Alumni and friends are investing in Quincy University because they believe in its direction and its future. Their generosity helps ensure a high-quality education rooted in faith, personal attention, and opportunity—and carries the University’s mission forward.
“Quincy University is a place where a daily surprise or adventure is the rule, not the exception.”
The life of Quincy University’s president is never dull.
No two days are alike. True, the academic year has its own recurring events, from our opening student convocation to homecoming to commencement. But meetings and special events with students, faculty, staff, alumni, community members, and various friends of the university mean that, as president, I better be able to switch from one topic to another as the day progresses.
The one near-certainty throughout the week is that I usually wear a suit. Presidents rarely get to dress down.
Two examples might illustrate the range of my activities as president. First, while traveling to Washington, DC, recently for the annual meeting of the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities, I joined the presidents of St. Bonaventure University and Siena University for a rare event.
Following the consolidation in 2023 of almost all the U.S. provinces of the Order of Friars Minor – the Franciscans –into a single province, QU became one of the three primarily undergraduate universities sponsored by this new province. On January 31, 2026, each university’s president signed an agreement with the Provincial Minister, Br. Larry Hayes, OFM, formally recognizing our relationship. For Quincy University, this was our first formal agreement with the Franciscans since 1978! I am delighted that we will continue the great Catholic and Franciscan tradition of this wonderful institution for the decades and centuries to come.
Second, our students know that I am a great fan of the food and community found in the Quincy University cafeteria, which has had major renovations in the past decade. I rarely walk out of the cafeteria without a soft-serve ice cream cone.
For the past several years, and once each semester, the cafeteria team gives me the opportunity to serve my favorite meal, chicken and waffles, to hundreds of students, staff, and faculty. Each diner gets to pick waffle toppings, including chocolate chips, cookie fragments, chocolate syrup, whipped cream, fresh fruit, and powdered sugar. Honey mustard is also available for the fried chicken strips.
Every lucky person in our food line gets the opportunity for a “McGee special,” made just the way I eat my chicken and waffles. So, which toppings do I select?
All of them. Yum.
Being president comes with a few privileges, after all.
The current issue of QUniverse should give you a strong sense of the good things happening at Quincy University. The story of Mikenna and Mia Ham reminds us, across the generations, of the life lessons in servant-leadership available at QU. Other articles honor our graduates and alumni for their individual achievements. You’ll also get a peek at what’s happening in campus ministry and with our newest academic programs in such disciplines as mechanical engineering and occupational therapy.
So, please spend some time with this issue of our favorite magazine. You’ll find that Quincy University is a place where a daily surprise or adventure is the rule, not the exception.
Sincerely,
Brian McGee, PhD President
Br. Larry Hayes and Brian McGee signing ceremony January 2026
Editor: Chris Brennemann, PhD
Contributors: Miriam Hermann
Brian McGee, PhD
Dan Queathem
Barbara Schleppenbach, PhD ‘71
Matt Schuckman
Shane Wingerter ‘17
Graphic Designer: Jenny Willingham
Photographers: Bianca Hill
Jim Lawrence Picture This Sandy Trudell ‘94
QUniverse is published to serve the interests of Quincy University and its programs. Send all correspondence to: QUniverse Quincy University 1800 College Ave. Quincy, IL 62301-2699 qualumni@quincy.edu
ham
mikenna & mia
QU Students Embrace Franciscan Spirit of Servant Leadership
As lacrosse team captains, Mikenna and Amelia (Mia) push themselves and their teammates to be better every day. Mikenna says, “I have to trust in myself, my teammates and my coach that we have prepared for every game day and are capable enough to go out and represent QU.”
by Chris Brennemann, PhD
Mikenna and Mia Ham are QU seniors. Both are pursuing careers in the health sciences field. They are teammates on the women’s lacrosse team, and both are committed to the Franciscan mission of serving others.
As twin sisters, Mia and Mikenna’s similarities are obvious in their physical presence and in their values and their commitment to excel.
They attribute their athleticism and competitive nature to their parents who met at QU. Their dad is a QU alumnus who played baseball. Mikenna says, “Our parents are both extremely hard working, and both were coaches. Their dedication to sports and their work ethic really shaped my sisters and me into the people we are today.” Mia adds, “My father has always taught me to master the mundane and to commit myself fully to something.”
Mia adds that her sisters are also huge influencing factors in her life. “They were always a source of competition growing up, and it has been a privilege to play lacrosse with my twin sister in college.”
Mikenna and Mia are motivated by the competitive nature of lacrosse and by improving their game and building the program. Mia says that she was drawn into the sport of lacrosse because of the similarities between lacrosse and other sports she played growing up. “I love practicing and becoming my best self, but it is all in an effort to benefit the team I play for.”
Mikenna says that the best thing about lacrosse has been playing alongside her sister and building lifelong friendships. “I also love to win and am grateful to have the opportunity to help grow this amazing program at QU.”
I love practicing and becoming my best self, but it is all in an effort to benefit the team I play for.
-Mia Ham
To say that Mikenna and Mia Ham are exceptional leaders would be an understatement. They embody everything it takes to be a leader, both on and off the field. Over the past four years, I have had the privilege of watching them grow into the gracious, resilient, and respected leaders they are today.
They are the first people to say thank you, embodying our team motto, “We Get To,” emphasizing that every day is a privilege. Mia even leads us in our pregame prayer, giving thanks for the opportunity to be a part of our family.
Both have faced many injuries, Mikenna with a season-ending one last year. However, her attitude never wavered, becoming another positive supportive voice on the sidelines for her team. As two-year captains, Mikenna and Mia, have earned the trust and respect of their teammates through their actions and words.
The Hams have left their mark on our program and within the Quincy community. There is no doubt they will continue to make an impact in their future endeavors.
-Abbie Belknap Women’s Lacrosse Head Coach
What has QU provided that stands out the most?
Quincy has provided so many chances for connection. If I had never gone to QU, I would not have connected with God, I would not have met some of the best friends a person could have, I would not have felt a sense of community and be connected with my University in so many ways.
-Mia Ham service
The Hams commitment to their sport is also evident in how they prioritize and value a life of service and giving back to others.
Through her involvement with Campus Ministry, Mia initiated forming a group for women students who meet regularly for Bible study and fellowship and service events. She and Mikenna formed Sisters of St. Clare, a club that represents the Franciscan values of QU while supporting women through faith. Their goal also is to improve QU’s relationship with the surrounding area and try to serve the community more. Once a week, they have a women’s Bible study and have at least one service event every other month.
Some of the women’s lacrosse team and some ladies in Sisters of St. Clare have done service projects at Horizons Soup Kitchen and Food Pantry, and they have spent time working with a third-grade class at Baldwin Elementary School.
Mia and Mikenna have similar responses to what motivates them to serve others:
“The call to serve others is a staple of the Franciscan mission, and there is no better way to help create connection with the community you live in than to make relationships through service.” – Mia Ham
“Serving others is not about obligation or keeping score, it’s about helping when you can and hoping others will do the same if you fall down.” – Mikenna Ham
While the Hams are both pursuing degrees in the health sciences field, their majors and career goals vary.
Mia graduates in May with a B.S. in Nursing and plans to work in critical care nursing and pursue a graduate degree and become a Nurse Practitioner.
Mikenna is a double major in Biological Sciences and Public Health with a minor in Chemistry. She plans to continue her education in infectious disease research, specifically in the development of vector borne diseases. She says her ideal career goal is to “become a professor and share my love for science with others!” Mikenna has started a Pre-Professional Science Club to provide a supportive community for STEM students and to enhance support and motivation for the sciences.
Mia and Mikenna are grateful for their instructors and for the hands-on training and practical and theoretical experiences they are receiving in their academic programs. Mikenna has served as a tutor and peer instructor in one course and conducted research in other courses. Mia says her nursing classes have prepared her for the nursing profession and helped develop critical nursing skills.
Mia emphasizes that her theology courses have had the greatest impact on her experience at QU because the course and instructors provided her a religious foundation and helped strengthen her Catholic faith. Mia was baptized and confirmed in November 2025 by Fr. Daren Zehnle.
What has QU provided that stands out the most?
The connections. I have been able to meet so many amazing people throughout my time here.
-Mikenna Ham
“Serving others is not about obligation or keeping score, it’s about helping when you can and hoping others will do the same if you fall down.”
-Mikenna Ham
A University on the Move
A CONVERSATION WITH PRESIDENT BRIAN MCGEE
Quincy University feels like it’s in a moment of renewed energy. What’s driving that right now?
What I sense most right now is clarity about who we are, what we value, and where we’re headed. Over the past several years, we’ve consistently preserved what is best about QU. We’ve also been willing to change in ways that honor our mission and respond to the needs of a new era. We have a shared commitment to excellence and a real sense of momentum. When you walk on campus, you can feel that momentum — in the engagement of our students, the collaboration among faculty and staff, and the pride people take in the work happening here.
How would you describe the vision guiding Quincy University today?
