QUniverse Spring 2020

niverse SPRING 2020

QUINCY UNIVERSITY MAGAZINE

Bill and Bernice Merschman built Merschman Seeds on the foundation of honesty and integrity above all else.

Today, their children, all graduates of Quincy University, continue their 65-year legacy.

QU | President’s Page

“Wherever alumni are found, there are stories about those alumni making a difference. Fellow Hawks, whenever you graduated and whatever you've accomplished, we're proud of you.

Today and every day is a great day to be a Hawk!”

A

ll of us are proud to describe QU as a small university, a place where everyone knows everyone. Across the generations, our small

classes and everyday interactions create deep, lasting, and lifelong friendships.

Being small, though, doesn’t make us unimportant. For 160 happy years, QU has made a big impact.

It’s true that, wherever I go to speak in Quincy, Illinois, half of

On campus, QU continues to dedicate itself to the implementation of our new initiative, Success by Design.

The School of Education is responding to the nation-wide teacher shortage with new programs to attract teacher candidates and produce the next generation of educators. In athletics, QU has

my audience seems to be made up of alumni or people whose

welcomed two new coaches this year. Randy Overby is the

family members attended QU. But, while it’s not surprising that

first full-time Cross Country and Track and Field coach at QU,

the university has made a profound difference in western Illinois,

bringing over 20 years of experience as a coach and athlete.

you can find QU alumni doing big things across the country

Bowling is back on campus under the direction of the newly hired

and around the world.

coach, Nicholas Bohanan.

This year, I have visited with our alumni in some expected

We gladly welcome back Bishop Ferd Cheri as a new member

places, like Decatur, Ill., Effingham, Ill., St. Louis, and Chicago.

of the Board of Trustees and know he will bring with him a fresh

But I’ve also seen alumni in New Jersey, Arizona, Colorado,

perspective that will help lead the university.

Florida, and Washington, DC. Like many of you, I’ve had the

Fellow Hawks, whenever you graduated and whatever you’ve

experience of walking into a restaurant in a distant city, only

accomplished, we’re proud of you. Today and every day is a

to have my Hawks sweatshirt instantly recognized by a former

great day to be a Hawk!

student at QU. Wherever alumni are found, there are stories about those alumni making a difference.

Sincerely,

Throughout the pages of this edition, you will see the work, creativity, and leadership of the QU community. The cover features the Merschman family, whose parents taught them the meaning of integrity and persistence. You will also read about

Brian McGee, PhD

three QU alumni who we are honoring for their commitment

President

to QU and their communities. Our student spotlight features an amazing student-athlete who will graduate this May and then be sworn in as a Second Lieutenant in the Marine Corps on May 30, 2020.

Contents | QU

IN THIS ISSUE ii

President’s Page

2

Student Spotlight

6

Main Feature

10

Main Feature

14

Hawk Talk

Hawks in the Lane

Contributors: Fr. John Doctor ’72, OFM Miriam Hermann Brian McGee, PhD Barbara Schleppenbach ’71, PhD Dylan Shick ’19 Pasha Yates ’15 Pilar Yates Brumbaugh

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Alumni Feature

Graphic Designer: Jenny Willingham

niverse Editor: Jen Wingerter ’13

Success By Design

Heritage Award Winners

And Above All, Integrity

Photographers: Pasha Yates ’15 Alex Stewart from Merschman Seeds Inc.

22 2Franciscan Focus

Let us Begin Again...

24

Academic Feature

26

Academic Feature

Are you Secure?

A Beautiful Machine

30

Faculty Focus

32

Faculty Briefs

34

QUniverse is published to serve the interests of Quincy University and its programs.

Send all correspondence to:

qualumni@quincy.edu

Class Notes

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6 HERITAGE AWARDS

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QUniverse Quincy University 1800 College Ave. Quincy, IL 62301-2699

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24 26

QU | Student Spotlight

SERVING A

GREATER PURPOSE

by Pasha Yates ’15

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QUniverse | Spring 2020

Student Spotlight | QU

DURING HIGH SCHOOL, I KNEW I WANTED TO

GO TO COLLEGE

AND I WANTED TO BE IN

THE SERVICE, BUT MY PASSION WAS

BASKETBALL.

I HAD TO FIGURE OUT HOW I COULD DO ALL THREE. — JESS MERINO ’20

www.quincy.edu

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QU | Student Spotlight

ABOUT YOU.

NOW THAT YOU'RE A PART OF THE

MARINE LEADERSHIP, IT'S ALL ON YOU TO

TAKE CARE OF YOUR FELLOW MARINES. — A PHRASE REPEATED TO JESS MERINO ’20 DAILY FOR TEN-WEEKS THIS PAST SUMMER AT OFFICER CANDIDATE SCHOOL IN QUANTICO, VIRGINIA.

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800 CANDIDATES 10 WEEKS

IT'S NEVER

Merino is a senior from Chicago, majoring in exercise science with a concentration in human performance, and a member of the Women’s Basketball team.

“During high school, I knew I wanted to go to college and I wanted to be in the Service, and basketball was my first passion. I had to figure out how I could do all three,” said Merino.

“When I came on my visit to Quincy I met the whole basketball team, had lunch with them and saw the team dynamic. I kind of got that feeling like, ‘Okay, I think this is where I belong.’”

At the beginning of Merino’s junior year at QU, she received a mass email from a recruiting officer about being able to go to school, train for the Marines during the summer, and then go back to school. She decided to respond that she wanted to learn more. Merino met with the recruiting officer from the Champaign office at the University of Illinois. During this meeting Merino learned about the Platoon Leaders Course, a ten-week program over the summer called Officer Candidate School. This program is the officer’s side of basic training, and candidates must have a college degree (or be in pursuit of one). The benefit of this program is that it is not binding; it’s more of a trial period for candidates. If they graduate, they have a choice to accept their commission or not.

F

Student Spotlight | QU Merino flew out to Quantico, Virginia, on June 1, 2020, starting an indescribable journey into the Marine Corps.

“As soon as we pulled into the base, we got on what they call “Brown Field,” which is where Officer Candidate School is. The bus stops, and a Sergeant Instructor gets on and immediately starts yelling at us. We all have to yell back, and at that point it was chaos. We didn’t know what we were doing,” says Merino.

800 candidates reported for the ten-week program as a training class referred to as a battalion. The commanding officer split the class into three companies (groups). During the ten-week training, the officers graded the candidates on physical fitness, academics, and leadership. They attended classes, had written exams, and fitness events. Anyone who fell below 80% in any of those areas, were put on probation.

“I found it very difficult there because I wasn’t used to the sleep deprivation. We were up at zero-four-thirty, got very little sleep, and the activity level was just something that I had never experienced before; along with the stress. It was very hard to stay awake during classes,” said Merino. “My grades

suffered from it. I was actually in danger of being sent home. But, it came down to the very last exam for me. Luckily, I was able to pull through, and I ended up graduating.”

Throughout the training Merino lived a military lifestyle. From the 4:30 a.m. wake-up call, to bed inspections, locker inspections, down to the language, measuring the tape used to mark belongings, and a certain way to lace boots, Merino’s lifestyle came down to timely structure.

“I adapted to a military lifestyle, there’s a method to everything,” said Merino. “I took pride in that discipline.”

The adjustment back to civilian life in Quincy was hard for Merino. Because the recruiting officer is two hours away, it’s up to Merino to stay on top of her training and discipline she learned over the summer. Once basketball season is over, she plans to increase her physical training, but still maintains simple disciplines such as making her bed every morning and making sure her clothes are folded and not wrinkled.

The next steps for Merino will require discipline and persistence...and it all lays in her hands. After finishing up her semester

at QU, Merino has chosen to accept her commission. On May 30, 2020, Merino will swear in as a Second Lieutenant in the Marine Corps at a commissioning ceremony.

In August or September, she will spend six months back in Quantico, Virginia, for Second Lieutenants training learning how to conduct in combat situations, as well as exploring different field options to pursue.

Merino mentions that whatever position she ends up doing in the Marine Corps, she wants to help others and continue the Franciscan values she learned at QU. “The focus on the Franciscan values and the community service with service learning hours...all of that, even though it’s required, it wasn’t a chore. Doing it made me feel good,” said Merino. “ My faith has definitely gotten a lot stronger since I have been here and as I’ve gone through my training. We all got a lot stronger in our faith there, since in times of struggle, you tend to lean on your faith.

It’s a great thing.”

“It goes back to my patriotism, my pride in my country, my desire to serve and help others, and to be an example," said Merino.

“Just knowing that what I’m doing serves a greater purpose than just for myself.”

FITNESS ACADEMICS LEADERSHIP MERINO'S ADVICE

FOR THOSE LOOKING TO PURSUE THE MILITARY: BE ABSOLUTELY SURE REMEMBER WHY YOU STARTED

IT GOES BACK TO MY

PATRIOTISM,

MY PRIDE IN MY

COUNTRY,

MY DESIRE TO SERVE AND

HELP OTHERS, AND TO BE AN

EXAMPLE.

www.quincy.edu

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SUCCESS by design

QU | Main Feature

the 21st century agenda for QU

by Brian McGee, PhD

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Main Feature | QU

“My job as your president, and our first obligation as a university, is to do everything possible to help our students succeed. Today, we are redesigning QU to make certain that every student has the tools she or he needs to succeed.”

L

ong ago, at the beginning of my faculty career, I taught communication courses on such topics as public speaking and debate. I will always be grateful for the talented senior faculty members who mentored me during my time as a novice teacher. One of those faculty often described the classroom as a place where, when committed faculty were put together with gifted students, the “magic happened.”

From this magical point of view, some students succeed, while others do not. From this point of view, some students must struggle because they deserve to fail. From this point of view, those students who don’t succeed aren’t really college material or will need to try again later, because the magic isn’t working for them.

At Franciscan universities, and QU in particular, we reject this magical thinking about student success and failure.

True, our students are responsible for their success, and some students will inevitably make bad choices.

But faculty and staff, administrators and alumni, are also responsible for helping students succeed, both inside and outside the classroom. And, with decades of research and experience to guide us, we absolutely know how to help students, if we are willing to do so.

I believe it is our fundamental duty to help each student realize her or his full potential – academically, socially, and spiritually.

At Quincy University, “Success by Design” is how we now describe our fundamental commitment to all students. Success for a QU Hawk should never be a product of luck or good timing.

Success should never be a happy accident. Success should always happen by design.

