The St. Çï¿ûÊÓƵ Alumni Awards celebrates the success of six of our alumni from the College of Health and Human Services, College of Arts and Sciences, and the Patricia VanBruwaene College of Business. There are two awards in each college: The Emerging Leader Award and the Distinguished Alumni Award. These Ambrosians serve as extraordinary examples of what one can do with an Ambrose education and how all Ambrosians can bring the university's values beyond the campus and into our communities.
St Ambrose is pleased to honor the following six alumni at the Celebration of Generosity event on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024.
EMERGING LEADERS
Ryan Taylor '09, DO, College of Arts and Sciences, Emerging Leader
The College of Arts and Sciences honors Dr. Ryan Taylor, class of 2009 with a bachelor’s degree in biology. Taylor entered St. Ambrose with plans to pursue a career in physical therapy, but thanks to his advisor and mentor Kirk Kelley, he changed his plans.
Following commencement, Taylor attended medical school at Des Moines University, graduating in the top 10 percent of his class with a doctorate in osteopathic medicine. After completing his residency training in 2017, he returned home to the Quad Cities to join Genesis Health Systems. His career at Genesis includes inpatient physical medicine and rehabilitation, outpatient non-operative orthopedic medicine, lead physician for medical specialties, and medical director of acute inpatient rehabilitation. He also serves on the statewide medical group governance council for MercyOne.
In addition, he serves a number of local charitable causes in various capacities. Taylor credits St. Ambrose for the impact it had on his life. He carries his Ambrosian values with him by treating others with compassion and empathy, respecting autonomy, and fostering growth and independence in others.
Alana Carroll '05, Patricia VanBruwanae College of Business, Emerging Leader
The Patricia VanBruwaene College of Business honors Alana Carroll, class of 2005 with a degree in accounting. As a student, many St. Ambrose professors saw Carroll’s potential and worked to grow her skill sets. Carroll credits both Joe McCaffery and Lew Marx with supporting her educational and career goals. That support resulted in Carroll securing a position with Deloitte in 2007.
During her time with the company, she has been recognized for her talents, receiving honors such as their Senior Manager Outstanding Marketplace Achievement Award, a promotion to tax managing director and recently the QC Business Journal’s 40 under 40 award.
Carroll works diligently to be a positive influence for today’s current students by attending Allison Ambrose’s accounting classes each semester. She also uses her skills to serve her community as treasurer of the Quad City Symphony and Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Mississippi Valley, and as a member of Women Lead Change of the Quad Cities. Carroll noted, “I’ve often heard said in my home, ‘To whom much is given, much is expected.’ I believe this aligns with ensuring I’m using my time and talents to give back to others.”
Maggie Bohnert ’15, ’16 MOT, College of Health and Human Services, Emerging Leader
The College of Health and Human Services honors Maggie Bohnert, classes of 2015 and 2016 with degrees in psychology and a Master of Occupational Therapy. During her first few days on campus, Bohnert wondered why her new college had her taking part in a service project washing windows at St. Anthony’s Church. She sees now that those few hours serving the community would be an Ambrosian value that would weave into her career.
Working as a pediatric outpatient therapist at Rock Valley Physical Therapy, she recognizes that her service to others also “fills her cup” simultaneously. It was that dedication to serving that lead her to work with a team of therapists to propose a second pediatric therapy location in the QCA after seeing the ever-growing waitlists for OT, physical therapy, and speech therapy. Her dedication and commitment to others was recognized when she was named the clinic manager of Rock Valley Kids, Davenport earlier this year. In addition to her role as a therapist, Bohnert works to promote trauma-informed care in the workplace and with her colleagues so they can serve their pediatric population even better.
DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI
Auntaneshia Staveloz '96, College of Arts and Sciences, Distinguished Alumni
The College of Arts and Sciences honors Auntaneshia Staveloz, class of 1996 with a bachelor’s degree in biology. Staveloz says her time as a student at St. Ambrose was the foundation for how she would continue to navigate her life and live with purpose.
In October 2024, Staveloz celebrated 10 years with the Smithsonian Institution National Museum of African American History and Culture where she helped create the Office of Strategic Partnerships. She’s dedicated her career to social justice work and serving the underserved, and her work has not gone unnoticed.
Her achievements include developing the girls in science youth development program - UPCLOSE, a research fellowship in the School for Social Science and Public Policy at King’s College in London, serving on the UK Economic and Social Research Council, contributing to the Delivering Inclusion in Science Communication for Ethnic Minorities Council, and serving as a board director for the American Association of University Women. Staveloz says her life is, “Dedicated to pouring into others and supporting the next generations of individuals that can positively impact our society.”
John Bear ‘88, ‘92 MBA, Patricia VanBruwanae College of Business, Distinguished Alumni
The Patricia VanBruwanae College of Business honors John Bear, classes of 1988 and 1992 with degrees in economics and a Master of Business Administration. Bear credits his liberal arts education with providing the foundation and critical thinking skills needed to excel at a time when technology was rapidly changing the future of business.
Bear began his career with Purina at the Clinton, Iowa facility in 1989. He worked in multiple factory locations before becoming the head of supply chain and IT for Nestle Foods Zone America. His leadership roles continued as vice president of quality assurance, vice president and director of manufacturing – North America, and chief technical officer responsible for leading operations functions for Nestle Purina North America. Bear notes, “Throughout my career at Nestle Purina, I was an ambassador for servant leadership… Service is one of SAU’s core values. I think one of the most powerful things we can do is to put others first as we try to make a positive impact in the world.”
Following retirement from Nestle Purina, Bear now serves his alma mater as a member of the Board of Trustees and accepted the role of chief operating officer for Alphia, the largest contract manufacturer of pet food and treats in North America.
Marcy Mendenhall ’02 MSW, College of Health and Human Services, Distinguished Alumni
The College of Health and Human Services honors Marcy Mendenhall, Master of Social Work class of 2002. At St. Ambrose Mendenhall found the educational and professional framework she needed that allowed her “heart for helping people” to accomplish the most good in her community. She’s lived the mantra of “Lead. Act. Serve.” through her work at Vera French Community Mental Health Center, Fillmore and Buchanan schools in Davenport, Scott County Kids, and currently as CEO of SAL Community Services.
Mendenhall says she uses her Ambrosian values every day.
"I use my advocacy skills to bring light to children, families and staff and the struggles they are facing… so all voices can be heard, appreciated, and celebrated.”
Her tireless work as a servant leader has been recognized throughout the Quad Cities community and in the State of Illinois. Among the accolades include being appointed by Governor JB Pritzker to Illinois’ Early Childhood Education and Care Transitional Advisory Committee.