Quincy University is celebrating the second-highest fundraising total in school history after raising more than $12.2 million for the 2025-26 fiscal year including a number of leadership level gifts in excess of $1million each. The generous support of alumni, faculty, staff, student families and donors is already enhancing the student experience at QU.
“As we have seen over the past few years, generosity creates momentum,” said Jean Buckley, chair of the QU Board of Trustees. “We have experienced donors stepping up in ways they never have before. The support we’ve received is more than financial; it is a vote of confidence in our mission and our students.”
The fundraising total, which encompasses both restricted and unrestricted gifts, caps off a five-year stretch in which overall giving topped $10 million in three separate years. The current record for total fundraising in a single year at QU was set in 2024-25, when the university received over $19.1 million in philanthropic support. Donations to Quincy University exceeded $10 million for the first time in 2021-22, when QU announced gifts of more than $10.5 million.
“Our donors’ continued generosity reflects a strong belief in our Catholic and Franciscan mission, and their support transforms the lives of our students today while securing a brighter future for those who follow,” said Brian McGee, university president. “We are so grateful for the commitment of our new and continuing donors to the future of this great university.”
Capitalizing on this donor momentum, the university continues to invest in campus infrastructure and academic offerings. Recent facility projects include residence hall upgrades, remodeled classrooms, engineering labs, entrepreneurial center, podcast studio and new athletic staff offices. To enhance spiritual life, the university created a student chapel in Friars Hall, renovated Tau House — formerly the Campus Ministry House — and expanded its campus ministry team.
In addition, the university hired new aviation faculty, welcomed its first cohort to the Doctor of Occupational Therapy program and continued growing its electrical and mechanical engineering programs. The university also is preparing for the official launch of a new clinical doctoral program in physical therapy.
“These facility improvements and new personnel are fundamental to the mission and to the success of the university,” McGee said. “We are deeply grateful to the alumni and friends whose faithful support makes this growth possible. Rooted in Franciscan and Catholic values, we are committed to nurturing servant leaders who will enter the workforce and change it for the better. This extraordinary investment by our donors ensures Quincy University remains vibrant today while laying a foundation for future generations of students.”
Founded in 1860 by Franciscan friars, Quincy University is a small Catholic university emphasizing the sciences, liberal arts and the professions. Quincy University offers undergraduate, graduate and adult education programs integrating practical experience and Franciscan values. Faculty and advisors work with students to design customized success plans to help them graduate on time, find their passion and prepare them for life. QU is a member of NCAA Division II for intercollegiate athletics. For more information, please visit www.quincy.edu or contact the Office of Community Relations at (217) 228-5275 or [email protected]. Quincy University. Success by Design.