As our graduates know, the small size and committed faculty and staff of QU have always created a great environment for student success. Further, QU has spent the past several years creating new tools and programs for student success. We now provide academic resources that, a generation ago, didn’t exist or were hard to find.

Our students already have full-time success coaches, in addition to their academic advisors. Our students have tutoring and testing services in the J. Kenneth Nesbit Student Success Center. Our students have the QUEST Center and expanded opportunities for study abroad, service learning, internships, and undergraduate research. And, our students have an unprecedented number of wellness, social, and other support programs, beginning with our “Weeks of Welcome” for new students.

But we will be doing even more in the future. We know that deep and lasting success is the product of planning, and we are making planning a universal part of the Quincy University experience. www.quincy.edu

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QU | Main Feature

“We aren’t stopping there. Also beginning in fall 2020, we will be taking new steps to bring our students closer together, so that they can learn from, support, and help one another.”

W

e aren’t stopping there. Also beginning in fall 2020, we will be taking new steps to bring our students closer together, so that they can learn from, support, and help one another. Most notably, we will be assigning new undergraduate students, whether they live on-campus or off-campus, to small communities, which will make up what we call the “house system.” Those houses – with names like Tolton House, Mueller House, and Padberg House – will be part of the everyday experience of each QU student.

Though rare in the Midwest, universities use house systems in other parts of the world. And house systems work not only to bring students closer together, but to mentor students, help them earn better grades, and graduate on time.

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Many more programs supporting Success by Design, developed thanks to the ingenuity and hard work of our faculty, staff, and administration, are being or will soon be developed.

Quincy University is truly being transformed.

As we celebrate our 160th anniversary at Quincy University, we honor our great traditions. But we also look ahead to a very different and exciting future, with new software, classroom technology, and teaching techniques that, collectively, will revolutionize how our students learn and prepare to enter the world.

In closing, I believe Success by Design is the ideal combination of our Franciscan values, our distinguished history, and the very best research and experience now available on student success.

As Hawks, our very best days are still to come!

Main Feature | QU

Current Student Benefits Franciscan Values Full-time Success Coach Academic Advising Tutoring and Testing Services Wellness, Social and Support Programs Weeks of Welcome QUEST Center Study Abroad Service Learning Internships Undergraduate Research

Future Student Benefits Individualized Success Plan (fall 2020) House System (fall 2020) Business Fundamentals (in development)

www.quincy.edu

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QU | Main Feature

HERITAGE AWARDS

by Pilar Yates Brumbaugh

THE HERITAGE AWARDS are the highest honor bestowed by

Quincy University upon an outstanding alumna or alumnus. The awards salute the achievements of alumni whose “personal lives, professional achievements, and community service exemplify the objectives of their alma mater.”

The Bill O’Donnell Distinguished Alumni of the Year Award

is given to alumni who have enhanced the reputation of Quincy University through their outstanding professional achievement, personal accomplishments, and/or their loyal service to their alma mater.

Recipients of this award have demonstrated a belief in Quincy University’s mission and vision through philanthropic support of the university and through the contribution of their time and talents.

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QUniverse | Spring 2020

The Franciscan Service Award

is given to alumni who have made significant contributions to their community, state, and nation through professional service, public service, and or civic activities. The honoree offers inspiration and encouragement as role models for principled leadership and a wholehearted commitment to serving others.

The Rising Hawk Award

is given to alumni under the age of 40 who demonstrates success early in his or her career and is active in the life of the university or the life of their community.

Main Feature | QU

Over the last 50 years, Quincy University has presented the Bill O’Donnell Distinguished Alumni of the Year Award to a member(s) of the alumni community who demonstrates a belief in Quincy University’s mission and vision through philanthropic support of the university, continued interest and support of the university, and contributions of time and/or talent. QU recognizes alumni based on their professional accomplishments and contributions to the community and humanity.

Quincy University is pleased to announce this year's award recipient, Dr. William Dolan ’70.

“Dr. Dolan has been a very loyal supporter of Quincy University over the past 50 years. From attending university events, to staying engaged and up to date on the university, when we think of a member of the alumni community who exemplifies the gifts of the Franciscan spirit, Bill is one of the first that comes to mind,” said Matt Bergman, director of development, alumni and community relations.

Who is William Dolan..

Life’s lessons learned: hard work and lifelong learning.

Coming to Quincy College from St. Joseph’s High School Seminary in 1965 was only the beginning of Dolan’s journey over the last 50 years.

A chemistry major, Dolan attended the Medical College of Wisconsin after graduation. He completed his general surgery training at St. Joseph's Hospital.

“The Good Lord put it simply.

It is more blessed to give than to receive.”

(Acts 20:35) —Dr. William Dolan '70

It was in June of 1972 when Dolan’s journey began. Br. Luke Tupper of the Sacred Heart Province, showed Dolan what it was like to work as a medical missionary, and it was after this eye-opening experience that he made plans to join Br. Luke as a physician for the Phoenix-based organization, Esperanca, following his medical training.

Serving people in Bolivia, Nicaragua, Peru, and Phoenix, to name a few, Esperanca is an international organization that works to improve health and provide hope through disease prevention, education, and treatment striving for health equity for everyone.

There is something about “bringing the miracles of healing to the poorest of the poor (that) is an incredibly awesome experience,” says Dolan.

In true Franciscan spirit, Dolan spent 15 years with Esperanca as a medical missionary, spending significant time in the Amazon of Brazil and in the Altiplano of the Andes in Bolivia, as well as working with the U.S. Public Health Service in Alaska. He left the Franciscans in 1986 but continued serving as a missionary until 1994 when he came back to work at the Phoenix VA Medical Center. He joined the U.S. Army Reserves in 1992, and the Navy Reserves in 2000. In later years, he joined the faculty of the University of Arizona College of Medicine, where he currently teaches today.

Why QU?

A hope that Dolan has for Quincy University is to continue the tradition.

And as the institution celebrates the 160th Anniversary, nothing resonates more. From the many Franciscan traditions to the many traditions that the students have created over the last 160 years, tradition is the foundation of the university.

As Dolan looks back on his undergraduate education from Quincy College, he reflects that it was “a solid, well-rounded education in theology, science, and the humanities.”

It is why he supports QU; whether that is supporting the University Endowment Fund, the QU Fund, athletics, or other projects or areas of interest. He is honored to be counted among the many other alumni and friends of the university who share in the Franciscan way of giving one’s time, talent, and treasure. www.quincy.edu

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QU | Main Feature

Over the last 55 years, Paul Brown has shown true servant-leadership to the Quincy University community and the communities where he has lived. His significant contributions are true testaments to his selfless acts in the Franciscan spirit.

Quincy University awards the Franciscan Service Award to a member of the alumni community whose contributions to their community and state through professional service, public service, and or civic activities have offered inspiration and encouragement to those around them. Through exemplifying the objectives of Quincy University, the alumnus presented with this award has made a wholehearted commitment to serving others.

Quincy University is pleased to announce this year's award recipient, Paul Brown ’65.

“When I think of Paul Brown, the words loyal and generous come to mind. He tirelessly shares his time, talent, and treasure with Quincy University, other local organizations, and the less fortunate. His attention to detail is second-to-none, and his commitment to increasing the University’s Endowment is an inspiration to us all,” says Julie Bell, Vice President for Advancement.

Servant-Leadership. Inclusiveness. Hospitality.

Accountability.

Franciscan values were present throughout Brown's life, and he continues to live out many of those values today.

Brown witnessed firsthand how committed various role models in his life were to the causes and the people that they served. His parents were involved in their children's activities as well as giving back to the Belleville community.

His teachers in grade school and high school were an example through their service to the students. It comes as no surprise that those firsthand experiences made a lasting impact on his life.

When Brown was a student at Quincy College, he saw by example “how dedicated the Franciscan friars were to serving the college. They would not only help the students with their studies but would help them in their personal lives,” says Brown. Fr. Melvin Grunloh is a person that sticks out in Brown's mind, who dedicated himself to the college and the students as well as the Franciscan province. Brown’s involvement with Circle K, the longest-running organization at QU today, helped him to get involved in the campus community and learn the importance of helping other people.

“...feeling that I’ve done something to help someone.

After all, that’s why you serve, to help people.”

—Paul Brown '65

“How can I make the world a better place?”

After he graduated and entered the workforce, Brown recognized a way that he could make the world a better place by serving others and the communities that he was a part of.

“You want to do something; you want to help other people; you want to help your fellow man,” says Brown.

It’s about helping other people that make his service so rewarding.

Serving the community makes life worthwhile for him. It’s the “feeling that I’ve done something to help someone. After all, that’s why you serve, to help people,” claims Brown.

For those who dedicated their lives to the success of the university, Brown continues to do what he can to honor their sacrifice and commitment. It is by following the values that were instilled in him throughout his life that inspire him to continue to help others and do his part to make the world a better place. It always has to be about the bigger picture and the common good of the people.

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Main Feature | QU

Quincy University takes pride in watching its alumni grow from aspiring leaders on campus to members of the alumni community.

The Rising Hawk award recognizes an outstanding member of the alumni community, 40 years or younger, who is active in the life of the university and/or the life of their community.

Nominated by peers, Brady Killion ’13 is the recipient of this year's The Rising Hawk award.

Killion is the youngest Senior Enterprise Executive for Toshiba America and lives out the mission of Quincy University daily.

“He (God) drives me to be the very best that I can be every day.”

Gary Bass, head football coach at QU says, “Brady was always one of those people with a very contagious personality. I knew he had a chance to be special in life just because of how people gravitated to him.”

—Brady Killion '13

An Inspiration

Killion has had many people who have inspired and shaped him to be the best individual that he can be. “The most influential person would be my mother,” says Killion. She raised Killion and his siblings to give their all and use their God-given talents and gifts to the best of their ability. These values stuck with Killion.

While he has great role models, his biggest inspiration is God. Making the most of all that God has given him is something that Killion strives for. Through his success and impact on the community, the most rewarding part is that he can point it all back to God. “He drives me to be the very best that I can be every day,” says Killion.

QU Journey

Coming to Quincy University was a leap of faith for Killion, who came site unseen.

As a transfer student from southern California, there was an adjustment period going from a campus of 75,000 students to 1,200. While reflecting on his QU experience, Killion remembers, “the small class sizes and connecting with professors one-on-one, made it a smooth transition for me. I could talk to my professors about life and where I wanted to go after college.”

Killion is proud of his alma mater. As QU succeeds, it benefits the students and alumni.

