QU Completes Brenner Library Entrance Renovation

Quincy University recently renovated the elevated concrete main entrance to Brenner Library. A portion of the project was paid with funds from a grant from the Marion Gardner Jackson Charitable Trust, Bank of America, in 2020.

For more than 50 years, Brenner Library has welcomed students, alumni, and community members, offering access to a wealth of information and support from experienced staff. After years of service, the original elevated entrance began to show wear. To provide a safe and sustainable main entrance to Brenner Library, QU worked with local engineers and contractors to provide a quality structure that will last another 50 years.

The university secured the services of Klingner & Associates, P.C., to create the structural design and plan to remove the original entrance and the construction of a new elevated stair and landing. QU hired Jeff Schutte Builders to do the removal and construction of the entrance and hired AH Kemner & Sons, Inc. to paint the stairwell walls. The project was completed over the summer months.

Centrally located on the main campus, Brenner Library is at the center of student success at Quincy University. The library houses the university’s academic support programs including, the J. Kenneth Nesbit Student Success Center (SSC) and the QUEST Center. The SSC provides students with free tutoring services, supplemental instruction facilities, focused support for writing and math, two supplemental instruction rooms, a state-of-the-art computer lab with discipline-specific software and ADA-compliant testing rooms. The QUEST Center offers student assistance in career services, internships, service learning, study abroad and undergraduate research. Both programs are a part of QU’s Success by Design initiative, preparing all students for the workforce and helping students design a customized success plan, which will allow them to graduate in a timely fashion.

In addition to academic support and resources, the library boasts a temperature-controlled room, which houses a rare book collection  Among the 4,000 volumes of rare books is the Incunabula, 57 of the oldest and rarest books in print and registered with the United States Library of Congress. The Gray Gallery is located on the main floor of the library and has a professional exhibition schedule each academic year which includes exhibitions by nationally noted and regional artists. Gallery space is also allocated for student and art faculty exhibitions, including the annual juried and baccalaureate shows.

The Marion Gardner Jackson Charitable Trust was established by Marion Gardner Jackson, the granddaughter of local industrialist, Robert W. Gardner, founder of the Gardner-Denver Company. Before her death in 1976, Mrs. Jackson set up a perpetual trust to aid religious, charitable, scientific, literary and educational organizations. Preference is given to organizations in Quincy, Illinois and surrounding communities in Adams County.

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.