At St. Çï¿ûÊÓƵ, bees are more than just our mascot – they’re a symbol of who we are. Curious, hardworking, fiercely loyal, and always buzzing with purpose, bees reflect the heart of the Ambrosian community. Like a hive, our campus thrives on connection and the shared pursuit of something greater than ourselves.
From classrooms to service projects, music rehearsals to early-morning labs, Ambrosians are constantly in motion – learning, leading, and lifting one another up. There’s an energy here that hums beneath everything we do.
So, it’s only fitting that we take a moment to appreciate our winged inspiration. Here are five fun facts about bees – and the meaningful ways they mirror life at St. Ambrose.
1. Bees don’t just buzz, they dance
To communicate the location of the best nectar, a honeybee performs a “waggle dance,” a precise sequence of movements that tells its hive-mates where to fly. It’s a reminder that communication doesn’t always require a loud voice – just clarity, intention, and a sense of shared purpose. At SAU, we champion that same spirit. From close student-faculty connections to collaboration across departments and disciplines, information flows with meaning and momentum. We're all part of the same dance, working toward a common goal.
2. A single bee can visit thousands of flowers a day
Bees move with focus, balancing speed and intention. Every trip helps to build something more – pollination, growth, life. That same steady effort pulses through Ambrosian life. Students are constantly on the move: juggling classes, service trips, research, athletics, and study sessions at The Beehive, where you’ll find our buzzing campus coffee shop. And when you need an extra push? Grab a Stinger, our signature energy drink, and get back to building your future.
3. Inside the hive, everyone plays a role
From scouts to guards to workers, bees work together to make the hive thrive. Each role matters, and each bee belongs. At St. Ambrose, that’s not just a concept – it’s a culture. You feel it when someone holds a door open across campus, when your advisor knows your name, or when you raise your pinkie finger high and shout “Stingers Up!” at a game. That small gesture connects you to something greater: a hive where everyone is valued.
4. Bees are changemakers
By pollinating plants, bees ensure food security and biodiversity for the entire planet. They don’t do it for the recognition – they do it because it matters. Ambrosians carry that same quiet influence into the world. From hospitals to classrooms, nonprofits to boardrooms, our graduates make things better. They lead with service and purpose. This kind of impact grows in ways that matter.
5. Honeycomb is the definition of smart design
Bees build hexagons, shapes that maximize space and strength while minimizing material. Their instinctive engineering is a masterclass in efficiency. At SAU, we also believe in building with intention. Our programs are crafted to challenge and support, our campus spaces are designed for connection and growth, and our community is shaped by values that stand the test of time. Every corner of the hive, from our labs to our lounges, has a purpose.
So yes, we’re the Fighting Bees. But we’re also the supportive, innovative, compassionate, courageous bees. We show up, jump in, and put in the work to change the world. Whether you’re mapping out your future or building connections, know that there’s a rhythm to life at St. Ambrose that echoes the best parts of what bees do. Around here, being a bee isn’t just about the mascot – it’s about how we move through the world. And there's always room for one more in the hive.
Schedule your visit to St. Ambrose today, and discover what it means to be a Bee.