Our inclusive environment cherishes Catholic values, while also embracing diverse beliefs and perspectives. We foster a faith-driven education and welcoming community that nurtures values, ethics, and a commitment to holistic learning.
St. Ambrose University’s Catholic identity
Guided by the life and legacy of Saint Ambrose of Milan, St. Ambrose University’s Catholic identity is rooted in seven faith tenets:
St. Ambrose University is inspired by the example of Jesus Christ, whose life, death, and resurrection reveal God’s love.
Ambrosians ardently explore faith and rigorously exercise reason. Faith and reason combine to clarify and express our relationship with God and all creation.
Ambrosians anchor our actions in the belief that all life is sacred.
Ambrosians begin from a position of faith in the God-given goodness of every individual.
Ambrosians “will the good” of the other.
Ambrosians welcome and celebrate all people. Together, we create a space in which others can discover the sacredness within themselves and within others.
Ambrosians explore faith both individually and within the context of community. Through worship, shared rituals, and collaborative learning, Ambrosians cultivate a community of belonging.
St. Ambrose University values
At St. Ambrose University, our values drive our approach to education and inspire a community of belonging.
Courage
Ambrosians act courageously. We lead with integrity in the face of challenges; we seek truth and justice. Courage prepares us to embrace the intersection of faith and reason, to be open to new ideas while remaining true to our core values.
Wisdom
Ambrosians seek wisdom. We demonstrate a willingness to learn from others, about others and with others. Wisdom grows from humility. Wisdom prepares us to make ethical decisions, challenge our assumptions, learn from our experiences, and guide our actions.
Justice
Ambrosians work for justice. We labor for the common good, to improve the condition of humankind. We respect the dignity of all living things. We walk in solidarity with the vulnerable.
Service
Ambrosians serve. Love animates our generous and compassionate service to one another, our communities, our environment, and our work.
Faith-centric campus life
St. Ambrose is home to learners from a variety of backgrounds, beliefs, and identities. You don’t have to be Catholic to feel at home on campus. But all learners are invited to live our Ambrosian values, acting with courage, seeking wisdom, working for justice, and leading lives of service. Explore the ways faith inspires our students, from campus ministry to student groups.
Campus Ministry
Campus Ministry at St. Ambrose offers a diverse range of supportive, guiding, and friendly groups. Our ministry is all about helping you find your way, offering advice, and creating a feeling of togetherness.
We have one or two Peer Campus Ministers (PCM) living in each of our residence halls as representatives of the campus ministry team. Whether you're looking for guidance, a place to explore your beliefs, or simply seeking companionship, our resources are here for you.
Chapel & worship
Our chapel and prayer spaces at St. Ambrose are peaceful places designed for quiet contemplation and spiritual practice. These serene corners on campus offer you a peaceful escape — a quiet refuge where you can reflect, find solace, or engage in personal worship.
While primarily for spiritual practice, these spaces are also open for anyone seeking a moment of calm or a place to gather their thoughts. Whether you’re inclined toward a specific faith or seeking a peaceful atmosphere, our chapel and prayer spaces welcome you.
St. Ambrose University offers a spectrum of groups and events that align with faith-based interests and values. Engage in fellowship, discussions, and activities that resonate with your beliefs, or explore different faith perspectives in an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere.
Students can take part in vibrant celebrations, engaging discussions, and enriching events that honor and celebrate our shared values. These gatherings not only foster spiritual growth, but also encourage open dialogue, cultural exchange, and community engagement.
Whether you are seeking personal growth, or a deeper connection to spirituality and faith-based values, our retreats offer moments of sharing and introspection. Engage in activities designed to foster personal development, enrich spiritual understanding, and connect you with others on similar paths. Retreats range from short sessions to weekend getaways, and are integral parts of our commitment to nurture holistic growth and foster an environment where everyone can delve into the core tenants of our beliefs.
At St. Ambrose, our commitment to Catholic teachings extends into how we teach our students. We infuse career-oriented skills with core values in all our classrooms. Each faculty member embodies and instills values like respect, inclusion, compassion, integrity, and community-building into their teaching practices. This integration enriches the academic experience, empowering students with a deeper understanding of ethical decision making, social responsibility, and building a supportive and inclusive community. From the classroom to the workplace, we foster a values-driven approach to shape not just careers, but also compassionate leaders who are dedicated to positive change in their career fields and communities.
