Briar Cliff University Announces Baccalaureate, Commencement Ceremonies

SIOUX CITY, Iowa – Briar Cliff University announces Baccalaureate Mass and commencement ceremonies.

Briar Cliff University’s Baccalaureate Mass will take place on Friday, May 16 at 6 p.m. at the Cathedral of the Epiphany, 10^th and Douglas Streets in Sioux City.

BCU officials expect to confer 234 degrees during the university’s 77^th commencement exercises at 10 a.m., Saturday, May 17, 2008, at the Orpheum Theatre, 528 Pierce Street  in Sioux City.

At BCU’s commencement exercise, William T. Mangan, Ph.D., vice president for academic affairs, will present the 2008 degree candidates.  Beverly A. Wharton, president, will confer the degrees and deliver the charge to graduates.

In addition to receiving their diplomas, graduates will be given San Damiano crucifixes as symbols of their unique educational experiences at Briar Cliff – a Catholic Franciscan university.  Special honorary awards also will be given during the commencement ceremony, including the Presidential Distinguished Leadership Award, the Briar Cliff Medal and the Spirit of Saint Francis Award.

Motorists in Sioux City should note that Pierce Street between Fifth and Sixth Streets will be closed from 7 a.m. through 3 p.m. for Briar Cliff’s commencement on Saturday.

Briar Cliff University is a Catholic institution with an enrollment of more than 1,100 students from 26 states and four countries.  Students are educated in the Franciscan tradition of excellence in the liberal arts and career preparation in an environment of care and compassion. For more information, please visit www.briarcliff.edu