Our vision is deeply rooted in our Catholic and Franciscan tradition — care for the whole person, service to others, and a belief in the dignity and potential of every student. At the same time, we’re focused on ensuring that a QU education prepares students for the world they’re stepping into. That means strong academic programs, meaningful experiences outside the classroom, and a campus environment that supports students academically, personally, and spiritually.
What does that vision look like in action on campus?
It shows up in many ways — improvements to learning and gathering spaces, investments in academic programs, and an intense focus on the overall student experience. We’re seeing increased collaboration across offices and academic schools, deep commitment to student support services, new approaches to meeting the spiritual needs of our community, and a campus environment that feels connected and caring. These efforts may not always be flashy, but they are making a meaningful difference in campus life.
How are students benefiting from these efforts right now?
Students are learning in better environments with access to resources and opportunities that help them grow as learners and servant-leaders. They’re engaging in handson experiences that prepare them for careers, graduate study, and service. Just as important, they’re finding a strong sense of belonging — knowing they’re supported and valued as individuals. That sense of community is one of Quincy University’s greatest strengths, and it’s something we work hard to nurture.
What does this moment mean for alumni and the broader QU community?
I think it’s a moment of pride. Alumni can see that Quincy University is moving forward with purpose. We’re strengthening connections between alumni and the campus and finding meaningful ways for graduates to stay engaged — whether through mentoring, attending events, or simply staying connected to the life of the university. As QU grows and responds proactively to the needs of a rapidly changing world, we can have a positive and powerful effect on the community and region we serve.
Many of these positive developments are made possible by the generosity and leadership of alumni and friends. What would you want them to know?
First and foremost, I want them to know how grateful we are. The support of our alumni, donors, and friends reflects a deep belief in Quincy University and in the value of the education we provide. Their generosity directly sustains our students and strengthens our mission. Many give quietly and faithfully, and their leadership sets a profound example. I hope others see that generosity and feel encouraged to stay connected and involved with this great university.
For alumni who haven’t been back to campus in a while, what would you want them to know?
I’d want them to know that Quincy University is growing in thoughtful and meaningful ways, while staying true to its mission. The spirit that shaped their experience here is very much alive. Our students are talented, engaged, and eager to make a difference. I would warmly invite them to visit campus, reconnect, and see for themselves what’s happening.
“Quincy University has an important role to play in the future of the Catholic Church and in the story of our region, nation, and world. The work of QU and our graduates has only just begun.”
Looking ahead, what gives you the most confidence about Quincy University’s future?
What gives me the greatest confidence is our people — our students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends. Their commitment, belief, and care for this institution are extraordinary. Combined with clear priorities and mission-driven planning, our people give me great hope for the future.
A wintry blast couldn’t chill the celebration in Pepsi Arena, as the graduates at Winter Commencement turned the page on their Quincy University academic careers.
Acelebratory crowd of friends and family members gathered on Saturday, December 13, 2025, to honor 36 undergraduates and eight graduate degree recipients. Student representative and psychology graduate Reegan Hess offered the welcome and Dr. Nancy Blattner, PhD, CSJA, president of Fontbonne University, delivered the Commencement address.
“Each of us arrived at Quincy carrying our own stories,” Hess reminded her fellow grads. “We embraced challenges that
pushed us and celebrated successes that lifted us, realizing that neither of them has meaning without the other. This journey of becoming is what led us to this moment today.”
“As we step into the next chapter of our lives, we do so in a world that is changing faster than ever. Our society is evolving socially, technologically, and environmentally. And with that change comes a growing need for empathy, compassion, and human connection.”
SUGGESTIONS & CHALLENGES
Dr. Blattner echoed these sentiments, listing five suggestions shared with her by Fontbonne students, and three challenges to consider:
Life after graduation can be intimidating, and this is okay.
She encouraged students “to embrace life and live it to its fullest rather than worrying excessively about things over which they have little or no control.”
Sometimes it feels like there's nothing we can do individually to make a difference.
“It’s okay not to always be the best or to do it all or to feel that you have to change the world. Most of us are called first to just show up for our friends, our families, our co-workers, and our communities in small ways.”
Welcome change and expect to adapt.
“You might be among the first group who works for 50 years. That statistic may seem daunting to you right now, but your educational experience at Quincy University has positioned you well for the future, providing you with a strong liberal arts education as a solid foundation to complement your major
course of study, whether that be nursing or business, graphic design or education. You have been prepared to meet the challenges of a changing world during your time in college.”
Don’t stop learning.
“Continue to learn, to ask questions, and pay attention to what is happening in our world. Of course, the process of learning outside a college classroom looks a little bit differently, but that doesn't mean it should stop.”
Identify the personal values by which you will make decisions.
“The values that you witnessed on the Quincy campus every day have given you a road map for living a life of purpose,” Blattner said. She challenged the students to start with the desire to do good and be the source of goodness to others, to discover their passion, and to find something for which they are grateful every day. Quoting St. Catherine of Siena, she encouraged them to “be who God meant you to be, and you will set the world on fire."
Dr. Blattner concluded with a prayer for the graduates: “God of every journey, every path writes a story. Every step today marks the road for tomorrow. And every choice tells the tale of our lives. May God bless you on the next part of your life's journey.”
As the graduates departed to write their own next chapters, Winter Commencement was a reminder that the legacy of Quincy University unites them in friendship, gratitude, dedication, and service.
HERITAGE AWARDS
by Chris Brennemann, PhD
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 Distinguised 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.
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.
The Bill O’Donnell Distinguished Alumni of the Year Award
This year, Quincy University is pleased to honor Maureen O’Donnell ’76. “Support for the university can come in many forms. Give what you can. You can also spread the word to high school students, become a mentor to current students, and visit Quincy to learn more - you won’t be disappointed,” says Maureen O’Donnell.
A Career Centered Around Education
Maureen O’Donnell’s career has been centered around education — mostly special education. She earned her psychology and special education degree from Quincy College in 1976 and her master’s degree in education from St. Xavier University.
“I was always drawn to special education. I had a brother who benefited from special education, and my oldest child struggled with reading.”
She worked at Mount Carmel High School in Chicago in a program designed for college-bound students who had learning disabilities. She eventually directed the program, coordinating 60 - 90 students and collaborating with teachers along the way.
Maureen worked for Quincy University from 2009-2014 as the University Liaison to the Off-Campus Education Program offering alternative certification in education from locations in the greater Chicago area. Her husband Bill was QU’s Director of Alumni from 2008 until his passing in 2013. They lived in Chicago. Bill stayed in Quincy during the week while Maureen traveled to off-campus education locations.
“At the height of the program, we had enrolled approximately 500 students and gave a boost to the overall enrollment at QU. One of the highlights for me was meeting with many of the off-campus graduates when they came to participate in the graduation ceremony in Quincy!”
A Place for Lifetime Friendships
After leaving Quincy University, Maureen went back to Mount Carmel High School for six years and currently works part-time as case manager at St. Barnabas School in her Chicago parish.
Considering the values she strives to live by, Maureen says, “It’s important to me to live with integrity, humility, and patience. I want to be supportive of my family and friends and encourage those who struggle with learning to be their best selves and to be happy in life.”
Maureen’s parents raised her to be supportive of others and faithful to God. She and Bill raised their children in a similar way. “I’m extremely proud of each one of them and who they have become, and I know their dad would be too.”
“If it weren’t for Quincy College, our lives would be much different. QC was the reason we met, married and had a family, and why we have the wonderful friends we have.”
-Maureen O’Donnell ’76
Looking back at her time at Quincy College, Maureen says, “From friars and professors to friends, QC offered the best learning experience for me. Not only did I meet the love of my life, I also made lifelong friends, and I loved the opportunity to attend a small school and develop close relationships with classmates and faculty.” She notes that the class of ‘76, the Bicentennial Class, was full of outstanding people who made an impact on her.
Maureen continues to stay connected with QU friends, and she loves visiting the Quincy area and the University. “It’s the perfect meeting spot to reconnect with friends. You never know where networking with former classmates might lead. We all have that one thing in common — QC/QU.”
Encouraging others to support the university in as many ways as they can, Maureen adds, “When I think of all that I have received from Quincy University, giving back seems like a no-brainer.”
The Franciscan Service Award
Quincy University is pleased to announce this year’s award recipient, Fr. James Wheeler, OFM ’62.
“Sometimes people just want to be heard and to share their stories – that is how we can serve others,” says Fr. James Wheeler.
Service is “Who He is”
One would naturally assume a Franciscan priest has a servant’s heart and looks for ways to meet the needs of others, and that would be true; but for Fr. James Wheeler, service is more than what he does -- it’s who he is.
While Fr. James recently celebrated the 60th anniversary of his ordination into priesthood, his path to serve in the church was a little unconventional. He got a political science degree from St. Louis University, studied philosophy at Our Lady of Angels Seminary in Cleveland, Ohio, and earned a philosophy degree from Quincy College in 1962.
