Student Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
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!
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
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.
SDEI Councils
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.
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
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.
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:
- All campus letter of recognition from the Office of The President
- FG Ambrose employees wear FG t-shirts or pins throughout the day
- Display/email "I'm First-gen" personal bio's (Faculty, staff & students)
- Beehive First-Gen Rally w/ KALA broadcast
- Free shirts/pins
- First-gen day special drink (Sodexo)
- Evening social hosted by SDEI
Our People
Fritz Dieudonné, Coordinator
Ryan Saddler, Associate Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and Director, Accessibility Resource Center
Contact
Fritz Dieudonné, Director
Student Activities
Rogolski Center, 1st floor
518 W. Locust Street
Davenport, Iowa 52803
563-333-6023
DieudonneFritzG@sau.edu