In 1929, only briar patches covered a 175-foot hill located on the western outskirts of Sioux City, Iowa. But two people--Mother Mary Dominica Wieneke, Major Superior of the Sisters of Saint Francis of Dubuque, Iowa, and the Most Reverend Edmond Heelan, Bishop of the Sioux City Diocese--had a vision. They envisioned that hill crowned with a Catholic college for women.

Mother Dominica and Bishop Heelan met on March 9, 1929, with members of the Sioux City business community. These community leaders committed themselves to raising $25,000 to support the establishment of a college in Sioux City. On March 30, 1930, at the laying of the cornerstone for the first building, Heelan Hall, Bishop Heelan commented that, “the duty of education must not only prepare one for citizenship but also prepare one for eternity.” This was truly the spirit of the education that the Sisters of Saint Francis brought to Sioux City.

The twelve foundresses of the College were carefully chosen by Mother Dominica. They were led by Sister Mary Servatius Greenen, who was named the first president. The College was dedicated on September 18, 1930, and the first group of 25 students arrived four days later. The College was named Briar Cliff after the hill on which it is located. It was also given the name Our Lady of Grace to connect it with the rich Catholic tradition which was its foundation.

In 1937, Briar Cliff’s two-year education program was expanded to four years. The subsequent years saw rapid growth in the student population and the campus. In 1965, fifty-five men were admitted to the College; Briar Cliff formally became a coeducational college in 1966 with the admission of 150 full-time male students. In addition to its liberal arts and sciences curriculum, the College added professional programs to serve the needs of its students.

The growth in students and academic programs required an expansion of the physical plant as well. Construction has included a four-story wing added to Heelan Hall in 1948; the library and Our Lady of Grace Chapel in 1958; Alverno Hall, originally a women’s residence, in 1964; a gymnasium in 1966; Toller Hall, originally a men’s residence, in 1967; Noonan Hall in 1968; Newman Flanagan Center in 1982; and the Baxter-DiGiovanni Living/Learning Center in 1988. In 1993, the Bishop Mueller Library was renovated. The Stark Student Center opened in the fall of 2000 and the McCoy Arnold Center opened in 2004.

Briar Cliff has been served throughout its history by dedicated and talented faculty, staff, and administrators. The presence of the Sisters of Saint Francis has continued to be vital to every aspect of the college. The eight preceding presidents have each contributed in a special way to the growth and development of the college. The history of Briar Cliff University is one of patience, perseverance, and unyielding commitment. It is an institution with a rich Catholic heritage and a strong tradition of service to the community.