Second Annual Beaver Ball Raises $115,000 for Scholarships
Nearly 300 socialize, dance, and pay-it-forward for Beaver students
Nearly 300 people celebrated awards for Buena Vista University alumni and friends while raising funds for scholarships at the Second Annual Beaver Ball at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines on Feb. 22.
More than $115,000 was raised for scholarships. Introduced by emcee Jeriann Ritter ’99, current seniors Mia Norton, a K-12 Spanish education major from Sioux City, and Emanuel Alaniz, a psychology major from Parker, Az., shared impactful stories highlighting their growth as students and servant-leaders.
“Throughout my time at BVU, I have been able to experience so much, learn, grow, change, and become who I am today,” Norton said. “…I have been able to travel on a May Term, study abroad, be a part of so many clubs and organizations, go to conferences, volunteer in my community, and make incredible, incredible connections. I am grateful for all of it.”
“At BVU, I haven’t just been educated; I’ve been led, loved, and served,” Alaniz concluded. “That has made all the difference. It’s easy to see college as just a degree to hang on the wall, but BVU is so much more. It’s about relationships, character, and becoming a leader who serves others first.”
Dr. Scott Radke ’12, Christie (Shuster) Hochstein ’02, and Keith Kerkhoff ’77 earned alumni awards named for Presidents Keith G. Briscoe, John A. Fisher, and Henry Olson, respectively. Friends of BVU honors, named for President Wendell Q. Halverson, were earned by John and Ann Collier as well as Don and Charlene Lamberti. For videos, photos, and more, check out Beaver Ball 2025.
“The Beaver Ball is such a wonderful idea, and our family was thrilled to be a part of it. This was a night we’ll never forget!”
-Dr. Keith G. Briscoe, BVU President Emeritus
President Brian Lenzmeier recognized members of the Board of Trustees, the Alumni Association Board of Directors, Order of the Arch members, Z.Z. White members (those with documented estate gifts to BVU), and a new giving society, the Loyal Y. Hays Society, a group of individuals who have contributed more than $100,000 to BVU. The group is named for the first President of Buena Vista University.
Chairpersons Brad ’94 and Tammie Schroeder were lauded as were incoming chairs for the 2026 Beaver Ball, Kevin ’99 and Mandy Willey. Gold sponsors included Dr. Keith G. and Carmen Briscoe and DCI Group. Navy sponsors were Principal and Rob ’72 and Barbara Jones. Nearly 30 alumni, friends, and corporations sponsored tables.
After generously giving scholarship gifts that ranged from $5,000 to $250, Beaver Ball attendees socialized and danced to music provided by Nick Nystrom ’05.
“It was such a wonderful evening, with guests coming from both coasts and all over the Midwest,” said BVU Director of Alumni Engagement Sarah Johnson. “Beyond raising funds for scholarships and sharing in the recognition of the alumni and friends whose careers and generosity have been transformative, the Beaver Ball served as a fun and meaningful way to reconnect and rekindle those relationships that mark the BVU experience.”
“What an incredible evening,” said President Briscoe, who served BVU from 1974 to 1995. “The Beaver Ball is such a wonderful idea, and our family was thrilled to be a part of it. This was a night we’ll never forget!”
Plans are underway for the Third Annual Beaver Ball, set for Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines.