QUniverse, Spring 2022

niverse SPRING 2022

QUINCY UNIVERSITY MAGAZINE

Quincy University has always been a part of the Oakley family’s focus.

QU | President’s Page

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or more than 160 years, Quincy University has been deeply committed to its Catholic and Franciscan values and to the liberal arts and sciences. While not always acknowledged in public schools, those

liberal arts are to a significant degree the product of the Catholic intellectual tradition and the Franciscan perspective on theology, philosophy, and the liberal arts that remain central to the wonderful education experience we continue to provide at QU. From those first classes in 1860, the Franciscan Friars who founded what now is Quincy University offered a rigorous and demanding curriculum. Those friars, though, were also thoroughly practical. Many of the university’s majors have prepared and continue to prepare our graduates for professions like education and counseling. In partnership with BlessingRieman College of Nursing & Health Sciences, QU now supports professional education in nursing and other health sciences.

Among all our professional majors, business has a particularly long and distinguished history. From the first years of the university, business instruction has flourished at QU, with early “commercial” courses offered to our students. Early work to prepare students for banking and accounting careers later was supplemented with modern instruction in finance, marketing, management, and healthcare management. Our business program eventually became the School of Business, with a flourishing MBA degree added in the 1980s and many extracurricular and internship opportunities created over time.

The most recent additions to our business programs have included business analytics and interdisciplinary instruction in arts management.

The story of business instruction at QU, in short, can be told by listing new degree programs and touting new opportunities provided to students. That story also can be told by focusing on the many successes of our business alumni, whose achievements have reflected their excellent education and the experiences they had at the university. Wherever I go, I meet QU alumni, including many business alumni, who are living lives of meaning and purpose. I believe our alumni would make the founding friars proud, humble men though our Franciscan friars

Marcel Scott, QU junior, fist bumps President McGee.

this issue of QUniverse, we have joined the ranks of universities with named schools of business. In this QUniverse, we proudly acknowledge the new Oakley School of Business.

For generations, the Oakley family has made lasting contributions to the tri-state region, Quincy, and Quincy University. To acknowledge the recent gifts of this extraordinary family, but also their contributions of time, talent, and treasure over the decades, the newly named Oakley School will now set a new standard for excellence, for individual achievement, and for service.

As president of the university, I continue to meet generations of extraordinary men and women who are alumni and supporters of QU. Like the members of the Oakley family, each person loves the university and lifts up the university in his or her own way. As you read this message, I hope you will join me in thanking the Oakley family for what they have done at QU and this community.

I also hope the Oakley story will inspire you, as it has inspired me, to think about how each of us can make a difference and secure an even greater future for QU students and alumni.

As the naming of the Oakley School of Business reminds us, there has never been a better time to be a hawk! May God continue to bless this wonderful institution.

have always been.

The current academic year marks the most important event in the long and distinguished history of business instruction

Sincerely,

at Quincy University. At every great university in America, great schools of business have a name. Those schools of business have unique identities and missions, acknowledged by community leaders and visionaries whose many contributions

Brian McGee, PhD

led to their naming. This year, as acknowledged elsewhere in

President

Contents | QU

IN THIS ISSUE ii

President’s Page

2

Student Spotlight

niverse

Jordan Heeter: Getting Ready for Her Next Step

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Heritage Awards

10

Academic Feature

12

Franciscan Focus

Editor: Jen Wingerter ’13 Contributors: Bill Beard Miriam Hermann Meg Duncan ’14 Brian McGee, PhD Barbara Schleppenbach, PhD ’71

Looking Forward

In Pursuit of God

Graphic Designer: Jenny Willingham

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Hawk Talk

18

New on Campus

19

Main Feature

26

Academic Feature

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Faculty Focus

30

Faculty Briefs

32

Class Notes

Photographers: Sandy Trudell, ’94 Kent Kriegshauser Photography

New Athletic Programs Launch

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

Alumni Success Stories

Send all correspondence to: QUniverse Quincy University 1800 College Ave. Quincy, IL 62301-2699

Cynthia Haliemun, Dean

qualumni@quincy.edu

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HERITAGE AWARDS

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6

12

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QU | Student Spotlight

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H Getting Ready for Her Next Step

by Meg Duncan ′14

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ordan Heeter, a junior at QU, didn’t get into much trouble as a child, but when she did, there was one punishment that went straight to her heart.

“When I did get in trouble, my parents grounded me from reading,” she said.

“My nose was always in a book growing up. I would carry around five or six books at every family gathering because I didn’t know which book I wanted to read there.”

Heeter grew up in Kenosha, Wisconsin, with her parents, two older brothers, and a younger sister. Heeter said that as a child, her future profession was an ever-changing condition that varied from a flight attendant to a doctor, and some days, to a princess.

She pinpoints watching NCIS, Criminal Minds, and Law and Order SVU, with her grandma as an influencing factor on her decision to study forensic psychology and political science at Quincy University.

“When it got down to it, that’s kind of what gave me the drive to get into forensic psychology and political science.”

—Jordan Heeter 2

QUniverse | Spring 2022

Student Spotlight | QU

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nother influencing factor in her life, shared with family, was sports. When she wasn’t reading at family gatherings, she was in the street with family in front of her grandmother’s house, tossing around a football. Also interested in gun sports, Heeter competed at state and national levels. She was selected to compete in Colorado, which only takes the top shooters from each state. Heeter received an offer to join a collegiate rifle team in Alabama after shooting in Colorado.

Heeter’s decision came with a choice between that offer and the academic major she wanted to pursue. She decided to pick her career goals over sports, but only for the time being.

“I decided that sports I can always come back to; I can be involved in sports in some way in some fashion, but your academic career is not always going to be here. Getting into my actual major and doing what I wanted to do was more important than holding onto a sport that would have just distracted me.”

www.quincy.edu

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QU | Student Spotlight

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“The captain of the team took me under her wing.

She taught me so much about the law system, about how mock trials work, about how to carry yourself even though you don’t necessarily feel confident but to say things with enough conviction that someone else will believe what you are saying.”

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QUniverse | Spring 2022

pon her arrival at QU, Heeter jumped right into her major and began working on the mock trial team right away.

It has become a defining part of her journey through college.

Now, captain of the mock trial team, Heeter keeps herself busy on campus, taking classes, playing the flute and piccolo in the band, and as a member of the honorary band fraternity at QU, in which she holds two offices. She is also an honor student, tutor, and supplemental instructor and served as an orientation leader last year.

Student Spotlight | QU

t would seem that such accomplishments would provoke confidence, but Heeter said that confidence is something with which she has always struggled.

“I am really good at pretending I am sure of myself. Many teachers at QU and before that have encouraged me because they see what I don’t see. They get me to see it and say, ‘You are good at this, and you are capable of this.’ They have been great motivators.”

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eeter said one of the most important things she has learned since adjusting to college is prioritizing her mental health, and now she aspires to help others do the same.

“I am not sure exactly what field I want to work in or what population I want to work with, but I want to do something that helps set up people to live better in their environment,” she said.

Her advice to those looking into college is to consider the overall picture before choosing which one best fits their vision for the future.

“It’s all about the context of what you are going to put yourself into one day. And that’s the entirety of what the experience of college is – getting ready for your next step.” www.quincy.edu

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QU | Main Feature

HERITAGE AWARDS

by Jen Wingerter ’13

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 time, talent, and treasure.

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QUniverse | Spring 2022

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

The Bill O’Donnell Distinguished Alumni of the Year Award This year, Quincy University is pleased to honor Steve ’75 and Jan (Dickson) ’77 Koester.

Steve and Jan Koester credit their success and that of their sons to QU, and that is why they support their alma mater in all areas, whether the Annual QU Fund, athletics, or other areas of need.

A QU Family Steve arrived on the QU campus in the fall of 1971 from Effingham, Ill., majoring in accounting. Jan, a Quincy native, began her college education in 1973 and majored in elementary education and special education. Steve and Jan met on campus in 1974 and were married in 1978 in the QU Chapel. They have two sons, Scott and Drew, who both graduated from QU, Scott in 2005 and Drew in 2013. They both majored in accounting and finance and earned their MBA from QU. “QU has always been an important part of our lives and our son's lives. We learned valuable lessons from the Franciscans,” said Jan. “We also see QU as a vital part of the Quincy community and the surrounding area as a whole.”

Professors That Prepared Them Well Steve accepted a position at Peat Marwick Mitchell in Decater after graduation.

He returned to Quincy in 1976, when he began his 43-year career with Gray Hunter Stenn. Jan taught for 34 years, teaching preschool, kindergarten, and first grade.

Steve and Jan attribute a well-rounded education, professors, and classes from QU, prepared them well for their careers.

“Dr. Magliari had real-world experience and taught lessons that applied to the world we face,” said Steve.

“Professors Sue Francouer, Jim Bower, and Ann Mary Gullen all impacted me and enhanced my love for teaching,” said Jan. “The Reading Center provided me with hands-on experience to work with children before my student teaching began.”

They appreciate the quality education and the small-town family atmosphere that QU provides.

“The professors know you by name rather than a number and are always willing to help if needed,” said Steve.

“QU has always been an important part of our lives and our son's lives.

We learned valuable lessons

But to the Koesters, QU teaches more than the skills needed to have a successful career. QU teaches skills that lead to a successful life.

“We have learned the importance of family values, religion, being a part of the community, and working hard,” said Steve and Jan. “We try to treat everyone equally, give back, be honest, and love people.”

from the Franciscans.”

—Jan Koester ’77

Giving Back to QU Steve and Jan have faithfully given back to the QU and Quincy community. From serving as a greeter at St. Peters Parish, where they are faithful members, to serving on area nonprofit boards, to helping raise funds for local organizations and charities, the Koesters invest their time, talent, and treasure into the community.

Their support of QU is widespread. Steve (through his company Gray Hunter Stenn) served as QU's auditor for years, taught classes in the Oakley School of Business, served as president of QU’s National Alumni Board, and served as an annual fund volunteer.

Jan served on the Chapel Centennial Committee.

www.quincy.edu

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QU | Main Feature

“Steve and Jan have been loyal supporters of QU for years,” said Matt Bergman, senior director of advancement. “They attend many QU alumni and athletic events and are always ambassadors for QU wherever they go.”

“QU and the community of Quincy have provided so much for our family. We need to give back to both for the gifts we have received from them," said Steve and Jan. “We are honored to be recognized as the Bill O’Donnell Distinguished Alumni of the Year.

We feel that we can help QU retain its excellence and Franciscan values by giving of our time, talent, and treasures.”

The Franciscan Service Award Quincy University is pleased to announce this year's award recipients, Dan ’63 and Pam (Wozniak) ’65 Sherman.

“Dan ’63 and Pam (Wozniak) ’65 Sherman are perfect examples of young individuals who come from outside the Quincy area to enroll as students at Quincy University and stay in the community after graduation to spend their entire careers here helping make it a better place,” said Paul Brown ’65, the 2019 recipient of the Franciscan Service Award. “They offer inspiration and encouragement to other alums as role models for their wholehearted commitment to serving others. I am proud to be a fellow QU alum and their friend.”

“We realized early in our life that it was the Franciscan tradition of service and excellence in all endeavors that provided us with a strong backbone for our lives.”

—Dan (’63) & Pam (’65) Sherman

Dan and Pam had planned to move back to their hometown of Chicago after Pam’s graduation. They were married in 1964, and Dan accepted a position teaching music at Quincy Jr. High School (QJHS) while Pam finished her studies. During those two years living in the Quincy community, they fell in love with the slower pace of small-town life, and QJHS offered Dan a promotion as the school's choral director.

As Dan and Pam planted their roots into the community, they tried to uphold the Franciscan values of service and kindness and pay it forward in how they lived their lives.

“We realized early in our life that it was the Franciscan tradition of service and excellence in all endeavors that provided us with a strong backbone for our lives,” said Dan and Pam.

NOMINATIONS

Dan and Pam have supported and loved education, the arts, and social programs for their entire married lives. These have been integral priorities for them as young students, professionals, and in retirement. They became particularly aware of the significance of a good education as the foundation of a happy, successful life when they attended Quincy College in the 60s. Because of that, their support of the Quincy Catholic Elementary Schools Foundation, the Quincy Public Schools Foundation, Quincy Notre Dame High School, and QU is very important to them.

Don’t forget to nominate deserving alumni for the following categories - Alumni Franciscan Service Award, Rising Hawk Award, and the Bill O’Donnell Distinguished Alumni of the Year Award.

“We could see the influence of the strong faculty on young people and the significant attention placed on developing well-rounded adults who had open minds and exuded kindness,” said Dan and Pam. We also realize how important it is that young people grow from a strong foundation to excel in higher education.”

2023 AWARD

The nomination deadline for the 2023 awards is October 31, 2022.

Submissions after October 31 will be considered for the following year.

Self-nominations will not be accepted.

The winners will be announced in the spring and highlighted in the spring edition of QUniverse.

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

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Planting their Roots into the Community

QUniverse | Spring 2022

Supporting the Arts and Giving Back Throughout their 57-year marriage, they have been teachers, performers, and art enthusiasts. For more than 50 years, Dan served as choral director at Quincy Senior High School and as director of the Parochial Music Organization for 45 years. Pam taught instrumental music in the parochial schools for nine years before beginning a 26-tenure in public relations at QU. They are former members of the Quincy Symphony Chorus and Quincy Community Theatre. Dan continues to perform with the Quincy Park Band.

“We realize how important the arts are in the development of well-rounded students and adults, and how much happiness the arts create in people,” said Dan and Pam.

Main Feature | QU

They also support the ongoing endeavors of Quanda, Transitions, and Chaddock, among others.

“Living with mental illness in our family has shed light on the wonderful work that Quincy groups are doing to help with mental and behavioral illness,” said Dan and Pam. “Giving back to the community is important because the community has enriched our lives in so many ways,” said the Shermans. “It is only fitting to give back at least part of what we have been given. We offer as much financial and moral support to as many community organizations as we can.”

The Rising Hawk Award Nominated by peers, Julianne Touhy ’15 is the recipient of this year's The Rising Hawk award.

and resilient because

Quincy University prepared Julianne Touhy’15 in and outside the classroom.

of the people who believed

“The leadership and planning opportunities at QU gave me the confidence and experience that has led to my early success in the meetings and events industry,” said Touhy.

to where I am today.”

“I am a strong leader

in me and got me here —Julianne Touhy ’15

Exceptional Talent from the Start As a student, Touhy joined Alpha Omicron Pi (AOII) and immediately joined their leadership council. She ran all AOII’s social and philanthropy events and became heavily involved on campus. One event dear to her heart was a campus-wide Safety Week after a dear friend was hit by a car. Touhy also sat on the committee to institute the Stride for Shannon 5k.

“Even as an undergraduate, Julianne's success has always reflected exceptional talent combined with the determination to make the most of opportunities that would be easy to overlook,” said Barb Schleppenbach, PhD, associate professor of communication. “In true Franciscan tradition, she has generously employed her gifts in service to others. Without a doubt, she will continue to shine and to brighten the lives of everyone she encounters.”

A Succesful Career Path Today, Touhy works as a senior meeting planner for the American Bar Association (ABA).

She manages registration and housing for the two large association-wide meetings and helps manage the registration system used association-wide, Cvent. Her department also serves as a resource for virtual meetings, hybrid meetings, and on-site covid protocols for all ABA Meetings.

She is very involved in the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) Greater Midwest Chapter. PCMA recently named Touhy as a member of the PCMA’s 20 in Their Twenties Class of 2022.

“I was so excited and humbled when I received the call that I won this award,” said Touhy.

“20 in their Twenties helped validate all the time and hard work I have put into my career so far. This award shows that the career path I chose is not only something I love but something I can be successful in.”

Her career path was not always so clear. Her favorite professor, the late John Schleppenbach, Ph.D., entered her life at a crossroads.

“He was kind and encouraging. He saw great things in me that I didn’t see yet,” said Touhy.

“He helped me navigate college and gave me the confidence I never knew I had. I owe a lot to him and miss him greatly.”

Connecting to Give Back Many professors and administrators became her friends and mentors and impacted her along the way including, Brian Borlas, PhD, Travis Yates, MAS, MS.Ed., Barb Schleppenbach, PhD, Christine Tracy, Ed.D., Neil Wright, PhD, Kristen Liesen, MA, and Sam Lathrop.

“I am a strong leader and resilient because of the people who believed in me and got me here to where I am today,” said Touhy.

“I want to give of myself, my time, my attention, and my experiences to whomever I can.”

To accomplish that, Touhy participates in student panels and mentoring opportunities within her profession because she understands the positive impact it can have on someone.

Touhy also remains involved with QU, where she developed life-long friendships and has some of her best memories.

“I owe a lot to QU, so it’s important to me to remain connected and give back as much as I can,” said Touhy.

www.quincy.edu

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QU | Academic Feature

LOOK

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QUniverse | Spring 2022

Academic Feature | QU

THANKS TO GHAZALEH’S GUIDANCE, STUDENTS HAVE ALREADY PRESENTED TWO PROJECTS IN THE QU ACADEMIC SYMPOSIUM.

KING

by Barbara Schleppenbach, PhD ’71

Q

uincy University’s Title III Robotics and Virtual Reality Lab (Francis Hall 238) is home to a family of robots with varied talents: the Nao Robot v6, a Robotis Premium Kit, an Anki Cozmo Learning Robot, and Marty the Robot.

The space also contains an Oculus Quest VR Headset, as well as HP ProBook laptops and several Raspberry Pi small, single-board computers.

According to Husam Ghazaleh, PhD, assistant professor of computer science, the lab provides unique opportunities for students to learn programming and problem-solving skills in an entertaining environment, expand their curiosity and creativity, and prepare for the technological future.

Thanks to Ghazaleh’s guidance, students have already presented two projects in the QU Academic Symposium.

“THE FIRST, VR FOOTBALL, USED THE VR SYSTEM TO SIMULATE A FOOTBALL GAME TO TEACH PLAYERS DIFFERENT POSITIONS SUCH AS DEFENSIVE, RUNNING BACKS, AND QUARTERBACKS. IN THE SECOND PROJECT, “FACE RECOGNITION FOR NAO ROBOT,” MY STUDENT TAUGHT THE HUMANOID ROBOT NAO TO DEAL WITH FACIAL RECOGNITION UNDER DIFFERENT CIRCUMSTANCES AND ENVIRONMENTS.” —Husam Ghazaleh The Robotics/VR Lab is part of the U.S. Department of Education Title III-funded Center for Cyberfutures, which also includes the Business Analytics Lab, the Cybersecurity Lab, and the 3-D Printer and Network Lab. www.quincy.edu

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QU | Franciscan Focus

IN PURSUIT OF GOD Fr. Dennis Schafer, OFM, has journeyed through life in pursuit of God. As he steps out in obedience, it’s in the unexpected places that God takes him where he finds his biggest blessings.

