Briar Cliff University: A Legacy of Ethical World Changers
Briar Cliff University, rooted in Catholic Franciscan ideals, has a rich history of producing graduates who have made significant contributions to their communities and professions. From award-winning journalists and Emmy-winning photographers to dedicated educators and community leaders, Briar Cliff alumni exemplify the university's mission to educate individuals who are committed to service, leadership, and ethical decision-making.
Distinguished Alumni: Living the Franciscan Ideal
The Distinguished Alumni Award is bestowed upon individuals who embody the Catholic Franciscan ideals, excel in their professional endeavors, and demonstrate a strong personal commitment to Briar Cliff University. Recent recipients of this prestigious award include:
Logan Murray: A Sterling, Illinois native, Logan Murray's journey at Briar Cliff took an unexpected turn when a back injury shifted his focus from basketball to leadership and academics. During his time at BCU, Logan was actively involved in Student Government, Enactus, SHRM, and served as a Peer Assistant Leader and campus tour guide. He graduated summa cum laude a year early with a double major in Political Science and Business Administration and minors in Legal Studies and Human Resource Management. Logan was honored with the Rising Student Leader Award, inducted into Delta Epsilon Sigma, and named Most Outstanding Student in the Business Administration Department. He went on to earn both his Juris Doctor and MBA from Drake University, along with certificates in Legislative Practice and Health Law. Logan began his career as a Legislative Analyst and Policy Advisor in the Iowa House of Representatives and now serves as Special Government Relations Counsel at Dentons Davis Brown, focusing on legislative lobbying and government relations. In addition to his legal work, Logan is active in his community-volunteering with Waypoint Resources, serving on the Board of Directors for Children and Family Urban Movement, and holding a mayoral appointment to the City of Waukee Parks & Recreation Board. He is a graduate of the Waukee Leadership Institute and has taught as an adjunct professor at several colleges and universities.
Joseph McMahan: An award-winning journalist and Emmy-winning photographer, Joseph McMahan is known for his sharp storytelling and compelling visual work. Covering a variety of stories from breaking news to community events, he has done a variety of work in news from production, reporting, videography, editing, and also obtained a Part 107 license to fly the drone for KTIV. He was born in Sioux City, Iowa, and grew up in Emerson, Nebraska. He graduated from Briar Cliff University with a degree in journalism and mass communications and a minor in graphic design. In addition to his work in the media, he is the founder and current president of the Siouxland Filmmakers Club, a creative collective that supports and promotes local film talent.
These alumni exemplify the diverse paths that Briar Cliff graduates pursue, all while upholding the values of service, leadership, and community engagement.
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Alumni in Public Service and Leadership
Briar Cliff University has a strong tradition of producing graduates who go on to serve in public office and community leadership roles. These individuals are committed to making a difference in their communities and beyond.
Ike Rayford: Ike Rayford’s journey to Sioux City City Council is rooted in service, resilience, and community connection. From moving north from Dallas as a student-athlete to becoming a Briar Cliff graduate, small business owner, and community advocate, Rayford’s experiences prepared him to represent all voices in Sioux City.
Kent Lovern: A 1993 graduate of Briar Cliff University, Kent Lovern was elected as the district attorney of Milwaukee County and officially took office. A long-time public servant, Lovern has spent over two decades in the DA’s office and credits his Briar Cliff education-and Franciscan values-for inspiring his commitment to community-focused justice.
These alumni demonstrate the impact that a Briar Cliff education can have on individuals who are passionate about serving their communities and upholding justice.
Alumni in Education: Shaping Future Generations
Briar Cliff University has a long-standing commitment to preparing educators who are dedicated to shaping the minds of future generations. Alumni in the field of education are making a difference in classrooms and communities across the country.
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Stephanie Pritts: Stephanie Pritts, a Briar Cliff alumna and instructional coach at Sheldon Community School District, has been named the Iowa Teacher of the Year. Rooted in a lifelong passion for teaching, her journey reflects a commitment to relationship-building, empathy, and collaborative learning-values strengthened during her time at Briar Cliff.
