Beverly Wharton celebrates inauguration as 9th BC president in Franciscan spirit

By RENEE WEBB, Globe editor
October 16, 2003

In true Franciscan spirit, the inauguration of Beverly A. Wharton, the ninth president of Briar Cliff University, was built on a theme of service - "Celebrating the Joy of Service." The ceremony was held Oct. 8 at Cathedral of the Epiphany in Sioux City.

During the procession into the cathedral, various constituents including students, staff, faculty and administrators placed into a basket, located in the center aisle, a card that identified a variety of service projects they had completed. Carrying a San Damiano Crucifix, Sister Grace Ann Witte led the procession that also included the university's board of trustees and delegates from other colleges and universities.

Thomas V. Boeke, provost, called the ceremony to order. He introduced Sister Mary Jane Koenigs, OSF, who offered the invocation.

She prayed, "Gift her with greatness - the greatness that is measured by service, the greatness that is manifested by good works, the greatness that id in contradiction to the world of greed, violence and intolerance."

Three individuals offered reflections on celebrating service. Sister Shirley Fineran, OSF, chairperson of the faculty, offered a history of the tradition of service for the Briar Cliff community. Maria Andersen, chairperson of the administrators, highlighted ongoing community service projects at BC. Brandon Winston, president of the Student Government Association, discussed the importance of students serving others in the community.

Sister Dorothy Heiderscheit, OSF, president of the Sisters of St. Francis and chair of Briar Cliff University's board of trustees, and Bishop Daniel N. DiNardo led the investiture portion of the ceremony.

"In the Franciscan tradition of service, care and openness to all, Briar Cliff emphasizes quality education combining ... intellectual background with career development. The university challenges its members to grow in self-awareness and in their relationship with others and to God," said Sister Dorothy.

She presented Bev Wharton, the first lay woman president. Wharton served as a trustee since 1994 and was named interim president in June of 2001. She was officially appointed president in February, 2003. Those gathered in the cathedral responded to Wharton with a standing ovation.

In her speech, Wharton said that while the backgrounds of the past BC presidents have been quite diverse, she shares their same determination, commitment and passion for the mission of Briar Cliff.

"In 1929, only briar patches covered a 175-foot hill located on the northwestern outskirts of Sioux City. Two people - Mother Mary Dominica Wieneke, major superior of the Sisters of St. Francis; and the Most Rev. Edmond Heelan, bishop of the Sioux City Diocese - had a vision of a Catholic college for women," she noted.

When the cornerstone was laid in 1930, Wharton said that the bishop had commented that the education at the college must not only prepare them for citizenship, but for eternity.

"This was truly the spirit of the education that the Sisters of St. Francis brought to Sioux City and that spirit continues today," she said. "As a Franciscan institution, we are committed to justice, peace and service to both the local community and communities throughout the world."

She mentioned that a Briar Cliff education would provide an intellectual foundation for lifelong learning. The university would continue to emphasis career preparation and experiential learning including internships, professional programs and service projects.

Wharton took a moment to recognize all of the students, faculty, staff and administrators who completed assorted service opportunities.

As the service came to a conclusion, Franciscan sisters who were present, extended their hand in prayer for a special blessing over Wharton.

Wharton's husband, Jim, sat in the first pew for the ceremony. The Whartons are the parents of one daughter, Laura, who is a student at Creighton University in Omaha.

In a press conference held prior to the event, Wharton said she was honored to be inaugurated. She acknowledged that she wasn't accustomed to all of this attention. With that in mind, Wharton wanted the inauguration to be about Briar Cliff.

"It's really a celebration for our campus and for everyone who is a part of Briar Cliff University," she said. "We selected the theme - Celebrating the Joy of Service - because service is very much a part of the mission of Briar Cliff University and it is very much a part of our lives."

Wharton mentioned that it was very touching that the entire campus community pulled together to perform service projects in the Siouxland community in honor of the occasion. She noted that the service won't end here, however, as it is embedded into campus life through BCCares, a service oriented group.

Ever since the time she was appointed as interim president, Wharton said she has tried to grow the enrollment while, at the same time, responding to the needs of the students as well as the educational needs of the community through such things as the university's accelerated degree program.

Sister Dorothy, who was also present at the press conference, said it was an exciting time for the Franciscan community.

"She is not only our ninth president, but she is also our first lay woman. We have had women of course because of our own sisters. For me, it carries on the tradition of our congregation in education. Mrs. Wharton has such a strong faith background and such a strong belief in the Franciscan tradition and values," she said.