Reflections on Sister Joan and Legacy

The following is a condensed sampling of comments and memories about Sister Joan Lescinski, CSJ, PhD, and her St. Ambrose University tenure.

Rita Bawden '97
Vice Chair of the St. Ambrose Board of Trustees
"Sister Joan's passions for education, for faith, and for family have helped to make St. Ambrose University a better, stronger, life-enriching private, Catholic university. Over the past 14 years, our capable and caring president has carried St. Ambrose University through both difficult times and good times. Sister Joan has worked to ensure that the institution has gained a solid reputation that continues to attract and welcome thousands of bright and productive students."

Daniel Broderick '82, MD
Vice Chair of the St. Ambrose Board of Trustees
"Sister Joan exemplifies servant leadership. She embraces Catholic social teaching, especially the dignity of each human person. She is a deep and respectful listener. She challenges those around her to reach their potential, in a loving and supporting manner. And she has a wonderful sense of humor. Sr. Joan successfully navigated the competing forces of continuity and change, advancing and enriching St. Ambrose in a meaningful and significant way, while being ever faithful to the Mission, Vision and Core Values of SAU."

Sandy Cassady, PhD, PT
Vice President for Strategic Initiatives
Dean, College of Health and Human Services
"As an experienced president, Sister Joan hit the ground running when she arrived in August 2007. Time and again, her knowledge of higher education and prior leadership experience helped St. Ambrose achieve important milestones, including two comprehensive reaffirmations of university accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission; the development of many new programs; and expansion of the campus footprint to include the creation of the Admissions and Welcome Center, the Center for Health Sciences Education, the St. Vincent Athletics Complex, additional residence halls, and the Wellness and Recreation Center. Her early leadership with the strategic planning committee resulted in the vision of St. Ambrose University becoming a leading Midwestern university and helped us move the needle on important higher education issues such as access and affordability."

James Collins '69, '16 (Hon)
Trustee Emeritus, 2006 Presidential Search Chair
"A point to her faith that I considered most providential, she had a flight into the Quad Cities on December 6, 2006. A severe winter storm prevented that from happening and she ended up coming into the Moline Airport on the last flight before the airport closed down after midnight. I was there to meet her and transport her to the Bishop's House for lodging. She was visibly stressed and tired from the travels of the past day and thinking ahead to the multiple campus interviews to come within the next several hours. Yet, she said to me: ‘I don't know if you realize that today (Dec. 7) is the Feast of St. Ambrose. I think this delay was meant to be.'"

Paul Koch, PhD
Provost and Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs
"It has been a privilege to work with Sister Joan since her arrival at St. Ambrose, and more directly for the past 12 years. I have come to know her not only as a person most knowledgeable about higher education and an astute businessperson, but just as importantly, she is a person of deep faith, convictions, and compassion. Our Mission and Core Values always are top of mind, and her commitment to social justice is part of who she is. It is refreshing to have a president that begins meetings with a prayer to center us, and in smaller meetings ensures that we have the opportunity to pray for those with specific needs. On a personal note, she has been an effective mentor for me and has helped me develop further as a person. I am grateful for her service to St. Ambrose, Catholic higher education, and society."

Mike Poster '88
Vice President for Finance
"When I think back on the Joan Lescinski era, I am struck by the many challenges our country, world, and University went through during this time. Her time at SAU is bookmarked by the Great Recession (2007-2009) and COVID-19 (2020-2021). Both of these issues put great pressure on the University due to affordability concerns, safety concerns, and many others. She was able to lead us through these challenging times, keeping us steady, while moving the University forward."

Jim Stangle '82
Vice President for Advancement
"As the Vice President for Advancement at St. Ambrose since late 2012, I have been fortunate to work with a president who enjoys the external relationship building that is paramount in growing a strong alumni base. For a variety of reasons, each capital project that we have partnered on has not followed a 'typical methodology.' In the face of challenges, Sister Joan persevered when others may have pivoted. Her confidence and investment in our advancement area was most evident when seeking external philanthropic support for our Wellness and Recreation Center, where we raised the most dollars for a single capital project in the university's history."

Sarah Treat '17, '19 MPAS
Former Work-Study Student in Office of the President
"When I reflect on my experience as a student worker in the President's office, I can't help but smile. I had the pleasure of having a front row seat for part of Sister Joan's 14-year legacy. I've been a first-hand witness to her solution-orientated mentality, tireless work ethic, warm compassion, abundant grace, and inspiring devotion to God. The time I spent with her molded me into the young lady I am today. One of the greatest ‘giants' that has mentored and uplifted me, time and time again, was Sister Joan. It is said that empowered women empower women and this saying rings so true. She truly exemplifies what it means to be an Ambrosian. She will always be an integral part of the SAU community that stands for serving a higher purpose and seeking a greater good. I will always remember her big bear hugs, infamous twirl on the graduation stage, and the many laughs and life lessons shared over BLT sandwiches."

Olivia (Lofgren) Zeitner '16, DDS
Former Work-Study Student in Office of the President
"I was fortunate to spend much of my time as a student at St Ambrose working for Sister Joan in her office. Truly one of my greatest blessings. Having that experience strengthened my understanding of the value of spirituality, intellect, social justice, the arts, and having the opportunity to work alongside Sister Joan helped shape the person I am today. Sister Joan exemplifies the mission and values of St. Ambrose in her daily work and learning from her I was able to see how graceful she could be at executing the mission in her everyday life. Sister Joan was not only a ‘get the job done' kind of woman, but she was also a ‘get the job done the right way' kind of woman. She never did anything thinking she would have to do it again. She simply did it right and with such purpose the first time. That trait I take with me in my day-to-day activities and tasks and a philosophy I try to emulate."