Briar Cliff Celebrates Academic Achievement at the 2026 Honors Convocation

May 1, 2026

Briar Cliff University faculty, staff, and leadership gathered to recognize students for their academic achievement, leadership, and commitment to the Franciscan values at the 2026 Honors Convocation, held on Thursday, April 30, in the Chapel of Our Lady of Grace.

The ceremony included remarks from Dr. Brian Peterson, Provost and Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs, and Dr. Matthew Draud, President of Briar Cliff University.

Undergraduate Program Awards:

  • Dorothy Collins Art Scholar and Art: Hailey Yon 

  • Biology: Sydney Robbins 

  • Environmental Science: Steven Whiting 

  • Biochemistry: Kyle Gibson 

  • Chemistry: Hannah Hoglund 

  • Accounting: Jenna Santos 

  • Business Administration: Kylie Hart 

  • International Business: Jalyn Yakey 

  • Marketing: Kellyn Rogers 

  • Sports Management: Kyle Capece 

  • Finance: Sveinung Toerring 

  • Computer Science: Alfonso Diaz 

  • Mathematics: Nora Kastning 

  • Criminal Justice: Haley Gruis 

  • Behavior Analysis: Ryann Coughlin 

  • Psychology: Maria Harris 

  • Mass Communications: Adrian Cancino Orozco 

  • Graphic Design: Cayden Werner 

  • Sports Information: Kaden Allred 

  • K-12 Education: Justice Weers 

  • Elementary Education: Maria Russell 

  • Secondary Education: Nora Kastning 

  • Kinesiology: Olivia Sorlie 

  • Human Performance: Evan Fuchs 

  • Spanish: Caleb St. Cyr 

  • Nursing: Makenna Kleinhesselink 

  • Sister Muriel Ford Social Justice Award: Haley Gruis 

  • Social Work: Melissa Means 

  • Theology: Sabrina Kaiser 

  • History: James Lillard 

  • Honors Programs Graduates: Ryann Coughlin, Kenadee Loew, Audrey Evola, Nora Kastning 

  • Presidential Scholars: Ryann Coughlin, Hannah Hoglund, John Nelson, Caleb St. Cyr 

  • Bishop’s Scholars: Chelsey Bieret 

Graduate Program Awards:

  • Distinguished Graduate Student in Health Care Administration Award: Victoria Johnson 

  • Distinguished Graduate Student in Management Award for Leadership: Jack Moehrke 

  • Distinguished Graduate Student in Management Award for Sports Management: Mallie McNair 

  • Distinguished Graduate Student in Nursing Award: Kelsey Martinmaas 

  • Distinguished Doctor of Nurse Practitioner Award: Sister Assumpta Ogbedeagu 

  • Distinguished Graduate Student in Physical Therapy Award: Adrianna Webster 

Distinguished Senior Alumni and Graduate Student Awards:

  • Distinguished Senior Alumni Award: Ryann Coughlin 

  • Distinguished Graduate Student Award: Alisha Leber 

Valedictorian:

  • Nora Kastning 

Salutatorian:

  • Ryann Coughlin