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Briar Cliff University has welcomed five new members to its Board of Trustees, bringing a broad range of experience in higher education, business, finance, and institutional leadership to the University’s governing board. The new trustees are Steve Freeman ‘69, Dr. Sandra Harper, Jennifer Letch, Timm Funk ‘77, and Craig McGarry.

Although a little over 20 miles apart, teachers and staff at Humboldt St. Mary and Fort Dodge St. Edmond Catholic schools kicked off the academic year together with a day-long retreat Aug. 17. Father Jake Rosenmeyer, parochial vicar for both Holy Trinity Parish of Webster County and St. Mary Parish in Humboldt, led the retreat.

The Sioux City Briar Cliff University Board of Trustees is pleased to announce it has extended the presidency of Dr. Matthew Draud through an evergreen agreement, reaffirming the board’s confidence in his leadership and the direction of the university. Under the new agreement, Dr. Draud’s initial three-year commitment will automatically renew, providing continuity in leadership as Briar Cliff continues its work to strengthen the university and position it for long-term growth.

Although St. Mary School in Humboldt had a dress code, at times it had become somewhat relaxed. When students head off to school later this month, they will be wearing uniforms. According to Principal Sara Bormann, the school board came to the decision to adopt a stricter dress code as a result of many years of conversation, prayer and reflection - not a sudden change. “St. Mary School had been working to more consistently enforce its existing dress code, but feedback indicated that it was still too loose and did not fully reflect the school’s Catholic identity,” she said.

The 34th anniversary Danbury Catholic School BBQ and Auction will be held on Aug. 30. The BBQ will begin at 11 a.m. with the auction to kickoff at noon.

For the students who graduated from high school in the spring, the majority are headed off to college in a few short weeks. A fair share are also hitting the job market, as is the case for Bishop Heelan High School graduate Kaleb LaFavor. But it’s not just any job, the Crusader baseball standout was drafted on July 12 by the Boston Red Sox in the 10th round of the 2026 Major League Baseball draft. “It was a cool experience to share with my family and friends - all the work that I’ve put in and all the work my family has put in,” said LaFavor, a parishioner at Holy Cross Parish in Sioux City.

Storm Lake St. Mary School announced July 23 that school administration entered into a sharing agreement with the Storm Lake Community Schools for all grades seven to 12 athletics except dance. The sharing will begin with volleyball in a few weeks as the schools already share a football program.

Six Catholic high schools participated in the annual CYO baseball and softball tournaments at LeMars and Remsen last weekend. Two brackets of three teams each were used in both tourneys.

Remsen St. Mary Coach Stacy Bunkers earned Catholic Youth Organization Coach of the Year honors at the CYO softball tournament June 6.

The Diocese of Sioux City Catholic Schools Office is reminding Catholic school parents of the June 30 deadline for applying for Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) funding.

The Gospel Award for Joy recognizes the spirit of living with faith, kindness, and positivity each day. At Remsen St. Mary's Schools, this award honors a student or students who bring encouragement to others, shares God’s love through their actions, and radiates joy in our school community. Through a caring heart, uplifting attitude, and faithful example, this student reminds us all of the true joy found in serving others and living out the Gospel.

The FIRE Foundation of Northwest Iowa, which provides thousands of dollars in grants to enhance inclusion in diocesan Catholic schools, hosted an informational meeting in Storm Lake this week to share their mission. Storm Lake St. Mary staff and John, Karen and Owen Keenan spoke on behalf of the work of the foundation in Storm Lake. Central Bank sponsored the event.

When the bell rang for the final time before summer break this week at Sacred Heart School in Boone, Emmetsburg Catholic and Pocahontas Catholic – the schools’ principals were not only wrapping up another school year but their long-time careers in Catholic education.

The Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Daughters of America Court 216 in Fort Dodge recently awarded scholarships to St. Edmond High School graduating seniors.

Sixty-eight golfers from seven diocesan high schools participated in the annual CYO golf tournament at Fort Dodge last week. Kuemper Catholic won the team championships in both the boys and girls meets

Briar Cliff University welcomed friends and family to celebrate students who walked the stage for the 95th commencement ceremony on May 9, at the Sioux City Orpheum. The ceremony honored the University’s 2026 candidates for undergraduate, master’s and doctoral degrees.

As graduation nears for Briar Cliff University students, members of the university’s Catholic Daughters received their senior graduation Honor Cords. Father Travis Crotty, chaplain, blessed the members of Court Lady of Grace.

Briar Cliff University in Sio City is hosting a variety of activities this week to celebrate the Class of 2026.

Emmetsburg Catholic School has announced the hiring of Brittney Andreassen as its next principal. Andreassen will officially begin her role on July 1, 2026. “Brittney brings a thoughtful and student-centered approach to leadership, along with a strong background in instruction and collaboration,” said Laura Reinders, Emmetsburg Catholic School Board President. “We are confident in her ability to lead our school forward while continuing to build on the strong foundation that is already in place.”

LeMars Gehlen Catholic middle school students participated in a Poppy Week poster contest through the American Legion Auxiliary Post #241. Three winners were named.