in memory of... - Briar Cliff University

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Dear Alumni and Friends
of Briar Cliff University,
Fall is always an exciting time on a college
campus. Briar Cliff University is no exception.
Even though faculty and staff were preparing
for the start of school for several weeks, the
real excitement began with move-in day.
New students spent Welcome Week getting
acquainted, developing an understanding of college life and being introduced to campus organizations. This
year, 260 first-year students enrolled at Briar Cliff resulting in a second consecutive year of record full-time
enrollment.
Once classes started, the pace only quickened. Our strategic plan emphasizes holistic education, recognizing
that learning occurs both inside and outside the classroom. This fall we hosted numerous events that broadened
the horizons of Briar Cliff students. Some of the highlights:
• Conducted Fall Academic Convocation (see page 3);
• Discussed in a symposium on 9/11 its effect on the economy, world and politics;
• Celebrated The Feast of St. Francis including a transitus ceremony and liturgy;
• Hosted a faculty debate on immigration;
• Presented the Sr. Muriel Ford Lecture by Sr. Janet Harris, a gang counselor from Los Angeles (see page 3);
• Heard about the dangers of binge drinking from Mrs. Patty Spady (see page 2);
• Honored Briar Cliff history with a pilgrimage to Mount St. Francis in Dubuque;
• Presented the Sr. Jordan Dahm Endowed Exhibition and Lecture in the Visual Arts by Christopher Cook;
• Sponsored an Antioch Retreat;
• Featured a reading by Iowa-born poet and essayist Tom Montag;
• Staged “Othello” by the BCU Theatre Department;
• Competed in a variety of athletic events;
• Presented a piano and voice students recital;
• Sponsored student life activities including movies, dances, comedians and karaoke;
• Welcomed Zev Kedem, a survivor of Auschwitz and member of “Schindler’s List,” for the Concert-
Lecture Series;
• Organized a Thanksgiving holiday mission trip to Honduras.
You are welcome to join us throughout the year as we celebrate the many dimensions of learning at Briar Cliff
University.
God’s blessings,
Beverly A. Wharton