St. Ambrose University is proudly recognizing the servant leadership and profound institutional impact of this year’s McMullen Award recipients: Ann Schwickerath ’98 and Raymond “Ray” James Shovlain ’79, ’82 MBA.
The distinguished award was established on Sept. 4, 2006, as St. Ambrose University began its celebration of 125 years of educational excellence in Davenport and the surrounding communities. It continues today as the university's second highest honor.
St Ambrose is pleased to honor the recipients during a mass in Christ the King Chapel on Thursday, April 9, 2026.
Ann Schwickerath ’98
Ann Schwickerath exemplifies steadfast leadership, compassion, and service through her lifelong commitment to the St. Ambrose and Quad Cities communities. Her work reflects an unwavering belief in the power of education, relationships, and opportunity to transform lives, especially for children and families most in need.
A 1998 graduate of St. Ambrose University, Schwickerath joined Project Renewal more than 30 years ago and has remained devoted to the organization ever since. She has served as executive director since 1994, guiding Project Renewal through decades of growth, change, and impact.
Project Renewal’s mission is rooted in building trust and belonging within the neighborhood it serves. Operating year-round, the organization provides free educational, recreational, and social programming for youth, from kindergarten through high school. Through Schwickerath’s leadership, Project Renewal has fostered a sense of safety, dignity, and stability that strengthens not only individual children, but families and the surrounding community.
Schwickerath has maintained a strong connection to St. Ambrose University by partnering with the institution to create volunteer and mentorship opportunities for college students. These collaborations reflect her belief in reciprocal service, where students gain perspective and purpose while contributing to the lives of others. Her work is deeply connected to the legacy of another McMullen Award winner, Msgr. Marvin Mottet ‘52, whose commitment to social justice called everyone to “change the world two feet at a time.”
Through her decades of service, Schwickerath has demonstrated that lasting change is built through courage, compassion, and commitment. Her leadership has helped create an environment where children feel seen, supported, and valued, and where volunteers and supporters find purpose and connection. Her legacy is one of renewal, not only of buildings and programs, but of lives, relationships, and hope within the Quad Cities and Ambrosian communities.
Raymond “Ray” James Shovlain ’79, ’82 MBA
Raymond James Shovlain’s legacy at St. Ambrose University is defined by loyalty, leadership, and service. His unwavering commitment has left an everlasting mark on the Fighting Bees and the broader St. Ambrose community.
A proud 1979 alumnus of St. Ambrose, “Coach Ray’s” connection to the university began as a student-athlete. After earning his MBA in 1982, he was named head men’s basketball coach and has since guided the program through more than four decades of excellence.
Under his leadership, the Fighting Bees achieved 730 career victories and 18 twenty-win seasons, earning 10 NAIA National Tournament appearances and four Sweet 16 finishes. In addition to his coaching accomplishments, he served as athletic director for 25 years, guiding the university’s athletic programs with steady vision until July 2019.
Shovlain challenges student-athletes across all athletic programs to be leaders, defining success through self-improvement, uplifting others, and service to their communities. His commitment to the whole student earned him Professor of the Year honors in both 1989 and 1993, further reflecting his dedication to developing foundational skills for learning and leadership.
He was also honored with the Paul Maaske Memorial Award, presented annually by the Iowa Basketball Coaches Association to the leading small college coach in Iowa. As activity director of the National Youth Sports Program (NYSP) on campus, St. Ambrose University NYSP was selected for the Silvio O. Conte Award in 1996, a testament to Shovlain’s dedication to access, inclusion, and youth development.
Through decades of coaching, teaching, and service, Shovlain exemplifies what it means to live the values of St. Ambrose University. His legacy is measured not only by victories and accolades, but more importantly by the lives shaped, opportunities created, and communities strengthened through his commitment.