After serving in the Illinois National Guard for two years, Fr. James decided to attend seminary and was ordained to the priesthood at St. Francis Church in Teutopolis, Illinois, on January 9, 1966.
“Everyone has a story to tell, but not everyone has someone to listen to their story. It is a privilege and an honor to hear that person’s story.”
-Fr. James Wheeler, OFM ’62
FR.
DAREN ZEHNLE, JCL ’00
will also be recognized with the Franciscan Service Award, presented posthumously in honor of his life of service, ministry, and enduring leadership at Quincy University.
Read more about Fr. Daren in the "In Memoriam" section on page 35.
Fr. James’ areas of service and ministry include serving as pastor, retreat director, teacher, director of field education, and director of campus ministry at Quincy University. He has worked across the nation from Quincy to Cleveland, Chicago, San Francisco, Iowa City, Springfield, and several other locations in Illinois. Fr. James has worked with Cursillos for decades. He has presided over masses, weddings, funerals, and still does today during his retirement. He also serves as the chaplain for the QU National Alumni Board.
Fr. James’ service mentality and spirit is demonstrated as he tells stories and recalls the experiences and ministries of those who invested in him and of those whose lives he has been blessed to invest in.
Looking for “God Moments”
Fr. James says he learned early in his ministry to look for “God moments” like these:
He sat with a young man who was distraught because his girlfriend broke off their relationship. Fr. James listened and prayed for him and challenged him to call his family when he got back to his dorm room. Months later, this man came to see Fr. James to thank him and tell him how well he was doing.
He was approached by a man at Walmart who was seeking some assistance. Fr. James was wearing casual clothes, so the man did not know he was a priest. Fr. James learned the man was a veteran and had a family and offered the man some advice about being a husband and a father. The man shared that his family was on a trip and had a tire blowout, and he needed $13 for a used tire. Fr. James had $17. He gave the man the money and told him he was a priest. The man was amazed and vowed to get back into his Catholic faith and continue to take care of his family.
Fr. James is quick to explain that we experience God moments often and encourages us to view these as areas of service. “Sometimes people just want to be heard and to share their stories – that is how we can serve others.
His servant leadership is perhaps best demonstrated in his approach to blessing others: “Always be mindful that we’re all broken people. Let’s pray to be healed from our brokenness and to be filled with wisdom, with knowledge, and with the love of God.”
The Rising Hawk Award
Nominated by his peers, Terry “TJ” Riggs ‘15 is the recipient of this year’s Rising Hawk Award.
The best advice TJ received regarding his career and life goals came in the form of a question: If you could make a million dollars or change a million lives, which would you choose? “That question continues to guide my work as an academic advisor and nonprofit leader,” says TJ Riggs.
Shaping His Professional Mission
After TJ graduated from Quincy University in 2015 with a degree in sports management, he began his career in education and youth development as a paraprofessional supporting students with behavioral and learning disabilities at Bloomington High School and was the freshman head basketball coach. He also worked at the YMCA and as an accounts clerk for a CPA firm.
TJ’s coaching experience expanded. He was an assistant coach for a team that won 3rd place at the boys’ basketball IHSA state finals.
When TJ accepted a Marketing Graduate Assistant position with Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Campus Recreation, his goal shifted to pursuing a master’s degree in educational leadership with a focus on college student personnel administration. A practicum experience as a men’s basketball coach sparked his research on career exploration for Black male student-athletes in the Midwest. TJ says, “This work ultimately shaped my professional mission.”
Following graduate school, TJ served as an academic advisor in the School of Education, Health, and Human Behavior and launched a nonprofit focused on basketball skill development, NCAA eligibility education, and safe community spaces. TJ then transitioned to his current role as an Admission and Academic Advisor at the Olin School of Business at Washington University (WashU) in St. Louis.
He has expanded his nonprofit and has created internship opportunities for students, traveled internationally to support MBA experiential learning, and solidified his vision for experiential career exploration. In 2022, he formed a student-cohort partnership with the Indiana Pacers.
Leading the Way
2027 AWARD NOMINATIONS
Don’t forget to nominate deser ving alumni for the following categories - Alumni Franciscan Ser vice Award, Rising Hawk Award, and the Bill O’Donnell Distinguished Alumni of the Year Award
The nomination deadline for the 2027 awards is October 31, 2026. Submissions af ter 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 Awards & Feature webpage at quincy.edu/alumni/alumniawards/ to nominate deser ving alumni.
TJ credits the mentorship of family, friends, and educators for leading him into education, advising, and nonprofit work. He comes from a family of community leaders and mentors who modeled service and impact, and his experience at QU was instrumental in his development.
TJ credits key university individuals who were foundational to his growth and sense of belonging at QU, including Coach Bell, Kristen Liesen, Father Furd, Jestin Anderson, Calvin Johnson, Marquez Brown, and other faculty, student affairs professionals and academic advisors.
In his current roles with university admissions and academic advisor and with his nonprofit organization, TJ says his most rewarding moments come from seeing students regain hope and confidence—whether helping a student persist to graduation from academic probation, having meaningful conversations about mental health and purpose, or watching a student step onto an NBA floor and realize their potential extends far beyond sports.
For his position and contributions at WashU, TJ draws from the strength of his connection with his alma mater, QU: “Staying connected allows alumni to share experiences, insights, and opportunities that can directly impact current students, continuing the cycle of support and giving back.”
“Quincy University prepared me academically, professionally, and personally. As a student-athlete and organizational leader, I learned time management, accountability, and leadership.”
-TJ Riggs ’15
PICTURE PERFECT
by Matt Schuckman, Muddy River Sports
Players celebrate the 700th win final score
THE SETTING, THE SCENARIO AND THE SCORE WERE PICTURE PERFECT
So was the player who produced the game-winning goal.
As the sun disappeared into the horizon on a Friday night in late September, the lights illuminated Legends Stadium, creating a spotlight on the Quincy University men’s soccer program.
The 3-0 victory against Upper Iowa marked the 700th on-field victory in program history, making Quincy just the second Great Lakes Valley Conference program to reach such a historic milestone.
The goal that kickstarted the victory came from a player whose parents are both Quincy University graduates and whose high school coach has significant ties to legendary names like Mackenzie and Longo and has earned his own legendary status in Quincy soccer circles.
Scoreless at halftime, sophomore forward Leo Cann — a Quincy Notre Dame graduate who played for Greg Reis, who is a member of the QU Board of Trustees and had two sons, Taylor and Cooper, star at QU — put the Hawks ahead 1-0 when he scored off an assist from Carlos Moreno Henao in the 61st minute.
Josh Nwosu scored an unassisted goal in the 75th minute, and Moreno Henao scored off a Mathias Bringedal assist in the 85th minute to complete the 3-0 victory.
It was the early-season highlight of what turned out to be a turnaround season for the Hawks.
The memory of three consecutive losing seasons was erased as Quincy began the season by winning five of its first seven games and climbing into the NCAA Division II national rankings. The Hawks earned their highest national ranking — they reached No. 10 in mid-September — in the United Soccer Coaches poll since 2015.
The Hawks went on to finish 8-7-3 overall and 6-6-2 in the GLVC, qualifying for the GLVC Tournament for the first time since the COVID-shortened spring season in 2021.
All seven losses were by one goal, and the Hawks allowed only two goals in a game twice, thanks to one of the stingiest defensive efforts in the last decade. The six shutouts the Hawks posted were the most since 2014 and the 0.78 goals allowed per game were the fewest since 2014.
The end result was another chapter in the historic legacy of the program.
This was the Hawks’ 50th winning season in 62 years of soccer with a pair of players — senior defender Jake Ellis and senior forward Carlos Moreno Henao — earning All-GLVC honors. Since joining the GLVC, the Hawks have produced 84 All-GLVC honorees, and this was the first time since 2021 the Hawks had multiple all-conference players.
They had a hand in creating another historical marker.
Since the program’s inception 1964, QU has 36 seasons of 10 or more victories, 15 seasons of 15 or more victories and two seasons with 20 or more victories — the 1981 team went 213-1 and won the last of 11 NAIA national championships, while the 2014 team went 21-2-2 and reached the NCAA Division II final four for the first and only time.
The GLVC Tournament appearance last fall was the 22nd postseason conference appearance by the Hawks, who have two GLVC regular-season championships and one GLVC Tournament title. There have been six NCAA Tournament appearances since 1998 and one Midwest Regional championship.
Along the way, the Hawks produced 26 NAIA All-Americans and 11 NCAA All-Americans to go along with 43 NAIA allregion picks and 58 NCAA all-region picks.
Add it all together, and it has resulted in six decades of unparalleled success, historical moments multiple generations have experienced, and the anticipation for what the next milestone will be.
As anyone associated with the QU men’s soccer program can attest, there will always be history in the making.
Josh Nwosu and Leo Cann celebrating a goal against Upper Iowa
GENEROSITY IN ACTION
What giving back looks like at Quincy University
Most people who support Quincy University don’t think of themselves as donors. They think of themselves as alumni, parents, friends, mentors, and partners—people who believe in the place that shaped them.
