QUINCY UNIVERSITY KICKS OFF 2023-2024 QU FUND DRIVE

Quincy University launched its 2023-2024 QU Fund Drive with a $1.4M goal on September 19, at the QU Center for Legal Studies. Last year, the QU Fund Drive surpassed the $1.3M goal in support of campus improvements, technology enhancements and student scholarships. The QU Fund is comprised of unrestricted gifts to the university and temporarily restricted gifts to athletic and academic programs.

“Another notable increase in enrollment continues to drive the momentum of Quincy University,” said Robert Wyatt, Ph.D., vice president for university advancement. “Impacting more students brings more opportunities and more challenges. Now, more than ever, meeting the QU Fund goal is critical. We are confident in increasing the goal for the fund another year as we continue to see our alumni and friends meet and exceed expectations for the betterment of the entire QU experience.”

The chairpersons for this year’s campaign are brothers Chuck Davis ’02 and Bill Davis ’04 from Springfield, Ill. Chuck is a managing partner at Brown, Hay & Stephens, LLP. He provides counsel to existing and emerging businesses and associations, primarily on corporate, commercial, and energy matters. He represents privately and publicly owned corporations and financial institutions. Chuck has represented entrepreneurs, public utilities, wholesale pharmaceutical companies, healthcare institutions, distributing companies, risk pools, agribusinesses, and governmental entities. Chuck serves his community and profession. He has served on numerous charitable and civic boards, was elected to the 27-member Board of Governors that oversees the operations and management of the Illinois State Bar Association, and was named to the “Forty Illinois Attorneys Under 40 to Watch” for 2018.

Bill Davis ’04 is a partner at Brown, Hay & Stephens, LLP. Bill focuses his practice in the area of litigation of almost all types. With a primary focus of medical malpractice defense, Bill has represented a number of doctors, nurses, and other medical staff in professional litigation. With years of experience, starting at the Sangamon County State’s Attorney’s Office and the Illinois Attorney General’s Office, he has tried dozens of jury trials to verdict. Bill practices in both state and federal courts, taking part in litigation from the filing of a complaint to jury verdict. Bill is currently a member of the Illinois State Bar Association Assembly and is an active officer and director of the Sangamon County Bar Association.

Both Chuck Davis and Bill Davis were members of QU’s mock trial team during the program’s formative years. Bill was integral in helping to establish the mock trial team as a perennial contender. Bill is a member of the QU Legal Hall of Fame.

“As Quincy natives, we found that the short journey we took across town to college has taken us far in life,” said Chuck Davis. “We appreciate the tremendous impact Quincy University has in its students’ lives and in our hometown.” Bill Davis added, “By taking part in the Quincy University Annual Fund Drive, we are fortunate to have the opportunity to give back to both our alma mater and our hometown.”

At the QU Fund Kick-off, remarks were made by QU Fund chairs Chuck Davis and Bill Davis; Ralph Oakley, board of trustees chair; Robert Wyatt, vice president for university advancement; Matt Bergman, senior director of advancement; Michelle Kirkham, coordinator of annual giving; and Fr. John Doctor, OFM, vice president of mission and ministry.

To donate to the QU Fund, contact the Office for Advancement at 217-228-5227, 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 @QuincyUniversity “1410.”

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.