In turn, as the members of the alumni community succeed and share their successes with their alma mater, it helps QU, whether it’s through inspiring current students or in recruitment efforts to bring more students to campus. It all works together.

Why QU?

HERITAGE AWARDS

2021 AWARD

For Killion, it’s all about supporting the team that supported him.

NOMINATIONS

“When I went to QU, I was supported by scholarship, both athletic and academic. I believe it is important to give back. If that wasn’t there when I attended, I don’t know if I could have gone to QU. I am very thankful and want to give back as much as I can.”

The nomination window is open for the 2021 awards.

Killion comes back to campus for football games and stays in close contact with those who had a positive impact on his QU experience, but most importantly, he strives to make an impact for students on campus today.

Through his volunteer work, Killion lives out the Quincy University mission in his day to day life. He has taken the lessons learned, in and out of the classroom, and grown in his leadership skills, striving for the best for himself and those around him. From serving those who serve our country through the USO-Nashville, working with and for Coaches of Influences, providing fellowship and resources for coaches, and working with the homeless in downtown Nashville, Killion continues to help others and to make the world a better place.

Submissions are due October 31, 2020. Any nominations submitted after October 31 will be considered for the following year. Selfnominations will not be accepted.

Visit the Alumni Feature webpage quincy.edu to nominate a deserving alumni today!

www.quincy.edu

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QU | Hawk Talk

HAWKS IN THE LANE

by Dylan Shick ’19 OVERBY AT THE HELM:

QU Hires First Full-time Track and Field and Cross Country Coach.

Quincy University brought back cross country as one of the many sports offerings at Quincy University in 2010.

Five years later, the university added track & field in both indoor and outdoor fashion.

Since then, the athletic department has taken strides to grow and strengthen its commitment to these programs. One of the biggest steps was taken in June 2019, when Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Marty Bell announced the hiring of Randy Overby as the first full-time head coach for the Quincy University Track & Field and Cross Country Programs.

Overby comes to QU after serving five seasons as the head track & field coach at Knox College.

During his time with Prairie Fire, Overby brought success to both programs. He coached one indoor conference champion, 40 Midwest All-Conference selections, 4 USTFCCCA All-Academic Teams, 55 Midwest Conference Indoor Academic All-Conference selections, and 58 Midwest Conference Outdoor Academic All-Conference selections. Both programs also combined to break 61 school records and placed 101 individuals on the Knox College top ten all time performers list.

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Overby brings more than 20 years of experience as a coach and athlete to QU, including stints at Ohio State University, Capital University, and Keiser University. As an athlete, he was an All-Conference track performer in college and went on to qualify for the U.S. Indoor and Outdoor Championships, as well as the U.S. Olympic trials. He also had spurts running on Team USA sponsored relays. This wealth of experience will 14

QUniverse | Spring 2020

support the student-athletes’ efforts to reach their full potential and raise the competitive level of the Track & Field and Cross Country Programs.

Overby says, “I would first and foremost like to thank Marty Bell for this opportunity. It is both an honor and a privilege to have been offered this seat. My assistant coach, Matt Gibson, and I are extremely excited to be at Quincy and know we have something truly special here.”

Overby is thrilled to be at the helm of a resurgent and fully supported program. This past cross country season kicked off his first year at Quincy University. The program saw improvements in dedication and new commitment and support from athletes, other teams, staff, and the campus as a whole.

“We are pleased to have gotten off to a great start. I have been embraced and accepted by all members of the administration and the QU campus,” said Overby. “The support has made this a stress-free transition for me and afforded me the ability to fit right in and start the building process of the program.

I must give credit to my predecessor for recruiting a team of high-quality, self-driven, team-oriented, personable, and highchartered young people who have been more than welcoming.

We have hit the ground running (pun intended), and it is time for the QU Track & Field and Cross Country to shine.”

Highlights of the cross country season include highly competitive races at the SIUE John Flamer Invitational in September and the GLVC Championships in October.

Many of the same athletes have switched their focus to the spring track & field season. Already in full swing, the Hawks will be competing in high-profile meets in 2020. Quincy competed at the Eastern Illinois John Craft Invite and the Northwest Missouri State Bearcat Open in January, and will continue the spring slate in February at the 5th Annual Gorilla Classic and the GLVC Indoor Championships.

“We have kicked off recruiting our first full recruiting class, and it is turning into a stellar one. We are bringing in some talented first-years and a few mid-year transfers.”

Hawk Talk | QU

Randy Overby Quincy University Track & Field and Cross Country Coach

www.quincy.edu

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QU | Hawk Talk

These additions to the existing QU Track & Field and Cross Country teams will instantly give the program a jolt of conference and national championship caliber athletes.

“This recruiting class brings with them a sense of who we are and what our teams’ identity will be now and going forward with their eyes set on the prize of putting QU on the national championship stage.”

The momentum built up from the cross country season is now moving into the indoor season, and has positioned the program towards a stellar and successful year. Both our men’s and women’s teams scored and finished in the top five during our first indoor meet of the season.

“This has not been done in program history,” said Overby. It’s a great indicator of the new direction for the program and where the team is headed.”

BOWLING:

A new addition.

The Quincy University Athletic Department is pleased to announce the addition of men’s and women’s bowling as the 20th and 21st varsity sports offered at QU. Both will begin athletic competition in the 2020-21 academic year.

“Based on the popularity of the sport in our region and the growth of the sport nationally, we felt this was an opportune time to successfully begin both programs,” said Marty Bell, vice president for intercollegiate athletics.

Similar to the approach the Athletic Department utilized for the lacrosse programs, the head coach, who will lead both programs, will recruit during the 2019-20 academic year and build both teams.

“We feel that men’s and women’s bowling will complement the university’s growth initiatives and push QU into new markets to recruit, ultimately enhancing all university recruitment efforts,” said Bell.

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QUniverse | Spring 2020

Hawk Talk | QU

The addition of the bowling program gives Hawk fans another competitive sport they can get behind and support, while also bringing new revenues to the business community through visiting teams traveling to compete in Quincy.

Nicholas Bohanan was named the head bowling coach in November. Bohanan joins Quincy University after serving three seasons as a bowling coach at the Hong Kong Sports Institute Limited.

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Nicholas Bohanan Quincy University Bowling Coach

H AC

During his time in Hong Kong, Bohanan was responsible for the design and implementation of training programs, monitoring athlete performance through video and data analysis, and developing training tools and drills to improve physical game performance.

Before Hong Kong, Bohanan spent two years as the facility manager and sports performance specialist at the Bowling International Training & Research Center in Arlington,Texas.

While there, he served as the athletic trainer for Team USA and head researcher of the bowling biomechanics program. He spent the first six years of his career as a sports performance specialist at the United States Bowling Congress. Originally from St. Joseph, Missouri, Bohanan earned bachelor's degrees in athletic training and exercise science from Wichita State and graduated with his master's in kinesiology in 2008.

John "Jack" Mackenzie will be inducted posthumously into the Washington University (St. Louis) 2020 Sports Hall of Fame Over four decades, Mackenzie’s teams won nine NAIA National Championships and he was awarded NAIA National Coach of the Year four times, producing 31 All-Americans.

He is third on the NCAA II all-time victory list. In the 2011 season, the Hawks won the Great Lakes Valley Conference Tournament for the first time being in the conference. He was inducted into the NAIA Hall of Fame, NCAA Hall of Fame, United Soccer Coaches Hall of Fame, St. Louis Players, and the QU Hall of Fame.

www.quincy.edu

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QU | Alumni Feature

AND ABOVE ALL, INTEGRITY

by Jen Wingerter ’13

The Merschman family includes parents, Bernice (deceased) and Bill, and their five children, all QU alumni; Kathleen, Jean, Joseph, Henry, and George, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

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Alumni Feature | QU

GEORGE SAYS: My dad taught us when we were working to think about the customer first, and when we got home, mom taught us family first. I still live by these values they taught us every day.

In 1954, Bill and Bernice Merschman sold his grandfather’s farm and ventured into the seed business.

“I was very young when my dad and mom sold the farm,” said Jean. “This meant leaving a big farm and moving with three small children into a small one-bedroom rented house.”

Two years later, they built a new seed facility and planted the first 40-acre field of certified soybean seed in Lee County, Iowa. In 1971, the company sold its first private line of soybeans. By the 90s, the company was adding new products and began breeding soybeans.

“In the beginning, the financial part was hard, and we had to make a lot of personal sacrifices to keep the business going," said Bill.

The work was labor-intensive and the hours long, but the sacrifices paid off. Sixty-six years later, the business is still growing.

Bill and Bernice built Merschman Seeds on the foundation of honesty and integrity above all else. Bill’s mission for the company was to help the farmer succeed first.

“Dad began as a farmer and got into the seed and fertilizer business later,” said Kathy. “He always thought about our customers, the farmer.”

From producing a better product to adding an online seed ordering system, the company continues to invest in the business and make it better for their customers.

“Unlike many other publicly traded companies, we do not put the shareholder profits in front of what is the right thing for our customers,” said Henry.

The values they built the company on are deeply rooted in their Catholic faith. Bill’s first business consultant was his local priest. They raised their five children to have the same values.

They taught their children to practice a strong work ethic and to be servant-minded.

Bill and Bernice never gave their children money, only opportunities to make it. As a result, the children all started working at the company at a young age in various capacities.

Bill and Bernice expected them to manage their own money as well as buy and maintain their first car.

“My first car was a brand new VW Bug I bought for $2,100 when I was 16,” said Joe. “Proud day when I drove home with it.”

They also stressed the importance of a college education as a step to success in life. A great uncle left money in his estate to help each of the children attend college. They each chose Quincy University because it was a Catholic institution that was close to home and had strong education and business programs.

At 91, Bill still goes to work almost every day. He is a visionary leader who communicates regularly with a clear direction.

He relies on his children to implement the details of the plan.

He gave his children a lot of responsibility at an early age and now proudly watches the fruit of that investment.

www.quincy.edu

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QU | Alumni Feature

BILL’S TIPS for Aspiring Business Owners

1 2 3

20

Be willing to change that is the key.

Stay on the leading edge.

Stay true to your core values no matter what happens.

4

Think long-term not short-term.

5

Plan, organize, and do your best.

6

Value customers.

They are critical to your success.

7

Always ask for the business and send lots of thank you notes out.

QUniverse | Spring 2020

KATHLEEN MCKILLIP ’72

JEAN HUMPHREY ’73

What role do you currently have in the family business?

