Diocese offers Bishop DiNardo Scholarships for attendance at BC
By Renee Webb, Globe diocesan news editor
Posted January 17, 2002

Seniors in high school in the Diocese of Sioux City are encouraged to apply for a scholarship to attend Briar Cliff University.

"The Diocese of Sioux City is pleased again this year to sponsor the Bishop Daniel N. DiNardo Scholarship to Briar Cliff University," said Royce Ranniger, director of operations. "It enables students within the diocese to receive $25,000 in financial assistance during the course of their four years at Briar Cliff University." It is the only Catholic college/university in the diocese.

Ranniger pointed out that the bishop and diocese were immensely pleased to offer scholarships to a quality institution for higher learning. He added that many of the university's graduates go on to provide service at diocesan Catholic schools and parishes.

These awards target students with high academic performance, require an ACT of 24 or higher (equivalent SAT of 1100 or more) and rank in the top 25 percent of their class.

Applicants must belong to a parish within the Diocese of Sioux City. Those endorsed by a local parish priest will receive additional consideration.

Rick Kellen, a senior at Briar Cliff, noted that he was awarded a Bishop DiNardo Scholarship when the bishop started up the program two years ago.

"It's been a great help since I've received it," said the native of Alton. "I am glad the scholarship was initiated. I think it will benefit many more students in the years to come."

Rachel Albrecht, a freshman from Fort Dodge who is a member of Sacred Heart Church, is also very pleased to have been awarded of the scholarship.

"I am very appreciative of the scholarship," she said. "It made going to Briar Cliff much easier. I am doing my best to live up to the standards I set for myself before getting the scholarship."

Other DiNardo Scholars are Julie Roder of Sioux City, Jessica Lenz of Manson, Sarah Wiener of Sioux City, Jarrod Johnson of Ashton, Shelly Christiansen of Granville and Christopher Miller of Remsen.

Bishop DiNardo initiated the scholarship in the year 2000. In that first year, he provided two scholarships for those entering freshmen through junior year. Two incoming freshmen have been awarded the scholarship thereafter.

The DiNardo Scholars are eligible for a four-year award if they maintain a 3.25 grade point average while attending Briar Cliff University. The scholarship increases annually beginning with a freshman award of $5,000, sophomore award of $5,500, junior award of $6,500 and senior award of $8,000.

Applications, which have been sent to all pastors and Catholic high school administrators, must be returned to the diocese by Feb. 28. They must include a 500-word essay on "Why I want to continue my Catholic education." Please contact Sherri Rossiter at 712-233-7555 with questions.