Briar Cliff inducts Diocese of Sioux City into Mother Dominica Society

By JoANN AMMANN, Globe Intern
September 14, 2006

The Diocese of Sioux City was inducted into Briar Cliff University's Mother Dominica Society this past weekend. The induction took place during the Alumni Awards Dinner at the St. Francis Center at the university.

The Mother Dominica Society is a group that recognizes the top lifetime benefactors of Briar Cliff University. The society is named for the founder of Briar Cliff University, Mother Mary Dominica Wieneke.

Receiving the award on behalf of the diocese was Bishop R. Walker Nickless. Briar Cliff University's president, Bev Wharton, presented the award.

Bishop Nickless was pleased to recognize the connection of the diocese and the university.

"It's a wonderful chance for us to be noticed, what the connection between the diocese and the university is all about," said Bishop Nickless. "Bishop Heelan, the first bishop of the Diocese of Sioux City, graciously gave the land for which the university was built. So, since the first day, there has been a connection between Briar Cliff and the diocese."

After being named bishop of the diocese, Bishop Nickless was also pleased to find out that there was a Catholic university in the diocese.

"A Catholic university allows us to continue to promote the Gospel of Jesus Christ," said Bishop Nickless. "What happens here in the educational setting is a great gift to the diocese and the community itself. Briar Cliff supplies us with good leaders for the church, community, schools, in social work and all kinds of areas. We are pleased to have that connection with them."

Since Bishop Heelan's donation of the land when the university was first founded, the bishops have been involved in various ways with the university. Some of their involvement includes setting up a scholarship and being involved with the activities of the university. Most bishops have also been on the board of directors since the beginning.

"They [board of directors] have so much confidence in Bev Wharton and her leadership," said Bishop Nickless. "She is truly a woman of faith and a woman of vision. I think that's exactly what Briar Cliff needs at this time."

The bishop is also grateful for the opportunities to work on the board.

"There are some wonderful people on the board and it's an opportunity for a bishop to exercise my ministry as Shepard, a sanctifier and a leader," said Bishop Nickless. "I want to be more involved with the students as much as I can to encourage them, and be a presence for them in terms of their faith growth in their life."

Bev Wharton, was also pleased with the ability to recognize the diocese with the award.

"It makes it a special night, having the bishop here. Obviously, we have had a partnership with the diocese since the very beginning," said Wharton. "Tonight is an opportunity to celebrate that partnership and also to say thank you for all that they have done for students of Briar Cliff University."

With the bishop as a member of the board of trustees it also allows for more ways to extend the connection of the two.

"Having Bishop Nickless as a member of our board of trustees is another way to strengthen our relationship with the diocese," said Wharton. "We are very appreciative of all the support we receive from the parishes and people of the diocese of Sioux City."

Bishop Nickless is also looking forward to advancing the relationship between the diocese and the university in the future.

"I would like to see an opportunity for us to use the facilities, especially in preparation for our deacon candidates, our Catholic school teachers that are trained and formed here, hospital administers area also a big part of what Briar Cliff can do for the community," said Bishop Nickless. "All of that will make a wonderful contribution. I look forward to good relationships; it's a real honor for us to receive this award."