Cliff Stories List

In this 1930 testimonial, you will learn more about Johanna Vaske as an elementary education major from Bancroft, NE who graduated in the class of '20.

Johanna Vaske

In this 1930 testimonial, you will read about how facing challenges head-on is the name of Peyton Coffin's game. Coffin is a psychology major from Salem, IA, who graduated in '20.

Peyton Coffin

In this 1930 testimonial, we read about, Rachel Knuston Kobold, a Graphic Design student who graduated in the class of '20. Rachel is no stranger to working hard for what she wants.

Rachel Knutston Kobold

Teresa Guzman's story is a 1930 testimonial all about woman empowerment and mental health. A social work major who will graduate in 22', Teresa is a local student who grew up in Sioux City.

Teresa Guzman

In this 1930 testimonial, read Danielle Ullmann from Pierre, SD's story about how as a nurse she is determined to make an impact on her patient's healthcare experience.

Danielle Ullmann

Choosing the best college for you is a big decision. Find out what stuck out to Diontre about BCU.

Diontre Collins-Jones

Assistant Director of Multicultural Programs, Justin 'Jay' Rhodes, touches on the unique and diverse community at BCU.

Justin Rhodes

Men's Basketball player, Erich Erdman, talks about the benefit of having attentive teachers and coaches at BCU.

Erich Erdman

Nursing Program Director, Cathy Grimsley, reflects on her experiences at The Cliff as a former student and her time as current faculty member.

Cathy Grimsley

The welcoming and caring community at BCU makes Marissa Messinger proud to be a part of the blue and gold family.

Marissa Messinger

Program Director and Assistant Professor of Social Work, Liz Rembold, spotlights the Franciscan values and the genuine community at BCU.

Liz Rembold

After spending 18 years at The Cliff, Lana Johnson values the relationships she's made with the students and faculty members the most.

Lana Johnson

"It's really it's own unique village up here." Katie Logan on how Briar Cliff became her home away from home.

Katie Logan

Philip Herkenhoff isn't just about being a strength and conditioning coach. He wants to help you build your relationships with your teammates and grow as an adult.

Philip Herkenhoff

Dr. Michael Harman speaks out about the benefits of experiential learning in the Behavioral Analysis Clinic at The Cliff.

Dr. Michael Harman

You're not just a number here. Nate Frankman touches on the community at BCU and the importance of campus ministry.

Nate Frankman

Director of New Student Programs, Erin Small, says her passion is to help other people find their passions.

Erin Small

Andrea Snowball is a Briar Cliff Business Administration alum who completed her degree online.

Andrea Snowball

President Rachelle Karstens celebrates the new year with wishes of happiness, achievement, and inspiration.

President Rachelle Karstens

John Flanery, an education alum and president of Bishop Heelan Catholic Schools, emphasizes the family culture BCU has built on campus and in the Sioux land community.

John Flanery

Christian Sanders, a Doctor of physical therapy student from California, discusses how BCU's active involvement in the community attracted him to campus.

Christian Sanders

Olivia Mason, a Digital Communications alum, speaks on the 1930 club at BCU. The 1930 strives to empower women on campus and in the community.

Olivia Mason

Christie Finnegan, an Executive Director at Goosmann Law Firm, shares the benefits to women involved in The 1930 club at BCU.

Christie Finnegan

Lyndsey Johnson shares her experiences and the benefits of being in the nursing program at BCU.

Lyndsey Johnson

Raphael Mbonyingingo talks about his unique experiences in the business department and around campus.

Raphael Mbonyingingo

Ashley Hohenstein, an education alum, gives credit to her mentors and teachers at the Cliff for her passion and drive in her career.

Ashley Hohenstein

Dr. Wilfrido Suarez, a Department of Modern Languages professor, vouches for the cultural experience and importance of immersing yourself in another culture.

Dr. Wilfrido Suarez

Brianna Colshan, an online nursing student, testifies to the flexibility of Briar Cliff and the benefits of our community resources.

Brianna Colshan

Victor Marrero, a Business Administration alum, was brought to BCU by the soccer program and took advantages of our connections on campus to create a career in business.

Victor Marrero

Enny Owl, a Digital Communications and Journalism alum, was impressed by BCU's tight community and attributes it to her coming out of her shell and growing as a person.

Enny Owl

Mike Hames & Paul Martindale attribute their success and growth to BCU because of the foundations they were given.

Mike Hames & Paul Martindale

Andrew Tibbetts, an elementary education alum from California, found a tightknit community at BCU that helps him inspire his students as teacher.

Andrew Tibbetts

Kathy LaFavor, a Biology alum, came to BCU, lived it, and is now excited by the changes the Cliff is making in the education scene.

