QU Fund Raises Record $1.2 Million

Quincy University has surpassed its $1.1 million QU Fund goal, bringing in a record high of $1,203,535. This amount exceeded money raised last year for the QU fund by nine percent. The QU Fund is comprised of unrestricted giving and gifts to endowed scholarships from living donors. The QU Fund was chaired this year by Mario and Ginny (Johnson) Camacho ’73. The university announced the results at a virtual celebration on June 16, 2020.

When combined with restricted giving and support of capital projects, $8,572,000 was raised during the 2019-2020 fiscal year, a record high for the university, and exceeding last year’s fundraising by 46 percent. This year QU was honored to receive $2.5 million from an estate gift for an endowed scholarship.

“Experiencing record-breaking fundraising in the midst of a global pandemic is a true testament to the generosity and dedication of our Quincy University family,” said Julie Bell, vice president of advancement. “As the financial challenges of our students during these uncertain times prevail, the continued support of our alumni, friends and the local business community is more important than ever before.”

Each year the QU Fund raises money to support student scholarships, campus enhancements, technology upgrades and faculty development initiatives. The annual fund gifts are unrestricted, meaning they can be spent as they come in, making an immediate impact.

In addition, the fund helps grow the university’s endowment, which supports all activities of the university.

“Each year, alumni, businesses, parents, and other wonderful friends of Quincy University are asked to support this wonderful university through gifts to the QU Fund. And, each year, they respond,” said Brian McGee, university president. “Even with a global pandemic transforming the world in the final months of our fiscal year, our contributors set a new record for annual support of the university, including their generous gifts to the COVID-19 support fund for the university and its students.

“You can feel the love and respect for this university when you talk to supporters of the QU Fund, whether you have encountered a first-time donor or someone who has made gifts for 40 years or more. I thank everyone who has made a real and lasting difference in supporting students, faculty, and staff at QU.”

As QU Fund chairs, the Camacho’s continue their long tradition of QU support. Mario and Ginny were both in the Teacher Education Program and worked as teachers for a combined 60 years. They have carried out the Franciscan philosophy, which was the backbone of their QU education, in their family, work, and volunteer activities. They are generous supporters of QU and have been for years.

“We are grateful to everyone for their continued generous support of QU,” said Ginny Camacho. “Most students attending QU need financial support, just as we did when we were at Quincy College almost 50 years ago. We are happy to pay it forward.”

Watch the 2019-20 QU Fund Virtual Closing Celebration online HERE.

Founded in 1860 by Franciscan friars, Quincy University (www.quincy.edu) is celebrating 160 years as a Catholic, co-educational, liberal arts, residential university. Quincy University offers undergraduate, graduate, and adult education programs that integrate liberal arts, active learning, practical experience, and Franciscan values. Faculty and advisors work with each student to design a customized success plan to help them graduate on time, find their passion and prepare them for life. 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. Quincy University. Success by Design.