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QUniverse | Spring 2022

Franciscan Focus | QU

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by Meg Duncan ′14

As a Friar of the Franciscan faith, and a former music teacher of 20 years at Quincy University, Schafer has lived life according to his calling. Born in Parma, Ohio, he attended high school in Cleveland at Padua Franciscan High School, where he first encountered the Franciscans.

“At that time, there were several Franciscans at the school; those who were an influence on me were Fr. Eberle, Fr. Justin Belitz, and Fr. Clarence Chambers,” he said. “I was impressed by the joy of the Franciscans and their sense of community.”

During those years, Schafer was drawn to something else: music. Picking up the clarinet for the first time in high school was a footstep directly onto the path leading to his future.

After graduate school in music education at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, he was ordained in 1980 and taught music at his alma mater, Padua Franciscan High School, for a year. He then returned to Quincy University and started teaching vocal music. He also earned a doctoral degree in music from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign during that time.

His time at QU was an important part of his life. First, as a student and a young man learning to be a Franciscan and then as a teacher himself.

“QU has had a huge influence on my life, and it’s one that I continue to remember and give thanks for,” he said.

and a ministry team serve a congregation of about 2,500, many of them Hispanic.

Schafer began learning the language to serve the Hispanic community, and the endeavor has been a surprise blessing in his life.

“I have experienced God’s grace and God’s call from people in the Hispanic community in ways that have been surprising and rewarding for me,” he said.

“God has called me in wonderful ways to this change.”

As Schafer sees it, life is a continual transformation into God’s will, and he will always be in pursuit of that.

“A famous quote from St. Francis as he was dying said to the friars who were gathered around him, ‘Let us begin brothers, for up until is that now, we have done nothing,’” Schafer said. “It’s that call it is a way for me to know God in a way that is to continual transformation, continual growth, continual ,” he said. responding to the gospel, and to God’s call in our lives.”

“With that, in between teaching and

“What music means to me

a different kind of prayer

performing, it has transformed my life

After high school, he arrived as a seminary student at Quincy University, where he became a Franciscan after his sophomore year. He knew God had a plan for his life, and he boldly pursued it even though it had never been done before. Schafer became the first seminary student to major in music, focusing on the clarinet.

“What music means to me is that it is a way for me to know God in a way that is a different kind of prayer,” he said. “With that, in between teaching and performing, it has transformed my life as a Franciscan.”

as a Franciscan.”

E

ven though Schafer believed life as a friar and music teacher was his lifelong ministry, he continued listening to God’s voice.

In 2001, he moved on to St. Louis, where he earned a certification in Spiritual Direction from Aquinas Institute of Theology. He then moved to Joliet to be part of a “postulancy” program where he worked with young men interested in becoming Franciscan.

Twelve years later, God called him again when he moved to Indianapolis, becoming the pastor at St. Patrick Parish, where he

www.quincy.edu

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QU | Hawk Talk

NEW ATHLETIC PROGRAMS LAUNCH

by Jen Wingerter ’13 SPRINT FOOTBALL & SWIMMING

Quincy University announced the addition of sprint football in June 2021 and the addition of women's and men's swimming in August 2021, to QU's varsity intercollegiate athletic programs.

Conner McLaughlin ’15 was named the head sprint football coach in August and Bryan Christiansen was named head women’s and men’s swimming coach.

While distinctly different programs, both have something in common, a head coach eager to start a program from scratch where student success and experience are at the center of everything they do.

Conner McLaughlin ’15 Head Sprint Football Coach

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MEET CONNER MCLAUGHLIN, ’15, M.ED., HEAD SPRINT FOOTBALL COACH

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Hawk Talk | QU

Growing up, Conner McLaughlin wanted a career that impacted others, particularly young people.

Originally a clinical psychology major, he pivoted after spending time in the classroom during an educational psychology class.

Something clicked for me as I observed that class.

I thought about who had impacted me growing up - it was my coaches and teachers.

—Conner McLaughlin, '15 He changed his major to education, transferred to QU, and began coaching at Quincy Notre Dame High School. Within that first year of coaching, he knew it was what he was meant to do. After graduation, he became the defensive coordinator at Highland High School in Lewistown Mo, and the following year Unity High School in Mendon, Ill., hired him as the head football coach.

McLaughlin had coached nine years of high school football when QU announced the addition of sprint football.

I always wanted to coach collegiately. I just thought it would be 10 to 15 years down the road. I never imagined this would happen. To stay in my hometown, coach at my alma mater, and be at the beginning of a program that I feel is so needed in our area, I am very grateful and humbled to have the opportunity.

QUICK FACTS:

Quincy University will join five other private colleges and universities in the Midwest and Upper South as charter members of a new, independent athletic conference, the Midwest Sprint Football League (MSFL). The charter members of the MSFL are Bellarmine University (Kentucky), Calumet College of St. Joseph (Indiana), Fontbonne University (Missouri), Midway University (Kentucky), Quincy University (Illinois), and Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (Indiana).

Competition begins in the fall of 2022.

• 87-years-old varsity sport played by United States colleges and universities • Rules typical for American football • Emphasizes quickness and agility more than size and strength • Player weight limit - not to exceed 178 pounds • Previously has only been available at east coast colleges and universities • Governed by the Collegiate Sprint Football League

www.quincy.edu

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QU | Hawk Talk McLaughlin is excited to look into the eyes of players who believe that their football career will end in high school and share with them an opportunity to continue their career collegiality.

I was one of those kids.

I was not the typical height and weight of a collegiate player. I remember going through the recruitment process and playing collegiately. I would have benefitted from sprint football, to play in a style where I wasn’t always trying to catch up.

the standard, to be the program other schools are chasing in a couple of years.”

Part of that standard is the experience the players will have off the field.

“When they leave here, they aren’t taking football with them; they are taking their degree, friendships, connections, and experiences,” said McLaughlin. “That is the investment students make when they go to college, and we want to make sure we are giving that to the students in our program.”

Sprint football rules are the same as standard football, with a weight limit. Bringing the sprint football program to QU allows a larger percentage of football players to continue their football careers at a collegiate level while earning a degree.

“I’m excited to bring it here. I think it fits our community and the surrounding communities and offers opportunities to a different group of student-athletes,” said McLaughlin. “In the sports world, there is always a standard that teams chase. Sprint football is new in the Midwest. We have the opportunity to set

Bryan Christiansen Head Men's and Women's Swimming Coach

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Coaching at the college level is where my heart is.

I'm amazed at how this all worked and am excited about starting a program from scratch.

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They dated long-distance for two years until their wedding this past September. Christiansen interviewed at QU the following week.

2 2 • I N ST UT

“My wife and I met in Ohio while she was finishing her law degree, and I was coaching at John Carroll University. Shortly after we began dating, I got the head coaching job at Frostburg State University in Maryland, and she got a job in Illinois working in the office of the state appellate defender.”

N G E VE N

Timing is everything, and for Bryan Christiansen, that rang true as he began looking for jobs to join his wife in Illinois.

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MEET BRYAN CHRISTIANSEN, HEAD MEN’S AND WOMEN’S SWIMMING COACH

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Hawk Talk | QU

I want their time here to be worthwhile, to see not only the teams progress but also great student experiences. I like trophies, and I do not enjoy losing, but it is important to take a step back and consider what we are doing this for - the human experience.

Personal experience also plays a part in his coaching. He looks at training and writing up a set or line-up from that point of view.

He often reflects on his time as a student-athlete, what he liked or would have liked to be different and what he can do to help his team find success.

With his focus sharp on the top-performing GLVC conference, his goal for the QU swim program is to become a destination for student-athletes to find success in and out of the pool.

—Bryan Christiansen Christiansen has coached swimming since 2008, starting at the club and high school level and moving to collegiate coaching in 2015 as an assistant coach at SUNY New Paltz. He coached there two years before taking an assistant coach position at John Carroll University. In 2018, Christiansen accepted the position of head swimming coach at Frostburg State University, where he guided the team through a transition from competing at the NCAA Division III level to the Division II level.

“I’ve coached at every level, but I keep coming back to college,” said Christiansen. “For me, it is the perfect mix of that serious swimmer and a strong team environment, which can get lost in competitive swimming.”

Emphasizing team is the key to success, in his opinion. The combination of hard work and good team camaraderie is the foundation on which teams thrive, and a lot of team building happens outside of the pool. Christiansen likes to choose activities that showcase the student’s other abilities. These activities allow students to get to know one another as more than just an athlete and build trust and life-long relationships.

QUICK FACTS:

QU's swim team will practice and compete in the QU's Health and Fitness Center Pool, an outstanding facility with the potential to host meets in the future.

The newest Hawk athletic program will compete in the winter months. Fans can expect around ten events per year, including the GLVC Championships that are usually held in February. QU will be the 12th institution to sponsor swimming in the Great Lakes Valley Conference, beginning in Fall 2022. QU will not sponsor diving competitions at this time. www.quincy.edu

17

QU | New On Campus

New Degrees Launched Quincy University launched three new degree programs, with classes starting this past fall semester.

