QU Announces Enrollment Increase
Enrollment continues to grow at Quincy University.
This fall, the university welcomed 340 new freshman and transfer students to campus, a five percent increase from last year. Including all undergraduate and graduate students, the overall enrollment for the Fall 2021 academic term stands at a three percent increase from Fall 2020.
“Our new and continuing students and families have recognized and chosen the quality and value of a QU education,” said Brian McGee, Ph.D., president of Quincy University. “QU’s Success by Design program makes student success our highest priority, with students continuing to receive access to small, in-person classes and individualized plans for their success. While the pandemic continues, we also continue to take strong steps to assure student, faculty and staff safety.”
The Class of 2025 comes to QU from 160 different high schools located in 21 different states and 11 countries. Resilient, this class applied for college in a year interrupted by pandemic-related closures and quarantine. Their high school experiences switched from in-person to hybrid to online learning, and for many, they could only visit colleges virtually.
“In this most unusual of years, QU continues to build enrollment by focusing on student success and the tremendous ways in which QU graduates are impacting the world in their various vocations and avocations,” said Tom Oliver, M.A., vice president for enrollment management. “We are pleased and gratified by the value students and their families see in a Quincy University education. Our Success by Design experience combined with a competitive scholarship program creates one of this country’s best values in higher education.”
Jacob Sprock from Arnold, Mo., is a biology, pre-med major, and a member of the chamber choir. Sprock chose QU because of the scholarship opportunities, community atmosphere and his mom’s glowing review of her time as a QU student.
“My mom cites QU as the source of many of her best friendships and most memorable moments,” said Sprock. “I’m looking forward to meeting and interacting with the QU community and creating long-lasting relationships.”
Hundreds of scholarships are made possible each year through the generosity of QU donors. Many of those scholarships are funded from the earnings of the Quincy University endowment. Currently, the market value of the endowment is approximately $22 Million.
Gracie Whalen, from Eureka, Mo. is an elementary education major and a member of the dance team. She chose QU to follow in her aunt’s footsteps.
“She is my biggest inspiration and loved her experience at QU,” said Whalen. “And on the tour, I knew that this place was home.”
As a new academic year begins, Quincy University is excited to welcome our new students to the Hawk family. These students will be able to take full advantage of the distinctive elements of a Quincy University liberal arts education. QU’s educational experience prepares students to enter the workforce with critical thinking skills, creativity, and the ability to communicate, adjust, and work with others utilizing hands-on experiences. They will have access to a faculty advisor and a Success Coach, along with a series of university-wide programs all part of the Success by Design initiative to help students graduate on time and prepare for careers or further education. Throughout their QU academic careers, students will have opportunities to conduct research with faculty mentors and present their work at the Academic Symposium held each spring.
During a weeklong orientation, new students were introduced to the QU House System, now in its second year. The university designed the house system to transform the student experience at the university, with each QU student becoming part of a close-knit house community. Each house is named for an inspirational figure linked in some way to Quincy University and downstate Illinois.
In addition to Orientation, the university began the fall semester with a series of events for the annual Week of Welcome. The events, hosted by university offices, departments and alumni, are a way to engage new students and help them adjust to college life.
“I remember the excitement (and the beanies) from my first week at QU and wanted to send my encouragement for the Class of 2025 as they start this new, wonderful adventure,” said Terry (Sanson) Trout ’81. “It is four years of learning, growth and memories that shape our lives forever and I’m wishing them the best QU has to offer.”
Consistent with our Catholic and Franciscan values, Quincy University remains strongly committed to COVID-19 safety and has collaborated closely with the Adams County Health Department throughout the pandemic. Quincy University will continue to provide transparency about COVID-19 cases and measures, with messages published at www.quincy.edu/coronavirus/.
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.