Kathy LaFavor

Ricardo Tovar, a Kinesiology and Human Performance alum from Panama City, was drawn to the Cliff because of the tradition mindset and the opportunity to diversify his life in a new country.

Ricardo Tovar

Julian Lee, a Health Administration alum, shares how the family oriented environment and the Briar Cliff mission has helped him shape his future.

Julian Lee

Isiah Lysius says there are so many resources on campus it's hard to not be successful.

Isiah Lysius

Professor of Business Administration and Department Chair, Mark Rossi, J.D., enjoys the family environment of Briar Cliff and that his students aren't just a number.

Mark Rossi

BCU appealed to Mireya Jimenez-Alcala due its affordability, nursing program, and the diversity of the students.

Mireya Jimenez-Alcala

Associate professor and chair of Education, Theresa Engle is happy to say "I don't go to work, I get paid for doing what I love."

Theresa Engle

During his 38 years working at BCU, Dr. Paul Weber has met a variety of students, worked on research projects with other faculty members, and was introduced to the woman he now calls his wife.

Dr. Paul Weber

After taking many classes in the medical field while in the Army, Maelyn Hernandez continued her nursing degree at BCU.

Maelyn Hernandez

Briar Cliff's tight-knit community allows professors, like Dr. Daniel Jung, to work closely with his students and help them gain mastery of their skills.

Dr. Daniel Jung

Casey Zoss on the science programs' cadaver lab and the many campus resources Briar Cliff has to offer.

Casey Zoss

Admissions Counselor

Darrien Ford-Hills

Enrollment Process Coordinator/Admissions Counselor

Nelly Cerda

Vice President of Enrollment

Matt Thomsen

Assistant Director of Admissions

Anne Schaffer

Director of Strategic Initiatives

Maria Slaughter

Social Work Coordinator/Enrollment Executive Assistant

Audrey Bodiford

Admissions Counselor

Ali Boysen

Transfer Admissions Counselor

Kelsie Carlson

Enrollment Coordinator of Online Undergraduate/Graduate Health Sciences Degrees

Rose Molacek

Head Golf Coach, Ben Irlbeck, is excited to bring in and recruit new Chargers.

Ben Irlbeck

Director of Choral Activities, Brian Cook, gives you a historical and informational look into the musical aspects of BCU.

Brian Cook

Head Women's Basketball Coach, Brita Hand, wants athletic and talented students to represent her team.

Brita Hand

Head Baseball Coach, Corby McGlauflin, is looking for highly talented and motivated players to add to his team.

Corby McLaughlin

Head Women's Volleyball Coach, Lindsey Weatherford, wants to bring in some new Chargers to The Cliff.

Lindsey Weatherford

Head Men's Basketball Coach, Mark Svagera, has kept the storied history and tradition in their program at BCU.

Mark Svagera

Head Track & Field / Cross Country Coach, Scott Barnes, is looking for people who work hard and want to be a part of something great.

Scott Barnes

Head Softball Coach, Erin Bly, wants to bring new recruits into her "culture of excellence."

Erin Bly

Head Wrestling Coach, Joe Privitere, is looking for hard-working young men to grow and build his program.

Joe Privitere

Student-athlete, Patricia Martinez, enjoys the benefits of being a part of the tight-knit community at The Cliff.

Patricia Martinez (Spanish)

Starting off as an undecided major, Eduardo Valencia was able to find his passion through BCU?s liberal arts education.

Eduardo Valencia (Spanish)

Arianna Presilla appreciates the connections she is able to make with her professors as well as their assistance with job and scholarship opportunities.

Arianna Presilla (Spanish)

Briar Cliff prepared me well, especially for the CPA exam you need to become a certified accountant. Now, I'm working in Omaha, Neb., at Deloitte ? a national accounting firm.?

Dom Wetzbarger

I started as a business major, but found out that I love fixing accounting problems. Who knew? Briar Cliff helped me switch to an accounting major, and now I plan to get my CPA and work at an accounting firm.

Dominic Schweder

Active on the golf team and Briar Cliff's award-winning Enactus team, Erik knew Briar Cliff was the place for him before he even came to campus. "Briar Cliff definitely stood out to me from other schools because of the community and coaching staff," he recalls.

Erik Ingenluijff

She produces multi-media artwork in order to fulfill her inner desire, or even 'need' to create. She strives to continue broadening her worldview so that her art may use what the earth has to offer as a means to reach for the infinite.

Alyssa Keller

I love art! I do all sorts of media but focus most on sculpture. I came to Briar Cliff double majoring in political science, but I changed to art and writing.