Janet Rohmiller: After decades in special education and district leadership, Janet Rohmiller has returned to the classroom, this time to prepare the next generation of teachers. With a career rooted in servant leadership and inclusive education, Rohmiller now teaches at Briar Cliff University, drawing on her rich professional experience to mentor future educators. From her early days in rural Iowa to leading district-wide development and now shaping future classrooms, her journey has truly come full circle.
Mary Jo Huismann: She never played high school basketball. Briar Cliff didn’t even have a women’s team when she was a student. But Mary Jo Huismann became one of the most accomplished coaches in Ohio girls’ basketball history - earning more than 750 wins, influencing generations of players, and even sharing lunch with John Wooden. Her story is one of quiet persistence, unlikely opportunity, and a legacy that goes far beyond the scoreboard.
Aden Ford: Aden Ford’s path to becoming a teacher began at Briar Cliff University.
These alumni are dedicated to providing students with the knowledge, skills, and values they need to succeed in life.
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Alumni in Athletics: From Chargers to Champions
Briar Cliff University has a proud athletic tradition, and many of its alumni have gone on to achieve success in the world of sports.
Ben Jefferies: From soccer player to Olympic sprinter - Ben Jefferies' journey is anything but ordinary. After arriving at Briar Cliff University on a soccer scholarship, financial struggles nearly forced him to leave. Instead, he took a leap into track & field, a decision that ultimately led him to the Paris Olympics.
Katie Wilke: From Briar Cliff to the Super Bowl, Katie Wilke’s athleticism and competitive spirit have shaped her son Cooper’s NFL journey. A standout basketball player at Briar Cliff in the late 1990s, Katie’s influence extends beyond her own remarkable career. As a first-team NAIA All-American and Midwest Region Player of the Year, Katie’s legacy as a Charger laid the groundwork for Cooper’s athletic success. Her dedication to fostering versatility in sports helped guide him to excel in multiple sports before becoming a defensive standout at Iowa.
Dale Roder: Dale Roder, a star pitcher from Granville, Iowa, turned down a chance with the Chicago White Sox in 1985 to support his family and pursue a career in finance.
These alumni demonstrate the dedication, perseverance, and teamwork that are hallmarks of Briar Cliff athletics.
Alumni in the Arts and Media: Telling Stories, Capturing Moments
Briar Cliff University has a strong tradition of producing graduates who excel in the arts and media. These individuals are storytellers, artists, and communicators who are shaping the cultural landscape.
Maddy Dishaw: Maddy Dishaw, a graduate of Briar Cliff University, showcased her senior graphic design work in a campus exhibit. Her thesis project, Heirloom, focused on using design to strengthen family connections through shared recipes and printed materials. The exhibit also featured work from her other classes, including infographics, branding, and advertising design.
Alumni in Healthcare: Compassionate Caregivers
Briar Cliff University has a strong nursing program, and many of its graduates go on to become compassionate and skilled healthcare professionals.
Tricia Van Den Top: Tricia Van Den Top began as a nurse before finding her true calling in Air Force logistics, where she rose to the rank of Colonel. Guided by Franciscan values from Briar Cliff, she built a 20-year career of leadership and service around the world.
Logan Hartnett: Logan Hartnett, a Sioux City native and Army veteran, took a nontraditional path to higher education. After spending over seven years in the military, he returned to school at Briar Cliff University despite a low high school GPA and a decade-long gap in his education. With determination and support from small class sizes and engaged faculty, Hartnett excelled, tutoring peers and preparing for medical school. Now a graduate, he plans to attend the Kansas College of Osteopathic Medicine, aiming to make a meaningful impact in emergency or family medicine while also focusing on community health and education access.
Ashley Yeske: After finding she was being called to the social work profession, Ashley Yeske says Briar Cliff found her.
These alumni are dedicated to providing compassionate care and improving the health and well-being of individuals and communities.
Alumni Spotlight: Emeriti Professors
Briar Cliff University also recognizes the contributions of its Emeriti Professors, who have dedicated their lives to teaching and mentoring students. These individuals have had a profound impact on the lives of countless alumni.