For some, that belief began with a scholarship that made college possible. For others, it grew through a professor who challenged them, a campus community that formed them in faith, or an experience that helped clarify their path. Over time, that gratitude becomes something more enduring: a desire to stay connected and to ensure the same opportunity exists for future students.
Across generations, alumni and friends are choosing to support Quincy University in personal and meaningful ways. The stories that follow reflect that shared spirit—not because they are extraordinary, but because they are familiar. They show what generosity looks like when it grows naturally out of experience, belief, and care for what comes next.
JIM ’59 AND JUDY ‘61 HEINZE
support Quincy University in large part because of their confidence in QU’s continued growth and future achievements in the fields of academic excellence, student success, and overall meaningful campus life.
Jim and Judy are committed to supporting organizations that have been, or continue to be, the most impactful for them and their family. Considering the education and spiritual direction they obtained at Quincy College, the Heinzes are honored that their alma mater receives a very high ranking as a worthy recipient.
Supporting specific scholarship endowments and the capital campaign assures Jim and Judy that other students will receive the same benefits and have access to the same quality of education and spiritual direction that they had. Jim and Judy Heinze say,
“The fact that more than 90% of students are either in graduate programs or placed within their field of study soon after graduation is an indication of how current the courses are and how professional the educators are.”
MARY KAY BEIERMANN ’68
gives back to the college that provided her with a solid foundation to pursue a successful career in the medical laboratory science field. She adds, “Equally important, I value my liberal arts education. The mix of the two offered me a well-rounded, yet practical approach, to finding my niche.”
Without the academic scholarship she received, Mary Kay would likely not have had the means to go to college. She encourages others to support QU:
“QU is unique in that it offers a wide range of studies for a small university. The classes are small, and students get to know their professors. Being faithbased with the Franciscan influence was a great way for me to realize my personal goals while staying grounded in my faith.”
She is also impressed with QU’s addition of doctoral programs in Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy and optimistic about how these programs will advance the university.
She hopes that students today gain the education and training required for their demanding fields and that they make memories and lifelong friendships as she did.
“Hopefully, my support of QU will enable another student with limited resources to realize his/her dream of going to college.”
“We believe this scholarship will provide a modest assist to deserving students and play a part in helping their dreams come true.”
ANN ‘76 AND BRIAN COOPER
have endowed a scholarship to support education students who want to teach young children.
When Ann started at Quincy, she wasn’t sure if going into elementary education was the right fit for her. With the input and training from her courses and instructors, Ann became convinced that teaching should be in her future.
Ann taught second grade at St. Dominic School in Quincy, then after a few years at home with their four children, she went back to education as an elementary reading specialist in Dubuque, Iowa, until retiring in 2014.
Ann credits QU professor Sue Francour for inspiring her and equipping her to be an elementary teacher.
“I know firsthand the importance of intelligent, wellprepared teachers. I hope today’s future elementary teachers at QU can be as inspired by their professors as I was by Sue Francour, a real teacher’s teacher!”
Mary Kay Beiermann ’68
Ann ’76 and Brian Cooper
“The value that comes to our surrounding community from having a thriving university is significant.”
MIKE AND JEAN BUCKLEY
invest in QU because the university provides quality education to over 1,000 students of diverse backgrounds, many of whom are first generation students, and because QU maintains a strong faith-based mission across all programs, academically and athletically.
Jean says, “The impact this great institution has on students, the workforce, and our communities is something we value and want to be part of.”
The Buckleys value the forward-thinking commitment of QU’s leadership and the constant drive to prepare the university and students to thrive. “Because of this approach, there are an enormous number of opportunities for the students both on campus and in the workforce. The value that comes to our surrounding community from having a thriving university is significant.”
Mike and Jean encourage others to invest in the university and to become more active with the campus and financially support their programs. “We encourage you to dig deep in your heart and pocketbook to support this Franciscan institution. It takes all levels of giving in the areas of time, talent, and resources to make QU the best it can be.” Go, Hawks!
PETE ’76 AND MARY KAY ’77 BROWN
support Quincy University because it is a way for them to give thanks for everything the university provided to them.
Pete and Mary Kay met at Quincy and will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary this year, and they cherish their memories at the university.
Another special memory was being welcomed to the grand opening of the John (Pete) Brown Courtroom. “It was very humbling, but also, very satisfying knowing that we were able to help QU have a very special room where the prelaw students can work on their skills.”
Pete and Mary Kay are energized by QU's growth and leadership. Pete says, “QU’s future is extremely bright because of the leadership of Brian McGee, who believes in the mission of QU and is a great spokesperson for the university.”
They encourage others to invest in QU and support its mission: “It gives you a sense of pride when you know you were able to help a student further their Catholic education at a school where the people really do care if you succeed.” Pete adds that getting to know teachers one on one, and later on, they become friends and mentors, does not happen at the bigger universities. “We have lifelong friends because of Quincy University and will forever be grateful!”
“QU gave us a well-rounded, Catholic education in an environment where we felt safe, able to voice our opinion, and had teachers who took a vested interest in us.”
Pete ’76 and Mary Kay Brown
BRYAN AND BROOKE ’99 STOKES
invest in Quincy University because they see continuous growth in the university and are energized by the vital role that a thriving QU plays in the greater Quincy community. They appreciate the value QU offers in both undergraduate and graduate programs, and they have many colleagues and friends who attended QU. Brooke received her master’s degree in education at QU in 1999.
Bryan’s connection to Quincy University goes back as far as fifth grade when he was a ball boy for the QU men’s basketball program. When he shot baskets at halftime, he says, “I felt like I was doing it in front of 10,000 fans.” His support for QU is just as energized today as it was when he was a kid on the court.
The Stokes encourage QU alumni and friends to recognize how difficult it has become for private schools to survive and to support this university as it faces these challenges and continues to increase enrollment and advance academic and athletic programs.
“It's critically important to help if you can. We can win together.”
MOVING FORWARD
Together
These perspectives reflect a broader truth: this is an exciting moment for Quincy University. Momentum is building across campus as the University strengthens academic programs, invests in student success, and prepares graduates to lead lives of purpose and impact.
Alumni and friends are investing in Quincy University because they believe in its direction and its future. Their generosity helps ensure a high-quality education rooted in faith, personal attention, and opportunity—and carries the University’s mission forward. We sincerely appreciate your ongoing support and commitment to Quincy University.
Fr. Bob Barko, OFM
Assistant professor of theology and assistant campus minister
Fr. Bob was blessed with a strong Catholic upbringing, which seems like the natural foundation given his current QU faculty position and service with campus ministry, Quincy parishes, and Cursillo, TEC and Quest retreats, but Fr. Bob’s personal life and career path offered an intriguing bridge to his life of ministry.
The youngest of five children, Fr. Bob was raised in a Catholic family on the south side of Chicago. His father worked hard to support and provide for his family. His mother was kind and generous and enjoyed spending time with and investing
“My journey of faith is the core of who I am.”
- FR. BOB BARKO, OFM
in the family. Fr. Bob and his siblings remain closely associated with each other and spend time together regularly.
Education came naturally to Fr. Bob. He says, “From my earliest memories, I remember loving school and all that surrounded it.” He was also drawn to extracurricular activities. In high school, he was involved in Music, Drama/Theater Guild, Student Action Corps (Service Group), National Honor Society and Intramural Sports.
Fr. Bob first learned about the Franciscans when he met a friar in high school. He
says, “It was then that my love for the friars began to grow.” He wanted to attend seminary right out of high school, but he obeyed the wishes of his parents to wait. After a few years at a public university, Fr. Bob realized that he wanted to pursue seminary studies. During college, Fr. Bob attended Our Lady of Angels Franciscan Seminary in Quincy, now part of North Campus. He loved his time with the friars but did not feel he was being called to religious life at that time. He moved on and completed his degree, graduated, got a job, and was married.
“I came to the Friars, not as a flawless, sinless man, but one who acknowledges his sin and shortcomings, to continually strive to seek God’s will, to share the Gospel and to learn about life as a religious.”
Life moved on for Fr. Bob with a variety of career positions and the addition of two children.
Fr. Bob and his wife parted ways when the children were young but have maintained a healthy and strong friendship, knowing that raising children would be something they would spend the rest of their lives doing.
As his children grew into college age, Fr. Bob’s career path unexpectedly took a backseat to his calling into the ministry. While visiting his daughter one weekend at Quincy University, his life was turned upside down. One of the Franciscans at QU invited Fr. Bob to dinner. He asked Fr. Bob if he had ever thought of returning to the friars. Fr. Bob’s initial response was “no.” There’s where it ended, or so Fr. Bob thought.
Through the next several months, Fr. Bob was in a haze as what began as a shift in his thoughts and desires gained momentum and became all-consuming, and as Fr. Bob explains, “There was nothing left for me to do but contact the Franciscans.”