Business Analytics Through this program, students will develop the skills to frame a problem appropriately, select the appropriate tools while maintaining an ethical and Franciscan approach to the solution and use of the data.

“Through technology, over the past ten years, the ability to capture events and data has grown astronomically,” said Dana Walker, PhD, associate professor of finance. “These advances allow us to move the application of business analytics from technology-orientated scientists to domain experts such as accountants, healthcare specialists, supply-chain managers, and marketing specialists.”

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QUniverse | Spring 2022

Public Health This program will prepare students for careers in this rapidly growing area of the healthcare industry.

Specialization in this field includes behavioral science, health education, environmental health, epidemiology, and health service administration.

“With the repercussions of COVID-19, I look for students to be intrigued by this major and the ability to gain a better understanding of the current pandemic and ways to decrease the chances of future pandemics,” said Kimberly Hale, Ph.D., dean of the school of science and technology.

Art Managment This program equips students to work in a leadership capacity with the opportunity to specialize in various areas, including studio art, graphic design, creative writing, music, or theatre.

“The art world is known for those that perform or create works as a means of expression, but what is less known is the management side that requires attention to the practical aspects of running a business and administration of resources,” said Gary Meacher, MFA, assistant professor of design.

Main Feature | QU

Members of the Oakley family, for generations one of the most prominent families in the tri-state region, have made the largest single philanthropic investment in the history of Quincy University. The university received a gift of $6,500,000, thanks to the generous financial support of multiple branches and several generations of the Oakley family. In response to this gift and the past philanthropic support extended to Quincy University and the tri-state region by members of the Oakley family, the university permanently renamed its School of Business, the Oakley School of Business.

by Jen Wingerter ’13

www.quincy.edu

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QU | Main Feature

Oakley Family Gift Through personal example and business leadership, the Oakley family has a long and distinguished history of supporting the institutions and social service organizations critical to the region’s quality of life and success.

The more we all work together in supporting people and organizations through

Charles L. Miller, Edmund M. Botsford, and Hedley J. Eaton purchased the Quincy Herald Company, publisher of the Quincy Daily Herald.

Early 1891

Ray became an owner of the Herald.

Dec. 1891 Ray Miller Oakley, a nephew to Miller and cousin of Botsford and Eaton, joins the Herald as an office boy. Soon Aaron Burr and Hannah Miller Oakley, Ray’s parents, moved to Quincy, and Aaron started working for the Herald.

Aaron and Ray were the first two generations of Oakleys in the business.

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1909 circa

1913 Ray became the Business Manager of the Herald.

He eventually served as Secretary/Treasurer and Manager of Quincy Newspapers, Inc (QNI).

Main Feature | QU

It is important to support things that have a positive impact on our community and area; to help those who need help and, at the same time, continue to grow the quality of life here. Further, the more we all work together in supporting people and organizations through philanthropy, we create an understanding of the importance of the common good.

-Ralph M. Oakley, 1980 business graduate and QU Board of Trustees Member

philanthropy, we create an understanding of the importance of the common good.

Quincy Newspapers, Inc. and Quincy Herald-Whig formed when the Quincy Whig Journal (owned by the Lindsay family) and the Quincy Daily Herald joined forces. The Oakley and Lindsay families worked together from the merger until the sale in 2021.

1926

QNI expanded into broadcasting with the first FM commercial radio station in Quincy, under the direction of Thomas C. Oakley.

Late 1920’s Ray’s sons, Allen M. Oakley and Thomas C. Oakley became the family’s third generation to join the newspaper industry full-time after their college educations.

1947

1948 QNI and other investors bought WGEM AM and combined it with QNI’s FM broadcast operations.

www.quincy.edu

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QU | Main Feature

E

ach generation of the Oakley family has taught the importance of philanthropy to the next as a central moral theme. The family believes benevolence is crucial for a community to not only survive but thrive.

“My parents led by example with their volunteerism my entire life. They showed my brother Peter and me that philanthropy is more than giving money,” said Harold B. (Hal) Oakley, a current member of the QU Board of Trustees. “Yes, financial resources are critical, but you should also demonstrate your commitment and inspire others to do the same with an investment of your time and energy to champion important causes. My wife Kathy and I are pleased we can do both at this stage of our lives.”

Quincy University has always been a part of the Oakley family’s focus on community involvement and public service because of its importance to the community.

Quincy University has always been at the core of the Oakley family’s focus on QNI and Continental Cablevision Inc. of Boston form Quincy Cablevision, which began by serving cable subscribers in Quincy, Hamilton, and Keokuk, Iowa, in 1968.

QNI exited cable in 1974 to focus on the expansion of its TV broadcasting business.

QNI introduced television to the tri-state area with WGEM-TV.

1953

1962 Four-years-long construction began of a new building and renovations of an existing building at 5th and Jersey to house The Herald-Whig and QNI corporate offices.

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1965

1968 The company purchased the Hotel Quincy and began a four-year renovation effort of the hotel facility and the studios and offices of WGEMAM-FM and TV, which were housed in that building.

Main Feature | QU

QU’s commitment to deep learning and pursuit of deep success for its students shines in a cluttered, confusing world.

QU prepares its students to be engaged citizens in all aspects of life by cultivating their mind, body, and spirit. In addition, QU is a critical employer and powerful source of culture and intellectual opportunity for our larger region.

-Harold B. (Hal) Oakley, Current QU Board of Trustees Member

community involvement and public service because of its importance to the community.

Beginning in the 1970s, QNI began a major expansion into television. The company continued to expand and acquire stations and stations groups until 2019 under the executive leadership of Thomas A. Oakley, a fourth-generation family member, and Ralph M. Oakley, a fifth-generation family member.

The Oakley-Lindsay Foundation was established to support QNI’s communities.

1969

1969 QNI expands its newspaper operation, joining with a group of publishers to purchase the New Jersey Herald in Newton, N.J., and becoming the sole owner in 1985.

1970-2019

1995 Oakley-Lindsay Civic Center opened thanks in part to a gift from the Oakley-Lindsay Foundation, Lela Lindsay and Mary S. Oakley.

www.quincy.edu

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QU | Main Feature

M

embers of the Oakley family have graduated from QU, served on the board, led fundraising campaigns, funded the Oakley Family scholarship, taught classes, and contributed to the building of the university’s Health and Fitness Center in 2000 and the Quincy Media, Inc. Broadcast Studio in 2017.

“I hope people look at the myriad of ways that QU impacts our city and region, really in more ways than any other organization or institution,” said Ralph. “It provides opportunities in education, has religious application, is a major employer, provides cultural opportunities, entertainment, and athletics. There is almost no part of life on which it doesn’t have a positive impact.”

The personal, meaningful impact that a quality education can provide is priceless. I can’t imagine where Quincy would be without Quincy University from educational, economic, and moral standpoints. My QU education was crucial in building skills that allowed me to achieve much of what I’ve accomplished in my career.

-David Oakley Jr.

The connection to QU has also been very personal.

1984 graduate

The personal, meaningful impact that a quality education can provide is priceless.

The company began The company changed its name centralization of some operations QNI began to expand into to Quincy Media, Inc. to reflect of their stations making them various digital media platforms. its industry diversity. pioneers in that effort.

2000

Early 2000’s

2016

2021 Quincy Media sold the Quincy Herald-Whig and the Hannibal Courier-Post to Phillips Media Group and its television stations across 16 media markets to Gray Television, Inc.

Other Oakley family members, including Peter A. (Tony) Oakley and David R. Oakley, Sr. (both fourth generation), and Mary Oakley Winters (fifth generation), had executive roles at the company. David Oakley, Jr., Tim Oakley, Peter A. Oakley II, and Harold B. (Hal) Oakley (also fifth generation) and sixth-generation family members Tom Van Ness, Ben Van Ness, Dustin Hall, and Lesley Van Ness also had important roles with the company.

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Main Feature | QU

F

rom weddings in the QU Chapel, attending the Mart Heinen Christmas tournament games, or QU’s College for Kids in grade school, hosting QU faculty in their homes, to graduation, QU entwines into the hearts and lives of the Oakley family.

“My first memory of QU, Quincy College at the time, was when I was about three or four years old,” said David. “I was in the car with mom, and we drove on what was then Vine Street in front of the college. She pointed up the flight of stone steps to a beautiful brick building. She told me that my dad, David Sr. was up there working hard for us. It was a powerful memory for sure.”

The Oakley family recognizes the meaningful importance of QU. Through their gift, they want to invest in the next generation’s education and ensure future Hawks can create memories on the campus of QU. They want to see programs continue to improve and grow.

“We wish for the investment to further enhance the opportunities available for the students in the Oakley School of Business. QU’s business school is already producing excellent graduates. These resources will take the school to the next level,” said Hal. They also hope that their gift will inspire others to give and invest in the future of QU. “Our family’s gift to Quincy University will, hopefully, help the school continue to fulfill its educational mission in the Franciscan tradition. It will also help the school to grow, adding students and faculty over time which further enhances our region. I hope as well, our gift will encourage others to support QU,” said Ralph.

Scholarships New Resources Visionary Investment Student Finanical Aid The Oakley family has made a bold investment in Quincy University. Their gift will make a lasting impact on the decades and centuries to come.

FIRST and building on the family's previous and generous scholarship support of QU students, the Oakley family has made a major commitment to scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students in what has become the Oakley School of Business. With these scholarships, many future business students will become Oakley Scholars and have the opportunity to afford a QU education.

