Briar Cliff University Announces
2009 Valedictorian and Salutatorian

SIOUX CITY, Iowa – Briar Cliff University’s 2009 valedictorian Heidi Anthony and salutatorian David Stoos are not wasting any time pursuing their goals after they graduate from the University on Saturday, May 9.

With a major in elementary education, a minor in Spanish and endorsements in reading and Spanish, Anthony plans to teach elementary school in Northwest Iowa and later obtain a master’s degree.

“Ever since I was a child, I have wanted to be a teacher,” said Anthony, a Le Mars, Iowa, native. “My experiences at Briar Cliff, including classes, practicums and campus activities, confirmed my career path. As a tutor, I have seen the significant impact that teachers have on students,” she said.

During her time at Briar Cliff, Anthony has been active as president of the Education Club and a member of Bible study, Campus Ministry, BCCares and Catholic Daughters of the Americas. She has served on the Antioch Retreat and Confirmation Retreat teams at BCU. Anthony also went on two of the University’s mission trips to Honduras, where she worked alongside BCU students and staff to help impoverished villages there. Anthony serves as the youth choir organist for her parish St. James Catholic Church in Le Mars.

The 2009 valedictorian said that prioritizing her goals has helped her to succeed at Briar Cliff. “I also remained open and had faith that I was right where I needed to be,” she explained. “I fully believe that Briar Cliff prepared me well for my endeavors after I graduate.”

Anthony is the daughter of John and Deb Anthony of Le Mars. Her parents, along with her brother of Yankton, S.D., and her sister and two nieces of Aberdeen, S.D., will be at commencement.

Salutatorian David Stoos, a chemistry major who has a double minor in political science and history, will continue his studies in chemistry after he graduates from Briar Cliff.

“In August, I will attend the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where I will enter the Ph.D. program in chemistry,” said Stoos of Jefferson, S.D. “Eventually, I would like to teach chemistry at the college level or work in a federal agency.” 

Stoos said his future plans were shaped at Briar Cliff. “The chemistry department greatly influenced my career choice,” he explained. “We have excellent chemistry professors who treat students not as undergraduates but as colleagues. The lab is accessible to complete projects, which is not always the case at larger schools.”

During his time at BCU, Stoos was involved in the Briar Cliff Singers, Chamber Choir, College Republicans, Science Club, Student Government, Intramural Volleyball and the Liturgical Choir. He credits his success to hard work, good friends and a supportive family.

Stoos is the son of Jean and Kevin Stoos of Jefferson, S.D. His parents, along with his sister, two aunts and two uncles who live near Sioux City, will be at commencement.

Briar Cliff University is a Catholic institution with an enrollment of more than 1,100 students from 24 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 briarcliff.edu.