Who's SAU? Fritz Dieudonné

If you ask St. Ambrose University Student Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Coordinator Fritz Dieudonné about a journey that began at St. Ambrose in the late 1990s, he'll tell you the timing has always been right. Even divine.

Dieudonné is pronounced Dee-u-doh-nay. It is a name with French origin that translates to "God-given." How fitting for an Ambrosian whose gifts to his community are invaluable and for someone who leads with faith, steadfast in the notion that every opportunity is presented by God.

"I can truly see God's hand in my life, connecting me to the right people and the right opportunities at the right time. My faith has enabled me to continue doing this work," he declared.

Tracing His Roots

Born in Port au Prince, Haiti, Dieudonné immigrated to Evanston, Illinois, with his parents and two older sisters when he was seven years old. His father was called to become a pastor at a local Baptist church.

"Evanston is an interesting place," he explained. "We grew up poor in an affluent area. My dad would receive stipends from the church. My mom was a childcare provider during the day and then worked third-shift as a CNA."

As Dieudonné began his college search, he knew he wanted to play football and stay reasonably close to home. "Once I had a campus visit, I knew SAU was a great fit for me," he said. "The campus size and location were just right, it was a great football program, and I had the guarantee of football scholarship assistance in addition to financial aid. It just felt like home."

Dieudonné ultimately left SAU a few credits short and finished his undergrad degree elsewhere, but he will become an official St. Ambrose graduate in May when he earns his Master of Organizational Leadership degree.

Celebrating Community

In his DEI work with students, Dieudonné creates a robust schedule of campus programming that celebrates and educates the community through speaking events, heritage month displays, movie screenings, and more.

Additionally, he dedicates time to his role as staff adviser of the Black Student Union and committees focused on student retention and first-generation student support initiatives. His work is especially meaningful to him because he can see his younger self in the many students he meets and with whom he forms relationships.

"I excel at my job because I'm helping students who remind me of myself or are in the same situations that I was in when I was a student," he said. "Part of me feels that I'm obligated to do this because, at one point, I was the one relying on staff or faculty to help me through."

Helping Students Come Out On The Other Side

Currently head football coach at Alleman Catholic High School in Rock Island, Illinois, Dieudonné leans on his decade of coaching experience when working with students, because "sometimes people need a little kick in the pants or some tough love," he said. "But if someone just needs a hug, that's what I'm here for, too."

A new learning community for first-generation students will launch this fall. The Bee-First Learning Community will focus on developing meaningful relationships among the first-gen students, as well as their instructors who themselves were first-gen students.

As a first-generation student, Dieudonné worked in the Galvin Fine Arts Center, where he became close with Theatre professor Kris Eitrheim.

"When I was at my lowest of lows, seriously considering dropping out, Kris was there telling me why I shouldn't give up," he said. "The one common thread among any of us with a college degree is that we've had that big moment of doubt. We've all hit that breaking point. The best way we can help our students is by relating to them and understanding what they're going through."

–Lindsey Row '16