SECOND, the Oakley family gift will create important new resources for the students, faculty, and staff of the Oakley School, which will enhance faculty recruitment, aid in faculty development, and allow cutting-edge upgrades to multiple classrooms used for business courses.

THIRD the family has made a visionary investment in the next comprehensive fundraising campaign for the university.

By underwriting the work of fundraising, the Oakleys have helped us spread the good news about Quincy University and create the best possible future for QU, in which philanthropy promotes institutional excellence.

FOURTH the Oakley gift will help the university meet the immediate needs of students affected by the COVID-19 global pandemic. At a time when institutions like QU experienced many financial setbacks, the generosity of the Oakleys and other donors have sustained and strengthened our work with and for students.

In short, the Oakley family gift has transformed the present and future of Quincy University.

Theirs is and will continue to be a powerful legacy. www.quincy.edu

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QU | Academic Feature

Alumni Success Stories From the rudimentary courses first offered in 1867, the Oakley School of Business has evolved into a rigorous and challenging academic discipline within the broad context of a Franciscan liberal arts education, attracting a significant share of Quincy University students.

by Jen Wingerter ’13 Reflecting, she recognizes that she had many incredible experiences and people that helped her accomplish her plan and prepared her for where she is today.

Her parents instilled a strong work ethic, integrity, high character, and the space to accomplish what she set her mind to. She found a similar environment and values at QU that helped her transition from a successful student to having a successful career.

I

QU seeks to help students develop a clear vision for life, a desire for students to have physical and emotional strength rooted in Christian values, the courage to discover and actualize one’s potential, and to be decisive, thoughtful leaders. f there is one thing Jarja Phillips ’98 always had, it was a plan.

Upon arriving at QU, she worked hard to be a successful student-athlete and earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing.

She chose a field that offered versatility, long-term agility, and transferable skills across any industry.

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-Jarja Phillips 1998 graduate

One person, in particular, she gives credit to for changing the trajectory of her professional and personal life.

Academic Feature | QU “Professor Duckworth (Brenda Duckworth Bradford) demonstrated strong industry expertise of the marketing discipline with such depth and breadth,” said Phillips.

“She had a fascinating and effective teaching style, creating a learning environment that established a connection with each student for content mastery.”

While at QU, Phillips participated in the award-winning QU Free Enterprise (SIFE) team as an officer. The 1998 team, led

by Duckworth, competed in the Regional SIFE Competition and won every category they entered. As regional champions, the QU SIFE team competed at the National SIFE Exposition in Kansas City, Mo. It was there Phillips accepted a job offer from Walmart that began her 20-year career with the company.

“I was fortunate to receive a quality education and experiences that provided me the skills to work for some of the best Fortune 500 companies and become a successful human resource executive,” said Phillips. “I am so grateful for my time at QU.” During Phillip’s tenure at Walmart, she held multiple leadership positions spanning operations and human resources. Because Walmart believes in building cross-functional talent, Phillips transitioned from store operations, where she was responsible for managing people, merchandising, and multi-million profit and loss, into human resources, where she served as senior regional human resource business partner and the director of labor relations. After a successful career at Walmart, she worked for three years as a senior director of human resources at Comcast NBC Universal. In 2021, she accepted the position as the vice president of field human resources for Kohl’s Corporation, where she supports more than 80,000 associates across 1,166 stores.

QU helps transisiton individuals from successful students to having successful careers.

Newlin found the curriculum challenging and exciting. He enjoyed learning to run a business in his senior year experience class with Professor Magliari.

“That class was a great experience and preparation for life outside college,” said Newlin.

Part of what made the class so memorable was Professor Magliari.

Everyone called him Mags [Professor Magliari], and he had a passion for teaching and the success of students.

I was very sad to hear of his passing, but his legacy lives on in the students he influenced through the years.

F

or Cale Newlin ’07, QU was the perfect place to discover what career he wanted to pursue.

“I knew I wanted to do something in the business realm,” said Newlin. “One of the offensive lineman I played football with at QU was getting a finance degree, so I figured I would too. At least we would be in all the same classes and help each other out when studying for exams. We are best friends to this day. It was a great experience with fantastic professors, and if I could do it over again, I would make the same decision without hesitation.”

-Cale Newlin 2007 graduate

Newlin began his career as a compliance officer acting as an internal auditor and reviewing loans for a small community bank in Herrin, Ill. In 2014, the bank was purchased by another local commercial bank, and Newlin accepted a promotion as a commercial lender and, a short time later, to assistant vice president. He stayed at the bank until 2017, when he took a position as a commercial lender for a bank in Marion, Ill. In January 2021, he started with Murphy-Wall State Bank as its vice president of commercial lending. Newlin pivoted in January 2022 and accepted a position at Edward Jones. www.quincy.edu

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QU | Faculty Focus

Cynthia Haliemun, Dean Haliemun is dean of the Oakley School of Business at Quincy University, where she has been an associate professor for more than 20 years.

by Barbara Schleppenbach, PhD ’71

P

Please tell us about your education and career background, both before QU and since you have been here.

I came from Surabaya, Indonesia, where I worked for the University of WisconsinMadison project in the Surabaya Institute of Technology for three years. I graduated from Upper Iowa University with a bachelor's in business administration.

I received my MBA and master’s in international affairs from Ohio University and my doctorate in economics from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale.

I worked as a systems analyst with a corporation in Chevy Chase, Maryland, with many projects from the Federal Aviation Administration. Then I was a product manager for a telecommunication company in Silver Spring, Maryland.

In 1996, I became an assistant professor at Iowa Wesleyan College.

I joined the QU faculty in 1998. Besides economics, I also teach international business and operations research. I became the dean of the School of Business in 2009-2012, associate dean 2012-2013, and dean again since 2013. I have also directed the MBA since 2013.

I am a member of the American Economic Association (AEA), American Business Women Association (ABWA), and the Association for Integrity and Responsible Leadership in Economics and Associated Professions (AIRLEAP).

-Cynthia Haliemun Dean of the Oakley School of Business

Cynthia Haliemun has directed the Masters of Business Administration since 2013.

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Faculty Focus | QU

Haliemun's involvement with YP enables QU CEO members to participate in YP activities.

Y

ou are well known for working with student organizations in the Business Program.

What are some highlights of that experience?

As the advisor of the CEO Club (Collegiate Entrepreneurs’ Organization), I set the agenda to include fundraising, workshops, activities with YP (Young Professionals) as a partner, and visiting companies.

A highlight of this experience is hosting local speakers (in-class and virtual).

We have also attended the CEO National Conferences, where students networked with like-minded entrepreneurs from different schools, were mentored by seasoned experts and competed in business competitions.

H

ow does participation in organizations prepare students for their careers?

Participation in organizations helps students develop life-long skills, such as teamwork, successful goalsetting, leadership, critical thinking, time management, and intellectual competence.

For example, the main project of the CEO Club is the annual Halloween Haunted House. Students are divided into functional groups to make the event successful.

They take leadership roles and learn to be accountable in managing various aspects of business organizations.

W

hat are some of the innovations you are proud of in your career as Dean of the Oakley School of Business?

BUS 300 (Business Fundamentals) is a new 5-credit hour course offered without charge to non-business majors who want to learn about the basics of business.

Starting in Fall 2021, we launched a major in Business Analytics.

Business analytics help organizations to reduce risk by making decisions based on available data such as customer preferences and trends.

By leveraging data, businesses can better understand consumer behavior and can gain insight into their competitors.

Since 2019, the MBA program has offered four concentrations: General MBA, Organizational Leadership, Operations Management, and Health Care Administration. Each concentration can be completed within one year.

T

ell us about representing QU through your involvement in the area community.

I am involved in and have previously served as chair of Quincy Tri-State Counselors to America’s Small Businesses (SCORE), a nonprofit organization and a resource partner of the Small Business Administration (SBA) that offers free and confidential mentoring and resources to aspiring business owners. Quincy Area Chamber of Commerce also supports SCORE. I am affiliated with YP (Young Professionals), which enables QU CEO members to participate in YP activities.

On October 4, 2021, I was appointed as a member of the Mid-America Intermodal Port District Board by Governor J.B. Pritzker. The purpose of the port district is to foster economic growth in the tri-state area (Illinois, Missouri, and Iowa) by developing intermodal ports on the Mississippi and Illinois rivers making the region a strong logistics location.

www.quincy.edu

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QU | Faculty Briefs

Faculty JENNIFER BREEDEN, MBA, visiting assistant professor of business,

presented for the Association of Supply Chain Management (ASCM) webinar series in November 2021. In the webinar, “Getting Real About Driver Retention - The Need for a Culture Shift in the Trucking Industry,” Breeden discussed the challenge of driver retention and turnover and shared strategies for greater retention. The Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM) is the global leader and the largest nonprofit association in supply chain organizational transformation, innovation, and leadership.

JOE COELHO, PhD, professor of biology, recently authored a paper entitled “Sex, Bugs and Rock ‘n’ Roll: Insects in Music Videos”. The study examines music videos on YouTube for insect content. The study found that the most common insects seen in music videos were butterflies and moths. The study’s data indicates by the types of insects shown, the themes represented, and the success of insect music videos that human attitudes toward insects are trending toward more positive values, especially relative to those in early horror films, which were exclusively designed to convey horror.

