QU Names 2019 Alumni of the Year

Quincy University has announced Jim ’59 and Judy ’61 (Perko) Heinze as its 2019 Bill O’Donnell Distinguished Alumni of the Year. Jim was an engineering management major and Judy majored in vocal music education. They will be honored at the Alumni Dinner during Homecoming Weekend on September 28, at 5:30 p.m. in the Hall of Fame Room. Tickets for the dinner are $20 a person.

Upon graduation, Jim served two years in the U.S. Navy at the submarine base in Groton, Conn. The couple married in 1962 and lived and worked in Quincy. A few years after they married, Jim started his 30-year career with what was then known as Bell System.  During Jim’s career, the couple moved to Peoria, Chicago, New York and Colorado.

After their daughters were grown, Judy resumed teaching. Throughout her 20-year career, she taught general music, elementary grades K-5 and started a Charter school along with five other teachers. The highlight of her teaching career was a one-year teacher exchange in Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, Australia. The Heinze’s have been married for 57 years and together have three daughters and seven grandchildren.

“Distance from their alma mater has not hindered the Heinze’s loyal support,” said Julie Bell, vice president for advancement. They are actively involved in QU’s Colorado Alumni Chapter, as well as generous financial supporters. We are grateful for their gift of time, talent and treasure.

In honor of their 50th anniversary, Jim established an endowed scholarship for students in Judy’s name. Most recently, they donated funds to replace the Stations of the Cross that had fallen into disrepair. The new granite pedestals will be dedicated Homecoming Weekend at a ceremony on Sunday, September 29 at 9:00 a.m. at North Campus.

For a complete list of Homecoming activities or to purchase tickets online visit www.quincy.edu/homecoming.  For more information, please contact Alumni Services at 217-228-5209 or qualumni@quincy.edu.

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.