Briar Cliff University Revamps Symposium to Showcase Student Research and Creativity

Briar Cliff University will host its annual Symposium for Scholarship and Creativity on April 24, 2026, offering students a platform to present their academic and creative work in a professional conference setting.

The event, scheduled from 9:00 a.m. to 3:45 p.m., highlights student achievements across disciplines, from first-year projects to advanced graduate research. According to librarian Alexis Patterson, the symposium is designed to celebrate both research and creative expression.

“The symposium is to highlight students’ work, both with research as well as creative projects,” Patterson said. “Formally, it was known as the Excellence Event, and this year we’ve revamped it to be an all-day event instead of just in the evening.”

The updated format aims to increase accessibility and participation across campus. Patterson noted that scheduling conflicts often limited attendance in previous years.

“Evenings are always just really hard with practices and other events,” she said. “Having a full-day event where no classes are being held really allows for support across campus.”

The symposium will begin with a keynote speaker at 9:00 a.m., followed by four presentation sessions in which students will deliver 15-minute talks on their research. Poster sessions will also be featured throughout the day. In addition, creative works from art and graphic design students will be showcased.

The event is spearheaded by the Bishop Mueller Library, with support from the university’s Provost Office and President’s Office. Organizers hope the expanded format will continue to grow in future years.

“This work needs to be showcased to the community,” Patterson said, emphasizing the importance of recognizing student contributions to scholarship and creativity.

The symposium is open to the Briar Cliff community and aims to foster engagement, collaboration, and academic excellence across campus.