QU Kicks Off 2025-2026 QU Fund Drive and Announces Chairpersons Andy Tappe and Dr. Michaela (Fray) Tappe
Quincy University recently launched its 2025-2026 QU Fund Drive with a goal of $1.6M. Last year, the QU Fund Drive surpassed the $1.5M goal, setting a new all-time record for annual gifts to the QU Fund.
“As we kick off this year’s QU Fund appeal, we recognize that every gift is an expression of faith in our students and in the mission of Quincy University,” said Dan Queathem, vice president for university advancement. “Through their generosity, and in the spirit of our Catholic and Franciscan values, our donors make it possible for more students to learn with purpose, grow in faith, and go out to serve others. Their support is helping shape the next generation of servant-leaders.”
The QU Fund is the university’s annual giving program and a vital source of support for every area of campus life. Gifts to the QU Fund provide scholarships for deserving students, strengthen academic and athletic programs, and sustain the university’s mission-centered operations.
The chairpersons for this year’s campaign are Andrew Tappe ’04 and Dr. Michaela (Fray) Tappe ’06.
Andy Tappe, a 2000 graduate of Quincy Notre Dame High School and 2004 graduate of Quincy University, spent eight years building his career in Chicago before returning home to Quincy. He is a Wealth Management Advisor with Merrill Lynch and earned his Certified Financial Planner (CFP™) designation in 2018. His commitment to excellence has earned his team, MFCT & Associations, recognition from Forbes magazine as a “Best in State Wealth Management Teams” in 2025, 2024, and 2023. Beyond his professional achievements, Andy’s personal journey is marked by resilience and faith. He is a double transplant survivor, receiving the gift of life from two living donors, a kidney transplant fifteen years ago and most recently, myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), a rare form of blood cancer. He celebrated remission over blood cancer in 2024.
Michaela (Fray) Tappe, Ed.D., is a 2002 graduate of Southeastern High School in Augusta, IL, and a 2006 graduate of Quincy University. She holds a master’s degree from William Woods University, a specialist license for district superintendent, and a doctorate in educational leadership from Western Illinois University. Over her career, Michaela has served as a teacher, principal, district office leader, and leadership researcher. Currently, she is preparing to launch her own private consulting firm, continuing her passion for empowering others and strengthening organizations through connections, alignments, resiliency, education, and empowerment.
“As former Quincy University student-athletes, we learned more than how to compete,” said Andy Tappe. “QU gave us lifelong friends, dedicated professors and coaches, trusted mentors, and most importantly, the values that guide us today. Now it’s our turn to give back. As Campaign Chairs, we invite you to join us in supporting the QU Fund.”
“Quincy University will always be home for us; it truly shaped who we are today,” said Michaela (Fray) Tappe. “On the field, in the gym, and in the classroom, we gained lessons in discipline, faith, and values that continue to influence our lives. The professors, coaches, and teammates who supported us then remain dear to us now. We are humbled to serve as QU Fund Campaign Chairs because we believe deeply in Quincy University. For us, this is about giving back to the place that gave us so much.”
Together for ten years, Andy and Michaela were married in 2021. Shortly after their wedding, they welcomed their daughter, Ja’Niya Alexander, into their home through the foster care system. Joining the family at 15, and now 19 years old, Ja’Niya remains a blessing and joy to their family.
Together, the Tappes are deeply committed to serving their community. They generously share their time, talents, and resources through involvement on multiple boards and initiatives. Both feel profoundly grateful to live in Quincy, where they are dedicated to making a lasting, positive impact.
“Every gift to the QU Fund makes a difference. Your support will open doors for students, support the faculty and coaches who guide them, and strengthen the university we all love,” said Andy and Michaela. “Join us in this important mission to ensure today’s Hawks have the same life-changing opportunities we were given.”
To donate to the QU Fund, contact the Office for Advancement at 217-228-5226, visit www.quincy.edu/give or use the text-to-donate initiative. Text “QUFUND to 44321,” and you will receive an access link to give online. You can also use Cash App and donate to $QuincyUniversity, or Venmo donations to @VictorHawk.
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.
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