For Parents and Guardians of BCU Students

the catholic franciscan learning place

Parent News le t ter

Summer

2013

When Michael Becker received a job offer from Elgin Public Schools in Elgin, Neb., in April, he was the first education major in BCU’s Class of 2013 to be hired. “It was exciting knowing I had attained what I had been working for at BCU,” said the Norfolk, Neb., native. “My advisors worked with me so I could graduate in four years, enabling me to get out in the job market faster.” At Elgin Public, Michael will teach PE and health, serve as activities director and assistant varsity football coach and coach junior varsity athletics.

Music major Alex Hoefling is true blue with some golden pipes — he auditioned for Opera Omaha in January and was contacted in February with the news everyone loves to hear, “You’re hired!” “I am so excited to be singing in the professional arena – right out of college!” said Alex of Moorehead, Iowa. “I can’t begin to describe how Briar Cliff has changed my life. As a young musician, I find myself becoming more and more thankful for everything I have learned at Briar Cliff,” he noted. Jenna Richter, Wesley, Iowa, has been accepted in vocal performance master’s program at the University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls. “At Briar Cliff, I received the best education anyone could possibly offer and in the process discovered who I am

and what my potential is,” Jenna explained. “BCU professors nurture students and I hope to use that example for others.”

See more career paths 2013 graduates are taking Class of 2013 Successes.

Graduates land good jobs, enter top grad schools

I received the best education anyone could possibly offer and in the process discovered who I am and what my potential is.

“”– Jenna Richter, Wesley, Iowa, Class of 2013

Michael Becker, teacher, activities director, coach, Elgin Public Schools.

Alex Hoefling, opera singer, Omaha Opera.

Jenna Richter, graduate student, UNI.

Sean Bicknase, Hampton, Neb., biology, proposed to Nicole Bruch, Audubon, Iowa, biology and chemistry, in the Orpheum’s Green Room before Commencement. (She said, “Yes!”)

Briar Cliff parents, Arlie and Deb Pick, Remsen, Iowa, are no strangers to The Cliff. Jeana is their third child to graduate from BCU. Jeana has an uncle and two sisters-in-law who are Briar Cliff alumni too!

Briar Cliff grad Phil Collins, Houston, Tex., sports science, is determined to make a name for himself – both as a coach and as the first student in his generation from his family to graduate. Not wasting any time on reaching his goals, Phil is a sports science trainer with Velocity Sports Performance at CNOS in Dakota Dunes, S.D.

Pictured front row, l-r: Phil’s girlfriend Siera Whitlock, cousins Asia, Rashaun and Ceylon, aunts Lydia and Linda. Back row, l-r: Phil’s brother Wade, cousins Andrew and Laresa, BCU grad Phil, cousin Jasmine and Phil’s father Phillip.

What does it mean to be the first in your family to graduate from college?: “I’m setting an example for friends and family that you can get out of life’s struggles and make something of yourself. This is for the people I love who couldn’t do this. I’m doing it for them.”

Best memory of The Cliff: “Chillin’ with friends.”

Senior Spotlight

This is for the people I love who couldn’t do this. I’m doing it for them.

“”– Phil Collins, Class of 2013

Respect, integrity, responsibility, servant leadership and sportsmanship were in the spotlight as eight BCU student-athletes were recognized at BCU’s Annual Champions of Character banquet in May. The following BCU student-athletes were honored for their values, character and achievements on and off the field during the 2012-13 academic year…

Female Athlete of the Year Kelsey Evans, Willmar, Minn., is an All-American who led the Charger women’s basketball team to a 25-10 record and their fourth straight NAIA Women’s DII National Basketball

Tournament appearance. Evans’ jersey is now displayed in the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame’s Ring of Honor, Knoxville, Tenn. Raheem Cowan, Hartwell, Ga., BCU’s Male Athlete of the Year, captured indoor and outdoor GPAC triple-jump crowns and became BCU’s second-ever NAIA

National Champion. Male Champion of Character, Bryce Harshman, Tucson, Ariz., rewrote multiple records as a wide receiver and in the long jump. Female Champion of Character Jayna Specht, Yankton, S.D., is a member of BCU’s volleyball and track programs.

Female Scholar Athlete of the Year, Brittany Walsh, Odebolt, Iowa, a women’s golfer achieved a 4.0 GPA. John Engler, Fort Dodge, Iowa, and Dominic Wetzbarger, Sioux City, were named Male Scholar Athlete of the Year, as both had 3.9 cumulative GPAs. Tara Cockerill, Spalding, Neb., who was named the Most Inspirational Athlete of the Year, earned All-American accolades at this year’s indoor national track meet and represented The Cliff at outdoor nationals.

For a complete list of honored student-athletes, click 2013 BCU Champions of Character awards.

Student-Athletes Honored for Values and Character

LEARN MORE – Take a Hike [or a Tour]

President Wharton awards Kelsey Evans Female Athlete of the Year.

Front to back: Jayna Specht, Katerina von Rumpf, Rusty Muncy and Sara Reeves.

At Briar Cliff, we know that when students experience first-hand what they are learning in class, they will reach their fullest potential. Starting in January, we have some very exciting tours in the U.S. and abroad. Check them out!

Guatemala • Social Work and Spanish

Galapagos Islands, Ecuador • Environmental Science

Honduras • Campus Ministry

Cliff Singers “Chicagoland Tour” • Music

Natural History of Southern California • Environmental Science

Jerusalem Farm, Kansas City • Campus Ministry

Kansas Flint Hills Prairie Ecology Tour • Environmental Science

Black Hills, S.D. • Interdisciplinary

Natural History of Western Ireland • Environmental Science

Watch www.briarcliff.edu for more details.

