SAU Alumni Experience

Mark Brauweiler, ’13 (BS Exercise Science; BS Human Performance & Fitness), ’15 (Doctor of Physical Therapy), works as a board-certified orthopedic physical therapist at Evolve Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine in Aurora, IL. He has spent 10 years working as an outpatient physical therapist, specializing in orthopedics. After beginning his career in Tipton, IA, he moved to Illinois to be closer to family. Mark credits his experience at St. Ambrose, particularly a pivotal moment with Dr. Kirk Kelley after struggling with his first anatomy and physiology test, for shaping his approach to studying and ultimately his career as a physical therapist. Mark enjoys his role on the Alumni Board, where he appreciates the opportunity to connect with fellow alumni, students, and the broader St. Ambrose community.

Tina Kohn ’87 earned her BA in Communications from St. Ambrose University and currently resides in Bloomington, IL. Her career began in social services and youth ministry, and since 2000, she has worked with State Farm Insurance, where she now serves as a Claim Team Manager for Auto Salvage. A formative experience during her time at SAU was a spring break service trip to David, Kentucky, which inspired her lifelong commitment to service and community stewardship. Tina values the opportunity to give back to the university that provided her with a strong education and enduring friendships.

Jason Fluchel ’05, a Public Relations and Marketing Communications graduate, brings over 15 years of experience in healthcare product development and account management. Based in St. Louis, MO, he currently serves as Director of Health Plan Management. Jason credits his SAU advisor, Dr. Ron Wastyn, for pushing him to excel and take ownership of his work, an influence that continues to shape his professional life. As a member of the SAU Alumni Board, he values the opportunity to support the university’s ongoing growth and success.

Jen Walker ’99 earned a B.S. in Biology and a B.A. in Chemistry and lives in Davenport, Iowa. She spent 13 years working in environmental risk assessment and consulting, with expertise in mold and indoor air quality investigations that led to her being called as an expert witness in civil lawsuits. In 2016, she transitioned into project management in the civil engineering and construction industry and currently serves as a Construction Project Manager for the City of Davenport. Her responsibilities include coordinating with utility companies, tracking budgets and schedules, and managing grant compliance. During her time at SAU, Campus Ministry retreats and service trips fostered her lifelong passion for giving back. Jen continues to volunteer through her church, mentoring, and environmental efforts with her family. As an Alumni Board member, she enjoys staying connected to campus and takes pride in contributing to its spirit and growth.

Steve Berger ’78, BA in Art Education, has built a career as a Creative Director and full-time artist in Robbinsdale, Minnesota. He credits his time in the SAU art program, especially the opportunity to learn while Father Catich was teaching, as a formative part of his artistic development. Steve values staying connected with the Ambrosian community, especially through alumni engagement, and appreciates the chance to contribute to the university’s direction and continued growth. 

Phillip Cervantes, ’90 holds a degree in Mass Communications with a focus in Public Relations and Advertising, along with a minor in Business Administration. Based in St. Louis, MO, Phillip has built a distinguished legal career, beginning with internships at the Rock Island Arsenal and the Scott County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. Since 1993, he has worked as a trial attorney specializing in personal injury, medical malpractice, product liability, and workers’ compensation. Since 2019, he has also served as an attorney for the City of St. Louis Collector of Revenue, handling land tax matters. Phillip values the encouragement he received from his professors at SAU, which inspired his academic and professional success. As a board member, he enjoys collaborating with fellow alumni to promote the university and engage the wider community.

Sheila Deluhery, ’82, ’00, earned her undergraduate degree in education and later a Master of Pastoral Studies from St. Ambrose University. She worked as an elementary educator from 1983 to 1990 and served as a Campus Minister at SAU from 1992 to 2003 and again from 2005 to 2014. Sheila also worked as a DC Congressional staffer for Congressman Jim Leach from 2003 to 2005. Her decision to pursue a career in education was strongly influenced by her undergrad education classes and the guidance of Dr. Vera Ehlers. Her passion for Campus Ministry was shaped by mentorship from Fr. Ed Dunn and the Master of Pastoral Studies faculty. Sheila is now retired.

