Briar Cliff Honors 50+ Students at 2026 Convocation

Briar Cliff University students proved that academic excellence is alive and thriving at their 2026 Honors Convocation last Thursday. More than 50 students received recognition for outstanding achievement across undergraduate and graduate programs.

The ceremony took place in the Chapel of Our Lady of Grace, where faculty and university leadership gathered to celebrate students who excelled in fields ranging from biology to business administration. President Dr. Matthew Draud and Provost Dr. Brian Peterson addressed the honorees.

Nora Kastning stood out among her peers, earning valedictorian honors while also taking top awards in mathematics and secondary education. Her classmate Ryann Coughlin served as salutatorian and received multiple distinctions, including the Distinguished Senior Alumni Award and recognition in behavior analysis.

The honors spanned 30 different academic programs. Students like Makenna Kleinhesselink in nursing, Alfonso Diaz in computer science, and Maria Harris in psychology represented the breadth of excellence across campus.

Graduate students also earned recognition for their advanced work. Sister Assumpta Ogbedeagu received the Distinguished Doctor of Nurse Practitioner Award, while Victoria Johnson earned top honors in health care administration.

The Ripple Effect

These academic achievements extend far beyond individual success. Students like Haley Gruis, who won both the criminal justice award and the Sister Muriel Ford Social Justice Award, demonstrate how scholarship connects to community impact.

Future teachers like Justice Weers and Maria Russell will carry their academic excellence into classrooms. Healthcare professionals like Kelsey Martinmaas in nursing and Adrianna Webster in physical therapy will serve patients with the same dedication they showed in their studies.

Business leaders like Jenna Santos in accounting and Kylie Hart in business administration are prepared to strengthen their communities. Each honoree represents years of late nights, challenging coursework, and commitment to learning.

The ceremony honored students who chose depth over shortcuts and persistence over easy paths.