BRIAR CLIFF SUNDAY  On behalf of the Diocese of Sioux City and Briar Cliff University, we would like to extend our sincerest gratitude to you for your participation in the special collection for Briar Cliff University last year. Briar Cliff Sunday is an opportunity for our parishes to partner with the University to play a key role in guiding our youth both academically and spiritually.
 
As the only Catholic university in the Diocese of Sioux City, Briar Cliff helps our parishioners continue to grow in their relationships with God from the seeds of faith originally planted in them by their parishes, schools and families. Briar Cliff Sunday is a special collection we encourage you to promote. Gifts received benefit scholarships. The special collection for Briar Cliff Sunday is scheduled for January 28th and 29th. It is critical to continue to make our private Catholic college education attainable for our parishioners.
 
Additionally, your parishioners who attend Briar Cliff have an opportunity to benefit from scholarship support in the following way:
 
1.       Bishop’s Scholarship - a four-year award for a high school graduate from the Diocese of Sioux City who exemplifies initiative, leadership in their home parish, an active faith life and strong academic performance. A Pastor’s recommendation is required for consideration by the committee.
 
2.       Presidential Scholarship - a full tuition scholarship renewable for up to four years. This competitive scholarship is based on a student's leadership role in their school, church and/or community. Students must have a 3.75 cumulative GPA and a 26 composite ACT score to apply. Personal interviews with select Briar Cliff administrators are required to receive this award. Each year three to five recipients are selected for this prestigious scholarship.
 
3.       Connections Scholarships - benefits students who attend one of our diocesan high schools and/or have a parent or sibling who is an alumnus.
 
4.       Additional general scholarships - additional scholarships are available based on a wide range of criteria from academics to athletics.
 
Thank you, in advance, for supporting Briar Cliff Sunday.
 
Respectfully,
 
Most Reverend R. Walker Nickless
Bishop, Diocese of Sioux City
 
Hamid A. Shirvani, Ph.D.
President, Briar Cliff University