Martha Garcia Tappa ’91 earned a BA in Communications from St. Ambrose University and a Master of Science in Communications/Public Relations from Illinois State University. A bilingual business marketing professional, published writer, former journalist, media and public relations consultant, and public speaker, Martha is also a passionate cancer advocate, being a three-time cancer survivor. She currently serves as the Iowa Apprenticeship Program Coordinator at the Iowa Office of Apprenticeship and is the only Latina statewide promoting and developing registered apprenticeship opportunities across Iowa. Martha is actively involved in multiple boards, including the St. Ambrose Alumni Association Board, Bethany for Children & Families, the Bridgeview Community Mental Health Center, and the Cancer Support Network at Gilda's Club of the Quad Cities. Honored as Advocate of the Year by the Quad Cities Greater Hispanic Chamber of Commerce in 2024, she is proud of her community service and her legacy with KALA Radio, where she helped build a strong Latino community through Spanish programming. Martha is a proud Ambrosian who enjoys promoting the university and continues to give back to her community through initiatives supporting cancer awareness, diversity, education, and cultural opportunities. She is especially proud that her sons continue the St. Ambrose tradition as current students.

Leah Hanson ’14, ’15 MOT, began her career in Chicago as an Occupational Therapist in a chronic pain management program. She now works as an OT in an adult mental health hospital in the Twin Cities and volunteers at a free clinic through the University of Minnesota, where she mentors OT students. Leah credits her study abroad experiences in Ireland and Ecuador for sparking her love of travel and pushing her to embrace new opportunities. Her involvement in Campus Ministry also shaped her personal growth and created lifelong friendships. She values staying connected with fellow alumni and supporting the continued growth of the university that played such a meaningful role in her life. 

Elizabeth Hulsbrink ’00 earned her degree in Secondary Education and English Literature and resides in Geneseo, Illinois. She began her career teaching secondary and collegiate English Literature, as well as elementary general music, developing strong skills in leadership, communication, and mentorship. Today, she owns and operates a skincare and cosmetics business and is progressing toward a leadership role within her company. While at SAU, she studied abroad in Ecuador and England under the guidance of her advisor, the late Patrick Connelly, which sparked a lasting appreciation for multiculturalism. Elizabeth enjoys being part of the Alumni Board and values the chance to stay engaged with the university community.

Roy G. Kempa ’67, earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from St. Ambrose University. Now retired and living in Bartlett, Illinois, Roy reflects on a diverse and impactful career that began with teaching business courses at the University of Wisconsin–Platteville. He later transitioned into marketing research, leading consulting projects across a range of companies. One of his most notable contributions was helping to launch the Discover Card in 1985, where he provided key data-driven insights. Roy’s interest in marketing was sparked by an advertising class at SAU, which introduced him to the field of market research and laid the foundation for his future work. In retirement, Roy remains active in service—volunteering at his church, leading his high school alumni association, and supporting business ethics education as a judge for Northern Illinois University’s competition. As a dedicated member of the SAU Alumni Board, he values staying connected to campus life and having the chance to give back to the university that helped shape his career.

Megan Leon, ’16, ’18 MOT, earned her undergraduate degrees in Psychology and Women & Gender Studies and her Master of Occupational Therapy from St. Ambrose University. She began her career as a school-based occupational therapist at Black Hawk Area Special Education District (BHASED), supporting students from preschool through high school across a range of needs. After five years in the Quad Cities, Megan relocated to Indianapolis, Indiana, where she continued her work in school-based therapy while also providing early intervention services part time. Now a full-time early intervention therapist, she supports children and families from birth to age three. Her professional interests include strengths-based approaches, neurodiversity-affirming care, trauma-informed practices, and assistive technology. Megan credits her time at St. Ambrose with fostering meaningful personal and professional connections. Lifelong friendships formed early in her college experience remain strong nearly a decade later. She values being part of a vibrant alumni community that celebrates Ambrosian traditions and honors the shared foundation that continues to shape who they are today.

