs, IA Human Performance and Management, Psychology
Candidates for Bachelor of Science Degree
Lyndsey Marie McGowan Missoula, MT Human Performance
Raenan Ramiro Padilla Patagonia, AZ Kinesiology
Maximilliano Marcos Rascon Jr Stockton, CA Kinesiology
Montgomerie Rose Richter Spirit Lake, IA Biology
Sydney Faye Robbins Billings, MT Biology
Carter Schorg Remsen, IA Computer Science
Jordyn Elizabeth Schulte Westside, IA Kinesiology
Olivia Jane Sorlie Canton, SD Kinesiology Summa Cum Laude
Johnny Michael Bauser Lincoln, CA
Iwalani Pomaika’i Beltran O’ahu, HI
Elyssa Kimberly Collins Scribner, NE
Sydney Mckenna Ebel Woodstock, Ontario Cum Laude
Leanne Gaul Hull, IA
Elizabeth Ann Greene Omaha, NE
Jennifer Marie Guevara Sioux City, IA Summa Cum Laude
Elizabeth Benton Sioux City, IA
Adryan Cole Bruce
Missouri Valley, IA Magna Cum Laude
Kimberly Christine Chilton Sioux City, IA
Rose LaShanda Aliece Davis Chicago, IL
Cherray E. Forehand Hempstead, NY
Caleb St Cyr Omaha, NE
Kinesiology Summa Cum Laude
Malina Olivia Weerts Santo Rosa, CA Kinesiology, Behavior Analysis, Psychology Cum Laude
Steven Christian Whiting II Lodi, CA
Environmental Science, History Cum Laude
Candidates for Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree
Anne Catherine Hamm Estherville, IA Summa Cum Laude
Mrs. Amy Lynn Johnson Sioux City, IA Summa Cum Laude
Makenna Kleinhesselink Sheldon, IA Cum Laude
Christy Lynn Lee Tea, SD Summa Cum Laude
Abby Ryann Matney Ankeny, IA Summa Cum Laude
Lindsay Metcalf Spencer, IA
Shawn Patrick O’Hern Sioux City, IA
Barbara J. Parker Ringsted, IA Magna Cum Laude
Brittni Necole Perry Sioux City, IA Summa Cum Laude
Noah Christopher Porter Sioux City, IA Summa Cum Laude
Brenna Rogers Bronson, Iowa
Kerri Jean Ruby Sioux City, IA
Victoria Rae Schneiders Sioux City, IA
Candidates for Bachelor of Social Work Degree
Anjelica Emilia Elaina Gallardo Westminster, CO
Haley Helen Gruis
Sioux City, IA Criminal Justice
Allyson Jo Hirst
Sioux City, IA Summa Cum Laude
Sarah Elaine Jensen San Diego, CA
Sabrina Catherine Kaiser Fordyce, NE
Maliah Kleinhesselink Sheldon, IA Summa Cum Laude
Alisa Komolthiti Amelia, OH
Angelina Lopez Gardena, CA
Melissa Means Murray, IA Summa Cum Laude
Kanoelani Kamakea Shadron Clackamas, OR
Halle Marie Simons Carroll, IA Summa Cum Laude
Isabella Maegan Smith Mendon, MI
Vivian Nicole Walker Red Oak, IA Summa Cum Laude
Sydney Grace Woods Gretna, NE Magna Cum Laude
Ella An Zierott Murdock, NE
Miranda Lynn Niemeyer Hartley, IA Summa Cum Laude
Taylor Raeanne Niemeier Sioux City, IA
Serenity Putnam George, IA
Amanda Marie Stanley Falling Waters, WV
Stephanie Williams-Lewis Uniondale, NY
The history of academic costume goes back to the medieval universities of Europe, when gowns were everyday attire, providing distinction and warmth during long hours of study in poorly heated buildings. Because most early university graduates entered the clergy, undoubtedly there was a relationship between academic and ecclesiastical garb.
On American campuses today, academic regalia are seen only at commencements, founders’ days, convocations, dedications and inaugural ceremonies. In 1895, an Academic Costume Code was established and since adopted by most colleges and universities. When the Code is followed, it is possible to identify the degree which the wearer holds, the college or university and course of study.
The bachelor’s and master’s gowns are plain black cotton and no trim. The doctor’s gown has black or colored velvet on the front with three bars of the same material on the sleeves. The bachelor’s gown has long open sleeves, master’s has longer closed sleeves with arm slits at the elbow and doctor’s has bell-shaped sleeves extending to the wrist.
The hoods are distinguished by both length and color. The bachelor’s hood is three feet, master’s is three and one-half feet and the doctor’s hood is four feet. The velvet edging on the hoods is wider for higher degrees and indicates the subject area to which the degree pertains. In addition to the colored edging, the hood lining is the official color or colors of the institution that awarded the degree. The hood is worn in such a way that a large part of the lining is visible.
