QU Announces the Successful Completion of $25M Capital Campaign

Quincy University announced the completion of its $25M comprehensive campaign, Forever Forward, at a private reception on February 22 in the Connie Niemann Center for Music. The campaign exceeded its goal raising over $25,500,000 for capital projects and endowment.

“It is with gratitude that we celebrate the conclusion of Quincy University’s first-ever comprehensive campaign—Forever Forward. The projects in the campaign have enhanced the experiences of our students, both in and out of the classroom. These improvements, in turn, benefit the University’s recruitment and retention efforts, which are critical to our financial sustainability,” said Julie Bell, vice president of advancement.

The campaign was publicly launched in 2015 after a 4-year quiet phase which included the University’s first two 7-figure gifts from living donors; a $1M gift from Rich and Connie Niemann, for the Connie Niemann Center for Music and a $2M anonymous gift for the Center for Science. The Campaign’s lead projects focused on strengthening endowment and modernizing learning environments and facilities throughout campus including, the Quincy Media Inc. Television Broadcast Studio, the J. Kenneth Nesbit Student Success Center, Legends Stadium, renovations to QU Stadium as well as restoration of the historic QU chapel.

Bill Metzinger ’74 and Dr. Linda Moore ’81, both of Quincy, served as co-chairs of the campaign. Serving as honorary chair was the late John Mahoney ’66. Additional members of the leadership team included Jerry Murphy ’70, Chicago regional chair; Tom Pollihan ’72, St. Louis regional chair; Dennis Galligani ’66, California regional chair; the late Harold Knapheide III, business chair as well as members of Quincy University’s Advancement team.

“I would like to thank the generous individuals, companies and foundations that have made this possible. The success of this campaign has provided for many improvements on our campus and allowed us to strengthen the education of our students in the Catholic Franciscan tradition,” said Metzinger.

While QU pauses to celebrate the completion of this campaign, the University’s attention is focused on future academic program enhancements and facility renovations. In response to the evolving career landscape and the rising costs of education, QU must continue to expand and modernize to stay competitive with schools of its size.

“Major capital campaigns like the Forever Forward campaign are so important for universities like Quincy University. With so many needs for scholarships, annual operating expenses, and program improvements, it is important to consider long-term capital needs,” said Moore.

Quincy University’s mission is to educate men and women in the Franciscan tradition, preparing them for leadership and for the transformation of the world. This important work cannot continue without adequate resources.

“While this was the first comprehensive campaign at Quincy University, this is definitely not our last,” said Bell. “Looking ahead, we will seek major investments in other key areas that will impact University growth, such as endowment and high-demand academic programs.”

Founded in 1860 by Franciscan friars, Quincy University (www.quincy.edu) is a Catholic, co-educational, residential university offering undergraduate, graduate, and adult
education programs that integrate liberal arts, active learning, practical experience, and Franciscan values. Quincy University’s intercollegiate sports are members of the NCAA Division II Great Lakes Valley Conference for men and women. For more information, please contact the Quincy University Office of Community Relations by calling (217) 228-5275.