Professor Baldus: Professor Baldus earned his Bachelor of Arts in Art from Briar Cliff College and his Master of Fine Arts with an emphasis in Sculpture from the University of South Dakota. His collegiate instructional career began at Briar Cliff as an adjunct instructor. He previously worked at Briar Cliff in the 1980s as the Assistant Director of Admissions and the Director of Alumni Relations. He began teaching full-time at Briar Cliff and advanced in rank during his time at Briar Cliff, reaching the rank of Professor. He served as the Department Chair for Art. He retired at the end of the spring, 2023 semester. He additionally served Briar Cliff as the Curator of the Clausen Art Gallery as well as serving on multiple faculty committees. Since 1997, he has served as the Art Editor for the Briar Cliff Review, including selection of works for inclusion as well as collaboration in art installation at the Sioux City Art Center. He is a skilled potter with deep connections to many individuals in the Siouxland art community and throughout the Midwest. His work has been displayed in dozens of galleries across the Midwest and Rocky Mountains regions. He has served on the Sioux City Art Center board (including as Chair), the Catholic Charities board, as a juror at art competitions and festivals, and with meals on Wheels. He has been selected by the Council of Independent Colleges to participate in national art seminars on three separate occasions.
Dr. Barbara Condon: Dr. Barbara Condon served Briar Cliff from 2003-2020. She began as an assistant professor and advanced to a full professor before retirement. She taught in all of Briar Cliff’s nursing programs, undergraduate, masters, and doctorate. She also served on the Board of Directors for Sunrise Manor retirement Community and donated to many different charities such as the Ronald McDonald House, ALS, Walk for the Cure, Clare Guest House, UnityPoint Health - St.
Dr. John Cordoue: Dr. John Cordoue taught full-time in the Department of Sociology of Social Work at Briar Cliff from 1975 to 1995; though he has served as an instructor at BCU for twice that amount of time. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from St. Joseph’s University, a Master of Arts degree from St. Louis University, a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Iowa and a Ph.D. from the Catholic University of America. The student newspaper at Briar Cliff once described Dr. Cordoue as a “deeply contemplative man who has mastered the art of thinking before speaking,” and for years he impacted students by teaching subjects like “sociology of the family”.
Dr. Heather Craig-Oldsen: Dr. Heather Craig-Oldsen was a Professor in the Social Work department and a faculty member at Briar Cliff University for twelve years. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Religion and French from Nebraska Wesleyan University and her Master of Social Work degree from the University of Nebraska. For eleven of her years at Briar Cliff University she served as the chair and program director for Social Work. During that time, she led the development of Briar Cliff University’s social work online degree completion program, which was launched in the fall of 2014. She served the university and faculty in multiple ways including as Chair of the Faculty as well as on the Faculty Development Committee, the Academic Policies Committee, the Curriculum Committee, and the General Education Committee. She was also a member of the Franciscan Team. In the classroom, she was a dedicated and enthusiastic instructor, well-respected by her students and her colleagues. Her aptitude, energy, and devotion to Briar Cliff and her professional development was recognized on three separate occasions by the University, presenting her the Emerging Faculty Award (2006), the Bonaventure Award for Collaborative Development of Learning Communities (2010), and the Paul and Frances Duff Pursuit of Excellence Award (2013). She also led the development of educational conferences associated with the annual Memorial March to Honor Lost Children starting in 2012. She has served the surrounding community, especially the Native American tribes in the region by developing and administering a grant to help increase the number of Native American B.S.W. child welfare workers, a critical shortage in the region; facilitated the Native American Foster Home Initiative in 2010; and co-wrote the Native Families for Native Children grant with the Winnebago Tribe in 2013.
