QU to Host 156th Commencement Ceremony

Quincy University will host its 156th Commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 11 beginning at 3:00 p.m. in Quincy University’s Pepsi Arena. The 2019 graduating class is comprised of 210 undergraduates with an additional 43 graduate degree recipients.

The procession will be led by University marshal, Robert Mejer, distinguished professor of art, and assistant marshals, Dr. David Kirchhofer and Dr. Scott Luaders, professors of physics and chemistry, respectively. Dr. Teresa Reed, vice president for academic affairs, will convene the ceremony and Reverend William Spencer O.F.M., director of campus ministry, will deliver the invocation. Senior choir members Racin Coelho, Casey Pigg and Genesis Torrens will perform the National Anthem and the Quincy University Alma Mater.

Due to space constraints, tickets are required for entry into Pepsi Arena for all attendees, even children. A closed-circuit broadcast will be shown in the adjacent three-court area of the Health and Fitness Center for those without tickets. DVD copies of the broadcast are available for purchase at $20 each and Blu-ray copies for $25 each and will be available to pre-order at the ceremony.

Graduates elected senior representative Ernest A. Baker, Jr. to deliver the program’s welcome address and reflection. Baker is a human services major with a minor in English. Baker has been heavily involved on campus during his time at QU. He is a resident director, student ambassador, secretary of Kappa Kappa Psi’s Lamba Chi chapter, secretary of Quincy’s Alpha Phi Omega Extension Effort and the founder and acting president of the Black Student Union.

Steven T. Campbell ’73, will deliver this year’s commencement address. Campbell has served as U.S. Cellular’s executive vice president — finance, chief financial officer and treasurer, since 2007. Campbell joined U.S. Cellular in 2005 as vice president and controller. Prior to joining U.S. Cellular, he held senior leadership positions at 3Com Corporation, U.S. Robotics Corporation and Amoco Corporation.  He is a certified public accountant and is a member of the American Institute of Public Accountants and the Illinois CPA Society.  He is married and has three adult children.

Quincy University President Philip G. Conover will be awarded the degree Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters during the ceremony. Conover taught and coached at several local high schools until 1978 when he joined Blunt Ellis and Loewi as a financial advisor and eventually retired from Wachovia Securities.  Conover has as extensive background in higher education including serving as a member and vice-chair of the Quincy University Board of Trustees and as interim vice president of instruction for John Wood Community College. Conover has dedicated countless hours to fundraising for the Unit 4 school district which includes the communities of Lima, Meyer, Ursa, Loraine, Fowler and Mendon. Conover has been married 53 years to his wife Bonnie, and together they have three children, seven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

Additional Commencement Weekend festivities include:

• 5/10 – Champaign Brunch – 11:00 a.m. – Main Dining Room
• 5/10 – Baccalaureate Liturgy – 5:00 p.m. – Quincy University Chapel

For media inquiries, please contact Matt Bergman at communityrelations@quincy.edu or 217-228-5221.

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.