The Changing Face of Ambrose 
 A message from the President 

  The Faces of Dedication

The Faces of Potential

The Faces of Perseverance

The Faces of Caring

The Faces of Actualization

The Faces of Philanthropy

2003 - 04 Honor Roll of Donors

Volunteer Leadership

PDF Version

A Message from the President

Almost daily over the past year, I heard an alumnus, student or community member note how much the campus has changed.

Change has come with the construction of two major facilities, the university center and the 140-bed residence hall, that opened this fall. Already, the Ambrose community has reoriented itself, not only to the enhanced services and amenities these two buildings bring, but also to the more cohesive campus feel as students can now access various student services under one roof.

Change also came with the arrival of our new class of students in fall 2003. These 436 first-year students represent a 10 percent increase over the previous year’s class and set another enrollment record. First-year students traveled farther to attend St. Ambrose, with significantly more students coming from outside of Iowa than ever before. Our reputation for quality is growing along with our campus.  

Change came as well as we bid Godspeed to the Class of 2004, more than 900 graduates in all. They are now working or continuing their education in the Quad Cities and beyond in fields as diverse as health care, education, business, science, human services, technology, law enforcement and public service. They are changing their own piece of the world each day as they apply what they learned here throughout their lives.  

While some change is inevitable, other things remain constant. Our faculty and staff continue to meet our students’ needs by providing the individual attention inside and outside of the classroom that has become the hallmark of an Ambrose education. This past year, more than 81 percent of first-year students returned to the university for their second year. This rate exceeds the national average by nearly 9 percent for private schools like St. Ambrose and is a testament to the quality education and opportunities our students receive. As for the Class of 2004, 62 percent graduated in five years or less, a full 10 percent higher than other institutions of our type.  

Our alumni and supporters—people like you—are as much a part of this change and growth as our faculty, staff and students. Your energy, time, expertise and generosity are reflected in the faces and stories of the people profiled in this report. They are hopeful, inquiring, wise, competent and encouraging. In other words, they embody what it means to be an Ambrosian. They could not succeed without your support.  

Yes, the physical landscape of the campus has transformed and continues to grow with the construction of another residence hall underway. Yet the people who make up this university community ultimately determine who we are and what we can achieve, now and in the future. At St. Ambrose, the people remain constantly and steadfastly committed to improving the world one student at a time.

Edward Rogalski, PhD

The Year in Review