Dr. Currans-Sheehan: Dr. Currans-Sheehan earned her Bachelor of Arts in English with Secondary Education and Speech/Drama from Briar Cliff College, her Master of Arts in English with an emphasis in writing at the University of South Dakota, and her Doctor of Philosophy in English with emphases in 20th Century Literature, Creative Writing, and Gender Studies at the University of South Dakota. Her career at Briar Cliff began as an adjunct instructor and she joined the faculty as an Assistant Professor and successfully was promoted at the earliest opportunities to Associate Professor and then professor. She is the Founding Editor of the Briar Cliff Review and just saw the 35th edition of it successfully published. The Briar Cliff Review has been recognized nationally, by multiple organizations, for the quality of its included work and its publication value. In addition to serving her department and profession, she served the university through multiple committees: Senate (secretary), presidential search, strategic planning, institutional review, rank/promotion and tenure, faculty development, publications, teacher education, convocation, provost, 75th anniversary, inauguration, and many search committees. She has served and engaged with the Siouxland community through book club organization and participation, writing group participation, Siouxland Iowa ERA Committee (chair), Friends of the Sioux City Public Library (President and board member), Siouxland Women’s Political Caucus (chair), and more. Professionally, she has read and presented dozens of times, had dozens of short stories published (with multiple awards received in addition to nominations), published two collections of short stories, and published a trilogy of novels with a colleague and friend, Jeanne Emmons. Her efforts for Briar Cliff University have been recognized with the Paul and Frances Duff Pursuit of Excellent Award, the Distinguished Faculty Scholar Award, and the Presidential Distinguished Leadership Award. Her nominator shared, “In my six years at Briar Cliff University, I have been blessed to call Tricia a colleague, friend, and mentor. I have never seen anyone who works so tirelessly to promote literacy, champion women’s rights, and raise the bar of writing and literature in our country.
Sr. Mary Day: Sr. Mary Day received her Bachelor of Arts in Vocal Performance from Briar Cliff College, her Master of Arts in Vocal Performance from the University of Iowa, a Diploma of Vocal Performance from the American Institute of Musical Studies in Graz, Austria, and her Doctor of Musical Arts in Vocal Performance and Pedagogy from the University of Iowa. She joined the faculty of Briar Cliff and retired from the department. Professionally, she has performed at multiple Midwest locations as well as internationally in Austria. She has been a frequent clinician for high school and college vocal auditions as well as establishing and coordinating for 29 years the Pre-All-State Choral Music Camp for Iowa high school students. She served as a member of Briar Cliff College’s Board of Trustees and as a member of many university committees: academic council, promotion and tenure, faculty development, academic policies, awards and citations, university budget, teacher education, general education, Chair of the Division of Fine Arts, and Chair of the Faculty. She served her community in leadership roles with the Iowa Chapter or the National Association of Teachers and Singing (President), the National Association of Teachers of Singing (Central Region Governor and National Board Member), Iowa Women Lead Change (Siouxland Steering Committee), and as a member of the Siouxland Coalition Against Human Trafficking. She additionally has served on boards for the Siouxland Arts Council, Sioux City Concert Course, Youth Symphony, Cathedral Arts Guild, Mary J. Treglia Community House, Sioux City Chamber Music Association, Human Rights Commission, teaching ESL at Lutheran Services, and establishing “Emerging Women’s Voices” for immigrant women at Mary J. Treglia Community House. She was recognized by the university with the Paul and Frances Duff Pursuit of Excellence Award.
Dr. Jeanne Emmons: Dr. Jeanne Emmons served as a professor of English and Writing at Briar Cliff University for 34 years. During this time she specialized in teaching modern poetry, Victorian literature, linguistics, mythology and poetry writing. In 1988 Dr. Emmons won the Minnesota Voices Poetry Competition and was named for a Pippistrelle “Best of Small Press” award for her first collection of poetry, “Roobound.” Her second collection, “Baseball Nights and DDT,” was published by Pecan Grove Press in 2005 and her third collection, “The Glove of the World,” was published by Backwaters Press in 2006. Dr. Emmons received the Iowa Woman Poetry Award in 1991, the South Coast Review Poetry Award in 1992, the Sow’s Ear Review Poetry Award in 2003, the James Hearst Poetry Award in 2005, and the Comstock Review Poetry Award in 2009. Dr. Emmons has also had her work published in numerous literary journals including Alaska Quarterly Review, American Scholar, Confrontation, Cream City Review, Prairie Schooner, New Orleans Review and many others.
Mr. George Frangedakis: Mr. George Frangedakis was an Associate Professor in the Business department and a faculty member at Briar Cliff University for 31 years. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from Briar Cliff College and his Masters of Business Administration degree from the University of Notre Dame. For many of his years at Briar Cliff University, he served as the chair of the department and oversaw expansion of programming, including off-campus sites and new majors. He served as Chair of the Faculty and also on the majority of faculty committees as well as many university-wide committees during his tenure at Briar Cliff University. He also served as the advisor to multiple student organizations, including the BAMM Club and the Accounting/Finance Club. Regarding his quality as a professor, a colleague had this to say, “George was a respected teacher and colleague. His students received a quality education from him and while his classes were not easy, he freely gave of his time for individual instruction.” A student had shared the following, “The wisdom he shared each and every day was above and beyond what any of us expected to learn.” He was a model of the Briar Cliff professor.
