"First do what is necessary. Then do what is possible. And before you know it you are doing the impossible." 

- St. Francis of Assisi 

 

Introduction

As part of our Foundations for the Future Comprehensive Campaign, we invite you to join us in strengthening the very foundations of Briar Cliff University. Through this initiative, we aim first to solidify affordability for prospective students and families to provide access to generational upward mobility through our pillar academic programs.  We also aspire to strengthen the bones of our campus, enhancing both its physical structure and our long-term financial stability. By modernizing our facilities, we ensure safety, accessibility, and the latest amenities, which are vital to fostering a nurturing learning environment. Your support is instrumental in reinforcing the bedrock of our institution, enabling us to uphold our commitment to academic excellence and holistic development. Together, we can build a campus that truly embodies our vision for the future.

Foundation of Student Affordability 

Access to a Briar Cliff education through maintaining affordability is the core of this campaign. Fully funding our annual scholarships will enhance the sustainability and viability of Briar Cliff. More funding for scholarships will help us boost enrollment, balance our student demographics and offerings, and make the overall campus culture more appealing to a variety of student interests. The University has long been committed to providing a world-class education for a wide range of students and family backgrounds. We aim to continue that legacy. 

Our Focus

  • Annual Scholarship Funding  
  • Legacy Gifts 
  • Endowment 

Foundation of Student Experience 

Improving our infrastructure will transform our campus and enhance our students’ experience. Many of our buildings and facilities, some dating back to their original installation, need repairs and upgrades. These crucial repairs are essential to ensure safety and accessibility across campus. We need to bring our campus up to modern standards. Once we achieve these upgrades, our campus will be a better environment for our students to learn and grow.  

Our Focus 

  • Housing
  • Accessibility  
  • Safety 
  • Community 

 Our Goal

Annual Scholarship Funding: Increasing the operational gifts will allow Briar Cliff to adjust to the demands of the economy and maintain institutional responsibility while remaining committed to minimizing student debt and family expenses.   

Legacy Gifts: Deciding to include Briar Cliff in your estate and informing the university of your intentions allows your generosity to endure and assists us in long-term budgeting and planning. 

Endowment: Establishing endowed scholarships or growing the educational trust held by the university to draw upon interest provides a financial cornerstone upon which Briar Cliff can weather future economic challenges or unexpected crises.  

 

FAQ's

How did Briar Cliff determine the goals of the campaign? 
Briar Cliff contracted an external consultant to conduct a planning study during April and May 2024. The Steier Group gathered quantitative and qualitative data and presented results to the University Board of Trustees on June 13. In this presentation, the Board was offered a financial projection, a ranking of eight overall goals and other statistical data. Based on these findings, the Board approved the campaign and determined to have it address affordability and experience, two areas of highest importance based on survey results.  

 
Are the Sisters of St. Francis in support of Briar Cliff in this campaign and beyond? What about the Diocese of Sioux City? 
 The Sisters of St. Francis-Dubuque continue to represent the heart and soul of Briar Cliff. Three members of the order sit on Briar Cliff’s Board of Trustees and participated in the planning study and campaign approval. The Sisters have provided a substantial lead gift and are in full support of our campaign. They continue to invest their time, talent, and treasure in the educational ministry of Briar Cliff.
Other projects have previously been announced. Why are those goals not part of this campaign? Are they still part of Briar Cliff’s long-term plans? 
In recent years, public announcements of new construction projects on campus have been published and partially funded. The new leadership of Briar Cliff believes, based on the feedback from the planning study conducted by the Steier Group, that other goals are more important to the long-term viability of the University at this time. Gifts toward previous projects have been re-committed by donors toward our current goals. We hope that this campaign’s success will catapult Briar Cliff into a position to bring new construction projects as we approach our centennial. 
What is the timeline for the campaign? 
 The preparation phase of the campaign began in June, and we plan to receive commitments through 2027. We are humbly asking donors to consider a three-year pledge specific to this fundraising effort, beyond the other ways in which they are currently supporting the University. 
What needs will be addressed first with campaign funds? 
Maintaining affordability for students and families is the primary focus of this campaign. A bulk of funds raised will go directly toward that goal immediately. The remaining funds raised will be used towards infrastructure improvements on campus to enhance the experience of the students and community. Those projects will be accomplished according to the areas of greatest need and impact, as determined by the University leadership. We look forward to sharing updates on projects as they are completed.  
 How can I help? 
If you have an immediate desire to learn more or get involved, please contact Cori Koopman, VP of University Advancement, at cori.koopman@briarcliff.edu. You can also visit the campaign website here briarcliff.edu/donate to make a pledge, recurring gift, or one-time donation. Please also pray for the success of our campaign and the entire Briar Cliff community!