QU Announces Fall 2021 Art Scholarship Recipients

Quincy University’s Art Department awarded four art scholarships for the fall 2021 semester.

“The Quincy University Art Department created the Art Talent Search Competition as a way to raise the awareness for new or transfer students to obtain scholarships. QU has a long tradition of providing scholarships to art students, but the growing financial need of students in art programs meant we needed more program visibility,” said Karl Warma, M.F.A., professor of art.

QU launched the new scholarship initiative for up to four incoming freshman or transfer students entering the 2021-2022 school year. The selection process was held virtually on March 27, 2021. Participants submitted an application, portfolio and had personal interviews with QU Art Department faculty. Recipients were chosen at the discretion of the art faculty on the talent and personal vision of the candidate.

“We want to reward the talent that a student brings to our department and our campus. These students come in with a strong foundation and anchor our classes,” said Gary Meacher, M.F.A., assistant professor. “As leaders in the Art & Design Department, they can motivate others and elevate the quality in the classroom.”

Sean McCarthy an incoming transfer student was awarded the full-tuition scholarship. McCarthy has previously studied at John Wood Community College and the Illinois Art Institute in Chicago, Ill. McCarthy is from Quincy and pursuing a degree in graphic design.

“Sean is already an established artist who has a broad background in several artistic disciplines. We hope to give Sean an opportunity to further his depth of art practice and make QU a place where he can further establish his personal style,” said Warma.

Two talented high school seniors, Jensen Ross of Barry, Ill. and Fen Nyberg of Naperville, Ill. received partial scholarships for the portfolios they showed. Ross is an art student with strong entrepreneurial instincts. She is currently a partner in a family printing business specializing in custom designs on fabric. Nyberg is the daughter of two professional artists and looks forward to more personal experience at QU. Coming from a large suburban high school, she was active in publication work and has an aspiration to be an art director after college.

Also receiving a partial scholarship is Samantha Lynch of Quincy, who will be majoring in studio art. Lynch is a transfer student from John Wood Community College. She has a strong commitment to the emotional content of art, not only for the artist making the work but the information that comes to the viewer.

“We are thrilled to award these four capable students scholarships. They will enhance the talent of the art program here at QU and continue a tradition of artistic excellence,” stated Bob Mejer, M.F.A., distinguished professor of art and curator of the Gray Gallery.

Founded in 1860 by Franciscan friars, Quincy University is celebrating 160 years as 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.