THE GLOBE
PO BOX 5079 (51102)
1825 JACKSON ST.
SIOUX CITY, IA (51105)
712.255.2550
800.352.9035
WWW.CATHOLICGLOBE.ORG
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Bishop’s Scholars: Applications now accepted
The Bishop’s Scholarships are once again being offered to students in the Diocese of Sioux City planning on attending Briar Cliff University in Sioux City.
The scholarships are awarded to students who exemplify initiative, the ability to help organize community activities, demonstrate leadership in their home parish, an active faith life, a strong work ethic and strong academic performance. The demonstration of these qualities gives a strong indication of an individual’s ability to become a future leader in both their community and the Catholic Church. Encouraging leadership in these areas is a fundamental goal of the Diocese of Sioux City and thus the impetus for these awards.
Bishop Nickless takes a great deal of pride and ownership in these awards and meets with the award recipients twice a year for a dinner and conversation. The conversation focuses upon the student’s development academically, emotionally, spiritually and as a leader in their faith and on the Briar Cliff campus. Examples of discussion topics in the past have included student’s spiritual growth resulting from attending a Catholic university and how Catholic education helps them grow as individuals in the communities of which they are a part.
A committee, set up by the bishop, annually recommends two graduating Catholic high school seniors from the Diocese of Sioux City to receive the Bishop's scholarship to attend Briar Cliff University.
These scholarships target students with high academic performance, a GPA of 3.25 or higher, an ACT of 24 or higher (equivalent SAT of 1100 or higher) and rank in the top 50 percent of their class. Applicants must belong to a parish within the Diocese of Sioux City and provide a letter of support from their pastor. Another letter of reference should be submitted by someone who can attest to their suitability for this scholarship.
The student will also include an essay or letter (no longer than 500 words) for the bishop addressing the following items:
- Importance of your Catholic faith and belonging to your Catholic parish.
- Initiative and organization: Share examples of activities, jobs, services you have initiated and organized in your community, school and parish.
- Share your experiences of how you live your spiritual life (prayers, Mass attendance, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, regular Confession, retreats).
- Work ethic: What employment have you had and how it helps you.
- How important is academic success? Are there any academic accomplishments that you are particularly proud of?
- Why do you want to attend Briar Cliff University?
The scholars are eligible for a four-year award if they maintain a 3.0 grade point average while attending Briar Cliff University. The scholarship increases annually beginning with a freshmen award of $5,000, sophomore award of $5,500, junior award of $6,500 and a senior award of $8,000.
The application is due on or before Feb. 1, 2012. Return the application, essay, letter from your pastor and letter of recommendation to Cindy Tiedeman, Administrative Assistant, Diocese of Sioux City, PO Box 3379, Sioux City, Iowa 51102-3379.