Dr. Adam: Dr. Adam was a professor in the Modern Languages department for thirty-eight years. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature from the University of Michigan, his Master of Arts in English Literature degree from the University of Washington, and his Doctor of Philosophy in English Literature degree from the University of Texas at Austin. His areas of specialization include British and American poetry and fiction, Shakespeare, and Science Fiction. For nearly half of his time at Briar Cliff University, Adam served as the Chair of the department. He led the development and implementation of a separate writing major within the department. He served on the majority of faculty committees, served on the strategic planning committee of the mid 2000s, was Acting Associate Dean of Faculty (1986-1987), and Chair of the Faculty (1997-1998). He helped to write several grants for the university including a Title III, FIPSE, and Burlington Northern grant. He twice delivered the Distinguished Faculty Lecture, presenting on “Heroes and Victims in Recent Science Fiction Films” in 2006 and on “The Arts Rejoin the Sciences: Our Post-convergent Future” in 2016. As an instructor, he held students to high standards. Students in his classes learned and they earned their grades. He had integrity and modeled scholarship and discipline for his students. Outside of Briar Cliff, Adam was a member of the Science Fiction Research Association and served as his professional organization’s president in 2007-2008.
Dr. Leo Frommelt: Dr. Leo Frommelt was a Professor in the Education department and a faculty member at Briar Cliff University for 32 years. He earned his Bachelor of Arts from Loras College, his Master of Arts in Education from Marquette University, and his Doctorate of Education from the University of South Dakota. For many of the years of his tenure, he served as the chair of the department. He was a forward-thinking educator, who strove, always, to improve the preparation of our students for their future careers as educators. His dedication saw program expansion to provide additional hours of field experience, the use of technology in the classroom, and early childhood education. His dedication to his students and their preparation extended into the community, where he would personally visit every school that had a student placed there to visit with personnel about expectations for student teaching so that the best possible outcomes could be achieved.
Sister Michaela Galles: Sister Michaela Galles served as professor of theology at Briar Cliff University for 28 years. Sister Michaela Galles entered the Franciscan community and took her final vows. She has a BS degree from Briar Cliff, MS degree in biology and an MA in theology from the University of Notre Dame in Indiana and did postgraduate studies at Creighton University in Omaha, Neb.; the University of Portland, Ore.; Boston College; and Maryknoll, Ossining, N.Y. She has been called a “cornerstone” of the faculty in the theology and philosophy departments, which she chaired for a number of years. Among her many accomplishments, she helped found Briar Cliff’s Church Ministries Program to assist the Diocese of Sioux City and its parishes with staff development. In 2002, Sister Michaela received Briar Cliff’s Bonaventure Award for her work in advancing holistic education. Sister Michaela received Briar Cliff’s Paul and Frances Duff Award for the Pursuit of Excellence for demonstrating the importance of faith and unselfish service.
These Emeriti Professors represent the dedication and commitment to excellence that are hallmarks of Briar Cliff University.
Honoring Alumni Achievements
Briar Cliff University recognizes the achievements of its alumni through various awards and honors, including:
- The Spirit of St. Francis Award: This award honors individuals who exemplify the Franciscan spirit of service and concern for others through contributions to society and a value-centered professional and/or family life.
- The GOLD Alumni Award: This award recognizes and honors a Briar Cliff University graduate of the last decade who has demonstrated a continued commitment to living a life reflective of Briar Cliff’s mission and values.
- The Presidential Distinguished Leadership Award: This award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership in their fields and communities.
- The Briar Cliff University Medal: This award is given to recognize human service by persons who have made great contributions to Briar Cliff or individuals whose contributions to education, religion, or government have been significant.
These awards demonstrate Briar Cliff University's commitment to recognizing and celebrating the accomplishments of its alumni.
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