What role do you currently have in the family business? I am

Since 2007, I have served as a director of Merschman Seeds, Inc.

Did you start working at the business at a young age? During

college summer breaks I did clerical work and assembled mailers.

What are you proudest of as a family-owned business?

That the business has continued for 66 years with the third generations now working there.

How does your company’s work exemplify persistence? It goes back to my parent’s commitment to make this work. They sacrificed much to make sure the business would succeed.

What is a favorite memory of QU? I chose Quincy College because

it had an excellent reputation in elementary education, and it was close to home.

on the board of Merschman Seeds, Inc.

Did you start working at the business at a young age?

I remember working on mailers at home on many evenings and weekends home from college. I also worked hoeing weeds from soybean and cornfields.

What are you proudest of as a family-owned business?

I'm proud of the growth of the company in the past years, and how it has kept up with the latest ideas to help farmers.

How does your company’s work exemplify persistence? Persistence

is exactly what it took to get through all these years. As most businesses that have gone through lean years know, one needs to change with the times as Merschman has done.

What is a favorite memory of QU? Quincy College had an excellent

education program. I learned a lot from Sue Francour- she was instrumental in my years of teaching. The small atmosphere at Quincy College made it easy to meet people. I met many lasting friends there, and I am still in contact with many of them.

Alumni Feature | QU

JOSEPH MERSCHMAN ’77

HENRY MERSCHMAN ’82

GEORGE MERSCHMAN ’84

What role do you currently have in the family business?

What role do you currently have in the family business?

What role do you currently have in the family business?

Did you start working at the business at a young age? I started

Did you start working at the business at a young age? I had

I am currently president and CEO of Merschman Seeds, Inc.

working for the company when I was young. My least favorite job was cleaning out the last load of bulk soybeans from grower’s bins because you had to use a scoop shovel to feed the loading auger. It was dusty and hard work.

What are you proudest of as a family-owned business?

That we followed our values and never compromised them – even if it meant losing a sale or making less margin.

How does your company’s work exemplify persistence? You have to be persistent in the seed business – it takes a lot of planning. For instance, our new soybean trait project took 20 years from concept to the sale of the first bag.

What is a favorite memory of QU? The business department was

top notch. My favorite memories are with my friends. All of them have gone on to have had successful careers. It tells me Quincy College prepared us well for succeeding in life.

I am currently president and CEO of Merschman Fertilizer LLC.

many jobs over the years. My favorite was driving a truck, and my least favorite was cleaning the pit.

What are you proudest of as a family-owned business?

I am proud that we run our company with high ethics and morals. We are honest with our customers. Very few companies can say that today.

How does your company’s work exemplify persistence? Over the

years, we have had ups and downs. When things are down, you tell yourself if this was easy, everyone would do it. You work through problems, make decisions to fix issues, and when they get corrected, there is a sense of accomplishment. Then it’s all worth it. It's rare today to have a small family company in business over 60 years.

What is a favorite memory of QU? I enjoyed meeting and making

new friends at Quincy College. I will never forget my senior year living in a college house with seven other friends on “senior row.”

I am on the board of Merschman Seeds, Inc. and president of Merschman Home Builders, Inc.

Did you start working at the business at a young age? I started hoeing weeds when I was 11 and began working in the warehouse loading trucks and running the bagging machine after school when I was 14. I was 17 when I started delivering seed to dealers, cleaned bins, and helped to build a new warehouse.

What are you proudest of as a family-owned business?

I am very proud of my role model parents for all the sacrifices they made. It is a great achievement to have a family business survive for over 65 years.

How does your company’s work exemplify persistence? Every year

seems to have new challenges. We keep up with technology, are aware of what our competition is doing, maintain great management, and provide superior service.

What is a favorite memory of QU? My favorite memories of QU

are my friends. I still see and talk to some of them (40 years). I will never forget Dr. Richard Magilari, Dr. Len Biallas, and Dr. John Natalini for all the help and good advice. www.quincy.edu

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QU | Franciscan Focus

AGAIN...

LET US BEGIN

BISHOP FERNAND CHERI III NAMED NEW MEMBER OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Q

uincy University is pleased to welcome back Bishop Fernand Cheri III, as a new member, and the first bishop, to serve on the Board of Trustees. Before Bishop Cheri was ordained a bishop, he served as the director of campus ministry from June 2011 to February 2015. He was known as Fr. Ferd. As an African-American Friar, he challenged the university to embrace and celebrate more fully the gift of diversity and inclusivity on campus since we are all God’s children, making us brothers and sisters.

His New Orleans background also brought a special flavor and spirit to the campus.

Students, faculty, and staff enjoyed his gumbo, red beans and rice, jambalaya, and his almond cake, which became known as “crack cake” because you could not eat just one piece.

Due to his love for football, you would see him pacing up and down the sidelines of the football field, affirming, encouraging, and praying for the players. His passion for sports was his portal into the lives of the student-athletes. He, likewise, shared his love for gospel music, and you could often hear it coming from the Campus Ministry Office. Whenever he was invited to pray, at a community meeting, gathering, or religious service, he often had everyone singing.

On January 12, 2015, the Apostolic Nuncio to the United States announced that Pope Francis named Fr. Ferd Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of New Orleans. Needless to say, this

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QUniverse | Spring 2020

was a bittersweet day for the university community and the Friars of the Sacred Heart Province. On March 23, 2015, Fr. Ferd was ordained a bishop.

Before Bishop Cheri entered the Franciscan Order in 1992, he was a priest of the Archdiocese of New Orleans for thirteen years. As a hometown boy, he received an enthusiastic welcome back to the Archdiocese.

Besides his ministerial responsibilities in the Archdiocese, Bishop Cheri serves on numerous national committees; such as United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Safe Environment Committee, the Episcopal Moderator of the Catholic Campus Ministry Association, Episcopal Liaison for African Conference of Catholic Clergy and Religious in the U.S., Vice President for the National Black Catholic Congress Board, and Convener of the Black Catholic Bishops.

He also remains involved with Archbishop James P. Lyke (a deceased Franciscan Bishop of the Sacred Heart Province) Foundation, which dedicates its time to the development of Black Catholic Worship.

WHAT THEY'RE SAYING ABOUT BISHOP FERNAND CHERI III:

Whenever one encounters Bishop Cheri, one experiences his passion for music, his enthusiasm for preaching, his love for the quality liturgy, and his dedication to rebuilding the Church, the Body of Christ, in the spirit of St. Francis and St. Clare of Assisi. He resonates with St. Francis’ exhortation to the friars: “Let us begin again for up to now we have done nothing.”

For Bishop Cheri, each day is another opportunity to go from good to better in making Jesus Christ visible through the ordinariness of one’s life.

The Quincy University community is grateful to have Bishop Cheri engaged once again in the life of the University.

In the words of St. Francis, we wish him “Peace and Every Good” (Pax et Bonum).

by Fr. John Doctor ’72, OFM

Whenever one encounters Bishop Cheri, one experiences his passion for music, his enthusiasm for preaching, his love for the quality liturgy, and his dedication to rebuilding the Church, the Body of Christ, in the spirit of St. Francis and St. Clare of Assisi.

Franciscan Focus | QU

As a member of the Board of Trustees, he will bring a new perspective, a new voice, and a great love for the mission of Quincy University in the empowerment of young men and women for the transformation of the world as servant leaders.

QUniverse | Winter 2019

www.quincy.edu

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QU | Academic Feature

In the time it takes to read this article, your most valued private information will be attacked thousands of times online.

Do you know what it takes to keep those attacks from turning into financial or personal disasters?

If you aren’t sure, Lavanya Mandava, PhD, has your back, and she is training the next generation of experts in QU’s new Cybersecurity Program. As Title III coordinator of the program, she is designing the curriculum, teaching courses, and preparing students to assist corporations, government institutions, and individuals as they confront the invisible threat.

That threat has become hard to ignore, as the daily headlines reveal breaches of health care records, communities paralyzed by ransomware demands, financial data breaches, and election systems hackable by 11-year-olds. During the recent observance of Cybersecurity Awareness Month, Mandava was frequently interviewed by local media about hazards, personal safeguards, and how QU’s program can help.

In an exclusive interview with QUniverse, Mandava shared these insights.

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QUniverse | Spring 2020

ARE YOU SECURE?

by Barbara Schleppenbach ’71, PhD

Failure to update software can expose your computer to malware

Academic Feature | QU

WHY ARE WE HEARING SO MUCH LATELY ABOUT CYBERSECURITY? As technology use increases, we see growth in terms of data, and all industries, big or small, have to store large amounts of it. That is why we see such growth in cloud storage systems. Like everything else, it is going online because we’re not using paper any more. Each and every small piece of data we want to store and use it digitally. That is increasing our vulnerability and making it easy for attackers to see our personal data.

WHAT ARE THE BIGGEST MISTAKES PEOPLE MAKE IN GUARDING THEIR PRIVACY AND INFORMATION SECURITY?

A good example is the banking system. Every single person these days has at least one bank account, and we are doing everything through our cards. Let’s say hackers get to know your personal banking information. They start trying to steal your money or hack your account. That is why we see so many complaints these days, why we might suddenly see our own card has been used in some other place.

The most accessible information includes social security numbers, banking data, and driver’s license information.

To safeguard it, we have to protect our online privacy on a daily basis.

HOW DOES QU’S CYBERSECURITY PROGRAM PREPARE STUDENTS FOR A CAREER FIGHTING THESE THREATS?

I would say the main mistake is trusting websites too easily.

We need to be skeptical to avoid malicious websites or malicious software. If you see an email that looks as if it’s from your bank asking you to go through some link or take some action, don’t trust it easily.

The students learn about networks and network security and all kinds of attacks that can happen, practicing on our own specialized servers, which are kept separate from the university’s servers. In this first semester, they are learning about encryption, how to use codes to protect information.

Open another browser and try to navigate to your bank account directly and see whether the bank asked you to do something. If you need to take some action, your bank will have a notification put on your account. You don’t necessarily have to handle it through an email.

WHAT ARE THE CAREER PROSPECTS IN THIS FIELD?

HOW DOES THIS AFFECT PEOPLE LIKE ME? Everything we see is happening because of money.

The attackers who grab some of your personal data do it to see if they can make some money out of it.

There is currently an extremely high demand for qualified cybersecurity professionals, and the industry expects that demand to continue to rise. Small businesses, large businesses, hospitals, educational institutions, and the government are all seeking professionals with cybersecurity degrees. The need is great, and schools are not close to filling it. It’s only going to increase.

