Cliff Stories List

Following in her mom and aunts' footsteps by coming to Briar Cliff, Breanna Allen (’23) graduated with a degree of Exercise Physiology that prepared her for the Doctor of Physical Therapy program. She credits her work ethic to her time as a student athlete and other campus involvement opportunities.

Breanna Allen

Anna Sorenson (’22) looked to transfer to Briar Cliff after learning about how much her friend and fellow women’s basketball teammate loved BCU. After visiting campus and meeting Dr. Jung, she was convinced Briar Cliff was where she wanted to be.

Anna Sorenson

Mya Hendry is a Biochemistry major with a minor in Psychology. While at BCU, Mya has been an active part of the Briar Cliff Student Government as well as participating in the Women's Basketball program. She has also been a part of the Navigate pilot program which helps students to reflect on some of life’s biggest questions.

Mya Hendry

Matthew Griesel is a Biology and Theology major from Sioux City. During his time at the Cliff, Matthew participated in Navigate pilot program. Navigate is a small group program that helps students to reflect on some of life’s biggest questions.

Matthew Griesel

During his time at BCU, MJ has been a member of the football team and participated in the Navigate pilot program. Navigate is a small group program that helps students to reflect on some of life’s biggest questions.

MJ Montgomery

Navigate was a program that helped me learn so much about myself and where I want to go in college, with my career, and in my life. Through this program, I was able to uncover so many hidden things about myself, and with the help of mentors, make sense of those uncovered thoughts and ideas.

Megan Loutsch

In her second year at Briar Cliff, Faith Harvey (’21) was awarded second place at the Excellence Event for her team’s research on the prairie turnip. Through long hours and figuring out how to say big words in a way other people will understand, she says she made some of her best friends.

Faith Harvey

When searching for colleges, Berenice Topete-Andrade wanted to come to Briar Cliff for the acclaimed nursing program but her financial situation at the time didn’t allow for it. So when she was offered a scholarship to Briar Cliff, she couldn’t refuse.

Berenice Topete-Andrade

Head Women's Soccer coach, Clark Charlestin loves the winning tradition and culture the program has to offer it's players.

Clark Charlestin

Quinten Vasa is a Biochemistry Major with a Minor in Psychology. After he graduates, he is planning to apply and attend medical school.

Quinten Vasa

Sophie Kramper will graduate with her bachelor's in Exercise Physiology. When she graduates next May, Sophie will be looking to continue her educations by applying for Physical Therapy school.

Sophie Kramper

Briar Cliff University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy Program recognizes one individual, outside of the Program’s core faculty and staff, who has had a profound impact on the program. The university recognized State Representative of District 6, Jacob Bossman, as Contributor of the Year for 2021.

Briar Cliff University Recognizes State Representative Jacob Bossman as Contributor of the Year

Grace Bybee was in between college choices when she received the presidential scholarship, but after coming to visit the campus a second time and meeting with professors, her decision was made.

Grace Bybee

Since she was young, Tiffany Braun always wanted to do more to help people. In high school, started working as a certified nurse’s aide (CNA). Going into college, she chose a career in STEM to allow her to help others while continuing to learn about the world around her. Now that she’s graduated, she plans on continuing her education by attending medical school.

Tiffany Braun

Attracted to the nursing field's blend of medicine and the one-on-one interaction with patients and families. Annie graduated with a degree in Nursing, a minor in Psychology.

Annie Betz

Matthew Wilke can’t wait to begin his career as Mr. Wilke, science teacher and wrestling coach. Secondary Education and Biology double major, Matt came to Briar Cliff because of its education program and all it had to offer for his future.

Matthew Wilke

Head Football Coach, Shane LaDage, dedicated to recruiting hard-working, talented, young men who can help be a part of our team.

Shane Ladage

Criminal Justice and Psychology major Samantha Krekel was the first woman and third student to complete the Homeland Security Emphasis.

Samantha Krekel

Michael (Mike) Anthony was the first student at BCU to complete the Homeland Security Emphasis in the criminal justice program, an emphasis which features classes in homeland security, terrorism and emergency management.

Michael Anthony

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Alicia Perez

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Emery Sandoval

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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

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

Dominic started as a business major but found out that he loved fixing accounting problems. Who knew? Briar Cliff helped him to switch to an accounting major, who plans to get his CPA and work at an accounting firm.

Dominic Schweder

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

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

Joe Privitere

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

Erin Bly

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

Mark Svagera

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

Lindsey Weatherford

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

Corby McLaughlin

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

Brita Hand

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

Brian Cook

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

Ben Irlbeck

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)

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)

Director of Strategic Initiatives

Maria Slaughter

Vice President of Enrollment

Matt Thomsen

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

Casey Zoss

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

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

Maelyn Hernandez

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

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

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

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

Isiah Lysius

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

Mireya Jimenez-Alcala

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

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

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

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

Andrew Tibbetts

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

Mike Hames & Paul Martindale

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

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

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

Brianna Colshan

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

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

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

Raphael Mbonyingingo

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

Lyndsey Johnson

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

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

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

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

President Rachelle Karstens

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

Andrea Snowball

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

Erin Small

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

Nate Frankman

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

Dr. Michael Harman

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

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

Katie Logan

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

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

Liz Rembold

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

Marissa Messinger

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

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

Erich Erdman

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

Justin Rhodes

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

Diontre Collins-Jones

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

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, 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

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

Christie Finnegan