He recalls, “There were so many compelling reasons not to do this, but just one simple reason why I must. That was: the call, the nudge, the idea, whatever one calls a vocation.”
Fr. Bob began the process of entering religious life. Home, possession, money, career, and even some friendships – all were subject to this great decision into which he was being drawn. As Fr. Bob explains, “And so, my life as a friar minor began.”
Since that decision of accepting his call into the ministry, Fr. Bob has been blessed with many faith communities, including parishes, teen ministry, music ministry and worship commission. As he reflects on his faith journey, Fr. Bob notes that a relationship with God was generally central to his existence, and during those times when it wasn’t, he says, “It became quite clear that it needed to be.”
Fr. Bob emphasizes that all of these faith experiences have formed the prayer life he has today. “I feel blessed to have come to the place in my life where prayer is as
Honor a Franciscan
Looking to honor a Franciscan priest or brother who shaped your college experience while helping to make a QU education possible for today’s students?
Visit: givecampus.com/campaigns/48814/donations/new or scan the QR code to learn more about endowed Franciscan scholarships and make your gift today!
natural as breathing. It occurs regularly throughout the day, and I find myself being drawn into a place where prayers seem to be naturally desired and needed.”
Franciscan values are instrumental in Fr. Bob’s approach to life and ministry. In his words, “Franciscans follow Christ by living the Gospel simply, loving all as brothers and sisters, caring for creation, and serving the poor with humility, joy, and peace.” He views each encounter throughout the day as an opportunity to love and connect.
Fr. Bob emphasizes how Franciscan values are integrated into the life and outreach of QU: “I see the values every day as I walk the halls. Staff, faculty, students - we all have this opportunity to share deeply the values brought to our world over 800 years ago by the ‘little man from Assisi.’”
“I have moved to Quincy four times throughout my lifeas a seminarian, college student, as a dad whose children came here, as a new priest and now as a member of the QU community. Basically, it seems that rhythms of my life have always led me back here!”
“These new programs will be our first graduate programs in the health sciences, but I am confident there will be more in our future. Over time, I expect we will see further opportunities for students seeking careers in evolving and demanding professions in health sciences, engineering, and technology.”
BRIAN
MCGEE, QU PRESIDENT
QU Embarks on Historic Doctoral Programs in High-Demand Health Science Fields
Qby Chris Brennemann, PhD
uincy University has taken another major step forward in expanding healthcare education and meeting regional workforce needs as the university now offers a doctoral degree program in Occupational Therapy (OTD), with plans to launch a doctoral degree program in Physical Therapy (DPT) in August 2026.
These clinical doctoral programs will prepare students for careers in high-demand healthcare fields and mark the first time the university will offer doctoral degrees in its 165-year history.
While Quincy University is well known for its undergraduate programs and its Catholic and Franciscan identity, the university has offered master’s degrees for over 35 years. The new opportunities for doctoral study and the initiation of two new doctoral programs will mark the largest and most important expansion of graduate education at QU since the 1980s, when the first master’s degree program was approved.
Both the Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy programs encompass flexible, hybrid formats, blending rigorous online coursework and in-person learning with the newly developed lab spaces designed for skill-building, simulation, and collaborative learning.
“Our innovative hybrid model blends cutting-edge online learning with immersive, hands-on experiences, equipping students to meet the evolving health and participation needs of individuals, communities, and the occupational and physical therapy profession,” said Sarah Vordtriede-Patton, QU Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs. “Both programs are led by highly qualified faculty and practitioners who bring decades of diverse clinical expertise, offering students insight grounded in real-world experience.”
QU’s commitment to launching hybrid Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy doctorate programs reflects Quincy University’s mission of developing servant leaders. Each Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy graduate course builds upon the last, fostering continuous development in professional identity, clinical reasoning, and community engagement.
“With the flexibility of online learning combined with immersive, hands-on experiences, our OTD program empowers students with a strong foundation in occupation-centered care, preparing them to make meaningful contributions to health and well-being in their communities,” said Dr. Kristin Haas, QU’s OTD Director. “Rooted in Quincy University’s mission of service and servant leadership, I am passionate about advancing the field of occupational therapy and guiding our students as they become compassionate, skilled practitioners.”
With our hybrid design, small cohorts, and real-world practice, OTD students become confident, compassionate occupational therapists.
“Graduates of the program are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and mindset to advocate for clients, advance research, and create inclusive opportunities for participation in meaningful occupations.”
– DR. KRISTIN HAAS, QU OTD DIRECTOR or visit http://www.quincy.edu/ occupationaltherapy.
> QU DPT program
Seven semesters. One powerful degree.
With our flexible hybrid model, dynamic online coursework, in-person lab immersions, and hands-on clinical training, DPT students can grow as healthcare professionals without putting their lives on hold.
“Graduates of the program will be more than just practitioners. We prepare leaders—individuals who are ready to make a meaningful difference in the lives of their patients and the health of their communities.”
– DR. DON HOOVER, QU DPT DIRECTOR
The vision of the QU Physical Therapy program is to be recognized for fostering academic excellence, innovation, and service. The physical therapy program will be an accelerated seven-semester hybrid program.
There will be synchronous and asynchronous online learning, with small group activity and a focus on case-based learning. Students will also come to campus periodically for in-person laboratory instruction.
In support of new and existing academic programs, a $4.2 million capital projects grant from the State of Illinois allowed the University to make facility renovations at North Campus and to transform underutilized administrative spaces into laboratories, classrooms and faculty and staff offices shared by the occupational therapy and physical therapy programs.
In January, the QU OTD and DPT programs hosted a ribbon cutting and open house of the new lab and academic facilities.
The Occupational Therapy doctoral program’s first cohort began coursework in January. The Physical Therapy doctoral program is slated for an August start.
> For more information
Occupational Therapy doctoral program - Dr. Kristin Haas occupationaltherapy@quincy.edu | quincy.edu/occupationaltherapy
Physical Therapy doctoral program - Dr. Don Hoover physicaltherapy@quincy.edu | quincy.edu/physicaltherapy.
John Sanders
Program Director and Associate Professor of Engineering
by Chris Brennemann,
PhD
John Sanders oversees the electrical engineering and mechanical engineering degree programs at QU. Electrical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering are two of the traditional engineering disciplines and are often the engineering majors most sought after by college students.
John earned his PhD in Theoretical and Applied Mechanics from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. His research is in the area of analytical mechanics and focuses on applying the techniques of variational calculus to the Navier-Stokes problem.
In engineering, there is no curve. There is no partial credit. The plane either flies or it doesn't.
What’s your current position/title?
Program Director and Associate Professor of Engineering
How long have you been in this position?
Less than a month, although I did teach a virtual class remotely in the Fall as I prepared to transition from my previous institution into my new role at QU.
Give us an overview of your role at QU.
I oversee the Engineering Program, which currently consists of two majors: Electrical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering. In addition to teaching two courses per semester and doing scholarly research, my responsibilities include: advising all engineering majors, ensuring that the engineering curriculum is up to ABET accreditation standards, ordering and installing lab equipment, recruiting students and additional faculty, scheduling classes, performing faculty and course assessment, and marketing and outreach for the program.
Share some of your previous positions and roles.
After graduating from UIUC, I spent five years as an Assistant Professor at California State University, Fullerton and then three years as an Associate Professor at The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina, before coming to QU.
What
led you to work in this field?
My love of physics and math, which were instilled in me by various teachers in high school and college.
What led you to take on the position of director of the QU Engineering program?
It's my dream job! I get the best of both worlds: I still get to interact with students in the classroom, and I also get to cultivate and grow the program. What more could I want?
What are your hopes for the Engineering program at QU?
That, with God's help, it will continue to grow and have a profound impact in the lives of our students and our community.
Name a rewarding moment in your work with students?
When students’ hard work finally pays off (getting a good grade in a tough course, publishing research as an undergraduate, performing well in a challenging competition, figuring out what it is they want to do with their life, graduating, landing a job they want, getting accepted to their graduate program of choice).
What are some principles you want to instill in students?
The importance of critical thinking and authentic, human intelligence in engineering. This is especially salient right now, in the age of AI. Although I want our graduates to be AI-literate, I never want them to become dependent. I think that is going to be what separates good and bad engineers from now on.
The dual value of theory and application, of beauty and utility. As the old saying goes, "There is nothing so practical as a good theory." That's no less true in engineering.
The objective importance of accuracy and precision. One of my undergraduate professors at SLU used to say, "In engineering, there is no curve. There is no partial credit. The plane either flies or it doesn't." That's going to be my mantra in the classroom. Not to say I won't give any partial credit, but I want our students to understand that there are objective standards in engineering. It isn't enough to ride the curve: you have to know what you're doing. Bad things happen otherwise.
The value of thinking outside the box and daring to do something differently if it is better.
The importance of having integrity, not cutting corners, speaking up when something isn't right.
That engineering is ultimately an act of service. It is supposed to make the world a better place, not the other way around.
