SIOUX CITY, Iowa –Briar Cliff University’s Class of 2014 may have just begun their college journey, but they are quickly learning what it means to be part of a caring community. BCU freshmen recently completed their first service project by going door-to-door in the neighborhoods around BCU’s campus to collect donations for the Food Bank of Siouxland.

“I love doing service work, and participated in many service projects throughout high school, so it is exciting that BCU offers many opportunities to give back,” said Melanie Hofmeister, of Hampton, Minn. “Going into the neighborhoods not only helped freshmen to get to know the community, but it also helped us get to know each other a bit better, too.”

“The Food Drive gives our new students a chance to experience our spirit of service first-hand,” said Gil Ridenour, instructor of theology and campus minister. “It also shows the community that we are an integral part of service and caring right here in the Siouxland area.”

The Annual Freshmen Food Drive, which is sponsored by Briar Cliff’s Campus Ministry and BCCares, gathered over 3,100 pounds of canned goods and non-perishables. Briar Cliff’s campus-wide Franciscan theme for the 2010-11 academic year is “Connecting with Joyful Service.” 

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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