BCU Celebrates Service, Leadership, and Impact with 2026 Commencement Honors

BCU Celebrates Service, Leadership, and Impact with 2026 Commencement Honors

May 13, 2026

On Saturday, May 9, during Briar Cliff's 95th Commencement ceremony, the university honored three individuals for their exceptional service, impact, and dedication to BCU.

Briar Cliff Medal: Debi Durham

The Briar Cliff University Medal is awarded to recognize human service by persons who have made a great contribution to Briar Cliff or to an individual whose contributions to education, religion, or government have been significant.

This year's honoree was Debi Durham, whose leadership in economic and community development, including her service as Director of both the Iowa Economic Development Authority and Iowa Finance Authority, has had an impact on communities across Iowa. Durham's work in transforming Iowa's economic development efforts into a public-private partnership, landing major investment projects, and expanding trade and job opportunities has strengthened the well-being of countless Iowans.

She serves as president of the Siouxland Chamber of Commerce and continues to commit to building coalitions, supporting new ventures, and fostering innovation, all directly benefiting the Siouxland region.

"A special recognition to the Briar Cliff University faculty and staff, and especially to the Class of 2026," Durham said in her speech. "I am grateful to share a moment with you all."

Presidential Distinguished Leadership Award: Nick Roth

The Presidential Distinguished Leadership Award recognizes distinguished service to the BCU that has resulted in significant achievement and advancement of the Briar Cliff philosophy, goals, and programs.

Roth is a senior executive and second-generation leader within the Empirical family of companies, serving as president of Empirical Innovations Inc. and Empirical Technologies Inc. since 2019. He is the son of Empirical Foods founders Eldon and Regina Roth and has played an integral role in shaping the organization's innovative, technology-driven identity for more than a decade.

In his role, he oversees the development and advancement of cutting-edge food safety and processing technologies, including serving as the inventor behind multiple patents foundational to the company's work, such as the groundbreaking thermal pasteurization of raw meat. He is also a leading voice for the company's mission of delivering "good food for all," emphasizing access to safe, high-quality, and affordable products, and has guided key initiatives such as the company's expansion into Garden City, Kansas.

Roth has also served The Cliff with distinction through his excellence as a Board or Trustee member and generosity as a benefactor. His thoughtful leadership on the Board of Trustees, combined with his philanthropic investment in our mission, has strengthened opportunities for our students and advanced the university's mission and long-term vitality. His willingness to share his expertise, champion our initiatives, and support key priorities exemplifies the kind of distinguished leadership this award was created to honor.

"The Sisters here have been tremendous in their support and leadership of this university," Roth said in his speech. "It is a legacy we should all strive for. I am truly honored to be a part of that heritage."

Spirit of St. Francis Award: Heidi Oligmueller '02

The Spirit of St. Francis Award honors an individual who exemplifies the Franciscan spirit of service and concern for others through contributions to society and a value-centered professional and/or family life.

Oligmueller, a Briar Cliff alumna of the Class of 2002 and a Sterling Honor Graduate of the University of South Dakota School of Law, has used her professional gifts in immigration law to support some of the most vulnerable members of our community. Originally from Brookings, South Dakota, she's built her life and career in Siouxland. She has owned and operated her own law firm in South Sioux City since 2014.

Through her legal work, she has helped families find security, advocated for refugees and immigrants, expanded access to justice for non-English speakers, and strengthened the foundation of Siouxland. Her dedication to inclusion, her pro bono and community engagement, and commitment to developing others through teaching and mentorship reflect the values of St. Francis.

"As the first person to graduate from college in my family, [law school] seemed unthinkable," Oligmueller said in her speech. "But the confidence my professors had in me was key to taking that step. Fast forward, I stand here today having built a thriving law practice. I took the belief my professors had in me and believed in myself."