All of this is summed up in our Program Educational Objectives: Wisdom, Creativity, Empathy, Courage, and Integrity. These are the virtues we want the program to instill in our students.
Who has been the most important person in your life?
My mother
What is one of the most defining moments in your life?
One experience that comes to mind right now is the semester I spent abroad in Rome when I was a graduate student. I went to Italy alone, knowing only a handful of Italian words. No host family, no student housing. Just a one-bedroom apartment. There is something fundamentally life-changing about having to live on your own in a foreign country. The feeling of helplessness at not knowing the local language to communicate. Having to rely on the kindness of strangers daily. Missing your family and friends at home desperately. It gives you a totally new perspective. Fortunately, the colleagues I worked with in Rome were some of the most friendly and hospitable people I know, and I continue to stay in touch with them to this day. I only wish more people could experience that.
How has your work and research influenced your career and your faith?
Suffice it to say that everything I have learned in my studies and in my research to date has only strengthened my faith in God.
Faculty
NORA BALDNER, MA, Assistant Professor of Communication, accompanied the London Experience study abroad trip in January 2026. Six QU students spent six days in London and four days in Dublin. Students toured castles, bridges, and museums and attended a Premiere League West Ham football game. Highlights included The Tower of London, a tour of Parliament, The British Museum, Celtic Nights dance performance, Portobello Market, The Cliffs of Moher, a trip to Stonehenge, and many other sights. They also experienced British and Irish food, language, dance, and unique modes of transportation. Assistant Professor of Communication Nora Baldner accompanied the group after an eight-week classroom study course. The students researched cultures in all three countries before making the trip.
DR. KÜBRA CIVAN, PhD, LPC (OH), LSC (AR) (IL), NCC, Assistant Professor of Counseling, was awarded the prestigious 2025–2026 Chi Sigma Iota Edwin L. Herr Fellowship for Excellence in Counseling Leadership and Scholarship. She published two peer-reviewed articles: Counseling with Compassion: Humanistic Approaches for Refugee Children. The Journal of Humanistic Counseling [Special Issue], 64; The bio-ecological cross-cultural supervision (BECCS) model: A novel approach to clinical supervision in culturally diverse settings. The Journal of Humanistic Counseling [Special Issue], 64. Conference presentations include: Enhancing Culturally Competent Supervision: Practical Strategies for Counselors Working with Refugee and Immigrant Clients. Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (ACES); Introducing the Bio-Ecological CrossCultural Supervision (BECCS) Model: An Integrative Framework for Clinical Supervision. International Association for Psychology and Counseling, Oxford Institute; Collective Healing in Times of Shared Loss: Multicultural Approaches to Group Grief Work. Association for Specialists in Group Work (ASGW), Chicago, IL; The Bio-Ecological Cross-Cultural Group Supervision (BECCS) Model: Advancing Culturally Responsive Supervision Practices. Association for Specialists in Group Work (ASGW), Chicago, IL.
CINDY LOVELL, PhD, Adjunct Associate Professor of English, published “You Are Cordially Invited: Cyril Clemens’s Mark Twain Collection at Quincy University” in the Mark Twain Journal (Vol. 63, No. 2), Fall 2025; “Hannibal, Missouri” contributed chapter in Lingering Inland: A Literary Tour of the Midwest published by University of Illinois Press, December 2025. Conference presentations include “Beyond the Plan: Igniting Learning Through Inclusive and Inspired Lesson Design” at the Sunshine State TESOL Conference in Tampa, FL in October 2025. Dr. Lovell was elected to the board of directors at the Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum in Hannibal, MO (December 2025).
Briefs
GARY MEACHER, MFA, Associate Professor of Design, earned Best College Professor, Herald-Whig Reader’s Choice Award 2025. Nominated and voted on by the local community readership of the Herald-Whig—based in Quincy, Illinois, serving the Tri-State area of West-Central Illinois, Northeast Missouri, and Southeast Iowa.
PADRAIC ROHAN, PhD, Assistant Professor of History, published Latin and Eastern Catholicism in Ottoman Anatolia: Social, Economic, and Religious Inquiries from 14th-20th Centuries (Isis Press Istanbul, 2025). Edited by Vanessa R. de Obaldía, Radu Dipratu, Anaïs Massot, Padraic Rohan. The Isis Press is an academic publishing house based in Istanbul, Turkey, specializing in Ottoman and Turkish studies.
NEIL WRIGHT, PhD, Associate Professor of Political Science, was promoted to Full Professor of Political Science; published “Josiah Warren’s American Revolution: Property, Individual Sovereignty, and True Civilization" in the Journal for the Study of Radicalism; “Josiah Warren Seen Through the Light of Developmental Communalism, and Vice Versa” in Communal Societies; a review of Jeremy E.C. Genovese's The Earth for All: Henry George, Utopian Communities, and Market Socialism in Communal Societies; organized annual Great Books program retreat to Nauvoo, IL and Amana, IA, where students and faculty learned about the intentional communities attempted there and enjoyed deep conversations about the good life.
We are honored to recognize the exceptional academic achievements and leadership of our faculty, whose unwavering commitment to their students, their disciplines, and the mission of the university exemplifies excellence in higher education.
—Sarah Vordtriede-Patton, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of Graduate Programs
A Lasting Investment in Quincy University through the Heritage Society
How planned gifts strengthen QU’s mission and expand opportunity for future students
Throughout Quincy University’s history, one truth has remained constant: our progress has always been shaped by those who believe deeply in our mission.
For more than 165 years, QU has formed students for lives of purpose through a Catholic, Franciscan education grounded in faith, service, and excellence. This tradition of generosity and stewardship that has sustained each generation remains essential.
The Heritage Society honors alumni and friends who include the University in their long-term plans through planned gifts. These thoughtful commitments strengthen QU’s endowment, support strategic priorities, and help ensure the University remains strong, accessible, and mission driven.
Endowment support is one of the most meaningful impacts of planned giving, providing lasting financial stability for scholarships, academic programs, campus facilities, and emerging needs. Through bequests, retirement account designations, and other deferred gifts, donors invest in the future of Quincy University and the students whose lives will be shaped by their generosity.
As Quincy University builds on its momentum, legacy gifts provide a steady foundation—preserving our Franciscan identity, strengthening academics, and supporting students as they learn and lead.
The Heritage Society honors the faith, gratitude, and commitment behind these gifts, recognizing those who choose to sustain QU’s mission beyond their lifetime. It offers a simple invitation: consider how your story and values might continue through a future gift that supports generations of QU students.
To learn more about the Heritage Society or planned giving, contact the Office of Advancement at advancement@quincy.edu.
Meet the QU National Alumni Board
The QU National Alumni Board is comprised of accomplished alumni from diverse geographic regions and professional backgrounds who provide strategic direction for alumni programming and engagement. Members act as stewards and leaders, representing the interests of both the broader alumni community and the university. They work in close partnership with university advancement staff to develop and implement initiatives that foster lifelong relationships with graduates. Recently, the Alumni Board formed three task forces to better serve the university.
Julianne Touhy ’14, NAB President
“Serving on the Alumni Board allows me to stay connected to a place that I care so deeply about.”
Diane Ary ’79, NAB Vice President
“Being part of the Alumni Board has given me a meaningful way to give back while helping shape the future of QU. It’s rewarding to see how our ideas directly impact students and fellow alumni.”
Mike Dietrich ‘96 NAB, Secretary
“Serving on the Board keeps me connected to the people and the place that shaped me. It’s a great way to stay part of the QU community beyond graduation.”
To join or get more information about the National Alumni Board, contact us at advancement@quincy.edu.
’60s
James McDowell ’61 sadly reports the passing of his wife, Connie, on December 15, 2025, in Quincy.
Paul Brown ’65 and his wife, Dr. Janise Denton, celebrated their 35th wedding anniversary on November 24, 2025. Paul was also named the Villa Kathrine volunteer of the year for 2025 by the Friends of the Castle in Quincy.
Richard Mettemeyer ’68 sadly announces the passing of his wife, Linda, on December 29, 2025, Quincy, IL
Martin Settle ’69 recently had his eighth book published, titled This Little Ichnolite of Mine. It is a memoir about his early years in Quincy and includes stories of his time at Quincy College and as a team member of QC's National Championship Soccer team.
’70s
Ervin Pesek ’71 was inducted into the St. Louis Soccer Hall of Fame on March 12, 2026.
Judith Varias ’71 sadly reports the passing of her husband, Eugene Krebs, on January 10, 2026.
Michael Walsh ’71 recently had his book, titled Communications
Law, published by Cognella, Inc. It is a First Amendment primer for undergraduate, graduate, and law school students.
Donald Blair ’73 sadly reports the passing of his wife, Mary Anne Raymond Blair '75, on July 10, 2025, Woodridge, IL
Rebecca Sims Gobczynski ’75 and her husband Leon celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this past summer with their family on a trip to France and to England, where Leon played professional basketball for 7 years.
Rosanna Bacher Voss ’77 and her husband Henry celebrated their 45th anniversary on July 19, 2025.