The colors and their respective academic disciplines are: pink-music; white-arts, letters and humanities; yellow-science; red-theology; dark blue-philosophy; brown-fine arts; sage-physical education; citron-social science; light blue-education; purple-law; copper-economics; lemon-library science; silver grayspeech and oratory; apricot-nursing; drab-commerce, accounting and business; orange-engineering; crimson-journalism; green-medicine; peacock bluepublic administration; salmon pink-public health; ink blue-occupational therapy; teal-physical therapy.
The black mortarboard cap with tassel is worn with each type of gown. Those holding the doctorate wear gold tassels, while bachelor’s and master’s degree holders wear a black tassel. In recent years, a colored tassel is worn symbolizing, like the hood, the subject area in which the wearers have taken their degree.
In nearly every academic procession, some regalia do not conform to these standards. For example, gold braid may be added to the gowns worn by academic administrators. Most faculties include a few members who hold degrees from foreign universities with very colorful regalia.
Honors Criteria and Recognition
Summa cum laude means “with highest honor.”
Magna cum laude means “with great honor.”
Cum laude means “with honor.”
Students graduating summa cum laude had a cumulative grade point average of 3.90 to 4.00.
Students graduating magna cum laude had a cumulative grade point average of 3.80 to 3.89.
Students graduating cum laude had a cumulative grade point average of 3.70 to 3.79.
The President will honor students graduating summa cum laude with a gold cord upon the receipt of their diplomas. Students graduating magna cum laude may wear a blue and white cord, and students graduating cum laude may wear a white cord.
Students wearing other colored cords belong to honor societies within their disciplines. Veterans and students who serve in the military will be wearing red, white and blue cords to honor them for their service to our country. Emeriti faculty of the University wear a special cord as part of their academic regalia.
Keeping in the spirit of valuing service, Briar Cliff University is honoring students who went beyond the minimum graduation requirement of 80 hours of service. Students who completed 100 hours of service or more will be wearing our silver Franciscan Service honor cord.
Medals or pins of distinction are worn by the valedictorian and salutatorian of the undergraduate class, Presidential Scholars, Bishop’s Scholars, and those students graduating from the University Honors Program.
This commencement program does not constitute an official record of students who have completed degree requirements.
University Awards
Presidential Distinguished Leadership Award
The Presidential Distinguished Leadership Award was established by the Briar Cliff University administration in 1981. This award is given to recognize distinguished service to the University that has resulted in significant achievement and advancement of the Briar Cliff philosophy, goals and programs. Ordinarily, this award will recognize individuals who have made recent and outstanding contributions to the University.
William F. Turner (1982)
Bernard B. Marks (1983)
Sister Margaret Wick (1984)
William E. Rodawig (1985)
Henry J. Boettcher (1986)
Merl and Alta Baxter (1987)
Louis F. DiGiovanni (1987)
M. Kathleen Damme (1988)
Leo and Lila Frommelt (1989)
Dr. Frederick J. Lohr (1990)
Sister Loyola Meuret (1991)
Sister Joanice Theobald (1992)
Kenneth V. Baldwin (1992)
William H. Eberle (1993)
Sister Margaret Clare Dreckman (1994)
Raymond V. Mitchell, Jr. (1995)
Briar Cliff University Medal
Monsignor Frank Brady (1996)
Dr. Donald Meis (1996)
Sister Michelle Nemmers (1996)
Mary Ann Lonergan (1997)
Ray Nacke (1997)
Lila Frommelt (1999)
Eldon and Regina Roth (2000)
Sister Edith Gottsacker (2002)
John and Eileen Doherty (2003)
Jeff Baldus (2004)
Katherine Kelly (2005)
Verna Welte (2005)
John and Karen Gleeson (2006)
Steven Freeman (2007)
Dr. Steven Meyer (2008)
Vali Sorathia (2009)
Michael L. Bennett (2010)
George P. Frangedakis (Posthumous) (2011)
Daniel P. Neary (2011)
Dr. Robert Olson (2012)
Dr. Carolyn J. Leman (2013)
Diocese of Sioux City (2015)
Chuck Harstad (2016)
Dr. Gerald and Sheryl McGowan (2020)
Ray Cole (2021)
Sterling (2022)
Patricia Currans-Sheehan, Ph.D. (2023)
Reverend Father John Vakulskas (posthumous) (2024)
Dale Roder (2025)
The Briar Cliff Medal was established by the Briar Cliff University Board of Trustees in 1973. This award is given to recognize human service by persons who have made great contributions to Briar Cliff or individuals whose contributions to education, religion or government have been significant.
