Briar Cliff University’s Valedictorian and Salutatorian

SIOUX CITY, Iowa – Briar Cliff University’s 2008 valedictorian, Angela Olerich, and salutatorian, Leah Hildebrand, aren’t wasting any time getting on with their lives after graduation from BCU on Saturday, May 17, 2008.

With a Bachelor of Science in biology and chemistry minor, Olerich plans to pursue medical school after graduation.

“I recently decided that my goal for the future is to attend medical school,” Olerich said. “I am enrolled in the College of Human Sciences at Iowa State University for fall.  As of right now, I am leaning towards orthopedic surgery or oncology as my primary area of interest.”

During her time at Briar Cliff, Olerich has been active on campus, serving as a resident advisor (RA) of the first year Leadership Floor, president of the Student Alumni Association and a member of Campus Ministry. She also has participated in the Sister Muriel Ford Circle of Mentors for Women, Intramurals and work-study.

The 2008 BCU valedictorian feels 16 years of Catholic education and the close-knit community of Briar Cliff are keys to her success.  “It’s nice to know you always have someone to support you and that faculty and staff care deeply about your development as a young adult,” she explained.  “I fully believe that Briar Cliff has prepared me well for my endeavors following graduation.”

Olerich is the daughter of Denny and Sharon Olerich of Caroll, Iowa. Her parents will be traveling to graduation from their hometown of Carroll, Iowa. Olerich’s brother, Michael, will arrive from Minneapolis, Minn.; and her sister, Michelle, will travel from Dubuque, Iowa to attend the graduation.

Salutatorian Leah Hildebrand, a political science major, will spend the summer working at KTIV as a camera operator and will travel to South Korea in August to teach English.  

“BCU has helped me gain the knowledge I need to be successful and now I’m looking forward to helping others by teaching them to speak English. I chose South Korea because I have always loved Asian cultures,” she said.  “While in Korea, I’m hoping to learn their language and train to eventually work for the U.S. State Department.”

During her time at BCU, Hildebrand focused on her studies and used every opportunity to make the most of her academic experience. She credits the one-on-one attention she received from Briar Cliff faculty as one of the reasons for her success at the university.

“I loved how my professors made me think for myself rather than repeat their own thoughts or concepts,” remarked Hildebrand. “It gave me the opportunity to grow as a person and become a free-thinker.”

Hildebrand is the daughter of Molly Hildebrand of Sioux City. Her mother and grandmother, Leah Hardy, will attend the commencement ceremony 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.