19-04-2025
St. Ambrose University, Davenport, will recognize three with McMullen Award
St. Ambrose University will recognize the servant leadership and profound institutional impact of this year's McMullen Award recipients: Paul '76 and Alva Sachs, and Don 'Duke' Schneider '76, a news release says.
The McMullen Award presentation will be held 4:30-5:30 p.m. Thursday, April 24, during a Mass in Christ the King Chapel on campus, 518 W. Locust St., Davenport. The public is welcome.
Paul '76 and Alva SachsTogether, Paul and Alva Sachs have built a life centered on education, family, and service. Through their shared commitment to giving back, they have inspired countless others to do thesame.
Paul is a distinguished alumnus who exemplifies excellence in leadership, service, and professional achievement. Coming from a family of seven children, scholarships were essentialin enabling him to attend St. Ambrose. After graduating in 1976 with a degree in accounting, heworked on multiple high-profile accounts as a partner at Arthur Andersen before becoming afounding managing director of Protiviti, a global business consulting firm, where he recentlyretired. His commitment to service extends beyond the corporate world. He joined the board oftrustees at St. Ambrose University in 2002 and has played a key role in supporting capitalcampaigns.
Alongside him is his wife, Alva, a dedicated educator, community volunteer, and leader. She earned her bachelor's degree in education from the University of Illinois, followed by a master'sin education from Northern Illinois University. As an award-winning children's author and founder of Three Wishes Publishing Company, Alva has dedicated her career to inspiring young readers.
Through her literacy foundation, she provides empowering resources for children and educators, fostering fluency, concentration, creativity, and brain development at an early age.
Paul and Alva are relentless champions for the Ambrose Annual Fund, ensuring that all students have access to a St. Ambrose education. As compassionate philanthropists with nearly 40 years of consecutive giving, few individuals embody the university's core values of courage, wisdom, justice, and service as they do. Through their unwavering commitment to charitable giving and service, the Sachs continue to inspire future generations of St. Ambrose students. They demonstrate that true success is measured not only by professional achievements but also by the impact one has on others and the world.
Don 'Duke' Schneider '76For more than four decades (and counting), Don 'Duke' Schneider '76 has been synonymous with St. Ambrose. His life's work has left a lasting impact on generations of students, faculty, alumni, and the university as a whole.
Duke's journey with St. Ambrose began in 1972 when he arrived as a student in the Communication Department. He was deeply involved in the college's media outlets, contributingto the radio and TV stations, the school newspaper, and theater productions.
A few years after he graduated, Schneider returned to campus as the operations manager of thecollege TV station.
During his 43-year career, he played a pivotal role in expanding St. Ambrose's digital media platforms and shaping the careers of hundreds of students. His leadership equipped them with the skills needed to succeed in an industry where technology is constantly evolving.
But Ambrosians know Schneider for more than just his professional role—he was always there. He attended campus events to ensure every story was covered. He worked alongside students,teaching them the nuances of covering live sports. He was always available to help those struggling to edit a news story, work the camera, or perfect their on-screen delivery. His dedication to student success and the SAU community was unwavering.
As a mentor, Schneider guided aspiring communicators with wisdom and encouragement, fostering relationships that continued long after graduation. His passion for storytelling and hiscommitment to his students left an indelible mark. His phone is still filled with messages from alumni sharing updates on their careers, awards, and life milestones—a testament to theprofound impact he has had on so many.
Through his dedication to communication, mentorship, and service, Schneider's legacy will continue to inspire the St. Ambrose community for years to come. His contributions extend far beyond the classroom, shaping the minds and futures of countless students and colleagues.
About the McMullen AwardNamed in honor of the founder of St. Ambrose College, the Rev. John J. McMullen, the McMullenAward is presented annually to individuals who embody St. Ambrose University's mission: An inclusive, Catholic, and diocesan community of learners, St. Ambrose University empowers allAmbrosians to act courageously, to seek wisdom through faith and reason, to work for justice,and to lead lives of service.
The distinguished award was established on Sept. 4, 2006, as St. Ambrose University began its celebration of 125 years of educational excellence in Davenport and the surrounding communities in Iowa and Illinois and continues today as the university's second highest from crosses that once hung in the sanctuary of Christ the King Chapel, the crosswith the seal of the university recognizes the heritage of St. Ambrose and the relationship ofeach recipient with all who have come before, those who are with us now and those who willcome in the future. For more information, visit here.
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