"At the end of the day, a college education isn't inexpensive, but looking long term at the values, my salary, how I've progressed in my career, and how my SAU education has played into all of that, it was well worth the cost."
The value of David's SAU education is evident in the progression of his career.
Career
David joined Modern Woodmen as a management trainee in the Agency Accounting department, and he's been promoted four times. Today, he is the department manager for the Enterprise Program Management Office. David works closely with Modern Woodmen leadership to execute the strategic plan for the fraternal financial services organization that serves clients and communities throughout the U.S. "St. Ambrose gave me a foundation of skills in teamwork, communications, and accounting, and as I've progressed through Modern Woodmen I've continued to build on those," he says.
Why St. Ambrose?
"When people ask me where I went to college, I am proud to say: St. Ambrose. I had a great experience," David says. "The small school atmosphere drew me to SAU. I wanted to be able to build relationships and have more interaction with my professors. It was valuable to me to have that type of education."
How do you carry SAU's mission into your work?
Service is core to a St. Ambrose experience. It is wrapped into the curriculum, student activities, fundraisers, and community projects. We empower students to look beyond campus and the role they can play. "At Modern Woodmen and as a fraternal organization, giving back to the community is what we are all about, and not just here but across the U.S. It encompasses our core goals, objectives, and mission," he says. "Going from SAU to Modern Woodmen was a nice transition because they have similar values."
How do you describe the value of your education?
David received several scholarships, making his SAU education more affordable. "I could have gone the big university route, which would have cost less, but I wanted to stay local and enjoy the small school atmosphere. I also wanted to play sports in college. If I had to pay a little extra to have that opportunity, I was going to do that." His decision – and resulting degree – has paid off in so many ways. "When I look at how I interact with people, build relationships and communicate, it ties back to my time at St. Ambrose. My experiences back then have helped me as I've progressed through my career at Modern Woodmen."
Why hire SAU graduates?
Of Modern Woodmen's 520 employees, 20% are SAU alumni. In fact, David manages two alumni with graduate degrees. "When I interview candidates and see a St. Ambrose degree, I feel confident about the skills they will bring to the position based on my experience," he says. Through the liberal arts, our students gain 'soft skills' that give them a strong edge in any profession, and topping the list is critical thinking and the ability to communicate. "I see those in the SAU graduates I interview and hire," he says.