MANDAVA’S TOP TIPS FOR CYBER SAFETY Add more security settings for your emails

Install security software and always update it timely

Contact only trusted parties

Protect accounts by using two-step verification

Avoid malicious websites

Have strong privacy settings

Only let trusted parties see your personal information

www.quincy.edu

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by Jen Wingerter ’13

A Beautiful

MACHINE

by Jen Wingerter ’13

IN

SURROUND

OUNTIE GC S IN

130 IN

SURROUND

QUniverse | Spring 2020

'19 • TEACH IN

OPENINGS ER

26

50

OPENINGS ER

RIGHT NOW, ACROSS THE NATION, THERE IS A CRITICAL TEACHER SHORTAGE. Over the last five years, the number of applicants for an open teaching position has dropped dramatically. In the fall of 2018, there were 50 teacher openings in the counties surrounding QU, and just a year later, there were 130.

Among the many reasons for the country’s teacher shortage is the dwindling number of college graduates entering the field.

OUNTIE GC S IN

'18 • TEACH IN

Academic Feature | QU

So why are there fewer teacher candidates?

SINCE 2010, THERE HAS BEEN A SIGNIFICANT DECLINE IN INTEREST.

For those who enter the education program, a large number leave between their sophomore and junior year, reducing the number of students that ultimately complete the program. Teacher candidates face several barriers to entering the field, most notably the increasing standards nationally and regionally. Also, college debt, coupled with low pay and a daunting teaching workload, deters potential teacher candidates from entering the field.

IN ANSWER TO THE CRITICAL GAP IN THE PIPELINE TO PRODUCE QUALITY TEACHERS, QU’s School of Education (SOE) has developed a strategy to attract teacher candidates, increase program retention rates, and increase the number of teachers entering the field.

MEET THE FACULTY

Glenda McCarty, PhD, director of teacher education, assistant professor of education

David Landsom, PhD, associate professor of special education

Julia Auch,

PhD, early childhood education coordinator, assistant professor of education

Christina Priebe, EdS, EdM, assistant professor of education

www.quincy.edu

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QU | Academic Feature

SUCCESS BY DESIGN The SOE develops individualized, personalized plans of study to meet the demands of the field.

“We are taking steps to make sure we are giving help and support along the way so our students will be successful in the end,” said McCarty.

Through course mapping, the faculty ensures that teacher candidates encounter rigorous coursework that prepares them to teach in the classroom. Coursework is offered in many ways - online, face-to-face, and in the evenings. The SOE strives to offer a course flow and rotation to meet every student's needs.

“We have four years with students to do everything we can to get them out the door as an effective educator,” said Auch.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT MODEL QU’s professional development model puts students in the classroom early and often. Throughout their time at QU, students will have three to four field experiences before they graduate. These structured activities directly tied to the course curriculum give students experience in a full range of teaching duties.

“We have a long history of the professional development model,” said Landsom.

For example, in the math methods course, teacher candidates visited Quincy Teen Reach. They taught a lesson, collected data, and made assessments on what they taught. From this information, they decided what they would teach the next day.

“I hated math until college, and then a teacher taught it in a way I could understand. Now it’s my passion, and I’m thankful I get to teach the math methods class at QU,” said Priebe.

GROW YOUR OWN SCHOLARSHIP In 2017, the SOE partnered with the Tracy Family Foundation (TFF) to establish the Grow Your Own Scholarship to help lessen student loan debt and retain more teachers to the ten-county region.

AUTUMN LUCAS’19 is one of the four inaugural scholarship recipients.

Lucas graduated in December and began teaching at Quincy Junior High School in January.

In addition to the scholarship, and the opportunity to teach at S.T.E.A.M., the recipients receive a mentor during their first three years of teaching in the classroom.

“ My time with the QU School of Education was both challenging and enjoyable.

I couldn't imagine a better experience or better support.

I graduated prepared to take on my classroom,” said Lucas.

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QUniverse | Spring 2020

WHAT IS S.T.E.A.M.?

A week-long summer camp for fourth through sixth-grade students interested in exploring Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math taught by QU’s teacher education students.

QU students have an opportunity to give back to the community and gain professional experience.

“Student teachers got to experience what it would be like to teach from the start to the end of a day.

They really grew,” said Priebe.

Academic Feature | QU

PARTNERSHIPS AND COLLABORATION Local school districts welcome QU students into their classrooms, providing essential field experiences. “We would be remiss to not talk about our partnership with area K-12 schools for helping us,” said Landsom.

• SOE has a long-standing relationship with teachers in the region.

• Great relationships with area Superintendents.

• Faculty serve on community boards.

CULTURE IN THE CLASSROOM Faculty want teacher candidates to recognize that culture is a lived experience unique to each individual and to adopt an inclusive way of teaching.

“We are cognizant that we aren’t just teaching teachers to teach in a rural school, we are preparing them to be effective teachers period,” said Auch.

Journey to Uganda

Students will volunteer in classrooms, visit historical sites and shrines, and spend one day on a safari on this two-week study abroad trip in June 2020.

Project LEAD

Students used funds from a small grant to buy children’s multicultural books. They went to area schools and read books to children and then donated the books to the school's library.

CREATING NEW PATHWAYS Early Childhood Degree Program Care Credit

Working with early childhood professionals, granting them credit for experience and training in the field.

Dual Credit

Working with area high schools to provide dual credit courses in the education degree field.

Gateways Approved School

Early childhood professionals in the field are encouraged by employers to gather a set of credentials. Our coursework at QU now aligns with those credentials.

Bonus!

There is a Gateways Scholarship that pays the tuition fee!

Non-licensure Track

Provides a broad field of opportunities students can choose from.

“We have a lot of working parts here, getting it to flow and work together. It’s a beautiful machine. We are creating and growing. Trying to meet the needs and help our region,” said McCarty.

Like the mission of QU, K-12 educators are inspiring the next generation of transformers.

QU’s School of Education is proud to be a part of this far-reaching legacy. www.quincy.edu

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QU | Faculty Focus

Glenda McCarty, PhD, is the director of teacher education and assistant professor of education. She has been teaching for 24 years and has worked in many facets of education, including public schools, museums, libraries, and now higher education.

She earned a bachelor of science in biology and secondary education from Southeast Missouri State University, a master's in library information studies from the University of North Carolina, Greensboro, and her doctorate in teaching and learning with an emphasis in science and literacy in education from the University of Missouri, St. Louis.

Although she attended large state universities and originally had thought she would return to a state school, she fell in love with Quincy University, the small liberal arts college, and all that the university offers.

01

WHAT EXPERIENCE HINTED TO YOU THAT TEACHING WAS YOUR CALLING? I’ve always wanted to be a teacher. I cannot remember being interested in anything else. Through the course of my career, teaching has proven to be a rewarding experience.

I truly enjoy interacting with my students and seeing them throughout the years as they grow into their teaching careers.

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QUniverse | Spring 2020

02

04

HOW HAS THE TEACHING FIELD CHANGED SINCE YOU STARTED YOUR CAREER?

AS A SENIOR FACULTY MEMBER, HOW DO YOU VIEW YOUR ROLE AS AN ADMINISTRATOR?

The biggest change is technology! With technology, students can quickly find information with one touch, but it still comes down to relationship building and interacting with your students. It is the teacher that inspires students to be life-long learners.

In my current role, I divide my time between teaching and administration. Being able to keep my teaching role was what I found attractive in the director of teacher education position.

I knew I wanted to explore the leadership field, but didn’t want to leave the classroom.

03

As an administrator, I have an amazing team of Teacher Education faculty, staff, and adjunct instructors. With them, we are growing and strengthening our programs to be a leader in rural education.

I have the best of both worlds; I get to stay in the classroom, as well as lead this amazing team.

WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE YOU WOULD GIVE TO AN ASPIRING EDUCATOR? My advice: get to know each of your students! All students have a story to share, go beyond the incomplete stories offered by stereotypes and generalizations, and get to know your students. Let your students reveal themselves, and your connections will grow.

05

WHAT PRINCIPLES DO YOU WANT TO INSTILL IN YOUR STUDENTS? Open the door, take the opportunity, you never know where it may take you.

Faculty Focus | QU

GLENDA

MCCARTY A Leader in Education

by Jen Wingerter ’13

www.quincy.edu

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QU | Faculty Briefs

Faculty Several works of Quincy University’s ROBERT LEE MEJER, distinguished professor of art, have been selected for international, national, and statewide exhibitions. Mejer’s watercolor Variant: Crossroads was selected by Los Angeles artist, architect, and author Thomas Schaller, for inclusion in the MOWS 2020 Barcelona International Exhibition in Barcelona, Spain. Variant: Crossroads received an honorable mention and Mejer’s monotype assemble graph Aqueous III received third place in the Professional Art Exhibition during the 2019 Illinois State Fair. Mejer’s watercolor Take PC #12 was selected for inclusion in the 28th Cedarhurst Biennial 2019 Exhibition. This four-state exhibition was hosted by Mitchell Museum-Cedarhurst Center for the Arts, in Mt. Vernon, Ill. Mejer won the Princeton Elite Brush Award for his watercolor Jason’s Delight at the 2019 Missouri Watercolor Society International Exhibition in St. Louis Mo. Mejer received the Albert Nelson Marquis 2019 Lifetime Achievement Award in the 73rd edition of Who’s Who in America. He was one of 150 artists from over 1,000 entries to be included in the 2019 edition of the Studio Visit Book. He will be represented by the watercolor Take PC#18- Revisited.

MATTHEW BATES, PhD, associate professor of theology,

recently authored a book entitled Gospel Allegiance: What Faith in Jesus Misses for Salvation in Christ. Published by Baker Publishing Group, Gospel Allegiance explains that saving faith doesn’t come through trust in Jesus’ death on the cross alone but through allegiance to Christ the King. The book develops themes from Bate’s award-winning book Salvation by Allegiance Alone and is experiential for believers who want to understand and share the gospel.

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QUniverse | Spring 2020

Briefs

Faculty Briefs | QU

CHRISTINE DAMM, DMA, associate professor of music,

published an article entitled “Give Me a Break! Tips for Facilitating the Clarinet Break.” The article addresses one of the most difficult points in a clarinetist’s development - overcoming the clarinet break, and provides ideas for educators to use to help their students improve this technique. The article was published in the October 2019 issue of The Instrumentalist, which is a national music education publication. The Instrumentalist is published ten times a year by The Instrumentalist Publishing Co.