Terri Mangen Poterucha ’79 and Tom Poterucha ’79 renewed their wedding vows on their 45th anniversary on July 12, 2025. They were married in the Quincy College chapel.
John Potts ’79 was inducted into the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association class of 2026 Hall of Fame.
Francis Slobodnik ’79 and his wife Catherine celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on October 25, 2025. They have been blessed with 11 children and 52 grandchildren.
’80s
Kevin Wensing ’80 received the veterans award from the US Global Leadership Coalition on December 10, 2025. Kevin is a retired Navy Captain who served nearly 30 years in the
Navy and Department of Defense and has remained active in international engagement to advance partnerships for peace and prosperity and the USGLC's Veterans for Smart Power initiative.
Martha Cade ’85 got engaged on Christmas Day 2025
Jeffrey Gragg ’85 married Lori Christner on October 9, 2025, in Quincy
Tom Klene ’85 retired from Phibro Animal Health Corporation after 38 1/2 years.
Christopher Leonard ’86 received the Wayne Carlisle Distinguished Service Award from Wichita State University, Wichita, KS, where he is the director of counseling and psychological services.
Patrick Sherlock ’87 is a senior mediator for ADR Systems, LLC in Chicago. He also works in management with a bankruptcy trust.
Martin Settle ’69 poses with his book This Little Ichnolite of Mine.
Michael Walsh ’71 recently had his book, Communications Law, published.
Terri Mangen Poterucha ’79 and Tom Poterucha ’79 renewed their wedding vows on their 45th anniversary on July 12, 2025.
Rebecca Sims Gobczynski ’75 and her husband Leon celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this past summer with their family on a trip to France and to England
Francis Slobodnik ’79 and his wife Catherine celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on October 25, 2025.
Martha Cade ’85 got engaged on Christmas Day 2025
Patrick Sherlock ’87 is a senior mediator for ADR Systems, LLC in Chicago. He also works in management with a bankruptcy trust.
William Duke '97 is tthe
coach for
High School in Tipton, Missouri. This year the team brought home a state championship for the first time in the 66-year history of the program.
Matt Gibbons ’87 & Kelli (Egan) Gibbons ’88 both retired this past year. Matt after a 35-year career with State Farm Insurance with significant time spent in Human Resources and most recently as a Commercial Lines Underwriting Analyst for the Fidelity/ Surety Bond Operation. Kelli after a 15-year career with Heartland Community College with time in Financial Aid and most recently serving as a Director in the Business Office. Matt and Kelli recently relocated to Mount Washington, KY and are looking forward to spending more time with their family and grandchildren.
’90s
Kathleen Duffin ’91 is the director of development, Midwest, for Per Scholas, which is a national nonprofit organization providing tuition-free training for tech careers.
William Duke ’97 is a podiatrist and is also the head football coach for Tipton High School in Tipton, Missouri. This year the team brought home a state championship for the first time in the 66-year history of the program. William had three of his sons by his side. Two helped coach: one son, a QU grad and current QU graduate assistant, and another son,
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.
Sprinng Stadeker '11 married Ian Reynolds on July 11, 2025 in Las Vegas, NV. Surrounded by the sparkle of Vegas and the joy of beginning their next chapter, Sprinng says “their wedding day felt intimate, magical, and perfectly us.”
a senior at Westminster College. His youngest son, a senior at Tipton High School, looks to continue his football career in college after graduation in May.
Jennifer Knuffman Bettis ’99 has joined the Lincoln Land Community College Foundation as director of major gifts.
’00s
Gina Schmidt Sheurman ’01 is the executive director for the Pike County Chamber & Economic Development Corporation, Pittsfield, IL
Have an idea for an alumni event? Interested in hosting an event? Tell us!
Your input witll allow us to continue to create as many interesting and educational events as possible.
We invite you to contact Maureen Kennedy, coordinator of alumni services at m.kennedy86@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!
John Citro ’06 has been appointed as the next Adams County chief public defender in Quincy.
’10s
Sprinng Stadeker ’11 married Ian Reynolds on July 11, 2025 in Las Vegas, NV.
Darren Lillard ’15 & Courtney Gear Lillard ’15 welcomed their son, Elijiah, on July 27, 2025 in Hannibal, MO.
Kelly Y. Perez ’15 is a 6th grade science teacher. She entered her
us your
Have news of a wedding, birth, promotion, award, anniversary, retirement, or mission trip? Tell us your story at quincy.edu/alumni-updateform/.
head football
Tipton
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14th year of teaching in August 2025 and earned her life license in Indiana in September 2025.
and
Sherika Smiley ’16 is the assistant director of student engagement at the University of Memphis.
Ryan Snider ’16 is the associate director of development, major gifts - athletics for Georgetown University in Washington, D.C.
Cody Leonard ’19 joined the United States Navy in 2025.
’20s
Lakyn Waldschmidt ’21 was married to Cody Jeremiah on April 26, 2025 in Galena, IL.
Lakyn Waldschmidt ’21 was married to Cody Jeremiah on April 26, 2025 in Galena, IL.
Chrisa Dowil Broughton ’22 married her high school sweetheart, Zeke, on September 20, 2025.
She is an associate attorney with Erdel, Owings, Tanzey & Newton in Mexico, MO.
IN MEMORIAM
Mary M. Gehrt ’51 on June 19, 2025, in Quincy, IL
Dr. Edward H. Obrock ’51 on July 28, 2025, in Gallatin, TN
Constance "Connie" Volm Niemann ’54 on December 26, 2025, Quincy, IL
Delores A. Clark ’57 on July 18, 2025, in Quincy, IL
Marilyn L. Ridder ’57 on June 25, 2025, in Quincy, IL
Annette L. Goehl ’58 on July 19, 2025, in Quincy, IL
Fr. Michael Crosby, OFM ’60 on January 21, 2026, Manitowoc, WI
Dr. Frances Nessler Karnes ’60 on August 22, 2025, Hattiesburg, MS
William "Bill" Taylor ’60 on November 10, 2025, Saint Louis, MO
Fr. Glenn Phillips, OFM ’62 on October 27, 2025, Saint Louis, MO
Michael J. Crowe ’64 on November 16, 2025, South Bend, IN
Martha Danglade ’64 on September 22, 2025, in Quincy, IL
Frederick Curtis ’65 on August 24, 2025, Jacksonville, IL
Daniel Muldoon ’66 on October 14, 2025, Post Falls, ID
Charles E. Radel ’66 on October 19, 2025, in Quincy, IL
John K. McCaffrey ’68 on August 24, 2025, Spring Dale, WV
Donald D. Woodruff '69 on September 24, 2025, in Quincy, IL
Patrick "PJ" Henning ’70 on January 20, 2026, Indian Head Park, IL
Wyvetta Williams Menke ’70 on April 12, 2025, Fruit Cove, FL
Dwayne "D.D." Fischer ’71 on May 2, 2025, Quincy, IL
Mary Sue Doeseckle Plunkett ’71 on October 6, 2025, Douglas, MI
Katherine A. Walker ’71 on September 23, 2025, in Galena, IL
Don Jorgensen ’72 on November 28, 2025, Sparks, NV
Elizabeth D. Pappas ’73 on August 24, 2025, in Quincy, IL
Mildred B. Bogue ’75 on July 10, 2024, New London, MO
Regina Scherer Rhodes ’75 on October 26, 2025, Bolingbrook, IL
John Sander ’75 on October 27, 2025, Jefferson City, MO
Jeffrey Wilson ’76 on February 15, 2026, in Crystal Lake, IL
Rose M. Brooks ’77 on August 25, 2025, in Quincy, IL
Ronald Worman ’79 on August 21, 2025, Mattoon, IL
Stephen A. Kennedy ’84 on June 12, 2025, in Quincy, IL
Bonna R. Gratton ’85 on July 12, 2025, in Quincy, IL
Willa Ann M. Wheeler ’86 on June 7th, 2025, in Quincy, IL
Michael H. Geise ’88 on July 17, 2025, in Quincy, IL
Robert A. Soltys ’88 on July 7, 2025, in Quincy, IL
Julia Ann Joachim Maas ’95 on July 30, 2025, Quincy, IL
Judith M. Akers ’99 on May 22, 2025, in Quincy, IL
Fr. Daren Zehnle, ’00 on November 27, 2025, Quincy, IL
Daniel Golden ’07 on October 25, 2025, Quincy, IL
Brian C. Kelty ’07 on June 5, 2025, in Hancock County, IL
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.
Kelly Perez ’15
her three children visiting Santa in early December 2025 at Cabela's.
Constance “Connie” M. Niemann ‘54
Constance “Connie” M. Niemann, 93, passed away on December 26, 2025. Her life was defined by faith, family, and service.
Connie was born on August 4, 1932, to Ralph and Cecelia (Jansen) Volm. She married her high school sweetheart, Richard H. Niemann, Sr., in 1951. God and family were always at the center of Connie’s life. She was the proud mother of eight, grandmother of 24, and great-grandmother of 52, whose warm, welcoming home brought generations together.
