From First-Generation Charger to Vice President: Nearly 30 Years Later, Christie Finnegan ’97 Finds Her Way Back to The Cliff

By Eli Meschko

Media & Communications Coordinator

Growing up in the small rural town of Vail, Iowa, Christie (Lally) Finnegan (‘97) was the eldest of eight children, looking to become the first in her family to graduate from college.

She ultimately landed at Briar Cliff, and nearly 30 years after graduating, Finnegan has returned to the place near and dear to her heart. This time, she’ll help lead The Cliff and help future generations of Chargers as the Vice President of Advancement.

Coming from a small town and a farming family, Finnegan knew she wanted her college experience to match her experience growing up. She was initially drawn to Briar Cliff because of the faculty-to-student ratio.

Finnegan was also drawn to the beauty of the campus. Sitting on top of a hill overlooking Sioux City, it felt like its own little world. The environment felt welcoming and intimate, which she found a profound comfort in.

However, what ultimately made her choose The Cliff was the financial aid package she received. For a first-generation student from a farm family, it was a significant opportunity she couldn’t pass up.

“I had received several scholarships, but additionally, Briar Cliff offered me the mass communications department scholarship, which was an amazing gift to me,” Finnegan said. “Reflecting on that now, while that opportunity made the difference for me, it was obviously God’s hand guiding me to Briar Cliff.”

Finnegan said she felt right at home as a student from the get-go. This is one thing she feels has never changed at Briar Cliff, especially when she came up to campus to take a new headshot. She noticed all the yard signs lining Clare Court on the way up to campus, welcoming new students for move-in weekend.

The feelings of being welcomed, belonging, and being encouraged are things she knows students, new and returning, will find at Briar Cliff. While many students, like her, chose The Cliff for the scholarships and athletic opportunities, the experiences and relationships they build will shape who they become and stick with them long after graduation.

“The opportunity to serve the university that means so much to me is what’s bringing me back,” Finnegan said. “I know firsthand how Briar Cliff can create the trajectory of a young person’s life, and I want to be a part of that.”

Coming back to Briar Cliff wasn’t something she had planned. But the combination of timing and conversations with President Dr. Matthew Draud about his strategic vision for the university gave her a sense of the momentum and purpose surrounding BCU.

After taking some time to reflect and pray, Finnegan looked at the dedication of the Board of Trustees, faculty, staff, and Executive Cabinet members, who all shared the same passion for the university and its mission. She realized that God’s hand was once again guiding her.

She looked at how her career experiences in building relationships, leading teams, and raising support for organizations and causes could create a positive impact on the institution that has given her so much. So, she decided to trust God’s path once again.

“When I think of advancement at Briar Cliff, it’s not solely about fundraising or building relationships with donors,” Finnegan said. “It’s about creating resources and opportunities that allow Briar Cliff to continue to do what it did for me. It’s about ensuring the next generations of Chargers have the same amazing opportunity to be known, challenged, encouraged, and believed in.”

While she’s excited to step back onto campus and get the ball rolling in her new position, she understands that she needs to take a minute to get reacclimated.

She’s been away from the university for a while, so it’ll take time to understand the strategic priorities, the advancement history, and the relationships with alumni and donors. She understands that just because she’s in a familiar place, she must recognize and be intentional about seeing Briar Cliff as it is today, and not through her lens as an alumna who experienced it years ago.

To reach this goal, she said she needs to listen and connect.

Listen to Dr. Draud and the Executive Cabinet. Listen to the Board of Trustees, faculty, and staff. Listen to students, fellow alumni, and many of the donors who care so deeply about Briar Cliff. All so she can understand what they love about the university and what they see as opportunities and challenges. But most importantly, what they see is possible for Briar Cliff going forward.

Through early listening, she aims to connect with everyone who believes in the mission and story of The Cliff, thus translating it into action.

“I want to connect our people and stories,” Finnegan said. “We need to share our Briar Cliff stories authentically, invite people into that story, and show the extraordinary impact that can be had on a student’s life. I believe there are tremendous possibilities ahead for Briar Cliff University.”

Throughout her time at BCU, she found countless ways to become part of the campus community. She served as a student leader in BC Cares, sang with the Cliff Singers, played soccer, and worked as a Resident Assistant in Noonan Hall and Baxter. She also spent an entire summer helping organize conferences on campus. Each experience offered a different perspective on the BCU community and helped shape her time at The Cliff.

Now, to serve the University, its students, and the Briar Cliff community, as so many others did for her, is the culmination of her life’s work.

“Much of my career was built on being willing to learn and to take chances,” Finnegan said. “The greatest gift Briar Cliff gave me wasn’t just a wonderful career and connections. It was the heart for people, for community, and encouraging me to take leaps of faith.”