SIOUX CITY, IOWA (Catholic Online) - Jordon Watkins of Sioux City was recently awarded a $1,000 scholarship from the Center for Prairie Studies at Briar Cliff University.

Watkins, a junior majoring in environmental sciences at Briar Cliff, was selected for the scholarship based on his course work and participation in annual prairie rescues. He is the son of Patrick Keegan and Tonya Watkins of Sioux City.

Established in 2009 through a grant from the Gilchrist Foundation, BCU's Center for Prairie Studies assists the University in identifying with its native environment. The Center has received additional support from individuals, Woodbury County Conservation Foundation, Loess Hills Audubon Society and the Loess Hills Alliance.

Briar Cliff University sophomore Joshua Hindman, Sioux City, is the recipient of a $1,000 renewable scholarship from the Ronald Reagan College Leaders Scholarship Program.

Hindman is among only 46 first-time renewable scholarship winners nationwide who have received awards for the 2011-2012 academic year from the Ronald Reagan College Leaders Scholarship Program. Hindman is the son of Scott and Jeanne Hindman of Sioux City.

Sponsored by the Phillips Foundation, based in Washington, D.C., the scholarship program offers renewable and one-time scholarships to college undergraduates who demonstrate exceptional achievements as campus leader-activists in support of American values and Constitutional principles on their campuses.

Briar Cliff University is a Catholic institution with an enrollment of more than 1,150 students from 29 states and 11 countries. Students are educated in the Franciscan tradition of excellence in the liberal arts and career preparation in an environment of care, compassion and service.

For more information, please visit briarcliff.edu.