No two Ambrosian experiences should be the same, and, certainly, Perla Hernandez's St. Ambrose story is different from that of T.J. Green. Likewise, T.J.'s story is not the SAU tale of Kendall Beardsley, whose St. Ambrose experience is as different from Elisa Senno's as Elisa's is from Damon Wolter's.
Still, the most meaningful Ambrosian memories – the ties that bind – are formed through those things we have in common.
Compassion. Curiosity. Determination.
Empowerment. Experience. Tenacity.
Inspiration. Exploration. Dedication.
A year ago, the university undertook a study to clearly identify the institution's authentic personality.
Two days of consensus-driven workshops involving students, alumni, faculty and staff in the fall of 2018 provided perceptions and feedback as to "who" St. Ambrose University authentically is.
We learned those common character traits outlined above are the very traits that define us. We discovered the goals, values and commitments Ambrosians almost universally share fit within three core personality types.
Compassion. Curiosity. Determination.
Being each of these things doesn't make us all the same. Diversity is a St. Ambrose core value, and our Ambrosian community consists of students, alumni, faculty and staff from a wide range of ethnicities, backgrounds and orientations – most who share an affinity for service and empowerment, questioning and exploration, and ethics and resilience.
You may recognize language that calls attention to these traits in the coming months and years. We are proud of who we are and we are proud of the people, the students in particular, who makes us that.
Toward that goal, our newest admissions viewbook enlists the stories of Perla, T.J., Kendall, Elisa, and Damon – along with those of faculty, staff and alumni – in hopes of attracting the Perlas, T.J.s, Kendalls, Elisas, and Damons of tomorrow.
Knowing who we are will help potential new Ambrosians know if they will fit here. In time, their stories will add to our colorful St. Ambrose tapestry.
The following are three examples of this on-personality storytelling, each examining ways Perla, a senior engineering major from Villa Park, Illinois, exudes the authentic personality of St. Ambrose.
You Might Also Be Interested In...
Share This Story