2014

JAN.

2014

MAR.

2014

APR.

2014

MAY

2014

JUNE

Reminders for Freshman Parents

• To receive emergency text messages, your student needs to enter his/her name, cell phone number and cell phone provider at BCYou [student portal].

• The last day for your student to add/drop courses is Aug. 30.

• Your student’s final fall semester grades will be available on BCYou [student portal] Dec. 16, 2013.

• Beginning Nov. 4-15, all freshmen are required to register for J-Term. (J-Term dates are Jan. 6-21, 2014.)

2013-14 School Year Information

Students may save time, energy and space by coordinating what to pack with their roommates.

*There are land line phones in some public areas of residence halls but not in students’ rooms.

p Alarm clockp Backpackp Beddingp Cell phone*p Desk lampp

p Fanp First-aid kitp Pillowsp Shower bucketp Shower shoes

Bring to Campus

Electric power strip

Just for Your Freshman - Charger Camp

Aug. 24-25 at Lake Okoboji, Spirit Lake, Iowa.

Swimming, boating, horseback riding and hiking are just the beginning...

• Join the BCU community and make new friends• Network with BCU faculty and staff in a whole different way• Link yourself to valuable campus resources• Connect with the new you and your new way of life

Questions?For more information, contact Student Development at 712.279.5425.

Dinner with the President

This fall, President Bev Wharton and her husband, Jim, will host the Sixth Annual President’s Dinner in their home for all incoming freshmen. Students will enjoy time with their peers while getting to know Bev and Jim.

Admissions/Financial Aid 279-5200

Business Office 279-5440

Campus Ministry 279-5227

Campus Security (24-hour) 898-1888

Career Development 279-5455

Computer Center 279-5401

Health Services Office 279-5436

Registrar’s Office 279-5448

Roth Campus Bookstore 279-5368

Student Development 279-5425

Important

Campus Numbers...

(Area code 712)

Welcome Home to BCU

When Briar Cliff University students move onto campus in August, they will begin the year with Welcome Week, a fun-filled annual tradition to launch the new academic year.

Aug. 9-10 Fall athletes return to campus8 am, Aug. 23 Freshmen move in5 pm, Aug. 23 Picnic for freshmen and their familiesAug. 24-25 Charger Camp for freshmen8 am, Aug. 25 Sophomores, juniors and seniors move in2 pm, Aug. 25 Fall Convocation7:30 pm, Aug. 28 The Sam Spady StoryAug. 29 iPad distribution

For more information, visit the calendar on briarcliff.edu or call Student Development at 712.279.5425.

Health Insurance Requirement

All students carrying nine or more credit hours are required to have health insurance. Your student may be covered by your insurance policy or through his/her own personal insurance policy.

Students will need to provide their insurance policy information during the fall validation, beginning Aug. 1, 2013.

RETURNING STUDENTSValidate OnlineCLICK HERE

Validate Online

On Aug. 1, 2013, all returning students may begin validating their BCU information online. The validation deadline is Sept. 10, 2013.

Upcoming EventsAug. 4-7 – Pre-All-State music camp

Aug. 9-10 – Fall athletes move in

Aug. 16 – Summer school ends

Aug. 21 – International students move in

Aug. 23 – Freshmen move in; dinner picnic for freshman families

Aug. 24-25 – Freshman Charger Camp

Aug. 25 – Sophomores, juniors and seniors move in

Aug. 25 – Fall convocation, 2 pm, Chapel of Our Lady of Grace

Aug. 26 – First day of classes

Sept. 2 – Labor Day holiday

Sept. 23-29 – Homecoming week

Oct. 12 – Fall choral concert

Oct. 18 – Dean’s holiday (no classes)

Nov. 1-3 – Family weekend

Nov. 27-29 – Thanksgiving break

For a complete, detailed list of BCU events, visit briarcliff.edu/calendar

Campus HoursClick on each location in orange for more information!

BookstoreMon.-Thurs., 8 am-6 pmFri., 8 am-4 pm Cliff CaféMon.-Fri.Breakfast 7:15-9:30 amLunch 11 am-1:30 pmDinner 5:15-7:15 pm, Fri., 5-6:30 pmSat.-Sun.Brunch 11 am-12:30 pmDinner 5-6:30 pm Fire Pit GrillMon.-Thurs., 2-4 pm, 8-11 pmFri., 2-4 pm, 8-10 pmSat.-Sun., 8-10 pm

Java CityMon.-Thurs., 7:30 am-10 pmFri., 7:30 am.-2:30 pm LibraryMon.-Thurs., 7:45 am-12 amFri., 7:45 am-6 pmSat., 11 am-6 pmSun., 1 pm-12 am Counseling ServicesMon.-Fri., 8 am-4:30 pm Health ServicesMon.-Fri., 8 am-2 pmNurse PractitionerTues. and Thurs., 12-3 pm MassMon., Wed., Fri., 7:15 amTues., 12 pmThurs., 9 pmSun., 10 am, 7 p.m.

For athletic news, check out bcuchargers.com.

Save the date! Family Weekend Nov. 1-3With a special emphasis on the arts, Family Weekend will feature cultural, athletic and social events your whole family will enjoy. There will be plenty of activities to round out your weekend with your student.

Here’s a quick look…Literary readingsArt exhibitBingo & other gamesAthletic eventsTailgate before football gameChoral concertMass

Complete schedule of events will be available in October on briarciff.edu/parents.

For more information, contact Student Development at 712.279.5425.

/BriarCliffUniversity /Briar_Cliff /BriarCliffU/BriarCliffU

A Briar Cliff University ePublication • www.briarcliff.edu