(Sioux City, Iowa – May 8, 2025) Logan Murray and Joseph McMahan were honored at the 2025 Toast to the Tassel event on Thursday, May 8, on 51Âþ»’s campus. Murray was named as a Distinguished Alumni, and McMahan received the GOLD (Graduate of the Last Decade) Award.
The Distinguished Alumni Award is given to an individual that lives a life reflective of Catholic Franciscan ideals, excels in professional activities, and demonstrates personal commitment to Briar Cliff. The GOLD Award is give to a BCU graduate of the last decade who has demonstrated a continued commitment to living life reflective of Briar Cliff's mission and values.
Distinguished Alumni – Logan Murray
Logan Murray, a Sterling, Illinois native, attended 51Âþ» with plans to play basketball, but a back injury shifted his focus toward leadership and academics. During his time at BCU, he was actively involved in Student Government, Enactus, SHRM, and served as a Peer Assistant Leader and campus tour guide. He graduated summa cum laude a year early with a double major in Political Science and Business Administration and minors in Legal Studies and Human Resource Management. Logan was honored with the Rising Student Leader Award, inducted into Delta Epsilon Sigma, and named Most Outstanding Student in the Business Administration Department. He went on to earn both his Juris Doctor and MBA from Drake University, along with certificates in Legislative Practice and Health Law. Logan began his career as a Legislative Analyst and Policy Advisor in the Iowa House of Representatives and now serves as Special Government Relations Counsel at Dentons Davis Brown, focusing on legislative lobbying and government relations. In addition to his legal work, Logan is active in his community—volunteering with Waypoint Resources, serving on the Board of Directors for Children and Family Urban Movement, and holding a mayoral appointment to the City of Waukee Parks & Recreation Board. He is a graduate of the Waukee Leadership Institute and has taught as an adjunct professor at several colleges and universities. Logan lives in Waukee with his wife, Kathryn, and their son, Jrue.
GOLD Award – Joseph McMahan
Joseph McMahan is an award-winning journalist and Emmy-winning photographer known for his sharp storytelling and compelling visual work. Covering a variety of stories from breaking news to community events, he has done a variety of work in news from production, reporting, videography, editing, and also obtained a Part 107 license to fly the drone for KTIV. He was born in Sioux City, Iowa, and grew up in Emerson, Nebraska. He graduated from 51Âþ» with a degree in journalism and mass communications and a minor in graphic design. In addition to his work in the media, he is the founder and current president of the Siouxland Filmmakers Club, a creative collective that supports and promotes local film talent. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with family, seeing movies, and working on growing the filmmaking community in Siouxland.