Briar Cliff celebrates 75 years

By KATIE LEFEBVRE, Globe staff reporter
September 22, 2005

Briar Cliff University continued celebrating the institutions anniversary on Sept.16 with a 75th anniversary dinner.

The evening began with a social before guests were asked to take their seats for dinner. There was a total of 165 alums, sisters, board members, faculty, staff and administrators in attendance. The fourth president of Briar Cliff, Sister Jordan Dahm, OSF and the seventh president, Sister Margaret Wick, OSF, were among the sisters there for the evening.

Briar Cliff's 75th anniversary theme, "A history of forward thinking and a legacy of commitment," was brought out through talks through the evening.

John Flanery, 1995 Briar Cliff alum and former choral director at Heelan High School, was the master of ceremonies and welcomed people to the evening. As part of his introductions, he told people about himself and his relation to Briar Cliff.

Flanery recognized special guests that were in attendance including a few early alums of Briar Cliff, the board of trustees, alumni association board of directors, Sister Jordan, Sister Margaret, priests and representatives of the diocese, other sisters of St. Francis and many others.

Msgr. Roger Augustine, administrator for the Diocese of Sioux City, offered the meal blessing.

"You blessed the Diocese of Sioux City with the ideas and forward thinking of Bishop Heelan and Mother Dominica to establish a Catholic college for higher learning - Briar Cliff - in Sioux City in 1930," prayed Msgr. Augustine. "You have blessed Briar Cliff with the dedication of the Sisters of St. Francis, who have had, since that time, a profound influence on Catholic education and the passing Franciscan tradition of service, of caring and openness to all. The Diocese of Sioux City, the community of Sioux City and surrounding area, especially the students, have benefited from that witness."

During the evening, Briar Cliff's chamber choir sang three songs including "Welcome Sweet Pleasures," "Fair Phyllis" and "The Prayer of St. Francis."

After the meal, a video of the history of Briar Cliff was shown. The video included interviews with sisters and other people associated with Briar Cliff's 75 year history and beginnings. Photos of the dedication of buildings on the campus and people who were instrumental in the start of Briar Cliff were also included.

As part of the celebration, the Sisters of St. Francis and Eleanore and the late William C. Metz were inducted into the university's Mother Dominica Society.

Named for the founder of Briar Cliff, Mother Mary Dominica Wieneke, the Mother Dominica Society recognizes the top lifetime benefactors of Briar Cliff University.

"Five individuals or organizations have been identified that fit the criteria. Tonight we honor two who have been with Briar Cliff since the beginning," said Flanery. "Eleanore and her late husband Bill are one of Briar Cliff's most significant contributors. Stark Student Center, where we are enjoying dinner tonight, is possible not only because of the generosity of Fred Stark, but also because of the generosity of Bill and Eleanore Metz."

He continued that the Sisters of St. Francis of Dubuque are the founders of Briar Cliff and without them the college would not exist or prosper.

"They are the university's spiritual and gravitational center," said Flanery. "Tonight Briar Cliff is delighted to honor the Metz family and the Sisters of St. Francis as inaugural members in the Mother Dominica Society."

Another video was shown about the contributions of the Sisters of St. Francis and the Metzs to Briar Cliff. Interviews with a few sisters and the Metzs were part of the video.

Eleanore and the late William C. Metz are both former trustees and longtime benefactors of Briar Cliff University.

Bev Wharton, current and ninth president of Briar Cliff, presented plaques to Eleanore Metz and Sister Rita Goedken, OSF, a representative of the Sisters of St. Francis, to commemorate their induction into the society.

"The support that you (Eleanore) and Bill have provided to Briar Cliff has truly made a difference," said Wharton. "Your gift truly had an impact upon the Stark Student Center. It has truly enhanced our campus community and has helped to support the growth in our enrollment in the last few years."

To conclude the evening, Flanery invited Wharton to the podium to offer reflections and closing comments. She thanked those involved in the planning and presentations of the evening.

"Tonight has been a wonderful celebration of who we are and where we came from," said Wharton. "Tonight we are celebrating Briar Cliff University."

She thanked the Sisters of St. Francis for making Briar Cliff a reality.

"The Sisters of St. Francis for 75 years have supported Briar Cliff with their time, talent and treasure," said Wharton. "The sisters truly love this institution and in those early days there was no job they did not do. They have given us a history. They have given us our culture. We have been blessed with your leadership and commitment."

She noted that Briar Cliff is distinguished from other institutions because it is Franciscan.

"More than that, we live our mission everyday," said Wharton. "I have parents and students who tell me that. To the Sisters of St. Francis, thank you for giving us that guidance and for your support as we look forward to the next 75 years."

She closed the celebration with a statement made by Bishop Edmond Heelan at the laying of the cornerstone of Heelan Hall on March 30, 1930.

He said, "The duty of education must not only prepare one for citizenship but also prepare one for eternity."

"That is our charge at Briar Cliff University," said Wharton. "With the support of our friends, including everyone gathered here this evening, we are able to continue that mission."