DAVID COSTIGAN, DA, emeritus professor of history, recently authored

the book A City in Wartime: Quincy, Illinois and the Civil War. The text examines the impact of the Civil War on Quincy, Illinois. In 1860, Quincy was the third-largest city in Illinois and situated on the Mississippi River across from slave state Missouri, thus exposing it to the uncertainties and potential strife of a border region. The book considers factors such as how the city served as a muster and training site for white and black troops and as a port of entry for blacks fleeing the South. It also looks at the economic downturn and growth during the war and the political leaders who were an influence on a national level that came from Quincy

CHRISTINE DAMM, DMA, dean of the school of fine arts and

communication, presented the lecture “Clarinet Articulation: Taking the Guess Work out of Tonguing” at the Iowa Music Educators Conference on November 18, 2021. The Iowa Music Educators Conference is a professional development conference for K-12 music educators across the state of Iowa.

The lecture was geared towards band directors and focused on simple yet effective ways to help clarinet students develop their articulation. Damm presented common errors students make in the articulation process and ways to fix the errors. Exercises to create clean, crisp, and fast articulations were demonstrated.

CINDY LOVELL, PhD, adjunct professor of English, with Jane Govani,

PhD, co-authored the textbook Preparing the Way: Teaching ELs in the Pre-K – 12 Classroom, published by Kendall Hunt Publishing. Lovell authored the afterword for the book 101 Trailblazing Women of Air and Space: Aviators and Astronauts by Penny Hamilton, published by Mountaintop Legacy Press.

Lovell was a presenter at the virtual program for the Mark Twain House and Museum in Hartford, Conn. She also presented at the Flordia Association of Teacher Educators, the World Federation of Associations of Teacher Education 6th Biennial Conference (Houston, Tex.), and the Sunshine State TESOL Florida Virtual Conference.

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Briefs ELISA MAHONEY, MS, MBA, director of sport management and assistant professor of sport management, recently completed her MBA from QU with a focus on organizational leadership.

LAVANYA MANDAVA, PhD, assistant professor of computer science and

cybersecurity coordinator, participated in the 10-week SEED cybersecurity workshop in summer 2021. Designed for instructors, the workshop participants improved their hands-on skills in cybersecurity and learned how to do actual attacks (in a contained environment) and defenses, therefore having hands-on activities to incorporate into the courses and labs they teach.

ROBERT MANNING, PhD, dean of the school of humanities and professor of philosophy, presented “The Return of the Irresponsible Subject” at an online conference in July 2021 at the annual conference of the North American Levinas Society.

Several works of Quincy University’s ROBERT LEE MEJER, distinguished professor of art, have been selected for exhibitions. Mejer’s monotype assemblegraph print Variant 1-PC #26 received honorable mention, and his watercolor Take PC Open Book #2 received third place at the Illinois State Fair Professional Art Exhibition in Springfield, Ill. in August 2021. Juror, Illinois artist Ken Call selected Mejer’s watercolor Take PC #18-Revisited for inclusion in the Missouri Watercolor Society 2021 International Exhibition held in St Louis at the MOWS Gallery. Director and Co-Owner of Universal Limited Editions, Larissa Goldston selected Mejer’s watercolor Take PC Open Book #3 for inclusion in the Cimarron National Works on Paper Exhibition at the Gardiner Gallery of Art at Oklahoma State University Bartlet Center, in Stillwater, Okla.

St. Louis artist and faculty member of Webster University and the Univerity of Missouri-Columbia, Marilynne Bradley, selected Mejer’s watercolor Take PC#46 for the Steven Viorel Merit Award in the Hannibal Art Club 57th Annual 2021 Originale Professional Division. William Butler, executive director of the Contemporary Art Center of Peoria, Ill. has invited Mejer to have a One Person Exhibition at the center in summer 2022. Despina Tunberg, the curator of World Wide Promotion, Inc., selected Mejer’s watercolor Variant: The Dance Around to appear in the online art magazine World Wide Art. Juror Christina Lucas, the exhibition’s curator at the Pearce Museum of Corsicana, selected Majer’s watercolor college Pinball for inclusion into the Water Media National Juried Exhibition at the Dallas Metro Arts Contemporary. International artist John Salminen chose Mejer’s watercolor Take PC#29 for inclusion in Pittsburgh Watercolor Society 75th Aqueous International Open.

The Indianapolis Art Center selected Mejer’s prints Shuffle Dance and Variant 1- PC#26 for exhibition in the 2021 Artwork Maifest New Editions: a Printmaking Exhibition.

www.quincy.edu

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QU | Class Notes

’50s

Hawks Soar Dennis Trame ’66

Honored for Service to Mater Dei Catholic High School Following the boy’s basketball game on February 8, 2020, Dennis Trame was honored for serving Mater Dei High School in Breese, Ill., since 1966. In addition to announcing the retirement of #23, Trame’s baseball and basketball number, from all athletic programs, the building that houses two gymnasiums and the music room has been named the Dennis V. Trame Center. Trame served as athletic director, head baseball and basketball coach, and history teacher during his 50 years at Mater Dei.

Harold "Dutch" O'Connell ’55 sadly reports the passing of his wife, Patricia, on March 2, 2020, in Lorton, Va. Murrie Powers Donovan ’56 sadly reports the passing of her husband John (Bud), on December 6, 2021, in Green Bay, Wis. Sharon Mosher Akright ’59 sadly reports the passing of her husband, Charles, on November 3, 2021, in Quincy.

Robert Dolph ’59 sadly reports the passing of his wife, Jeanne Goodpaster Dolph ’61, on December 5, 2021, in Orland Park, Ill.

’60s At Dennis Trame Recognition Night, held February 8, 2020, Mr. Trame is pictured with his family (front from left) grandson Carson, daughter Jessica ‘89, wife Cary, son Chris ‘91; (back from left) son-in-law Boyd, grandson Quinn, granddaughters Avery and Madelyn, grandson Braden, and daughter-in-law Danielle.

Patricia (Trish) Highland ’71

Recipient of the 2021 Women in Sports Leadership Award Orlando Sports Association recently recognized Trish Highland for her storied 30-year career as an interscholastic athletic administrator.

From being the first female high school athletic director in the 6A classification in the state of Florida to overseeing the overall athletic programs of two prominent school districts – Orange County Public Schools and Lake County Schools – Highland exemplifies the word leader.

The Women in Sports Leadership Award recognizes leaders who have helped make the sports industry in Greater Orlando the success it is today. It is an honor reserved for those who have given their time, energy, and passion to improving the industry and taking it in new directions.

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Ronald Sommer ’61 retired after practicing law for almost 55 years in Tucson, Arizona. He and his wife Dee now spend time visiting their children and grandchildren in various parts of the country, along with some international traveling.

Dennis Trame ’66 was honored by Mater Dei high school in Breese, Ill., for his service to the school since 1966. The building that houses the gymnasiums and music room was named the Dennis V. Trame Center.

Denis Yoggerst ’66 sadly reports the passing of his wife, Cheryl, on October 1, 2021, in Ogden, Utah.

a memoir of his teaching days as a secondary English teacher and a guide to good teaching. He was a member of Quincy College's national soccer championship team in 1966.

Currently, he lives with his wife Deborah in Charlotte, North Carolina.

’70s

Nancy Selig Wells ’70 sadly reports the passing of her husband, James, on October 21, 2021, in Quincy.

Eugene ’71 and Barbara Rose Delleart ’71 celebrated 51 years of marriage on December 19, 2021.

They have three sons and six grandchildren.

Patricia Highland ’71 was given the Women in Sports Leadership Award by The Greater Orlando Sports Commission in September 2021.

Mike Fonck ’72 and his wife, Cindy Powers-Fonck ’73 are both retired and residing in Mishawaka, Ind. They spend most of their time traveling, with their grandkids, or staying involved in their church.

David ’72 and Ann Messick Reis ’71 sadly report the passing of their son, Brian, on November 7, 2021, in Quincy.

Fr. Henry Willenborg, OFM ’72 sadly reports the passing of his mother, Shirley, on November 10, 2021, in Effingham, Ill.

James Purdy ’69 and his wife Debbie celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary on August 20, 2021.

Martin Settle ’69 recently published a book called Teaching during the Jurassic: Wit and Wisdom from an Old Hippie Teacher. The book is both

Linda Martin Myers ’75 is now retired after working for 38 years at St. Peter School.

Class Notes | QU

Linda Martin Myers ’75 is now a widow and retired after working for 38 years at St. Peter School as a teacher. She is now working parttime as a substitute teacher's aide at St. Peter School.

Susan Oczkowski ’75 sadly reports the passing of her mother on November 2, 2021.

Kenneth Wilhelm ’75 will retire in July 2022 as executive director of the United Way of Central Oregon after 34 years of service.

Kathleen Miller Connor ’76, Maureen Miller Radice ’79, & Mary Ellen Miller Dunn ’80 sadly report the passing of their mother, Colette Miller, on August 19, 2021.

Jeanne Boesen Stefanowski ’77 and Donna Boesen Stark ’81 sadly report the passing of their mother, Marjorie Boesen, on August 18, 2021, in Wilmette, Ill.

’80s

Joy Newbanks Vandenboom ’81 sadly reports the passing of her husband, Dale, on December 3, 2021, in Quincy.