Service is at St. Ambrose’s core. Through community outreach, students embrace social responsibility and lend a helping hand to create positive change. Students engage in service learning initiatives and volunteer projects that foster personal growth while benefiting our local community. They can choose to experience the life-changing impact of an immersive week-long Spring Break Service Trip. Students discover firsthand the impact they can make on lives and communities through their actions.
Have questions about Catholic values? Get answers here.
What kind of student retreats do you host?
St. Ambrose hosts a variety of retreats that cater to students’ spiritual and personal growth. Retreats offer opportunities for reflection, mindfulness, and a deeper connection to faith-based values. Some focus on self-discovery and inner peace, while others center around community building and fostering a sense of belonging. Retreats range from day-long sessions to weekend getaways to provide diverse experiences to suit different preferences and schedules.
Antioch Retreat– This weekend away from campus, held once every semester, provides students with the opportunity to develop their faith lives in community with fellow students.
Busy Student Retreat – Held once each semester, this retreat is for students who want to have a little more reflection in their lives but find it difficult to get away. This retreat provides them with an opportunity to spend time in prayer and reflection for one hour each day with a spiritual guide – all without leaving campus.
Social Justice Leadership Retreat – Learn more about Catholic Social Teaching, the social justice history of St. Ambrose University, and what you can do to make a difference.
New Student Retreat – Offered within the first few weeks of class, this is a great retreat for first year and transfer students looking to meet new people, discover how they can grow in their faith, and learn more about Campus Ministry.
Senior Retreat– As students get ready to graduate, this overnight retreat offers them a chance to reflect on their time at St. Ambrose University, give thanks for their time here, and ponder what the future might bring.
How can I be involved in faith life at St. Ambrose?
At St. Ambrose, we embrace diverse faith-based groups that offer a supportive and inclusive environment for students. Our faith-centered groups cater to different interests, values, and spiritual journeys. They provide opportunities for fellowship, discussion, and shared experiences rooted in faith. Students can join a variety of groups focused on religious studies, prayer, social justice, community service, and more to foster a vibrant and inclusive campus community. Get involved!
Our available groups include:
Faith Sharing Groups – Through discussion, students dive deeper into the Scriptures and learn more about the Word of God. Groups like the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, the Bridge Bible Fellowship, and Bible studies are available for all students and meet at different times throughout each semester.
Music Ministry –Student volunteers join our Music Ministry to enliven liturgy through music. Students can sing in our ensemble during Sunday mass, lead song during worship, and lend their talents as accompanists and instrumentalists.
Service Trips – SAU students join service trips each year, typically over winter and spring breaks. These trips take our students across the country on a mission to serve those in need.
Every Campus a Refuge – As the first campus in Iowa to join Every Campus A Refuge (ECAR), the St. Ambrose community welcomed a refugee family in Fall 2023, providing the family with free housing, community support, and access to campus facilities. This initiative is a direct reflection of our Catholic values, and students can participate as volunteers providing support like childcare to the family.
Pacem in Terris Peace & Freedom Awards – The Pacem in Terris Peace and Freedom Award was created in 1964 by the Davenport Catholic Interracial Council. The award is presented by the Davenport Diocese in collaboration with other organization(s) to honor a person for their achievements in peace and justice, not only in their country but in the world.
Watch for our Campus Ministry newsletter throughout the year to get involved.
Can students of different religions actively participate in faith-based events?
Absolutely! Students from diverse religious backgrounds are welcomed and embraced by our campus ministry and at faith-based activities, discussions, and events. We foster an inclusive environment that encourages students of all faiths to engage, participate, and find fellowship. Our goal is to create an open and respectful space where students can explore, share, and learn from different religious perspectives to promote understanding and unity within our community.
What is Campus Ministry?
Campus Ministry at St. Ambrose is a vibrant hub where students engage in spiritual growth, fellowship, and service. It offers a range of activities, from worship services and prayer gatherings to community service projects and faith-based discussions. The ministry supports students in exploring their spirituality, providing guidance, a sense of community, and opportunities for personal and moral development in a welcoming and inclusive environment.
Explore the possibilities at St. Ambrose
At SAU, the Fighting Bees are encouraged to explore every opportunity to grow and learn, finally becoming the person they are meant to be.