St. Ambrose University has announced its 2025 Alumni Award recipients which honor six distinguished graduates who embody SAU’s mission of service, leadership and purpose-driven excellence.
Honored across the university’s three academic colleges, each awardee reflects the transformative power of an Ambrosian education and its enduring impact on communities near and far. The recipients will be celebrated at the 2025 Celebration of Generosity on Thursday, Oct. 16, where their professional achievements and service will be recognized before alumni, donors and university leaders.
“Each of these alumni represents what it means to live out our mission with courage, wisdom, service and love,” said Amy Novak, EdD, president and CEO of St. Ambrose University. “Their stories are testaments to the power of education rooted in faith, community and purpose. We are deeply proud of how they are shaping industries, communities and lives around the world.”
2025 award recipients
Emerging SAU Leaders are:
- Matthew Thole ’19, Patricia VanBruwaene College of Business. An employee benefits and commercial insurance consultant with Kunkel & Associates in Dubuque, Iowa. Mr. Thole mentors young professionals and leads through compassion and integrity.
- Brita Ossian ’22, College of Arts and Sciences. A paralegal and case manager with Iowa Legal Aid, Ms. Ossian advocates for domestic abuse survivors and marginalized communities. She launched Iowa Legal Aid’s first “Access to IDs” clinic.
- Lydia Amissah-Harris ’22, MPH, College of Health and Human Services. As a family health coordinator for the Maternal Program at the Scott County Health Department, Ms. Amissah-Harris champions maternal health equity and founded The Bloom Project, a nonprofit providing postpartum care packages to BIPOC families.
Distinguished SAU Alumni are:
- Paul Thompson ’02, Patricia VanBruwaene College of Business. Vice president of Product Development and Aftermarket for Caterpillar’s Earthmoving Division, Mr. Thompson credits his Ambrosian education for shaping his values of courage and service.
- John Mondanaro ’84, College of Arts and Sciences. A leading figure in expressive arts therapy, Mondanaro serves as assistant professor and director of Expressive Arts Therapy for the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City.
- Michelle Sarb ’07, DPT, College of Health and Human Services. A physical therapist with Rock Valley Physical Therapy, Ms. Sarb has devoted nearly two decades to patient care and philanthropy. She advocates for families affected by rare disease.
The annual Celebration of Generosity event recognizes alumni whose professional accomplishments, leadership and service reflect the mission and values of St. Ambrose University, enriching the lives of others through learning, faith and action. To learn more about St. Ambrose, visit sau.edu.
