Briar Cliff Honors the Spirit of St. Francis Award Winner - Larry Obermeyer
May 12, 2024
(Sioux City, Iowa – May 11, 2024) Larry Obermeyer joined the Briar Cliff University team in 2015 and currently serves as the Director of Resource Development. Not only has Larry made an incredible impact on Briar Cliff, but he has also made notable contributions to the City of Sioux City and several non-profit organizations.
Larry is known for his wise guidance and outstanding grant-writing capabilities. This has resulted in $250 million of private and government grants awarded to area organizations that he authored, coauthored, or consulted. At Briar Cliff, this has included awards such as Title III, which guided improvements to how we support our students; an economic development grant, which will help us build an interprofessional school of health; and so many others that have all benefitted those we serve.
Beyond Briar Cliff, Larry and his family are known for the Sioux City Railroad Museum, of which currently he serves as a Board Member and CEO. They are responsible for restoring and establishing this site as a historic district, which allows us to reflect on the impact of the railroad industry. Without the passion and dedication of Larry and his family, the Sioux City Railroad Museum would not be what it is today. In recognition of this commitment, he received the Treasure of Sioux City Award during Historic Preservation Week and a special commendation from the City of Sioux City in 2022.
Additionally, Larry has been a long-time supporter of many organizations in the area. He has volunteered his time to organizations such as the Missouri River Historical Development, the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center, the Crittenton Center, and more.
As evidenced by his service through his career and volunteering, Larry has consistently and passionately given back to his community and has embodied Franciscan values.
It is Briar Cliff’s pleasure to present the 2024 Presidential Distinguished Leadership Award to the sister to Fr. Vakulskas, Jan Masteller.