QU Professor Wraps Up 53-Year Career With Final Lecture

Quincy University’s Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Theology and Religious Studies Leonard Biallas Ph.D., will present a lecture entitled, “A Pilgrim and the Sacred,” on April 17 at 7:00 p.m. in the Connie Niemann Center for Music (17th & Seminary Road). This presentation is free and open to the public, but reservations are required.

During the lecture, Biallas will discuss what defines a pilgrim, what is the sacred and what compels the pilgrim to search for it. He will explore this concept from the perspectives of many different religions and beliefs.  Light refreshments will be served after the lecture.

Biallas came to Quincy University to teach in 1973, having completed his bachelor’s degree from the University of Notre Dame, and doctorate from the Catholic Institute, in Paris, France. He taught 31 years at QU before retiring full-time from the Division of Theology and Religious Studies in June 2004. Since then he has continued to teach part-time. He will officially retire from teaching May 2019.

“I always expressed a world view and a faith commitment consistent with the Catholic heritage and the Franciscan tradition,” said Biallas about his teaching career. “I always encouraged the students to realize that religion plays a necessary and illuminating role in achieving authentic human existence.”

Biallas is the only person on the Quincy University faculty to have received all three of the University’s Faculty Awards: Excellence in Teaching Award, Trustees’ Award for Scholarly Achievement, and Distinguished Professor Award. He has written three books: “Pilgrim: A Spirituality of Travel”; “God’s, Heroes, and Saviors”; and “World Religions: A Story Approach.” He has also been published in over 120 in professional journals. He and his wife, Martha, have spent much of their life traveling. Biallas has lectured in eight different countries and taught with Martha in Uganda and Lithuania.

For more information or to make a reservation for the event, contact Miriam Hermann at 217-228-5226 or hermami@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.