Angelica Mercado

She majored in both Psychology and Art with a minor in art history. It has always been a dream of hers to live in Chicago. Briar Cliff has helped her in the classroom by making her realize her passion for writing, as well as learning outside the classroom skills like tenacity, empathy, and independence.

Shannon Van Beest

The sense of community at BCU drew Rachel DeMoss ('20) to The Cliff. "The small campus really allows you to get to know people even if they aren't in your classes," she says.

Rachel DeMoss

The Franciscan values embraced by Briar Cliff rang true for Kevin McCormick, who has made a career out of helping people. He's an officer in the Sioux City Police Department.

Kevin McCormick

First-generation college student Reynaldy Janvier ('18) knew that education was the key to a successful future. With the support of his family and the Briar Cliff community, he'll graduate this May and take the next step to fulfilling his dream making a difference in the community by becoming a police officer.

Reynaldy Janvier

As the first member of his family to attend college, Ron relied heavily on his wrestling coaches to help him complete the necessary paperwork to attend BCU. His motto is, ?Don't give up, keep your head high and take it one day at a time.? The thought of receiving his college degree pushed him to battle through the uncertainties.

Ron Watson

Melanie Krieps Mergen (?17) credits the English and Modern Languages ?dream team? as mentors who inspired and challenged her to grow as a person and a writer. After graduating, Melanie went on to Columbia University to obtain her Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing.

Melanie Krieps Mergen

When it was time for me to choose a school, I had no idea what I wanted to study. I have always been creative and artistic, so my mom helped me decide on graphic design and marketing.

Annie Schaffer

Kendra Kersting, an environmental science and history major from Winona, MN, found a supportive community at The Cliff where she could explore her passion for the environment and her faith.

Kendra Kersting

Aspiring athletic trainer Emery Sandoval chose Briar Cliff for its beautiful small campus and its community atmosphere.

Emery Sandoval

Biology major Megan O'Gara reflects on the lessons and skills she's learned during her time as a student planning to pursue the medical field.

Megan O'Gara

Ready to spread her wings, Las Vegas native Megan Gosz-Siqueiros chose Briar Cliff to grow as an athlete, student, and person.

Megan Gosz-Sequeiros

Tony comes from the small town of Whittemore, IA, where he graduated from Bishop Garrigan High School before deciding to pursue a biology and kinesiology and human performance degree at Briar Cliff.

Tony Kollasch

First generation college student, Alicia Perez, says Briar Cliff University prepared her well for her nursing career.

Alicia Perez

Going to college is a big deal for any student. It?s an especially big deal when you are the first in your family to do so.

Tania Caudillo

Emily Janda learned about the power of service and activism during her time at Briar Cliff, and she has put these lessons into action today as a member of the Mercy Volunteer Corps in San Francisco, CA.

Emily Janda

As a full-time mom and a full-time student, Olga Guevara knows how to maintain a balance between her personal and professional lives. This skill will definitely come in handy in her future career as a social worker.

Olga Guevara

Meet Meggen Lloyd, she is the Program Assistant for the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at Briar Cliff University.

Meggen Lloyd

Nicholas Hegge, an alumnus of Briar Cliff University, has been awarded a 2020 James Madison Fellowship by the James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation of Alexandria, VA.

Nicholas Hegge

Growing up watching her mom Kathy (Liske) Berg (?88) teach with such passion and energy, Elise Berg (?19) knew she wanted to become a Catholic School teacher just like her.

Kathy and Elise Berg

Mikey Brauer (?09) witnessed the impact of Catholic Education through the students and faculty who live out their faith at the Cliff and beyond.

Mikey Brauer

Learn more about the Mother Dominica Society, St. Clare Legacy Society, and the tradition of generosity found in Sisters for St. Francis that has continued to be an agent for change at Briar Cliff University.

Sisters of St. Francis

Witnessing the Sisters of St. Francis in action throughout his time at Briar Cliff was awe-inspiring for Chris Vos (?91). He often reflects on the impact they?ve made on his life as well as his passion for educating.

Chris Vos

Grace Hanno graduated in 2021 with a bachelor's in Science in Nursing. In the summer of 2019, Grace went to Tanzania for a service-learning trip.

Grace Hanno

Max Pizarro's (?17) re-discovered talent and passion for translating. He along with 19 other BCU students and staff spent their J-Term preparing a retreat center for workers in Gracias, Lempira, Honduras.

Max Pizzaro

Jakie Ramos (’22) was awarded Briar Cliff History Department’s yearly Internship in Museum Studies opportunity, a paid internship with the Sioux City Public Museum funded through the Blair Chicoine Memorial Fund.

Jakie Ramos