Eileen Fortini Morehouse ’83 and her husband Kim are both retired after working in Washington, D.C. for 30 years, and have moved to Michigan to be closer to family.

Joseph Newkirk ’86 was elected to the board of directors of the Quincy Museum and is currently serving his second term on the board of the Historical Society of Quincy and Adams County.

’90s

Kathy Atkins Baum ’91 and her husband Jim celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on September 27 in Quincy.

Paula Hannant ’93 retired from Blessing Hospital after 45 years of service.

Todd Eyler ’95 and Kristin Wheeler Eyler ’94 celebrated their 25th anniversary on August 3, 2021.

Tony Graves ’95 graduated summa cum laude from the executive MBA program of the University of Missouri, Columbia in May 2021.

Martin Schafer ’95 is the chief distribution officer for Ethos Life Insurance Services.

Teaching During the Jurassic: Wit and Wisdom from an Old Hippie Teacher

Martin Settle ’69 is a writer and an assemblage artist. Settle taught English for over 32 years, 15 years as a secondary school teacher at several high schools in the Midwest and the South, followed by 17 years at UNC Charlotte. He has a bachelor’s in English from Quincy College, a master’s in communications from the University of Illinois, and a master’s in English from UNC Charlotte.

Teaching during the Jurassic: Wit and Wisdom from an Old Hippie Teacher is a memoir in the vein of Bill Bryson's A Walk in the Woods.

Instead of the Appalachian Trail, we follow all the twists and turns of Martin Settle's teaching career, from his first approach to teaching as a hippie subversive to his eventual triumph as a self-actualized person.

Part memoir, part teaching guide, this book charts the "Jurassic" period of teaching - no personal computers, no cell phones, no internet, and the introduction of new social movements in the classroom (women's rights, civil rights, and gay rights). Settle addresses some of the universals of the profession - how to deal with administrators, behavioral problems in the classroom, the outsider student, the psychologically dangerous student, and more.

Hawks Stay Connected

QU Alumni Services would like your feedback!

Events held on campus, virtually, and in cities across the country are a great opportunity to meet up with friends, make new ones, and stay connected with QU. Joseph Newkirk ’86 was elected to the board of directors of the Quincy Museum.

Have an idea for an alumni event?

Interested in hosting an event? Tell us!

Your input will allow us to continue to create as many interesting and educational events as possible. We invite you to contact Amanda Summers, coordinator of community relations at a.summers41@quincy.edu and share your ideas.

For all the latest alumni events and to find an event in your area go to quincy.edu/alumni/events. In addition to our website, be sure to follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram!

Send us your news!

Have news of a wedding, birth, promotion, award, anniversary, retirement, or mission trip? Tell us your story at quincy.edu/alumni/ update-profile.

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QU | Class Notes

’10s

April Thomas-Powell ’96 graduated with her Ph.D. in Education and Educational Leadership from Oakland University.

Dr. William Duke ’97 has been an assistant football coach at various schools throughout mid-Missouri over the last 15 years and was recently appointed the head football coach of the Tipton Cardinals in Tipton, Missouri. Bill and his wife, Amy Gartner Duke '97 have a son, Jacob, who is attending QU and is part of the Hawk football team.

Paul Sprovieri and Dr. Bridgette Fenton Sprovieri, both ’98, celebrated 20 years of marriage in November 2021. They recently adopted three children, making them a family of seven. Bridgette also recently received her doctorate in educational leadership from NIU.

’00s

Alana Jordan Wright ’02 and her husband Guy converted a school bus to an RV and their family is traveling the US this year.

Fr. Michael Berndt ’10 is the parochial vicar of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Parish in Effingham, Ill. Jeremy Heneghan ’10 is the manager of the Grafton branch of Jersey State bank.

Aron Lee ’10 is the chief operations officer at Douglass Community Services in Hannibal.

Daniel Pedraza ’14 and Gabriela Reyes Casadiego were married on September 11, 2021, in Chicago.

Gary Olson ’08 is the assistant general manager for the Peoria Chiefs. He joined their staff in September 2021.

Pablo Ortega ’12 is the director of equity and family engagement for the Lake Washington School District in Kirkland, Wash.

Anjay Marie Clark ’13 is a special education teacher with the Quincy public schools.

Alana Jordan Wright ’02 and her husband Guy converted a school bus to an RV and their family is traveling the US this year.

Ryan Walker ’07 and Kari Bakken Walker ’06 announce the birth of Maddyn Walker on February 19, 2017, in Spartansburg, S.C. Maddyn joined big brothers Mason, Marcus, and Myles. Ryan is the varsity boys’ basketball coach for North Myrtle Beach High School.

Stephanie Reynolds Dunker ’12 is the Ralls County service coordinator at the North East Community Action Corporation (NECAC) in New London, Mo.

Ryan Walker ’07 is the varsity boys’ basketball coach for North Myrtle Beach High School.

James Behrens ’14 and Madalynn Deming Behrens ’14 welcomed their son Hank on March 5, 2021, in Quincy. Hank joins his big sister, Wren.

ARE YOU A HIGH SCHOOL TEACHER OR COUNSELOR?

Let us know and we will send your class a Hawk Box filled with information on QU and swag items for you and your students.

Fill out the form at https://forms.gle/fc9bKLzruQiZ4YZv5 James Behrens ’14 and Madalynn Deming Behrens ’14 welcomed their son Hank on March 5, 2021, in Quincy.

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QUniverse | Spring 2022

Class Notes | QU

WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT WHAT FELLOW ALUMNI ARE DOING?

The Class Notes section allows alumni to share the news of their professional achievements and significant life events.

Publication of announcements provided to us by alumni does not imply an endorsement by the university.

Announcements are published without independent confirmation of the accuracy of the information provided.

Subscribe to Quincy University's alumni podcast From the Hawks Nest, showcasing alumni and student stories, Franciscan perspectives, and all the new and exciting things happening on campus.

You can listen to From the Hawks Nest on Apple Podcast, Spotify, and Google Podcasts.

Clayton Liesen ’14 and Kristina Imbrescia were married on April 17, 2021, in Boston, Mass. Clayton recently graduated from the Harvard School of Dental Medicine and has returned to Quincy to open River City Endodontics.

Daniel Pedraza ’14 and Gabriela Reyes Casadiego were married on September 11, 2021, in Chicago.

Daniel is a patient relations liaison for Northwestern Medicine.

Julianne Touhy ’15 was chosen by the Professional Convention Management Association Foundation (PCMA) for 20 in their Twenties class of 2022.

Year, 2021 GLVC Baseball ScholarAthlete of the Year, and 2021 D2CCA Midwest Region Pitcher of the Year.

Jessica Howell ’17 is the director of campus ministry at QU.

David Spillman ’20 and Lydia Martens ’21 were married on May 29, 2021.

Jamie Lynn Jenkins ’17 is the SOM program coordinator for SIU School of Medicine.

Brandilee Jarrett Winget ’20 and her husband Ryan welcomed son MacArthur on September 7, 2021.

Dominique Lloyd ’17 will be completing her doctorate degree in clinical forensic psychology in May 2022, from The Chicago School of Professionals (Los Angeles campus).

’20s

Erin Enger ’20 is an admin/ receptionist for Auto Detail STL in Saint Louis.

Brandilee Jarrett Winget '20 and her husband Ryan welcomed son MacArthur on September 7, 2021, in Quincy.

Riley Martin ’20 was drafted by the Chicago Cubs in the 2021 Major League Baseball draft. Riley had been voted the 2021 GLVC Pitcher of the

Kylee Schanbacher ’21 and Brandon Zeiger were engaged on December 18, 2021.

Kylee Schanbacher ’21 and Brandon Zeiger were engaged on December 18, 2021. www.quincy.edu

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QU | Class Notes

New Campus Landmark Quincy University dedicated a new campus street clock in honor of Phil Conover Quincy University dedicated a new campus street clock in honor of Phil Conover’s, MA, president emeritus, for his outstanding, distinguished, and extended service to the university as a volunteer, trustee, and president.

“Phil Conover has made many profoundly important contributions to Quincy University over a long and distinguished career,” said Brian McGee, Ph.D., the university’s current president. “This beautiful new clock will be a permanent tribute to Phil’s many accomplishments at QU. No president in QU’s history made better use of his time than Phil Conover.”

Are you thinking about ways to protect your future? There’s one simple way you can ensure the people and causes you value are looked after creating your estate plan. Quincy University has partnered with FreeWill to give our community access to a free estate planning tool. Within just 20 minutes, you can protect the people you love and even support the future of Quincy through a planned gift.

Take advantage of this opportunity and get peace of mind by visiting

FreeWill.com/QuincyUniversity

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QUniverse | Spring 2022

Class Notes | QU

IN MEMORIAM Henry Franklin (Hank) Constantino ’50

Henry Franklin (Hank) Constantino, 94, passed away on October 15, 2021, in Southport, NC. Hank was born on May 22, 1927, to Samuel and Marian (Wiskirchen) Constantino in Quincy, Ill. After graduating from Quincy Notre Dame High School, he enlisted at the local Naval Enlistment Center and served in the United States Navy as a Seaman, 2nd Class.

Following WWII, Hank enrolled at Quincy College. His success on the Quincy College football team later earned him a place in the QU Sports Hall of Fame. He continued his education, earning his master’s in education from the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana.

After working in education for a year, he pivoted and began a career in business as a salesman at F.M. Stamper Co., where he eventually accepted the position of national sales manager.

