2021 Briar Cliff Medal

May 8, 2021

Dr. Herbert (posthumous) and Rosemary Kuehne’s lives are characterized by their devotion to volunteerism, education, and family.

The late Dr. Herbert Kuehne joined Briar Cliff in 1973 and taught until 2001. During this time, he won a National Fulbright Fellowship, helped kickstart a Freshman Liberal Arts curriculum, and promoted intercultural education. He was an innovative and engaging educator who encouraged students and faculty alike to view the world through multiple lenses.

Rosemary served the university as an adjunct professor during the 70's, as a science teacher during the years Briar Cliff offered summer KIDDIE COLLEGE, as a visitor to the cadaver class, and as the proud sponsor of first-generation Latino/Latina Briar Cliff students.  

Throughout their lifetimes, the Kuehne's demonstrated what it means to truly practice joyful service.

Dr. Kuehne founded the first Sioux City Recycling Center, served as a member of the League of United Latin American Citizens, was appointed to the Sioux City Human Rights Commission, served on the Sioux City Community Mental Health Center Board, was elected for two terms on the Sioux City Community School Board, worked as a crime analyst for ten years with the Sioux City Police Department, and planted thousands of trees. His passion for service continued into his retirement as he volunteered for the VITA program assisting low-income families with income tax filings, the Sioux City Public Museum, Meals on Wheels, Iowa’s Senior Health Insurance Program, the Soup Kitchen, Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center, Art Splash, and the Missouri River Clean Up.

Rosemary’s heart is also extraordinary.  She has volunteered for numerous organizations over the years. Rosemary has supported numerous nonprofits for which she has held deep passions, including the areas of hunger, homelessness, children, women, education, nature, and the arts.  She founded the learning center for early learners in her home for 28 years, has assisted elementary age children with their reading skills in the public schools, provided recommendations for interactive activities at the LaunchPad Children’s Museum, supported the efforts of the Sanford Center to assist at-risk kids, and taught English literacy to adults at the Mary Treglia Community House. She continues to support 10 kindergarten classes with monthly books for each child as well as a book-related science class.

It is our pleasure to present the 2021 Briar Cliff University Medal to Dr. Herbert Kuehne (posthumous) and Rosemary Kuehne.