Alumni Features What are alumni doing now?

“If God can work through me, he can work through anyone.”–St. Francis of Assisi

 

Heritage Honors

The Heritage Honors 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.”

Franciscan Service Award Criteria

  • Nominee must be an alumnus/alumna of QU as defined by the Quincy University Alumni office (degree preferred but not required)
  • National Alumni Board to select
  • Significant contributions to their community, state, and nation through professional service, public service, and or civic activities
  • Honorees offer inspiration and encouragement as role models for principled leadership and a wholehearted commitment to serving others

Past Recipients:

  • 2020 – Paul Brown ’65
  • 2021 –  Fr. Frank Kordek, OFM ’67
  • 2022 – Dan ’63 and Pam ’65 Sherman
  • 2023 – Jean Field ’71
  • 2024 – Joe ’65 and Judy Claes

Rising Hawk Award Criteria

  • Young alumni under 40
  • Nominee must be an alumnus/alumna of QU as defined by the Quincy University Alumni office (degree preferred but not required)
  • National Alumni Board to be involved: Young Alumni Council to select
  • Who demonstrates success early in his or her career and is active in the life of the university or the life in their community

Past Recipients

  • 2020 – Brady Killion ’13
  • 2021 – Megan Greer ‘ 20
  • 2022 – Julianne Touhy ‘ 15
  • 2023 – Evan McGaughey ’16
  • 2024 – Daryle Hightower ’12

Bill O’Donnell Distinguished Alumni of the Year Criteria

  • Based on professional accomplishments and contributions to the community and humanity
  • Nominee must be an alumnus/alumna of QU as defined by the Quincy University Alumni office (degree preferred but not required)
  • Nominee must demonstrate a belief in Quincy University’s mission and vision through philanthropic support of Quincy University.
  • Nominee must have demonstrated continuing interest in and support of Quincy University through contribution of time and/or talent.
  • Recognized 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.

Past Recipients

1960 Joseph Bonansinga ’31
1961 Dorothy H. Claggett ’50
1961 John J. Wensing ’57
1961 Juanita (Reece) Jenkins ’48
1962 Michael Rooney ’15
1978 Joseph J. Simeone ’41
1978 Bernard Willer ’30
1979 Leo Lechtenberg ’32
1979 Tom Daly ’51
1980 Fr. Seraphin Tibesar, OFM
1980 Fr. Henry Freiburg, OFM
1980 Fr. Harold Jochem, OFM
1980 Fr. Lucian Trouy, OFM
1981 Edward E. Boddy ’60
1981 Sr. Andre Friers, CPPS ’70
1982 Bishop Albert Zuroweste ’18
1984 Paul W. Meyer ’43
1985 Bernard Willer ’30
1986 Joseph Quinn ’57
1987 Thomas Awerkamp ’40
1988 Richard J. Helmer ’62
1989 Robert E. Meyer ’40
1990 William E. Taylor ’60
1991 Harold C. McGinnis ’56
1992 Robert Zehnle ’67
1993 Richard H. Niemann, Sr. ’53
1994 Frank J. Kabbes ’54
1995 James P. Mooney ’70
1995 Janet M. (Zinngrabe) Mooney ’70
1996 John D. Stenger ’66
1997 Thomas H. Pollihan ’72
1998 Edward Readon ’53
1999 Shirley Murphy ’87
2001 Dennis E. Boudreau ’78
2001 Suzanne (Schultz) Boudreau ’75
2002 Richard T. Mitchell ’57
2003 Maureen (Breakey) O’Donnell ’76
2003 William E. O’Donnell ’73
2004 Kevin J. Breheny ’78
2004 Susan L. (Pierantoni) Breheny ’79
2005 Douglas P. Helein ’73
2006 John M. Christensen ’56
2007 Mary Jane Brenner ’60
2008 Jim Mentesti ’66
2009 Orlet Family (Andy & Eileen Orlet)
2010 Bill Metzinger Sr. ’74
2012 Richard O. Ryan ’64
2013 Michael Hennessy ’72
2013 Carole (Hughes) Hennessy ’73
2014 Robert W. Schlepphorst ’51
2014 Joanne M. (Ehrhart) Schlepphorst ’49
2015 Paul Brown ’65
2016 Pete Brown ’76
2017 Roger ’57 & Mary Kay (Wayman) Venvertloh ’57
2018 George ’63 & Mary Nell (Frier) Meyer ’63
2019 James ’59 & Judith (Perko) Heinz ’61
2020 Dr. William V. Dolan ’70
2021 Al Knepler ’71
2021 Lucinda McClain ’71
2022 Stephen ’75 & Jan (Dickson) Koester ’77
2023 Robert Kadzielewski ’73
2024 Teresa Kettelkamp ’74

Nominations for all awards are solicited annually from faculty, staff, alumni, and friends of the university, specifically in the fall of each year. However, we accept award nominations throughout the year. We encourage nominations to be kept confidential. Submitted nominees are reviewed by Alumni Services and the final selection is made by a committee of the NAB. 

The nomination deadline for the 2025 awards is October 31, 2024. 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.

 

 

Nomination Form

This is a form for those who wish to nominate a fellow alum who has achieved professional accomplishments and service to their communities and/or to the university.

  • Nominee Information

  • Nominee Employment Information

  • Reasons for Nomination

  • Nominator Information