February 24, 2010

BCU Hosts Conference for Young Women

SIOUX CITY, Iowa – More than 300 eighth grade girls from public and parochial schools in Siouxland attended the 20^th Annual Young Women Investigating Science and Mathematics (WINGS) Conference held recently at Briar Cliff University. Hosted by BCU, the annual WINGS event emphasizes non-traditional careers for women in mathematics, science and technology.

The keynote speaker was Dr. Ann Garvey, public health veterinarian for the State of Iowa. The event also featured Anne Michael Langguth, who is Miss Iowa, and Alicia Sanders, health educator for the Siouxland District Health Department. Kristie VerMulm, content manager and news anchor at KTIV News Channel 4, served as emcee for the event.

“Over the years, WINGS has had a positive influence on the lives of thousands of young women in Siouxland,” said event coordinator Jayna Woolridge, director of TRIO Upward Bound and Educational Talent Search.

WINGS is co-sponsored by Briar Cliff University, Morningside College, St. Luke’s College, Western Iowa Tech Community College, Terra International, Great West Casualty Company and the American Association of University Women’s local chapter. WINGS was founded in 1990 by the late Sister Michelle Nemmers, OSF, who formerly taught mathematics at Briar Cliff. For more information, please contact Woolridge at 712-279-5599.

Briar Cliff University is a Catholic institution with an enrollment of more than 1,100 students from 28 states. 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.

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