The longest serving president at Briar Cliff University, Bev has made an impact on so many lives, and in honor of her retirement, let us look into her time here at Briar Cliff.

Bev cared. Ask any student at BCU, and he or she will tell you the same thing about Bev. Bev Wharton was unlike any other president in the sense that she cared about her students and went so far as to making it a goal to remember each student by name, making students feel special and not just like another face in the crowd. Whether it was a sporting event, charity event, or art reception, Bev never failed at making an appearance. That is one thing that students loved so much about her, she was always there to support the Chargers. Her charisma and good spirit make Bev such a joy to be around.

Bev has a smile that is contagious. No matter where Bev was, she was always smiling. Even on the worst days, Bev's smile could make anyone smile. I am sure there are many who can attest to this.

President Bev was not afraid to take risks. From shooting hoops for fundraising, to lip syncing with Student Government president Quick, and even "nae-naeing" as part of her bucket-list, she was not embarrassed to have a little fun, and make others laugh. Bev participated in many costume days, including this one during Halloween in 2013, dressed as "Lady Gaga" BCU style, definitely one to be remembered.

Bev made many changes to BCU. Under her presidency, Bev accomplished many things that benefited BCU in many ways. Some of the changes and progressive milestones in her 15 years of service to the Cliff include:

• The University has earned national recognition for academic excellence, including continuing distinction as a Best Regional College by U.S. News and World Report, a Top Military Friendly School and a STEM Jobs Approved College.
• An $11 million renovation was completed on iconic Heelan Hall, transforming the university’s main academic building with the inclusion of state-of-the-art science and nursing laboratories, a cutting-edge digital media center and the 8,000-square foot Roth Atrium that has become the hub of student activity on campus.
• Student experiential learning and service opportunities expanded locally, nationally and abroad; leading to Briar Cliff’s continuing recognition as a President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll institution. Regular mission trips to Honduras and Guatemala were initiated, along with an exchange program between BCU and the Catholic University of Korea, further globalizing the student experience.
• Briar Cliff established an online degree completion program and launched several new graduate programs, including the first and only two doctoral degrees offered in northwest Iowa: a Doctor of Nursing Practice and a Doctor of Physical Therapy*. Since 2001, graduate enrollment at BCU has grown eightfold (Briar Cliff University website).

Thank you Bev. On behalf of my fellow Chargers, I would like to thank you, Bev, for making a difference to the BCU community. Your contributions to BCU have and will continue to impact many more students for years to come. Your generosity and selflessness are what make you such a unique individual, and an unforgettable president of BCU. Not only did you make a difference at BCU, you also made a difference in the Siouxland community by your various leadership roles as well as your volunteerism. Bev, you are the perfect example of what it means to be a Charger.

Here at BCU, we strive to live our lives in Franciscan ways. That undoubtedly includes taking care of those around us. Your emphasis on volunteerism and aiding those in need are what make BCU such a great place to shine. Not only do you emphasize these things, you live by them as well. You are an exemplary role model to those who have met you. and your legacy will live on for years to come. Thank you for touching so many lives and for making us all feel so special and able to do great things in this world, just like you.

On commencement day for the class of 2016, Bev mentioned that this commencement was extra special to her because she was also "graduating." During closing, Bev spoke about Briar Cliff and how important it was to her. She quoted the song "For Good," in the musical Wicked and said:

"I've heard it said,
That people come into our lives
For a reason
Bringing something we must learn.
And we are led to those
Who help us most to grow if we let them.
And we help them in return.
Well, I don't know if I believe that's true
But I know I'm who I am today
Because I knew you."

She continued,

"It well may be
That we will never meet again
In this lifetime.
So, let me say before we part:
So much of me
Is made of what I learned from you."

This best sums up how we all feel about Bev. After all these years, we have grown, learned, and changed, and all along she played a key role in all of it. Bev, because we have known you, we have been changed for good. Good luck on all of your future endeavors and please, never stop smiling.