Ty Lewis ’22 earned a bachelor’s degree in finance and resides in Bourbonnais, Illinois. He is a Strategic Foresight Consultant, Leadership and Financial Coach, and Professional Speaker. Ty serves as a consultant at Next Generation Consulting and is the CEO of Ty Lewis Speaks. During his time at SAU, he was invited to join the sales club, which led to him competing in national sales competitions and winning 1st place in the speed sell competition in 2021 and 2022. Ty values staying connected to the university that has had such a significant impact on him and is passionate about continuing to influence future generations.

Luke Mathews ’20, RN, BSN, has spent five years in pediatric nursing, beginning at a children’s hospital in Iowa before joining OSF Children’s Hospital of Illinois in Peoria. He has served as a charge nurse and now works on the Pediatric Clinical Resource Team, floating across subspecialties throughout central Illinois. Luke is a Certified Pediatric Nurse and is currently pursuing his Master’s in Nursing Executive Leadership. At St. Ambrose University, Luke was involved in organizations like Campus Activities Board, Dance Marathon, and Residence Life which shaped both his personal growth and professional path. Now, as he stays connected to the Ambrosian community, he enjoys seeing his fellow Bees thrive and watching SAU continue to grow.

Lane McMullen, ’16, earned a Master of Science in Information Technology Management from St. Ambrose University. He now serves as an Enterprise Solutions Architect at Dell Technologies, where he leverages years of experience as an IT professional, architect, and leader to guide large-scale technology initiatives. Based in Tiffin, Iowa, Lane brings a strategic mindset to his work, blending technical expertise with a passion for collaboration. He credits his time at SAU to the professors who equipped him with both the technical and soft skills that have been instrumental in his success. Lane often reflects on how his coursework and classroom experiences continue to influence the way he leads and mentors others in his professional life. As a member of the SAU Alumni Board, Lane enjoys giving back by sharing what he has learned and encouraging others across Iowa to make a lasting impact in their communities and workplaces, just as St. Ambrose empowered him to do. 

Miranda Nelp, ’05, earned her degree in Public Relations and Marketing from St. Ambrose University. She currently lives in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where she works as a Sales Consultant for an eyewear company. With a strong background in sales, Miranda brings a relationship-focused approach to her work, helping clients find solutions that meet both their style and vision needs. Her time at St. Ambrose was marked by memorable experiences abroad, studying in both Ireland and Ecuador, which helped shape her global perspective and passion for connecting with people. Miranda enjoys serving on the SAU Alumni Board, where she finds meaning in staying connected to the university community across generations. Through this involvement, she continues to support and celebrate the spirit of St. Ambrose, no matter where life takes her. 

Doug Platt, ’16 earned dual degrees in Computer Network Administration and Computer Network Investigations, and lives in Rock Island, IL. Since graduating, he has built his career at John Deere, serving in roles such as IT Analyst, Internal Auditor, and currently as an Information Security Engineer in the Cybersecurity Defense Center. He also holds a master’s degree in Cybersecurity Engineering and several professional certifications. One of Doug’s most impactful experiences at SAU was a hands-on final exam configuring Cisco switches, which ignited his passion for problem-solving and continues to inspire his work today. As an Alumni Board member, he enjoys staying connected to the university and bringing alumni together to strengthen their shared SAU community.

Becky Pracht, ’74, BA in Music Education and Voice, has dedicated her life to music, education, and the St. Ambrose community. A longtime private voice and piano instructor, she also sang with the Nova Singers for more than 20 years and served as choir director at St. Mary Catholic Church for nearly five decades. Rebecca worked at St. Ambrose University as a switchboard operator and mailroom clerk from 1995 until her retirement in 2018. Her Ambrosian roots run deep as she first visited campus at age ten, later earned her degree when SAU became co-ed, and even met her husband while performing in a production at the Galvin Fine Arts Center. With children and grandchildren who also chose SAU, Rebecca is proud to give back to a university that has been part of her life for so many years. 