Bishop Joseph Mueller (1974)
Sister Matilda Adams (1975)
Kenneth Jernigan (1976)
Dr. Mildred Jefferson (1977)
Charles J. Bensman (1978)
Walter T. and Helen Mahoney (1978)
Adolph and Golda Toller (1978)
Burke and Ursula Noonan (1978)
Arthur Sanford (1979)
Dr. Kenneth and Dorothy Keane (1980)
Sister Camillus Mescher (1981)
Theresa D. Meis (1982)
Sister Jordan Dahm (1983)
Robert V. Williams (1984)
Joseph M. Gantz (1985)
Sister Margaret Clare Dreckman (1986)
Marilyn Murphy (1986)
Sister Margaret Wick (1987)
Dr. George G. Spellman (1987)
Lawrence and Rosina Hoesing (1987)
Stanley W. Evans (1988)
Paul W. Olson (1989)
Spirit of Saint Francis Award
Kathryn Graham (1990)
Leo Kucinski (1990)
William C. and Eleanore C. Metz (1991)
Elmer S. Swenson (1992)
Margaret Ann Everist (1993)
Helen Jane and Robert E. Gleeson (1994)
Fred and Martha Davenport (1995)
Robert R. and Constance E. Hansen (1996)
Michael and Beverly Moeller (1997)
Larry and Sharon Walsh (1997)
Irma P. Hall (1998)
Joseph and Elizabeth Kellen (1999)
Jack and Gail Bernstein (2000)
Roger and Rosemary Clausen (2002)
David P. Bernstein (2003)
Irving F. Jensen, Jr. (2003)
Marvin Kline (2003)
Jack and Barbara Aalfs (2004)
Richard Doyle (2005)
Archbishop Daniel N. DiNardo (2006)
Marilyn Christiansen (2008)
Jane Shey (2009)
James M., Do (posthumous), and Charese E. Yanney (2010)
H.F. ‘Gus’ and Lillian Schroeder (2011)
Bailey and Kathy Aalfs (2012)
Diane K. Werth, M.D. (2013)
Allan S. Manalan, M.D. (2013)
Leonard Gill (2014)
Ginny Peterson (2015)
Jim and Jameley Levich (2016)
Regina Roth (2017)
Sisters of Saint Francis of Dubuque, Iowa (2018)
Margaret M. Dolan, M.D. (2019)
Bev and Jim Wharton (2020)
Dr. Herbert J. Kuehne (posthumous) and Rosemary B. Kuehne (2021)
Steven M. Freeman (2022)
Most Reverend R. Walker Nickless, D.D. (2023)
Dr. Joseph and Sheila Liewer (2024)
Awards Criteria and Previous Recipients
The Spirit of Saint Francis Award was established by the Briar Cliff University administration in 2006. This award honors individuals who exemplify the Franciscan spirit of service and concern for others through contributions to society and a value-centered professional and/or family life.
Reverend Robert Condon (2006)
Glenda Castleberry (2007)
Judith Lynch Welu (2008)
Audra Cole (2009)
Sister M. Arnold Staudt, OSF (2010)
Patricia Bortscheller (2011)
Rose Chicoine (2012)
Richard H. Schrad (2013)
Sisters of Saint Francis of Dubuque, Iowa (2014)
Marian Pesky (2015)
Todd Barry (2016)
Robert Olson, Ph.D. (2018)
Ronald R. Schultz (2019)
Sister Shirley Fineran, OSF (2020)
Sister Janet May (2021)
Nurses of MercyOne Siouxland Medical Center; Unity Point Health – St. Luke’s (2022)
Deidre Engel (2023)
Larry Obermeyer (2024)
Kent Lovern (2025)
Honorary Doctoral Degree
Honorary Doctoral Degree
The Honorary Doctoral Degree was established by the Board of Trustees in 1982. The award is given in recognition of outstanding service to the University or the community; for high personal distinction; for achieving a position of eminence in a chosen field; and/or, for stimulating the academic community by the person’s presence, pronouncements, past or future work. Generally, the award is given in the area of “laws” or “humane letters.” The three categories for which accomplishments may be recognized include: academic achievement, artistic achievement or eleemosynary.
Bishop Frank H. Greteman (1983)
Governor Robert D. Ray (1983)
Reverend Theodore M. Hesburgh (1986)
Donald R. Keough (1987)
William T. Dible (1988)
Monsignor J.E. Tolan (1989)
Richard J. Doyle (1991)
Steve Stouffer, Chair
Lisa Bertrand, J.D., Vice Chair
Gail Bernstein (1987)
Steve DeVoe
Steve Freeman (1965)
Ada Stidworthy Westover (1992)
Myrtle Elizabeth Keller (1993)
Bishop Lawrence D. Soens (1994)
Dr. Frederick M. Stark (1995)
Elie Wiesel (1996)
Jody Williams (1998)
Anna J. Mkapa (1999)
Board of Trustees
Terry Friedman (1975)
Timm Funk (1977)
Sandra Harper
Greg Hoffman
Sister Renae Hohensee, O.S.F. (2007)
Matthew Draud, Ph.D. President
Sister Helen Prejean (1999)
Frank McCourt (1999)
William Metz (2000)
Most Reverend Daniel N. DiNardo (2000)
Sister Jordan Dahm (2000)
Governor Kim Reynolds (2018)
Darrell Jesse, J.D.