In 1965, Hank founded the Constantino Brokerage Company (CBC), one of the most successful and innovative brokerage businesses in the Midwest, headquartered in St. Louis with offices in three states and annual sales of one hundred million dollars.

He co-founded and headed the drive to build the St. Louis Eye Hospital, co-sponsored the NASCAR Junior JohnsonBudweiser Racing Car, founded BIO-KINGDOM focused on outdoor products, and founded UKON LLC, a waste-to-energy startup.

Hank served as a member of the Quincy College Board of Directors and helped raise critical funding for the institution, commemorated in the iconic "Windows to the Future" monument located on campus today.

Hank was a devout Catholic. He was the devoted husband of Jill P. (Harley) Constantino; beloved father of Larry (Debbie), John (Michele), Paul (Julie) Constantino, and Mary Ellen Scherl; a grandfather (Poppy) to eleven and great-grandfather to one.

www.quincy.edu

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QU | Class Notes

IN MEMORIAM Kathlyn "Kay" Step Dodds ’47 on January 29, 2021, Quincy.

Kathleen McLean Kelahan ’59 on October 2, 2021, Madison, N.J.

Josephine Affre ’48 on November 18, 2021, Quincy.

Robert Pfyl ’59 on November 11, 2021, Saint Louis.

Fr. Vincent Elsen, OFM ’49 on November 10, 2021, Alton, Ill.

Judith Finley Durbin ’62 on March 21, 2020, Oklahoma City, Okla.

Henry "Hank" Constantino ’50 on October 15, 2021, Southport, N.C.

Rudolph "Rudy" Knappmeyer ’63 on December 24, 2021, Shabbona, Ill.

David E. Gudermuth ’51 on October 15, 2020, Saint Louis, Mo.

Charles H. Bloss ’64 on July 12, 2020, Minneapolis, Minn.

Michael F. O'Brien ’51 on July 5, 2021, Mount Prospect, Ill.

Fr. Charles Gunti, OFM ’64 on December 11, 2021, San Antonio, Tex.

William J. Harte ’54 on November 17, 2021, Chicago.

David R. Oakley, Sr. ’64 on January 22, 2022, Quincy.

Thomas Hirschinger ’55 on August 21, 2021, Wadsworth, Ohio

Allen Trochowski ’64 on June 1, 2021, Schaumburg, Ill.

Christine Gehrt Wynar ’55 on June 28, 2021, Kansas City, Mo.

Katherine Rosich ’65 on July 5, 2021, Washington, D.C.

John Engelmeyer ’56 on January 6, 2022, Quincy.

Mary Ann Vahle Logal ’66 on November 27, 2021, Joplin Mo.

Roger E. Venvertloh ’57 on November 29, 2021, Saint Peters, Mo.

Patrice Sheahen Johannes ’67 on April 16, 2021, Wauwatosa, Wis.

Roger Elmer Venvertloh ’57 Roger Elmer Venvertloh, age 87, of Saint Charles, Mo., passed away on Monday, November 29, 2021, in Saint Peters, Missouri.

He was born in Quincy, Ill., on May 21, 1934, to Edward and Zeta Venvertloh (nee Grawe).

Roger was a Tax Manager at McDonnell Douglas.

Roger was a faithful member of the Knights of Columbus, a Quincy Notre Dame High School Hall of Fame member, and a graduate of Quincy University. He supported all of the educational institutions that he attended and many other charities.

He served on the QU National Alumni Board and was named the Bill O'Donnel Distinguished Alumni of the Year in 2017.

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QUniverse | Spring 2022

He and his wife, Mary Kay (Wayman) ’57 Venvertloh, established the Roger Venvertloh Scholarship in 2019.

Roger and Mary Kay were married in the QU Chapel in 1998.

He was the devoted father of three children shared with his late wife Anita (Glossmeyer) Venvertloh, daughter, Lisa (Jim) McCullough; son, Keith Venvertloh; son, Kurt (Jeanette) Venvertloh; a grandfather to many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Class Notes | QU

Fr. William Cardy, OFM ’68 on November 5, 2021, Saint Louis.

Patrick Fitzgerald ’75 on October 6, 2021, Hinsdale, Ill.

Sr. Darlene Huck, CPPS ’69 on January 19, 2022, O'Fallon, Mo.

Michael Marshall ’76 on July 30, 2021, Quincy.

Charles R. Loftus ’69 on November 19, 2021, Chicago.

Roger Grawe ’79 on January 11, 2022, Eau Claire, Wis.

John Kearney ’70 on January 16, 2022, Boise, Idaho.

Stephen J. Stump ’79 on August 21, 2021, Iowa City, Iowa.

Xavier Kestler ’71 on December 2, 2021, Cleveland, Ohio.

Sr. Eileen Fuchs ’81 on August 26, 2021, Dubuque, Iowa.

Melvin E. "Gene" Koch ’71 on July 11, 2021, Quincy.

Juaneta Johnson Schluckebier ’81 on January 8, 2022, Palmyra, Mo.

Jacqueline Bean Garkie ’72 on July 28, 2021, Quincy.

Stephen Hendren ’83 on August 7, 2021, Rochester, Ill.

Thomas Stowell ’73 on June 19, 2021, Quincy.

Kathleen Lavery Neuser ’86 on June 17, 2021, Quincy.

Shirley Richmiller Williams ’73 on October 1, 2021, Hannibal, Mo.

Danita Kenady Harpole ’10 on September 28, 2021, New Canton, Ill.

Alan Lee Arp ’74 on January 15, 2022, Quincy.

Mashawn Plummer ’15 on December 21, 2021, Chicago.

Michael Koeberlein ’74 on November 11, 2021, Effingham, Ill.

David R Oakley, Sr. ’64 David R Oakley, Sr., 81, passed away on January 22, 2022, in Quincy, Ill. He was born on April 10, 1940.

Dave worked at the Quincy Herald-Whig in the Classified Advertising department, in sales, as a manager, and then as General Advertising Manager.

During that period, Dave was involved in the local Chapter of Sales Marketing and Management and The Quincy Chamber of Commerce. In 1973, Oakley became General Manager of Quincy Broadcasting Company, including WGEM TV and Radio.

In 1984, Oakley founded the consulting business Satisfaction Guaranteed, which focused on sales management, management training and consulting, personal business development, and marketing and management. Local clientele included Niemann Foods, Penn Daniels, Knaphiede Manufacturing, Kirlins, Coca Cola Bottling, Hardee's, and political campaigns.

Dave was the devoted husband to Mary Kane Oakley, his bride of 62 years; father to five children, David (Theresa) Oakley, Michael (Virginia) Oakley, Timothy (Denise), Susan (Vincent) Gauthier, and Catherine (Gary) Bunce; a grandfather to fourteen grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Dave graduated from Quincy College with honors and was a faithful supporter and advocate for his alma mater.

He volunteered with St. Mary Hospital, United Way, and Transitions of Western Illinois.

www.quincy.edu

39

Beliv Dreams

ruoy ni

“Growing up in a rural town in Missouri does not offer one much exposure to diversity. Through music, I have been exposed to many glorious aspects of life.”

Schulz has worked hard and persevered to excel in music which has afforded many opportunities. Through those experiences, he learned there is so much more to the world than the town where you grew up.

Schulz is busy on campus as a member of the symphonic band, marching band, jazz band, choir, children’s opera, chamber choir and serves on the residence life and orientation teams.

“Because of scholarships, I am able to concentrate on what is important to me, education.”

After graduation, Schulz plans to teach and pursue a master’s degree in music.

Schulz is the recipient of the Judy (Perko) Meinze Music Scholarship and the Orville and Rose Ryan Acholarship.

Colby Schulz ’24 Philadelphia, MO Vocal and Instrumental Education Major

Support a Dream

Invest in a student today.

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

41

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

After growing up in a small town in Illinois, QU was the perfect fit.

“QU WAS THE RIGHT SMALL LIBERAL ARTS COLLEGE to help me grow and find my niche,” said Mary Kay Beiermann ’68.

“My science classes at QU provided a SOLID ANALYTICAL FOUNDATION for my career in medical laboratory science,” said Mary Kay. “Equally important, the required liberal arts courses helped open up a BROADER VIEW OF LIFE.” After graduation, Mary Kay REMAINED CONNECTED to her alma mater. She felt that future students should have the same opportunities she had while on campus.

Mary Kay served 22 years as program director for the School of Clinical Laboratory Science at Mercy Hospital in St. Louis. As program director, she worked with Dr. John Natalini to develop an affiliation with QU PROVIDING INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES for QU majors who lived or wanted to reside in the St. Louis area.

"This affiliation provided an annual excuse for me to visit my alma mater, talk to the students, and see how the CAMPUS WAS MODERNIZING to meet the evolving needs of the students," said Mary Kay. She hopes that through her support of QU, she might enable another student with limited means to help REALIZE THEIR DREAM of going to college.

“I WAS FORTUNATE TO QUALIFY for an academic scholarship to attend QU; without it, I probably wouldn't have been able to go to college,” said Mary Kay. “One of my classmates, John McCaffrey, kicked off the idea of a class scholarship at our 50th QU reunion, thus was born the Class of '68 Scholarship that hopefully inspires other members of our graduating class to give back if they can,” she said.

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

QU ALUMNI FOCUS

Mary Kay Beiermann ’68 St. Louis, Missouri