DANA WALKER, D Mgt, associate professor of business,

was awarded his association of supply chain management (ASCM) risk management certificate in education on October 1, 2019, following the ASCM Annual Conference. He is also certified in production and inventory management (CIPM). The CIPM is a professional certification from the American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS) and the Association of Supply Chain Management (ASCM).

Summer 2019, Walker attended University of Missouri in St. Louis (UMSL), earning a computer education and training center level III proficiency using the teaching Tableau Business Analytics software.

This qualified Walker to obtain Tableau Creator Desktop educational licenses for 32 seats in the Business Computer Lab in Francis Hall from the Tableau software at no cost to Quincy University.

In spring 2019, Walker formally became a CAPSIM Contributor under an agreement with CAPSIM, Inc. CAPSIM is a Chicago based software and service company that develops business skills needed for career success for universities and corporate clients. Walker’s role as a contributor is to provide subject matter expertise, authoring, and intellectual content.

Walker is a member of the Title II-A QU team. He will be creating the business analytics curriculum and supporting documentation for academic review and approval for the new Bachelors of Science in Business Analytics degree at Quincy University as part of the United States Department of Education Title III- A grant.

www.quincy.edu

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QU | Class Notes

’50s

Alumni Abroad

Fr. John Ostdiek, OFM ’50 celebrated his 70th year as a Franciscan priest on June 24, 2019, Quincy.

Richard ’56 and Karolyn Polley Mohrman ’62 celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on December 26, 2019, Hot Springs, Ark.

Alums in Florence, Italy Laura Fiedler Karch ’92, Chrissy Donnelly Romano ’92, Maureen Loftus Brennan ’92, Kelly Hook Ebersohl ’92, and Siobhan Cafferty Rowney ’93 in Florence, Italy in June, 2019.

’60s Margaret Bruce Wilson ’61 sadly reports the death of her husband, Ted, on January 28, 2019, St. Louis.

Ronald Bruder ’64 sadly announces the death of his wife, Cheryl Christ Bruder ’66 on August 6, 2019, Ankeny, Iowa.

Thomas Spicer ’64 sadly reports the death of his wife, Mary Esther, on October 29, 2019, Bloomington, Ill.

Alums in Scotland Pictured left to right: Tor Duner ’84; Mike Mitchell ’84; Matts Bergmark ’86 Claes Sandstrom ’84.

Mike Mitchel says, "I was in Scotland having a small Quincy College reunion. I met a few teammates from the 1981 QC National Championship team. We see each other every five years or so just to catch up. The caps are in honor and memory of Jack Mackenzie.

We wore them to the Celtic vs. Hibernians game as a special tribute to coach."

John Jennetten ’65 serves as president of the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Chapter of the State Universities Annuitants Association (SUAA), a position he has held for the past eight years.

The SIUE SUAA Chapter with 500 members advocates for benefits for both current employees and SIUE retirees. John is also vice president

of the Center for Spirituality and Sustainability (Fuller Dome) located on the campus of Southern Illinois University.

David C. Weseman ’65 sadly reports the death of his wife Mary Ann Zimmerman-Weseman ’65, on August 2, 2019, McAllen, Tex. Claire Sasgen Buffardi ’67 sadly announces the death of her husband Louis on August 13, 2019, Marco Island, Fla. LuBeth (Beth) Young ’69 received the Civil War Remembrance Award from the William Carlin Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the Union 1861-1865. She was honored for extraordinary service and commitment to the education and presentation of Civil War history.

’70s Fr. John Doctor OFM ’72 celebrated 50 years as a Franciscan friar on November 3, 2019.

Fr. Michael Fowler OFM ’72 celebrated 50 years as a Franciscan friar on November 3, 2019.

Thomas Pollihan ’72 was presented with the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award by Marquis Who's Who.

Nana Bota Attobra Segbawu '02 Stopped to take a photo while visiting the Cape Coast and Elmina Castle in Ghana.

A group of alumni from the class of ’73, with the exception of Larry Harris ’74, got together in November in Chicago. Seated left to right Bob Claes, Dave Scott, John Collins, Mike Kraus, Jim Keane. Standing left to right: Larry Harris, Kevin McAlinden, Jack Scatena, Don Blair, Hank Zwirkowski, Greg Ceebin.

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QUniverse | Spring 2020

Class Notes | QU

Fr. Dennis Schafer, OFM ’74 became pastor of St. Patrick Parish in Indianapolis, Ind., on September 29, 2019.

Judith Hilgenbrink Liesen ’74 recently retired as a guidance counselor from Quincy Notre Dame High School.

Kelley Kesterson ’75 and his wife Sheila became grandparents for the third time in May 2019, with the birth of Charlotte Kelley Dasenbrock.

Charlotte joins big sisters Katelyn and Samantha Rose.

Steve Koester ’75 retired from Gray Hunter Stenn in Quincy on January 31, 2020, after 43 years.

Drew Ewing ’76 is a recruiting assistant with the U.S. Census at Shepherd University in Shepherdstown, W.Va. He came out of retirement to take this temporary job with the Census Bureau.

Francis Slay ’77 attorney with Spencer Fane, LLP and formerly the Mayor of the City of St. Louis, Mo., has joined the Mediator and Senior Arbitrator Panels of United States Arbitration & Mediation (USA&M), the leading provider of mediation and arbitration services.

Terri Quinn ’79 and Gary Faucette celebrated 31 years of marriage in 2019. They have five children and now have seven grandchildren. They just relocated their offices in San Luis Obispo, Calif. where Terri is a Clinical Psychologist (33 years) and Gary is a Family Law Attorney (31 years)

’80s

Bonnie Brod Nytes ’82 sadly announces the death of her husband, Bob, on July 29, 2019, Quincy.

Patrick Cunningham ’84 sadly reports the death of his wife, Susan, on September 22, 2019, Brookfield, Ill. Dr. Martha Cade ’85 sadly reports the deaths of her parents in July 2019, Washburn, Maine.

Kenneth Steinsultz ’85 has been appointed department chair for the music department at the University of Evansville. He will continue to serve as director of bands and professor of euphonium, trombone, and tuba.

Elizabeth Burke ’87 is a Peace Corps volunteer in Morocco.

Michaeline (Mickey) Klebba ’80 retired from AT&T as director of external & legislative affairs after nearly 39 years with the company.

Elizabeth Burke ’87

Kimberly Anne Paisley ’88 married Alan Jones on August 8, 2019, Taylorville, Ill.

Drew Ewing ’76

Holly Rupcich McHale ’76 retired in August 31, 2019, after 42+ years teaching Algebra 1. The years included 27 in the inner city Southside of Chicago and 16 years in Osceola County, Fla. Tanna Rosendale Barry ’76 sadly reports the death of her husband, Dan, on July 22, 2019, Quincy.

Mickey Klebba ’80, Director - External & Legislative Affairs, retired from AT&T after nearly 39 years with the company (SWBT, SBC, AT&T). Mickey held various positions in Revenue & Public Affairs, Internal Auditing, Finance, State Regulatory, Federal Regulatory, Marketing, and Legislative Affairs. She holds a patent for an invention known as E3WC. Mickey started her career with SWBT in St. Louis, relocating to San Antonio, Texas with SBC and again to Dallas, Texas with AT&T.

Linda K. Moore ’81 is the treasurer for the city of Quincy, and has been elected to the Illinois Municipal Treasurers Association board of directors at their June meeting.

Her term will expire in June 2021.

Pilgramage to Italy

Fr. John Doctor ’72, OFM, led a group of 30 alumni, friends, and students on a journey through Italy June 3-4, 2019. Within 12 days, the group visited Florence, Siena, and Rome. In Florence, a local guide took them to the beautiful Piazza Del Duomo, the Cathedral of Santa Maria Del Fiore, Giotto’s Bell Tour, and the Romanesque Baptistery of St. John as well as downtown attractions. After leaving Florence, the group crossed the green Umbria region, arriving in the Valley of Chianti known for its olive groves and vineyards. While there, they visited Siena, the sole living model of a medieval city and the birthplace of Saint Catherine.

They spent the final leg of the journey in Rome visiting the Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica.

Kimberly Paisley ’88 married Alan Jones on August 8, 2019.

Andrea Babyak Farr ’89, owner of Farr Solutions, LLC, in Hannibal, was recently appointed to the Hazardous Waste Management Commission.

www.quincy.edu

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QU | Class Notes

’90s

Serving Others Dawn Klinner ’02 While Dawn Klinner was working as a special education administrator in the Ball-Chatham Schools, Sabrina Carter was assigned to her team.

During the time they worked together, Carter found out her kidneys were failing. Klinner prayed for her colleague for several years and when Carter needed a kidney transplant she felt God leading her to find out if she was a good candidate. Klinner was in fact a good candidate and on June 11, 2019, the transplant took place at Memorial Medical Center in Springfield. In a statement in the Catholic Times, Klinner credits her Catholic faith that instilled the value of loving and serving others led her down this path.

Klinner is now the principal of the Blessed Sacrament School in Springfield.

Oluwatimilehin John Ajayi ’19 Ajayi ’19 "Timi" Recently visited campus and shared the important work he is doing in Haiti.

He is currently a part of the Soybean Project to implement more protein in the community and in chicken feed. He is working with researchers in the U.S. and Africa to develop a soybean breed that will grow in Haiti soil. Recently, project workers planted the first soybean crop in Haiti on four different fields.

The goals of this project are to: 1. Find a soybean breed that will grow and produce good yields in Haiti.

2. Create a chicken feed that is more sustainable, increases egg production, and produces the most nutrient-rich eggs.

3. Distribute soybean seeds to local farmers and teach them how to grow their own soybeans.

4. Use the soybeans to produce food for the local communities.

The organization where Timi works houses a school and has started raising chickens to provide the children with at least one protein-rich meal a day. They also sell a portion of the eggs to local restaurants and use the profits to replace hens and purchase feed.

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Dr. Lorene Bohumolski Freehill ’90 is in her 20th year with South Lake Pediatrics as a pediatrician, and as of 2019 is the owner of the practice.

Barbara Kuchar Walsh ’91 sadly reports the death of her mother, Coleen Kuchar, on September 5, 2019, Medina, Ohio.

Katie Donnelly Schayer ’95 and her daughter Mia traveled to San Diego and visited her college roommate Jennifer Welker Forga ’95. They spent a few days together catching up and introduced their daughters.