Sister Cathy Katoski, O.S.F., D.Min. (1969)
Most Reverend John E. Keehner
Sister Kathy Knipper, O.S.F., Ed.D.
Jennifer Letch
University Leadership
John Robertson Vice President, Finance
Brian Peterson
Provost & Vice President, Academic & Student Affairs
Music Acknowledgements
Rick Darrow, organ
Suzie Fischer Vice President, Administration
Sherri Taylor
Interim Vice President, Advancement
Floyd Valley Brass Quintet Cliff Singers
Dan Moore, J.D.
Thomas Padgett
Jane Shey (1979)
Ben Sitzmann (2012)
San Damiano Crucifix
When Saint Francis (1182-1226) was searching for the purpose of his life, he entered the church of San Damiano a small church in disrepair outside Assisi, Italy. When Francis prayed before a crucifix painted on wood, he heard Christ telling him to rebuild His Church. He took fine cloth from his father’s store, sold it and used the money to restore the Church of San Damiano. He also begged for most of the materials needed to rebuild the church. From this point on, Francis devoted himself completely to God and continued to provide spiritual leadership and witness of service throughout his life. The Church of San Damiano later served as the home of Saint Clare. The San Damiano Crucifix, preserved in the Church of Santa Chiara, is a 12th- century Icon representing the living God. The Crucifix, which reflects the death, resurrection and ascension into glory, expresses the total and universal Paschal Mystery of Christ. It invites us to a personal encounter with the sacred, transfigured Christ and to a life of faith and action in the manner of Saint Francis and Saint Clare.
The central figure of this Icon is Christ, standing upright, not nailed, but alive with His eyes open. His arms are outstretched in a gesture of love and an invitation to faith as Savior of the world and eternal. Behind His
outstretched arms is His empty tomb, represented as a black rectangle. The Ascension is portrayed within a circle of red at the top of the crucifix. Christ is holding a golden cross, His royal scepter, and wearing gold, a symbol of royalty and victory. The right hand of God the Father is extended, welcoming the Son into divine fullness. Below the arms of Jesus are witnesses to the Crucifixion. Mary, Jesus’ mother, John, the Apostle, Mary Magdalene and Mary Clopas, mother of James, and a centurion.
Also depicted are Longinus, the Roman soldier who pierced Jesus’ side, and Stephen, the soldier who offered Jesus a sponge soaked in vinegar wine. At the bottom of the Icon are six unknown saints who some suggest are Saints Damian, Rufinus, Michael, John the Baptist, Peter and Paul, all patrons of Churches in the Assisi area. Saint Damian was the Patron of the Church in which Francis prayed before the Crucifix. Saint Rufinus was the Patron Saint of Assisi. Two groups of angels are also included. As he knelt before the Crucifix of San Damiano, Francis prayed: “Most High, glorious God, enlighten the darkness of my heart, and give me true faith, certain hope, and perfect charity, sense and knowledge, Lord, that I may carry out Your holy and true command.”
Our Insignia
The Briar Cliff University insignia, as seen on the cover, depicts values important to Briar Cliff University. The cross proclaims that we are a Christian university, dedicated to the love that gave all. The wavy lines indicate the location of the University in Siouxland, with the Missouri River as the western boundary. In the impressionistic eagle, the sign of the Sioux tribes who were a part of this area, we see strength and reaching for the heights. Mater Gratiae, Mother of Grace, proclaims Mary, Mother of the Savior, as patroness of Briar Cliff under her title of “Lady of Grace.” Caritas, love, is the Franciscan call to the two great commands: love God with all your power; love your neighbor as yourself. The star speaks of striving upward for knowledge and wisdom.
Briar Cliff Hymn
“Gloria
Dei et Mater Gratiae”
Our Mission
Briar Cliff University is a community committed to higher education within a liberal arts and Catholic perspective. In the Franciscan tradition of service, caring and openness to all, Briar Cliff emphasizes quality education for its students, combining a broad intellectual background with career development. The University challenges its members to grow in self- awareness and in their relationships to others and to God.
Our Vision
Briar Cliff University is the lifelong learning place preparing ethical world changers.
Our Values
Building a Caring Community
Connecting with Joyful Service
Reverencing Creation Peacemaking
3303 REBECCA STREET • SIOUX CITY, IA 51104
Briar Cliff University