Music was one of Connie’s lifelong passions and a defining part of her legacy. She shared her love of music with countless piano students and with her children and grandchildren. Through them, her musical influence will endure for generations.
She gave generously of her time, talents, and treasure through leadership and volunteer roles with the Quincy Symphony Women’s Board, Encore Community Counseling Board, Adams County Mental Health Center, and the Executive Board of Good Samaritan Home. At St. Peter’s School, she served as pianist for the Children’s Choir, as a Girl Scout leader, and as co-founder of the school library.
Connie and Rich were recognized for their shared commitment to education, faith, and community, receiving the Quincy Notre Dame Band Award, the Quincy Catholic Elementary Schools Foundation’s Friend of Catholic Education Award, and the Catholic Charities Distinguished Service Award. They served community fundraising campaigns for the Salvation Army, Adams County United Way, and Quincy University.
William E. “Bill” Taylor ‘60
William E. “Bill” Taylor, 87, passed away on November 10th, 2025, in St. Louis, Missouri.
From an early age, Bill knew he wanted to be a lawyer. He graduated from Quincy University in 1960 with a management degree and then earned his law degree from the University of Missouri.
Bill spent his career practicing tax law for 41 years at Monsanto, Ralston Purina, and Ralcorp. He was a tax attorney for Ralston Purina Company for 26 years, ending as tax counsel and director of domestic taxes and audits.
In 1994, Taylor accepted the position of vice president for tax and employee benefits administration for Ralcorp Holdings Inc., a spinoff of the human food products from Ralston. The numerous acquisitions he worked on during his ten years there grew Ralcorp to more than a billion dollars in sales. Bill retired from Ralcorp in 2004.
A resident of St. Louis, Bill gave back to his community as a volunteer with the IRS-AARP Tax Counseling for Elderly and served as the president for the Friendship Village Sunset Hills Residents Council and as the finance committee chair.
Bill supported Quincy University in numerous ways. He was a member of the Quincy University Board of Trustees from
In memory of their late daughter, Connie and Rich established the Connie Niemann Wheeler Scholarship Fund at Quincy Notre Dame.
In 2013, Connie and Rich, in conjunction with the Niemann Foods Foundation, partnered with Quincy University to establish the Connie Niemann Center for Music—a lasting testament to Rich’s love for Connie and their shared love for music.
In 2021, Quincy University honored Connie and Rich with honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degrees in recognition of their lifelong service and commitment to the university and the community.
Connie’s legacy of love, service, and devotion lives through her family and through all those she touched.
1990 -1999 and from 2000-2003. He served on QU’s National Alumni Board, was the QU Fund Chair, and sponsored the St. Louis call-a-thon for three years at the Ralston offices.
Bill established two scholarships: one in 1981 for business students and the second in 2011 in honor of his three sons’ careers in marketing, engineering and economics. He also served three years as the president of the Quincy College Foundation.
Bill was awarded a Quincy University honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree in May of 2022.
Patrick "PJ" Henning ‘70
Patrick "PJ" Henning, 77, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on January 20, 2026. PJ lived an extraordinary life devoted to faith, family, music, and teaching.
Raised in St. Sabina Parish, he attended Leo High School and Quincy University. Following in the footsteps of his father, PJ became a teacher and band director, inspiring excellence in performance while instilling lifelong lessons in discipline, teamwork, and joy. For more than 30 years, he taught side by side with his father.
Beyond the podium, PJ was the largest personality in any room—a man whose laughter, wit, stories, and energy could fill a stadium. With his humor, warmth, and effortless ability to make every person feel seen and special.
PJ loved Quincy University and the lifelong friendships he built there, proudly co-founding the QU and You Golf Outing. He dedicated his career to mentoring students and building exceptional music programs across Chicago’s Catholic schools, including Brother Rice, St. Laurence, Queen of Peace, and Mother McAuley. In later life, PJ found great happiness in Sarasota, Florida and his Heritage Oaks community.
PJ’s life was always underscored by love—most especially for his children, grandchildren, and Susan, his wife of 54 years. She was his greatest cheerleader. Her unwavering support
Fr. Daren Zehnle, JCL ‘00
Fr. Daren J. Zehnle, 47, of Quincy, Illinois died on November 27, 2025, in Springfield, Illinois. He served as director of campus ministry, adjunct professor of theology at Quincy University, and spiritual director for Great River TEC (Teens Encounter Christ).
Fr. Daren was born in Quincy on March 26, 1978, the son of George W. “Bill” and Patricia (Szarka) Zehnle. He was a 1996 graduate of Quincy High School, a 2000 graduate of Quincy University, and a 2005 graduate of the University of St. Mary of the Lake, Mundelein Seminary. He was ordained to the Priesthood of Jesus Christ at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Springfield on May 28, 2005, for service to the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois.
He served as parochial vicar at St. Anthony of Padua Parish in Effingham from 2005 through 2009 and taught at St. Anthony High School and was assistant coach to the boys’ soccer, wrestling and track teams.
He served as pastor of three parishes in Illinois from 2009-2011 - Sacred Heart Parish in Virden, St. Patrick Parish in Girard, and Holy Cross Parish in Auburn. He served as Priest Secretary and Episcopal Master of Ceremonies to the Bishop and the Associate Director of the Office for Vocations from 2011 through 2013. He was sent for graduate studies in Canon Law at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome from 2013-2016.
He served as parochial vicar at St. Agnes Parish in Springfield, Associate Director of the Office for Divine Worship and the Catechumenate, and Chief Master of Ceremonies to the Bishop from 2016-2017. He served as pastor of St. Augustine Parish
allowed him to dedicate so much of himself to his students and his art. Together, they built a beautiful family and a life filled with joy, laughter, and purpose.
PJ’s legacy lives on in the generations of musicians he inspired, in the echoes of concerts and competitions that still ring through school halls, and most profoundly, in the love of his family and the countless friends who became like family along the way. His warmth and humor created lasting connections that spanned decades and communities—a true testament to a life well lived and a man deeply loved.
in Ashland from 2017 to 2024 and as pastor of St. Peter Parish Petersburg from 2019-2021.
When he passed, Fr. Daren had served for eight years as Director of the Office for Divine Worship and the Catechumenate, Adjutant Judicial Vicar, as a judge in the diocesan tribunal, as Episcopal Delegate for Matrimonial Concerns, and as a Censor librorum.
Fr. Daren had a special connection to QU students and to the lacrosse team. He had many interests, including reading and traveling. He loved J.R.R. Tolkien, Venerable Augustus Tolton, St. Marianne Cope, St. Damien of Molokai, and Hawaii and its people.
Fr. Daren touched countless lives throughout his ministry as a priest.
Thank
you for investing in students and in the lasting impact of the university.
“I was led to QU because of the supportive environment and the opportunity to participate in college athletics.”
– Abby McDaris Tulsa, OK Accounting & Business Analytics major
Abby McDaris is a junior accounting and business analytics major and a member of the QU swimming team. After graduating, Abby plans to work in forensic accounting while pursuing a master's in accounting.
Abby says that one thing that stands out about QU is the sense of community. “It feels like the professional staff truly cares about you and your future.”
Abby is grateful for the scholarships she has received because they enable her to concentrate on what is important to her -- education and making a difference at QU.
“Your financial generosity has allowed me to be one step closer to my goal and has inspired me to help others by giving back to the community. I hope one day I will be able to help other students achieve their goals just as you have helped me.”
Abby McDaris is the recipient of the Sandra & William Taylor Scholarship.
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
Paul Brown ’65 and Dr. Janise Denton: Lifelong Champions of Quincy University
“I developed special friendships with some of my classmates that have endured to this day,” Paul says. “We had some EXCELLENT FRANCISCAN AND LAY TEACHERS who cared about how we were doing academically and personally.”
After graduation, Paul earned his MBA at the University of Chicago and returned to work at Quincy College for 17 years in senior management, followed by a second career in health care senior management.
“QU prepared me well for graduate school and my career and personal life. The Franciscan spirit of service instilled in me a lasting desire to make a POSITIVE DIFFERENCE Because of what I received from QU, I have devoted a significant part of my life trying to pay it back.”
Paul has served in several LEADERSHIP capacities over the years including as Mart Heinen Club president, QU foundation president, board of trustees committee chair, National Alumni Board member, founding member of the Colorado Alumni Chapter, and Retirees Association president.
Paul received a full academic scholarship, and he wants to ensure that current and future students receive their own QU experiences. He and his wife Dr. Janise Denton, along with friends and alumni, established FOUR ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIPS in honor of legendary Franciscan presidents and professors and also support many other scholarships.
“THIS IS ONE SMALL WAY WE CAN RECOGNIZE AND THANK THEM.”
With a lifetime of volunteering and financial support for the University, Paul and Janise are PROUD MEMBERS OF QU’S HERITAGE SOCIETY and have graciously included QU in their estate plans.