Christopher Atkinson ’99 is the director of parks and recreation in O'Fallon, Mo. Scott Krase ’93 founder and president of CrossPoint Wealth.

Angela Metzger Huels ’94 is the principal at Columbia Middle School, in Columbia, Ill. Mark Trapp ’94 published his first book, A Destiny of Undying Greatness: Kiffin Rockwell and the Boys Who Remembered Lafayette.

It is the true story of the first Americans to fight in World War I, fighting for France.

Christine Damm ’95, DMA published an article entitled "Give Me A Break!

Tips for Facilitating the Clarinet Break" in the October 2019 issue of The Instrumentalist. The article addresses one of the most difficult points in a clarinetist's development-overcoming the clarinet break.

Kristen Kendrick-Weikle ’96 is the superintendent for McLean County School District Unit 5, Peoria, Ill. Murphy Grant ’97 is the senior associate athletic director/athletics health care administrator of Wake Forest University, WinstonSalem, N.C.

Emily Schuering Sutton JD ’99 has been named as a circuit judge for the Ninth Judicial Circuit by the Illinois Supreme Court. She will be taking the at-large judge vacancy in the circuit that includes Knox, Warren, Henderson, Hancock, McDonough, and Fulton counties. Judge Sutton is only the second woman to serve as a circuit court judge in the Ninth Judicial Circuit.

Melanie Hetzel-Riggin ’99 is a professor of psychology at Penn State Behrend, and is a licensed clinical psychologist dedicated to reducing interpersonal violence and supporting trauma victims. She is also a Girl Scout troop leader in Erie.

Nicole Peterson Inman ’99 was recently named Coach of the Year by United Soccer Coaches, a national organization based in Kansas City, Mo. Nicole coaches for Bryant, Ark, school district.

Class Notes | QU

And the Award Goes to...

Nicole Inman ’98 Nicole Inman ’98 was named Coach of the Year by United Soccer Coaches, a national organization based in Kansas City, Missouri. Inman is the head coach for the Bryant Lady Hornets soccer team, and led the program to its second Class 6A state championship in May 2019. She has been coaching soccer since she was 15.

In May 2018, Inman was diagnosed with two kinds of brain cancer.

Despite undergoing treatment she continued to coach and teach, using cancer as a way to minister to her players and students. Romans 15:13 reads, “May the God of Hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust him, so that you may overflow with Hope.”

Inman, who is a member of Geyer Springs First Baptist Church in Little Rock, shares lessons learned on her journey on her Facebook page and blog “Hope Warrior.” You can follow her blog at www.nicoleinman.com.

Inman graduated from QU with a degree in mass communication.

Photo credit Sam Pierce spierce@arkansasonline.com

Anthony Lara ’10 Anthony Lara ’10 received the ICARE Award (Initiative, Communication, Accountability, Respect, and Exceeds Expectations) in October 2019, from Blessing Health System (BHS). The award is given quarterly to members of the BHS workforce who consistently exceed the ICARE standards and who model the standards daily.

Members of BHS’s workforce may nominate a non-management employee, volunteer, physician, or student who has been associated with one of the BHS entities for at least one year. The quarterly winners receive their award at the Blessing Health System Leadership Development Institute in which all winners and their supervisor, entity CEO, and guests are present.

Quincy College/University alums gathered at Woodstock Revisited hosted by the Orlet family on August 3, 2019, in Coulterville, Ill.

’00s Julie Truskowski Turner ’03 and her husband Trevor announce the birth of their third child, Madden, on October 21, 2019, Fenton, Mo. Madden joins older siblings Tenley and Lincoln.

Matthew Waters ’03 is the community president of Liberty Bank in Alton, Ill. Liberty Bank is one of Mercantile’s “sister banks” and both are part of the parent bank, United Community Bank.

Andrew Tappe ’04 is a Merrill Lynch wealth management advisor, and has received a certified financial planner award from the CFP Board.

Lara has worked for Blessing Health System since August 2013. He started as a Desktop Support Analyst II. He received a promotion to an Information Security and Compliance Analyst in March 2015 and an Information Security Engineer in April 2018.

Congratulations to Andrew Tappe ’04 who received a certified financial planner award.

Lara earned a bachelor’s in Computer Science from QU. After graduation he earned the following certifications: CompTIA Security+, Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Administrator, Palo Alto Accredited Configuration Engineer, Cylance Security Professional, and the ITIL Foundation Certification.

Dr. Lauren Friedrich ’05 is the director of clinical training at SamaraCare Counseling in Naperville, Ill. Dr. Friedrich became engaged to John-Paul Kaplan in October 2019.

James (J.P.) Limbaugh ’05 is the vice president of sales and marketing for Silver Eagle Distributors, one of the nation's largest Anheuser-Busch wholesalers.

Marcus Medsker ’07 and his wife Meghan, announce the birth of a son Jack, on June 5, 2019.

Mallory Littlejohn ’08 is the legal director for the Chicago Alliance Against Sexual Exploitation.

Sara Harman Fischer ’08 and her husband, Joe, welcomed a son, Jack, on November 22, 2019, Washington, Mo. Jack joins big sister Hazel.

Jason Green ’09 and his wife Molly Wilkerson Green ’10 welcomed their daughter Peyton Quincy Green on May 16, 2019. Peyton joins big sister Libby.

Jason Green ’09 and wife Molly Wilkerson Green ’10 welcome daughter Peyton. She can't wait to be a future Hawk.

Michelle Henninger Harris ’09 and her husband Joey welcomed their son Hank on April 16, 2019 in Carthage. Hank joins older brother Joseph. www.quincy.edu

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QU | Class Notes

Hawks Soar

Michelle Henninger Harris ’09 and her husband Joey with their sons Joseph and Hank.

’10s

Dana Ponshe Schroeder ’11 and her husband Chris announce the birth of Blayne Christopher Schroeder on July 16, 2019, Mokena, Ill. Blayne joins big sister Arya.

Kyle Beckman ’11 is the director of marketing for First Bankers Trust Co. in Quincy.

Thomas Weise ’11 and Brittany Ellerman ’11 were married on November 9, 2019 at Blessed Sacrament church in Quincy.

SSG Jacob Miller ’12 and his wife, Rhiannon married August 17, 2019 Springfield MO.

Jeremy Culver ’13 started a job as Event Business Coordinator at Gaming Generations, Onalaska, Wis.

Kenneth Steinsultz, DMA ’85

Carl Hodges ’13 and Daphne Whittaker ’16 were married on June 1, 2018, Quincy, Ill.

Kenneth Steinsultz, DMA ’85, has been appointed department chair for the music department at the University of Evansville. He will continue to serve as director of bands and professor of the

James ’14 and Madalynn Deming Behrens ’14 welcomed their daughter Wren on February 5, 2019, Quincy.

Caitlin Pigg Thomas ’12 and her husband Zachary announce the birth of their son, Daniel, on August 5, 2018, in Quincy. Daniel joins big brother Samuel.

Madalynn Deming Behrens ’14, Jimmy Behrens ’14, and Wren Behrens on July 4, 2019.

Nancy Clydelle Dixon ’14 married Jacob Benz on September 28, 2019, at the VonderHaar Homestead.

euphonium, trombone, and tuba. Before coming to Evansville, he served as assistant to the Director of Bands at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Steinsultz has also served as music director at Lewistown (Illinois) Community High School and director of bands for Brown County Unit Schools in Mt. Sterling, Illinois. He has been a member of the Quincy Park Band, Quincy Symphony Orchestra, and Mississippi River Brass Band. He has performed with the Champaign-Urbana Symphony, Danville (Illinois) Symphony, Illinois Symphony of Springfield/Bloomington, and the Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra.

He is a member of the College Band Directors National Association, National Band Association, Indiana Bandmasters Association, International Tuba and Euphonium Association, and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia (honorary membership).

Steinsultz holds degrees from Quincy University and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Matthew Waters ’03 Caitlin Pigg Thomas ’12 and her husband Zachary with their sons Daniel and Samuel.

Jacob Miller ’12 married his fiance, Rhiannon, on August 17, 2019, Springfield, Mo. Heather Gibson ’13 is a marketing project manager for HEB Corp in San Antonio, Tex.

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Nancy Clydelle Dixon ’14 married Jacob Benz September 2019.

Matthew Waters is the new Community President at Liberty Bank, A United Community Bank in Alton Ill. Waters joins Liberty Bank with more than 15 years of experience in the financial industry. He is responsible for directing operations and strategy for Liberty Bank throughout Madison County.

Class Notes | QU

Born and raised in Alton, Matthew remains actively involved in the community, currently serving on the school’s board of directors as well as the Alton Boys and Girls Club, and Riverbend CEO. He graduated from QU with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Marketing and was a two-time letter winner in both football and baseball.

Rev. Michael Berndt ’10 shakes hands with Pope Francis in Rome.

Darren Lillard ’15 is a doctoral student at the University of Nebraska - Lincoln.

Joseph Chinn '15 is the head football coach for Bowling Green High School, in Bowling Green, Mo.

Emily Schuering Sutton, JD ’99 Emily Schuering Sutton, JD ’99, has been appointed by the Illinois Supreme Court to fill a vacancy in the Ninth Judicial Circuit Court.

She will be taking the at-large judge vacancy in the circuit that includes Knox, Warren, Henderson, Hancock, McDonough, and Fulton counties.

Judge Sutton is only the second woman to serve as a circuit court judge in the Ninth Judicial Circuit.

Before her appointment, Judge Sutton was a partner with Lucie, Scalf, Sutton & Bougher, Attorneys at Law, P.C. During her career, Judge Sutton has handled different types of cases that include defense litigation, child custody disputes, adoptions, and landlord-tenant disputes.

Nathan Des Jardins ’16 sadly reports the death of his mother, Sally on December 2, 2019, Peoria, Ill. Grant Meyer ’16 and Nicole Ramirez ’16 were married on November 2, 2019, Springfield, Ill. Katherine Rathgeber Resendez ’17 and her husband Lorenzo welcomed daughter Lilyanna on September 19, 2019, Falls Church, Va.

Paige Cummins ’18 is the district executive for the Eagle Valley District of the Mississippi Valley Council of the Boy Scouts of America.

Nate Rueckemann ’18 is an exercise specialist with OSF Healthcare in Morris, Ill. Morgan Heckman ’19 is the assistant coach of the Quincy University softball team.

