The St. Ambrose University Alumni Awards shine a spotlight on six exceptional graduates who represent the best of our three academic colleges: the College of Health and Human Services, College of Arts and Sciences, and College of Business. One Emerging Leader and one Distinguished Alumni are selected from each college to recognize their achievements, leadership, and service. These award recipients exemplify the impact of a St. Ambrose education and the power of Ambrosian values carried into communities near and far.
St Ambrose is pleased to honor the following six alumni at the Celebration of Generosity on Thursday, October 1, 2026.
Emerging Leaders
Kristin Enright ‘19, College of Business, Emerging Leader
The College of Business honors Kristin Enright ’19, for her career that is centered on communication, leadership, and service. Through her involvement as a campus tour guide, member of Campus Ministry Music, Dance Marathon leader, writer for The Buzz, and intern at KALA, Kristin embraced opportunities that helped shape both her professional path and her commitment to community engagement.
After graduating, Kristin began her career at MindFire Communications, where she grew from Account Coordinator to Account Executive while leading the organization’s research initiatives. In 2023, she earned a Master of Arts in Strategic Communication from the University of Iowa, a milestone that was especially meaningful as a first-generation college graduate. She now serves as an adjunct professor at SAU and prepares the next generation of communication professionals for success in their careers and beyond. Kristin serves on the board of Bethany for Children & Families and helped shape the United Way Quad Cities Emerging Leaders program as a member of its founding advisory committee. Through her work as a caregiver supporting a young woman with a disability, she continues to make a lasting impact by fostering independence, confidence, and community connection.
Kristin exemplifies the leadership, compassion, and commitment to others that define the spirit of St. Ambrose University.
Joaquin Bueno Diaz '19, College of Arts and Sciences, Emerging Leader
Driven by a passion for service and a commitment to creating healthier, more equitable communities, Joaquin Bueno Diaz '19 has emerged as a leader in public health and social justice.
During his time at St. Ambrose University, his involvement in civil rights, multicultural, and student leadership organizations helped shape his worldview, challenge inequities, and inspire his passion for service and leadership. Since graduating, Joaquin has spent the past five years working in HIV prevention, education, case management, and community engagement across Iowa and Illinois. His work focuses on advancing health equity and supporting immigrant, Latino, Black, LGBTQ+, and other historically marginalized communities through culturally responsive care, education, and advocacy. Joaquin currently serves as President of LULAC Council #5285 in Moline, Illinois, where he continues to advocate for inclusion, equity, and community empowerment.
Guided by the Ambrosian values of compassion, courage, and justice, he strives to create meaningful change through both his professional work and volunteer leadership. His commitment to serving others and addressing systemic inequities exemplifies the spirit of an Emerging Leader for the College of Arts and Sciences and reflects the mission of St. Ambrose University.
Cody Birely '20, College of Health and Human Services, Emerging Leader
The College of Health and Human Services honors Cody Birely '20. During his time in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program, Cody embraced leadership, service, and community involvement, serving as President of the Student Physical Therapy Organization and through volunteer initiatives.
After graduation, Cody pursued advanced training in neurologic rehabilitation, completed a neurologic physical therapy residency, and built a career focused on improving the lives of individuals with neurological conditions and disabilities. He has developed expertise in neurologic rehabilitation and continually sought opportunities to expand his impact through clinical practice, research, education, and mentorship.
Today, Cody serves patients through his own concierge physical therapy practice while also educating future healthcare professionals as an adjunct instructor. He is the founder of Prairieland Adaptive, a nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing access to adaptive sports, recreation, and fitness opportunities for individuals with physical disabilities and visual impairments throughout Central Illinois. His passion for empowering others, advancing inclusion, and creating meaningful change reflects the very best of the St. Ambrose mission and the spirit of an emerging leader.
Distinguished Alumni
John Resnick '91, College of Business, Distinguished Alumni
John Resnick '91 has deep roots at St. Ambrose University, with a family legacy that spans generations. His father, seven uncles, two brothers, son, and daughter are all proud Ambrose alumni. Growing up across the street from campus on Gaines Street, John developed a lifelong connection to the university and credits his professors in the TV and radio, communications, and business programs for shaping his future.
A successful leader in the pharmaceutical sales industry for nearly 30 years, John earned two Circle of Excellence awards and was named District Manager of the Year three times. Beyond his professional accomplishments, he remains active in the arts, performing on stage for Circa’21, and recently directing the Assumption High School musical for the past four years. Guided by a belief that we are all called to help others, John has dedicated his time and talents to serving his community through philanthropy, mentorship, and support for those in need.
His commitment to leadership, service, and making a difference reflects the values of St. Ambrose University and the spirit of the Distinguished Leader Alumni Award for the College of Business.
Brian Ritter '99, College of Arts and Sciences, Distinguished Alumni
The College of Arts and Sciences honors Brian Ritter '99. His career is dedicated to environmental conservation, education, and inspiring future generations to care for the natural world, and he credits St. Ambrose faculty members Fr. Brian Miclot, Dr. John Horn, and Dr. Mary Waterstreet with helping shape his passion and purpose.
After beginning his teaching career at Muscatine Community College in 2002, Brian joined Nahant Marsh Education Center in 2007. Under his leadership, the organization has expanded by 150 acres and now reaches more than 23,000 people annually through environmental education programs. Brian also helped establish an undergraduate summer research internship that has provided hands-on learning opportunities for more than 250 students since 2012. He serves as Co-Principal Investigator for the National Science Foundation-funded EARTh Center and continues teaching conservation courses through Eastern Iowa Community Colleges.
Through his leadership, service, and commitment to education and conservation, Brian exemplifies the values of St. Ambrose University and the spirit of the Distinguished Alumni Award for the College of Arts and Sciences.
Kami Holst '11, College of Health and Human Services, Distinguished Alumni
Kami Holst '11 credits her experience at St. Ambrose with shaping both her career and her commitment to serving others. Graduating with a degree in Exercise Science, she built a strong foundation in health, movement, and wellness while being inspired by faculty mentors who encouraged her to pursue her passions with confidence and purpose. Those experiences sparked a lifelong dedication to occupational therapy, education, advocacy, and community engagement.
Today, Kami serves as faculty in the Doctor of Occupational Therapy program at St. Ambrose University, where she mentors future healthcare professionals through teaching, clinical education, and community-engaged learning. Beyond the classroom, she is a dedicated advocate and community leader, serving as President of Empower House, Iowa’s first nonprofit brain injury clubhouse, and supporting individuals with Parkinson’s disease through Rock Steady Boxing programs. In recognition of her commitment to improving the lives of individuals with neurological conditions, she received the 2023 Jean Kelly Award for Innovative Service Provision of Brain Injury Survivors from the Brain Injury Alliance of Iowa.
Her passion for empowering others continues to make a lasting impact throughout the community and beyond as the recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Award for the College of Health and Human Services.
