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Student Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Diversity Makes Us Stronger

St. Ambrose University commits to ensuring diversity, equity, and inclusion as core priorities as demonstrated by the intentional design of policies, procedures, resource allocations, and practices that respect the God-given dignity and worth of every individual in pursuit of social justice.

Inspired by Catholic social teaching, we resolve to foster an environment designed to dismantle all discrimination, whether based on sex, gender identity, sexuality, race, ethnicity, color, ability, language, religion, or socioeconomic status.

SDEI Primary Goals:

Promote of educational, cultural, and social growth of all Ambrosians
Foster a welcoming and inclusive environment
Coordinate campus-wide programs and initiatives designed to create awareness, knowledge, and vital skills for leadership development and working effectively with diverse perspectives and populations

Multicultural House Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Bee First!

Bee First

Our Bee First Initiative supports first-generation students at Ambrose from the beginning of their momentous college journey to the triumphant end!

A Multicultural Experience

16.6%

Identify as Minority

The SAU community is dedicated to appreciating and understanding different cultures.

Celebrating Diversity

Throughout the year, the SDEI Office and SAU students coordinate events that celebrate the wonderful differences among us. Some of these events include:

Black History Month (February)
Women's History Month (March)
Multicultural Week (end of March)
Asian Pacific Heritage Month (May)
Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15-Oct. 15)
Native American Heritage Month (November)

Ethnic and Cultural Stole Celebration

During this ceremony students officially receive their stole which recognizes the significant academic and personal achievement of graduating from SAU.

Read about the 2020 Ceremony

1st Generation Day

Bee Proud

SAU recognizes our resilient 1st Gen students: the first in their family to attend college. Faculty and staff share in those accomplishments, and the campus community celebrates during an annual rally in the Beehive!

SDEI Councils

About

The Student Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (SDEI) Council is a collection of Student Clubs and Organizations (listed below) whose mission and purpose focus on meeting the needs of the St. Ambrose University campus through the lenses of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Through their work, these organizations help in creating an inclusive environment where all have an opportunity to thrive.

The SDEI Council meets regularly to share updates and information concerning their organization, its membership, and upcoming events. Collectively, SDEI Council members act as advisers for the Office of Student Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. The goal for the SDEI Office and the SDEI Council is to work collaboratively in creating a more inclusive St. Ambrose University.

Council Listing

ADAPT – Focuses on Teaching and Promoting All Disability Awareness (a backward acronym)
Carol McCoy, Direct Service Provider, Accessibility Resource Center

Ambrosians for Peace and Justice
Nicole Gant, Service & Justice Coordinator, Campus Ministry

Black Student Union (BSU)
Fritz Dieudonné, Coordinator, Student Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Delta Alpha Pi (DAPi)
Carol McCoy, Direct Service Provider, Accessibility Resource Center

International Student Organization (ISO)
Cathy Toohey, International Student Advisor, Center for International Education

Latinos Unidos
Arturo Meijide, Professor, Spanish and Latinx Studies

Military and Veterans Organization (MAVO)
Natalie Woodhurst, Coordinator, Veterans Recruitment and Services

STEP
Katie Trujillo, Professor, Psychology

Promoting Respect in Sexual Minorities (PRISM)
Sarah Eikleberry, Associate Professor, Kinesiology
Chris Schwartz, Associate Professor, Kinesiology

Saudi Student Association
Cathy Toohey, International Student Advisor, Center for International Education

Sexual Assault Awareness Team (SAAT)
Kevin Carlson, Director, Compliance Office

TRIOTA
Sarah Eikleberry, Associate Professor, Kinesiology

Women in Science & Engineering (WISE)
Susa Stonedahl, Associate Professor, Engineering and Physics

SDEI Initiatives

Bee First! First Generation Students

Our Mission, Vision, Goals and Learning Objectives

Purpose: November 8 was selected as the date for the annual National First-Generation College Celebration to honor the anniversary of the signing of the Higher Education Act of 1965. St. Ambrose University defines a First Generation Student neither parent or guardian has earned a four-year degree.

Vision: The St. Ambrose University Bee-First Initiative will serve as the primary method of introducing first-generation students to vital resources and support from the beginning and throughout their academic career at SAU.

Mission: To bring awareness and celebrate the strength, grit and persistence of first-generation students at St. Ambrose University. provide tools and opportunities for first-generation students to have self-directed success personally, professionally, academically, and socially while feeling engaged and appreciated by the broader St. Ambrose University community leading toward persistence and personal growth.

National First Generation Day

Annually on November 8, we celebrate the anniversary of signing the Higher Education Act of 1965 that helped make a college education more accessible.

The mission of this event is to bring awareness and celebrate the strength, grit and persistence of first-generation students, Faculty and Staff at St. Ambrose University.

Additionally, SDEI invites SAU Faculty and Staff who identify as first-generation to wear a pin and/or shirt with pride to bring awareness to the prevalence of the unique strengths and achievements first-generation students, faculty and staff bring to our campus.

Day-of Activities: