Quincy University has announced local high school graduate Jordan Lepper as the 2021 Bishop’s Scholarship recipient. Lepper recently graduated from Quincy Notre Dame High School with honors and will begin at QU this coming fall.

“I am excited for both Jordan and Quincy University to award the Bishop’s Scholarship to a student who attended Quincy Catholic schools,” said Bishop Thomas John Paprocki, bishop of the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois. “Jordan’s strong academic commitment and performance stood out, and her essay reflected her strong commitment to the Church and the Catholic faith.”

The university awards the $10,000 Bishop’s Scholarship to one student on the recommendation of Bishop Paprocki. To be eligible for consideration, a candidate must belong to a parish in the Diocese of Springfield and have applied to QU. Candidates must be admitted to QU, choose to enroll, and submit a statement describing their involvement in their local parish, the Diocese or the Catholic Church.

“I was completely speechless when President McGee called me and told me that I was the recipient of the Bishop Scholarship,” said Jordan Lepper.  “I never knew that my faith could have such an impact on my life in so many ways: spiritually, emotionally, and now financially.  It is such a blessing to have been able to grow in my faith throughout my twelve years of Catholic education and now beyond at Quincy University.

“I would like to thank everyone who has helped me with my faith journey including, my family, Blessed Sacrament School and Parish and my high school teachers at Quincy Notre Dame who made faith a daily priority.  I would also like to thank Bishop Paprocki, Dr. McGee, and the staff at Quincy University for allowing me to receive this amazing scholarship!”

The scholarship is subject to the university’s stacking policy, which limits awarded institutional dollars to the value of tuition. It is renewable for up to eight semesters of study as long as the recipient remains enrolled full-time and maintains a 3.3-grade point average at QU.

“We are honored to serve the 129 parishes and 44 schools of the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois,” said Brian McGee, Ph.D., president. “Quincy University has been located in this diocese since its founding over 160 years ago.  As the only Catholic university in the diocese and in downstate Illinois, our mission is to provide instruction deeply rooted in our faith and in the Franciscan intellectual tradition.

“Bishop Paprocki’s support for Quincy University and Catholic education is so important to us at QU. The alumni, faculty, and staff of the university continue to appreciate all he has done and continues to do as bishop, priest, professor and scholar.”

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 communityrelations@quincy.edu. Quincy University. Success by Design.