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Golden Scoop Visits Women's Basketball

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Women's Basketball Alumna to receive St. Ignatius Alumni Award

Amber welcomed members of the women's basketball team to the Golden Scoop in 2023
As part of the 50 Years of Women's Athletics Celebration Weekend, Rockhurst University will honor Amber Schreiber, '02, '05 MBA, with the St. Ignatius Alumni Award. Amber serves as president and CEO of the Golden Scoop, a not-for-profit ice cream and coffee shop dedicated to providing meaningful employment opportunities for young adults with developmental disabilities.

"We are honored to present this award to Amber to celebrate her outstanding work, the success of the Golden Scoop, and the unique opportunities she has provided so many individuals," said Paula Moss, vice president of university advancement and alumni relations.

Schreiber came to Rockhurst in 2000 after playing one season at Wichita State and credits her Rockhurst experience in helping her develop the skills that serve her today in her role.

"The competitive environment that Coach MaryAnn Mitts created for us was what made Rockhurst attractive. She was a competitor and was not afraid to challenge me, and I appreciated that," she said.

Schreiber went on to be a three-time All-Heartland Conference selection during her career. However, the team struggled to get wins during much of her time, including just four wins in her junior season. Schreiber said she did not let their win-loss record affect her attitude, effort, and the positive example she wanted to set for her teammates.

"I was going to play hard regardless and do everything I could to help my team be successful," she said.

Today, this same competitiveness — and commitment to her team of Super Scoopers — is what has driven Amber since teaming up with her sister Lindsay to open the Golden Scoop in April 2021.

"Our first day started slow until about 11 a.m. when someone came in for a cup of coffee, saw what we were doing, and posted to his social media. After that, it exploded and we had a line around the block," Schreiber said.

The shop went on to make $62,000 in revenue in their first two-and-a-half weeks, launched a catering business that July, and was featured on Good Morning America a few months later.

"When they (Good Morning America) initially called us, I thought it was a prank, but it turned out to be real, and I appreciated how much they focused their coverage on our employees," she said.

Today, Schreiber's role requires her to continue to focus on the strategic growth of the organization, form relationships with new business and community partners, and open a second store in spring 2024. Still, just like she did on the basketball court, she challenges herself to be present, vulnerable, and a positive example for everyone on the Golden Scoop's team.

"It doesn't matter that my title is president and CEO, in my eyes, the biggest way I earn respect and credibility is by being present, in the trenches, and supportive of my team," she said. "Seeing our Super Scoopers develop skills and progress toward living independent lives is what brings me the most joy."

Even with the time demands of the Golden Scoop and having a family with her husband Burt Schreiber, '02, Amber remains an active member of the Rockhurst alumni and athletics community. She has been a guest lecturer for Leadership and Ethics Day, a featured guest for the "Meet the Makers" alumni event, an annual supporter of the Fr. Joseph M. Freeman, S.J., Rockhurst Cup golf tournament, and a partner in supporting the women's basketball program.

"The impact that Amber has had through her work with the Golden Scoop is a true reflection of our Jesuit mission and an excellent example to all of our student-athletes today," said Kristy Bayer, director of athletics.

Schreiber will receive her award at the Blue Carpet Reception and Celebration Program on Saturday, April 13. Her team of Super Scoopers will be serving ice cream during the reception thanks to the support of McCarthy Auto Group and the Leawood Chamber of Commerce. Doors open for the reception at 5:30 p.m. and the program begins at 7 p.m. Tickets for all the weekend's events can be purchased at www.rockhursthawks.com/womens50

As part of Celebrate RU 2024 scheduled for Wednesday, April 24, the Golden Scoop will donate a portion of all in-shop sales April 19-21, and April 24, back to the women's basketball program. Schreiber will then match the Golden Scoop's donation.
 
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