Date: March 28, 2025 Time: 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM Briar Cliff University | St Francis Center

About the Sister Muriel Ford Lectureship

The Sister Muriel Ford Lectureship is an endowment created by the Alumni of Briar Cliff to honor the person who served for 20 years as director of alumni relations. Sister Muriel, who died in 1979, was chairperson of the sociology department from 1937 to 1972. Throughout her years at Briar Cliff, Sister Muriel was recognized as a champion of social justice and a teacher who stirred in her students a desire to serve their community.It is in light of these characteristic strengths of Sister Muriel that the Department of Sociology & Criminal Justice, the Department of Social Work, and the Multicultural Program Office choose lecturers concerned about contemporary social issues and personally dedicated to their resolution.

The 2025 Sister Muriel Ford Lectureship is scheduled for Friday, March 28 from 2:00 - 3:00 PM in the St. Francis Center. Join us in celebration of Social Work Month and the 50^th anniversary of the BCU Social Work Program's Accreditation!

The Sr. Muriel Ford Lectureship is offered to students, professionals, and community members at no cost or charge. Certificate of attendance and continuing education credit hours are available. Attendees will gain knowledge, tools, and resources for promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Meet This Year's Speaker - Barb Newhouse 

Barb has over 47 years of success in leading strategic initiatives resulting in operation growth and market strength. Her specialties? Aligning needs of varied groups of constituents with the overall mission and working with grassroots chapter and volunteer networks while maintaining a strategic business focus.

Currently the executive director at Mary J. Treglia Community House, Barb has worked with United Way, American Cancer Society, Alzheimer’s Association, Autism Society, Arthritis Foundation, ALS Association, and Children’s Heart Foundation. Additionally, Barb consults on an as requested/needed basis with other organizations seeking her skillset.

She is known for her work in organizational change management including executive coaching, strategic planning efforts, organizational mergers, and large fundraising events like the Ice Bucket Challenge for ALS.

Barb holds a BSW from Briar Cliff University and a Master’s in Administration from the University of South Dakota. She holds a Certificate in Leadership and Nonprofit Management from Notre Dame. She has served on various boards including United Way, the National Health Council, International Alliance of ALS/MND Association, and Briar Cliff University.

Finally, and of greatest importance to her, she is a proud mother to her three sons (biological and bonus) and grandmother to Pablo. Barb has served as a mentor and bonus mom to many other young people who have come to know her over the years.

Continuing Education Credits or Units are Available!

Certificates of attendance for continuing education will be provided upon request. Certificates will be emailed to attendees within 30 days of the session.

Applications for pre-approved CEUs are being submitted to the following licensure boards: Iowa Board of Educators, Iowa Judicial Branch Commission on Continuing Legal Education, Iowa Certification Board, South Dakota Board of Social Work, Iowa Board of Social Work, and Iowa Board of Nursing.