Dick Kleine '13 DBA Named Outstanding Philanthropist

Retired from a 38-year career as an executive with Deere & Company, Dick Kleine '13 DBA has coupled his wealth of business knowledge and experience with lessons learned through the SAU Doctor of Business Administration program to help a number of local nonprofit organizations thrive and serve.

Earlier this month, Kleine was named the 2018 Outstanding Philanthropist by the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Illinois Quad Cities Chapter. His friends at St. Ambrose know Kleine is richly deserving of the honor.

"Dr. Dick Kleine stands as an example of excellence in volunteer fundraising," said Sally Crino '01 MBA, SAU's associate vice president for advancement.

Crino cited Kleine's leadership in the creation of a $150,000 endowment to support a DBA alumni research fellowship. 

"Dick worked behind the scenes with the Dean of the College of Business to conceive the program, and then personally led the efforts to solicit program alumni to join him in support of the program," she noted. "He worked tirelessly to contact, discuss and follow up personally with more than three dozen alumni of the program, culminating in a successful campaign."

Kleine continues to support St. Ambrose as a member and former chair of the College of Business Advisory Board. He shares his commitment to the community in many other ways, including more than 20 years of service to the Community Foundation of the River Bend, including eight years on the foundation board of directors. He also served on the board of directors of the Genesis Health System Foundation and on the steering committee for the foundation's Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House endowment. Other boards he has served on include The Carmelite System, Center for Active Seniors, Handicapped Development Center, Family Resources, St. John Vianney, and the Diocese of Davenport.

Monica Forret '88, PhD, the DBA program director and inaugural doctoral alumni research fellow, said Kleine is a perfectly Ambrosian example of enriching lives.

"Dick has made philanthropy his next career," she said. "He's very passionate about helping nonprofits be successful through dedicating his expertise and financial support. He is an amazing strategic thinker and thrives on seeing plans come to fruition.

"I had the opportunity to have Dick as a student in our DBA Program. In our class discussions, he asked the best questions of other students and helped everyone gain a new level of insight. I've seen his dedication to philanthropy up close with all that he has contributed to St. Ambrose University as well as our College of Business Advisory Council, along with so many other nonprofits in the area such as United Way, Family Resources, the Handicapped Development Center, the Rotary Club of Davenport, and Dress for Success Quad Cities to name a few.

"He is a remarkable individual who has approached his career in retirement with incredible energy and focus. Our community has benefited tremendously from his generosity."