Morgan earned her bachelor's degree in exercise science and human performance from QU in December 2019.

Jared Holman ’19 and Preston Calnan were married on December 7, 2019, Quincy, Ill.

Sutton stays involved with her community. She has served as a commissioner of the Historic Preservation Commission in both Quincy and Macomb as well as a board member for Quincy’s “The District.”

She has also taught courses at QU and John Wood Community College as an adjunct lecturer.

She graduated magna cum laude from Quincy University in 1999 with a Bachelor of Arts in English. She earned her Juris Doctor in 2004 from Saint Louis University.

Lilyanna Rose Resendez, the daughter of Lorenzo and Katherine Rathgeber Resendez ’17.

Quincy University takes pride in its alumni and the Class Notes section is dedicated for alumni to share the news of their lives and achievements. Supportive of our Catholic Church's teachings, publication of announcements provided to us by our alumni does not necessarily imply an endorsement by Quincy University.

www.quincy.edu

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QU | Class Notes

IN MEMORIAM Dr. Paul W. Meyer ’43 on November 9, 2019, Quincy.

Donna Jean Schelich ’59 died on December 22, 2019, Columbia, Mo.

Leo L. Stegeman ’49 on July 8, 2019, Quincy.

Joseph Winkelmann ’59 on August 22, 2019, Johnson, Iowa.

Gladys M. Ericson ’51 on September 14, 2019, Quincy.

Jane Schuster Krumdick ’60 on August 21, 2019, Joliet, Ill.

Bruce Whitehead ’51 on December 18, 2018, Salt Lake City, Utah.

William G. Fisher ’61 on November 27, 2018, Elmhurst, Ill.

Fr. Blane O'Neill OFM ’52 on March 28, 2017, Ruston, La.

Joseph Anthony ’62 on August 27, 2019, Frisco, Tex.

Antoinette "Toni" Powers Collins ’55 on July 28, 2019, Maplewood, Minn.

Dr. Robert J. Harris, Jr. ’62 on December 6, 2019, Bentonville, Ark.

Bernard Hartman ’56 on February 9, 2019, Mission Viejo, Calif.

Mary Carolyn Caliendo Sciortino ’62 on April 8, 2019, Naples, Fla.

John R. Pubentz ’56 on October 2, 2019, San Diego, Calif.

John L. Kelly ’63 on July 31, 2019, St. Louis, Mo.

Thomas F. Sickinger ’57 on June 16, 2019, Marionville, Mo.

Sandra Strathmeyer Reinebach ’63 on November 22, 2019, Portland, Ore.

John Peter Damm ’58 on December 22, 2019, Quincy.

Kay (Kathleen) Esser Evans ’64 on January 4, 2020, Urbana, Ill.

Robert Olds ’58 on July 12, 2019, Savannah, Ga.

Margaret Williams O'Meara ’66 on July 23, 2019, Naperville, Ill.

Dr. William Gasser Dr. William Gasser died on January 9, 2020, at the age of 96.

Born to Michael and Frances (Thaler) Gasser, he grew up in a small coal-mining town in Pennsylvania. After high school, he attended college until he enlisted in the Navy V-7 in his sophomore year at college. Attaining the rank of Lieutenant Commander, Gasser served in the Navy until 1946. He remained in the U.S. Naval Reserve until July 1972.

Gasser returned to college to finish his degree in 1947. He earned a BS at Waynesburg College (1947), an MS at the University of Michigan (1948), an MSc at the University of Maryland (1952), and a PhD in chemistry at the University of Maryland (1955).

After earning his PhD, Gasser worked as a research chemist for Union Carbide Corporation and Pfizer Corporation.

Gasser accepted a job as an associate professor of chemistry at Quincy College in 1963 and later became a professor of chemistry.

He taught at the university for 30 years, attaining the title Professor Emeritus.

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Gasser belonged to the American Chemical Society for 60 years as well as the Alpha Chi Sigma-Professional Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Society.

He married Nancy Ann Nabers on June 11, 1960, and together they have four daughters Aurienne, Gabrielle, Nicolle, and Maria, thirteen grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.

The Dr. William "Bill" Gasser Endowment Scholarship was established at Quincy University by the American Chemical Society in 2019.

Class Notes | QU

Sr. Rose Marie Mersinger (Dorothy Rose Mersinger) ’67 on November 17, 2019, O'Fallon, Mo. William J. Maender ’68 on September 6, 2019, Kirkwood, Mo. William F. Murphy ’68 on September 4, 2019, Grand Rapids, Mich.

Sr. Doris Rechtiene, CPPS ’68 on December 19, 2019, O'Fallon, Mo. Jean Ann Otte Seward ’69 on June 9, 2019, Dallas, Tex. Carol A. Bloom ’70 on September 23, 2019, Quincy.

James Crabtree ’71 on August 8, 2019, Keokuk, Iowa.

Dale Haase ’71 on June 3, 2019, Libertyville, Ill. Karen Blickhan ’74 on July 15, 2019, Noblesville, Ind.

Ruthann Fortino ’78 on March 23, 2018, Oak Lawn, Ill. Gregory R Weiher ’79 on September 29, 2019, Houston Tex. Angela Mohrman Clark ’82 on May 8, 2019, Hot Springs, Ark. Donald E. Ellerman ’82 on July 9, 2019, Quincy.

Gary M. Peters ’84 on Jan. 2, 2020, Fowler, Ill. Michael E. Dittmer ’86 on August 17, 2019, Springfield, Ill. Martha Anderson ’88 died on Jan 1, 2020, Carthage Ill. Charles J. Post ’93 on November 18, 2019, Washington, Mo. Vicki Lenda Ganninger ’95 on October 26, 2019, Ballwin, Mo. Sierra Freeman ’16 died on August, 16, 2019, Quincy.

Wilbur D. Shaffer ’74 on June 13, 2019, Quincy.

Paul W. Meyer ’43 Paul W. Meyer ’43 died November 9, 2019, at the age of 98.

Born to Alois and Lillie Meyer, he attended Liberty High School, Quincy College Academy, and graduated from Quincy College in 1943.

After graduation from Quincy College, he served in the U.S. Army for 42 months and then began his 38 year-long career at the Moorman Manufacturing Company.

During his time there, he won many awards, including the coveted Wilson-Caldwell Achievement Award.

He was a member of St. Peter Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, Lions Club, and was a Boy Scout merit badge counselor. Meyer was also a member of the Quincy Jaycees and Rotary.

He married Rosalie Van Zandt in 1944 and together had four children Sharon, Greg, Dennis, and Chris. Rosalie passed away in 1966. He married Carlene Miller in 1972. She died in 2004.

During his lifetime, Meyer served as the National Chairman of the Quincy College Phonathon, was honored as a Quincy College Alumnus of the Year, and received an honorary Doctor of Laws from Quincy University (1994).

www.quincy.edu

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160 Celebrating

years

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QUniverse | Spring 2020

1860 - 2020

HOMECOMING 2020 SEPT 24-27 For more information visit quincy.edu/homecoming |

www.quincy.edu

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QU | Special QU Anniversaries

Windows to the Future This fall Quincy University celebrated the 25th anniversary of the sculpture “Windows to the Future.” Created by former QU professor of art, the late Fr. Tom Brown, OFM, the sculpture symbolizes the successful completion of a five-year campaign in 1994.

The campaign project included closing off Lind Street between 18th and 20th.

Constructed by Michelmann Steel Company, the contemporary outdoor stainless steel sculpture stands 18 feet tall. The openness of the sculpture symbolizes minds open to change for the better. The windows in the sculpture pierce a wall, suggesting focus as it opens to outside possibilities. The walls open out to the nearness of the future.

Plaques inscribed with the donor’s names circle the sculpture, recognizing them for their vision, openness, and investment.

Hawks Stay Connected Anniversary of the MBA For all the latest alumni events and to find an event in your area go to quincy.edu/alumni/events Visit the Alumni Feature page to nominate a deserving alum for a 2021 Heritage Award and find out how you can be a part of the 2021 Alumni Day. Have news of a wedding, birth, promotion, award, anniversary, retirement, or a mission trip?

Tell us your story at quincy.edu/ alumni/update-profile 44

QUniverse | Spring 2020

Quincy University’s Master in Business Administration degree program has been preparing leaders in the workforce for the past 35 years. Developed by the late Fr. Melvin Grunloh ’55, OFM, PhD, CPA, former chair of the business department, the program has seen more than 600 graduates.

Fr. Melvin began teaching full-time at Quincy College in 1961. While serving as chairman of the division of business and accounting, he researched and developed the curriculum for the MBA program. He worked on the plan for several years with

the help of the late Richard Magliari, PhD, but became ill around the time the program became a reality.

Gabriel Manrique, PhD, the first director of the MBA program and Frank Naggi, the first coordinator of the MBA worked to get the program started on the right foot.

They maintained manageable class sizes and carefully planned part-time curriculum of evening and weekend classes to meet the needs of those first students. In the spring of 1987, the MBA reached its first milestone with the announcement of the first graduating class.

“Receiving the Robert Blazel Scholarship has allowed me to focus my energy on my education and has greatly reduced the stress level for myself and my mom, who is a single parent.”

Lauryn's goal is to work at Blessing Hospital as a Social Worker.

She is the recipient of the Robert Blazel Scholarship.

Lauryn Sheurman ’19 Psychology Major Quincy, IL

Believe in your Dreams Support a Dream

Invest in a student today.

217-228-5227 | quincy.edu/support-qu www.quincy.edu

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Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage Paid Quincy, Illinois Permit No. 188 1800 College Avenue Quincy, IL 62301-2699 Parents: If this issue is addressed to your son or daughter who no longer maintains a permanent address at home, please notify the Advancement Office of the new mailing address at 217-228-5226, or at

qualumni@quincy.edu

QU ALUMNI FOCUS

Phibro Animal Health I believe that giving back allows others to advance and further their earning power and career possibilities.

The university has a positive impact on the overall economy, bringing additional PHIBRO ANIMAL HEALTH has been

a Quincy University partner for many years, including being a host site for hundreds of internships and by financially supporting the university's mission.

More than twenty of their employees are QU graduates. Here’s what those alumni say about QU and giving back:

SUPPORT THE QU FUND TODAY at www.quincy.edu/support-qu or call 217-228-5227 Your gift—large or small—matters.

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QUniverse | Spring 2020

employment and spending to our area.

Extending the opportunities that QU offers is vital to maintaining and growing our community.