St. Ambrose University, located in Davenport, Iowa, is part of the Quad Cities – a mid-size metropolitan area on the Mississippi River where Illinois and Iowa meet.
Davenport is flourishing with opportunities for St. Ambrose University students and graduates. With a diverse economic landscape encompassing healthcare, manufacturing, and technology, students can secure internships and co-ops with industry leaders like John Deere and Genesis Health System. Graduates find promising career paths in finance, education, and IT, contributing to the city's dynamic growth.
Davenport’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusiveness (DEI) mirrors St. Ambrose’s mission to create a welcoming and supportive community. Our dedication to community engagement, social justice, and equity align with the values demonstrated by the city government itself, as well as groups like the United Way Quad Cities, One Human Family QCA, and the Quad Cities Community Foundation. Our presence here underscores the university's commitment to shaping responsible city residents and global citizens.
Learn about DEI at SAU
Our metro area population is nearly 400,000 people strong, anchoring the 2-state region of Iowa and Illinois. Whether it's a concert downtown at Adler Theater; exploring the Figge Art Museum; watching our minor league Champions – the Quad Cities River Bandits – score another win at picturesque Modern Woodman Park; or enjoying biking, fishing, or kayaking along the Mississippi River.
The Quad Cities are home to a number of excellent concert venues. The River Music Experience, Rust Belt, Adler Theatre, and the TaxSlayer Center offer a variety of concerts and performances featuring musical acts; comedy shows; and traveling productions.
In the realm of music festivals, we've got it covered from jazz and blues to alternative and zydeco. Check out these annual fests happening in the Quad Cities: Mississippi Valley Fair; Alternating Currents; Bix Jazz Fest; Mississippi Valley Blues Fest; Gumbo Ya Ya, and others. Theater buffs will also find no shortage of venues in the area. The Quad Cities is home to an impressive number of stages for acting and performance.
The Quad Cities host many sporting events throughout the year, the most famous of which are the Bix 7 Race (running), Criterium (bicycle), Professional Golfers' Association (PGA) Tour, and Quad Cities Marathon.
The Quad Cities also is home to these semi-professional sport teams:
In the Quad Cities there's quadruple the entertainment! For nightlife, look no further than downtown Davenport, the District of Rock Island, the Village of East Davenport, downtown Moline, or the new Rust Belt in East Moline. In each, you'll find an eclectic blend of restaurants, art galleries and studios, brew pubs, coffee shops, nightclubs, and unique shops.
There's no shortage of places to shop. The Village of East Davenport is a favorite with parents, featuring dozens of specialty stores and eateries. Just a few miles away is Downtown Davenport where you can shop at various restaurants, brewpubs, antique shops, and craft stores. The Hilltop Campus Village near campus also offers shops and eateries.
The Quad Cities is just a few hours away from major metropolitan areas such as Des Moines, Chicago, St. Louis, and Minneapolis. Major airlines serve the Quad City International Airport in Moline, Illinois. And the Quad Cities is right off of Interstate 80, one of the nation's major interstates, as well as being served by interstates 280, 88, and 74.
Nestled along the Mississippi River, Davenport combines historic charm with modern conveniences. The city strikes a balance between preserving its rich heritage, including notable architecture, and embracing contemporary growth, making it a delightful blend of tradition and progress. With its picturesque riverfront, Davenport hosts several festivals throughout the year. They also have diverse dining, local breweries and nightlife, and more than 100 miles of recreational trails.
Davenport, Iowa, is generally considered safe, with a strong sense of community. While crime rates vary, the city maintains efforts to enhance safety. Recent statistics reveal a noteworthy decrease in property and violent crimes, showcasing the city's commitment to a secure environment. Collaborative community initiatives, strengthened police presence, and proactive measures contribute to the positive trend. Residents and businesses alike benefit from the city's dedication to fostering a safe and welcoming atmosphere.
Davenport CitiBus provides affordable and convenient transportation services for residents and visitors. The well-organized routes and regular schedules cover approximately 30 square miles of the city, with many schools, shopping centers, medical facilities, local businesses and attractions within easy walking distance from most routes.
Davenport, Iowa, and the Quad Cities are home to diverse industries and prominent employers. This includes:
At SAU, the Fighting Bees are encouraged to explore every opportunity to grow and learn, finally becoming the person they are meant to be.
