Briar Cliff Hosts Inaugural Symposium for Scholarship and Creativity

April 25, 2026

Briar Cliff University hosted its annual Symposium for Scholarship and Creativity, bringing together students, faculty, and guests for a day dedicated to academic achievement and innovation.

The symposium showcased student research and creative work from across all levels of study, providing participants with the opportunity to present in a professional, conference-style setting. From First Year Experience students beginning their academic journeys to undergraduates developing in-depth research projects and graduate students contributing to peer-reviewed scholarship, the event highlighted the breadth and quality of work being produced at Briar Cliff.

Organized with the leadership of the Bishop Mueller Library and faculty mentors, the symposium serves as a platform to share student scholarship with the broader campus community while fostering academic dialogue and collaboration.

The day began with a keynote address from Dr. Savannah Draud, a post-graduate researcher at Indiana University Bloomington, held in the Newman Flanagan Center. Following the keynote, attendees moved to Heelan Hall, where breakout sessions began at 10:15 a.m. and continued throughout the day.

During these sessions, students and faculty presented research, creative projects, and academic initiatives spanning a wide range of disciplines. The format allowed attendees to engage directly with presenters, ask questions, and gain insight into the work being done across campus.

The Symposium for Scholarship and Creativity continues to serve as a cornerstone academic event at Briar Cliff, emphasizing the university’s commitment to fostering intellectual curiosity, research, and creative expression.