Health Sciences Building Dedication

On Thursday, Aug. 26, St. Ambrose University dedicated its new $11.5 million Center for Health Sciences Education at Genesis, located on the southeast corner of Genesis Medical Center, West Central Park, Davenport. Sen. Chuck Grassley was on hand to participate in the ceremony. Grassley, along with Iowa Senator Tom Harkin and Rep. Bruce Braley, were instrumental in securing $1.6 million of congressionally directed funding for the facility.

"We are honored that Senator Grassley is with us on this exciting day," said Sister Joan Lescinski, president and CEO of St. Ambrose. "As a result of the wonderful collaboration with Genesis Health System and the generosity of many, this state-of-the-art facility will help prepare even more highly qualified health care professionals to serve our community. And in these challenging economic times, I am also pleased that the construction of this new facility has also provided jobs for fellow Quad Citians."

Construction of the facility, which houses the university's academic programs in nursing, occupational therapy and physical therapy, provided 200 jobs and fueled an estimated $20 million impact on the local economy.

Doug Cropper, president and CEO of Genesis Health System said, "The new St. Ambrose Center for Health Sciences Education at Genesis is an investment in the Quad Cities community. We believe in supporting the education of healthcare professionals who will deliver the highest level of patient care."

Along with its Health Services Foundation, Genesis Health System provided more than $3 million in support for the project including the donation of land and site work.

The completion of the center marks an era of major capital projects to support the university's commitment to academic excellence. St. Ambrose has a long history of meeting the community's health care needs by providing quality education with nationally accredited academic programs in nursing, occupational therapy and physical therapy.

The Doctor of Physical Therapy degree program offers one of only 28 orthopedic physical therapy clinical residency programs in the nation. Considered a "Best Career" according to a 2009 U.S. News & World Report, recent DPT graduates achieved a 100 percent employment and licensure pass rate.

The Master of Occupational Therapy degree program is the only master's level program in the state of Iowa and recent OT graduates report a 100 percent employment rate. The OT program's assistive technology lab-the only one of its kind in the state-serves disabled Quad Cities residents with individualized equipment and home environment adaptations. Faculty and student assistive technology inventions have consistently won national awards.

The Nursing Department offers a traditional bachelor of science in nursing degree program and one for Registered Nurses (RNs) who can complete their degree while employed, as well as a master of science in nursing administration. Responding to the community's critical need for highly qualified nursing professionals, approximately 75 percent of St. Ambrose nursing graduates remain and practice in the Quad Cities area.