Briar Cliff spreads Christmas joy at annual party

By RENEE WEBB, Globe editor
Dec. 20, 2007

Cheers went up as Santa Clause entered the St. Francis Center of Stark Student Center at Briar Cliff University on Dec. 13. The man in red and some of his elves gave presents to about 100 guests with physical and mental disabilities who were visiting the university’s campus from Siouxland Residential Services, Mid-step Services and Opportunities Unlimited.

As the guests opened presents, one yelled, “I got candy.”

Santa made his way throughout the room, greeting the guests and one asked him how his wife was doing.

This holiday party was hosted by BCCares, which is part of the campus ministry department of Briar Cliff.

“We have heard that the residents look forward to this all year. It has become a tradition, a lot of them come up every Christmas,” said Mark Westrich, assistant campus minister who serves as director of BCCares. “It has also become a tradition among the students and staff at Briar Cliff.”

He pointed out that the students are encouraged to give something back and this event provides an opportunity to do so.

“These students will talk with their friends, and it spreads,” said Westrich. “Every year we get more and more people.”

Steven Hambleton, a Briar Cliff freshman from Fort Dodge, assisted Westrich with the event. He serves as the events coordinator for BCCares.

He said he wanted to be involved because he liked making a difference.

“I have learned to be grateful and not to take anything for granted,” said Hambleton, who is a graduate of St. Edmond’s.

Rita Langhorst, who is a continuing education admissions counselor, said this was her third time to volunteer for the holiday party.

“This is my favorite event on campus all year long because we can share our campus and our Christmas spirit with people who come to visit us today,” she said.

Faculty, students and staff from Briar Cliff were invited to volunteer at the event.

In addition to volunteering at the events, he explained that hundreds of other students, faculty, staff or groups purchased the gifts. Students also donated meals from their meal plans so that the guests could enjoy lunch on campus. Others helped to setup and cleanup.

Mary Crosgrove, a client coordinator at Mid-Step Services, said the guests love to attend the holiday party.

“They love to get out with their friends,” said Crosgrove, who noted that they always look forward to the event.

Briar Cliff student Maggie Russell mentioned that her baby brother has Downs Syndrome, so that has drawn her to working with others who have disabilities. When her brother is older she hopes that others will treat him with respect, so she wants to do the same for others.

At the party, she helped to greet guests, distribute presents and serve the meal.

Like Langhorst, Westrich spoke of the personal joy that comes from the event.

“It’s the most enjoyable thing I do all year with BCCares,” he said. “It’s one big party – everyone has a wonderful time – students as well as guests.”

Westrich commended the students, faculty and staff, noting that without the help of so many, the event wouldn’t be possible.