Going to Briar Cliff?
Applications now taken for Bishop DiNardo Scholarship

February 16, 2006

If you are a good student and plan to attend Briar Cliff University in Sioux City this fall, you might want to apply for a scholarship that could save you big bucks.

High school seniors in the Diocese of Sioux City who plan to attend Briar Cliff University this fall are encouraged to apply for the Bishop Daniel N. DiNardo Scholarship.

Bishop DiNardo, the former bishop of Sioux City who now is the coadjutor archbishop for the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, Texas, initiated the scholarship in the year 2000. Two graduating high school seniors will be selected to receive this scholarship to attend Briar Cliff, the only Catholic college/university in the diocese.

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. Over the four years, that equates to a $25,000 scholarship.

Kevin Vickery, superintendent of Catholic schools for the Diocese of Sioux City, said it is wonderful that the diocese has a Catholic university.

"This is a great opportunity for us to encourage the young people in our parishes to make the choice of not only Catholic education, but Catholic education that is firmly connected to both the Franciscan committee to education as well as the diocesan commitment," he said.

This scholarship targets students with high academic performance. It requires an ACT of 24 or higher (equivalent SAT of 1100 or more) and a class ranking in the top 25 percent.

It is open to Catholic and public high school students, but the applicants must belong to a parish within the Diocese of Sioux City. Those endorsed by a local parish priest will receive additional consideration.

Applications have been sent to all pastors and high school administrators. This form may also be obtained from Central Catholic Offices at the below address.

The application form must be returned to the diocese by March 17. Also, the form must include a 500-word essay on "Why I want to continue my Catholic education." Applicants may opt to include a maximum of two letters of reference.

The application, essay and references should be sent to: Sherri Rossiter, Diocese of Sioux City, PO Box 3379, Sioux City, IA 51102-3379.

Please contact Sherri Rossiter at (712) 233-7555 with questions.