Christine Reed ’91, ’10 MEd, earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Psychology, later returning to St. Ambrose for a Master of Education. A National Board Certified teacher, she recently retired after 35 years of teaching in Cambridge, Illinois, primarily in first grade, and coaching junior high and high school sports. She now enjoys traveling with her husband, relaxing, and volunteering with her two therapy dogs. At St. Ambrose, Christine was deeply involved as a student-athlete, resident advisor, eucharistic minister, student government member, and admissions ambassador. She especially loved coordinating campus visits and helping prospective students feel at home. A highlight was witnessing the transition from St. Ambrose College to University in 1987 and proudly posing with the new campus sign. Christine continues to give back through the Alumni Board, where she speaks to graduates and helps present alumni pins at commencement. She treasures the lifelong friendships and community that make being an Ambrosian so meaningful. 

Kemper Rusteberg ’14, an International Business graduate, lives in Chicago and has built a vibrant career in technology and telecommunications with Motorola and Lenovo. Currently serving as Portfolio Enablement Manager for Services at Motorola, he focuses on the strategic development and delivery of service offerings. Kemper’s professional path has included launching the first B2B smartphone, pioneering marketing campaigns using Augmented Reality, and producing a YouTube series which blends his business savvy and creativity. At SAU, his deep involvement in student life from international student support to sustainability initiatives and student government helped shape his values of service, leadership, and collaboration. As an Alumni Board member, he enjoys staying actively connected to the Bee community, especially through events and volunteer opportunities in the Chicagoland area, and cherishes the chance to give back to the university that profoundly influenced his journey. 

Matt Thole, ’19, earned a bachelor’s degree in Sales, Marketing, and Finance from St. Ambrose University and now works as an Employee Benefits & Commercial Insurance Consultant at Kunkel & Associates, Inc., a private family-owned insurance and consulting firm. He helps business leaders manage their insurance programs and strategically contain long-term costs. While at Ambrose, Matt had the opportunity to compete in an international sales competition hosted by Florida State University, an experience that fueled his passion for sales and building relationships. He credits this opportunity for guiding him into his current career. Matt enjoys being part of the SAU Alumni Board, where he collaborates with alumni from various backgrounds to help expand the university’s reach and mission, strengthening the global alumni network.

Meghan Ward, DVM, ’10, earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from St. Ambrose University before completing her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine at the University of Illinois-College of Veterinary Medicine in 2014. After starting her career in mixed-animal veterinary practice in Taylorville, IL, she has spent the last five years practicing at Northern Illinois Veterinary Services in Milledgeville. Meghan credits the support from professors, classmates, alumni, and local connections, such as shadowing at veterinary clinics and working at Niabi Zoo, for inspiring her to pursue a veterinary career. As a member of the Alumni Board, she is proud to give back to St. Ambrose and help current and prospective students explore the opportunities the university provides.

Kyle Wehr, ’12, earned his degree in Management from St. Ambrose University and lives in Ankeny, Iowa. He began his career working in small businesses and nonprofits before shifting his focus to the growing role of data in business decision-making. That passion led him to earn a FTMBA with a concentration in Analytics, and he has since applied those skills across several Fortune 100 companies. He currently serves as the Manager of Global Wholesale and Operational Analytics at John Deere Financial. Kyle credits his time at St. Ambrose with building a strong academic foundation, particularly in understanding return on investment, capital allocation, and financial reporting. Courses in theology and philosophy also shaped his ability to think conceptually and collaborate across teams. Kyle enjoys serving on the SAU Alumni Board, where he finds purpose in staying connected and contributing to the future of the university community.

Also not pictured

• Hayley Coker 

• Megan Cox

• Sean Eston