Quincy University was recently recognized as a Military Friendly® school for 2019, exhibiting leading practices in recruiting and supporting post-military students. Military Friendly® is the military rating division of Victory Media, a service-disabled, veteran-owned business. The mission of Military Friendly® is to create maximum professional opportunities for our nation’s military service members, veterans and military spouses.

“The Quincy University community is very proud to be recognized as an institution friendly to veterans and their families.  This distinction is an acknowledgment of the University community embracing its Franciscan values of hospitality and the creation of a caring community where each person is valued for his or her unique gifts and talents.  To be a welcoming place for veterans is very much consistent with our identity as a Franciscan institution,” said Tom Oliver, vice president of enrollment management.

Quincy University senior and military veteran, Shanna Garrison, a nursing major, will graduate this May. As a single mom and non-traditional student, her college journey has not been the easiest. After high school, Garrison wanted to attend college but faced financial difficulties so she joined the Army Reserve.

“By joining the Army Reserve I had the opportunity to attend college with less financial burden on my family and care for my son,” said Garrison.

The Army Reserve offers people the opportunity to work in their civilian careers or attend college full time while serving near home. Army Reserve soldiers receive the same training as active-duty soldiers. It was during her time in field training that Garrison recognized her ability to work well in high-pressure situations. That, coupled with her desire to care for people, led her to the field of nursing.

“During my nine years in the Army Reserve, I learned how far I could push myself. I learned how to respect authority while also standing up for what I believe in. I have used all of these values in my nursing journey. I am so very grateful for my time in the Army Reserve and am eager to continue using those values as I move forward in my nursing career,” said Garrison.

Garrison chose the Quincy University and Blessing Rieman College of Nursing & Health Sciences partnership because it offered her the opportunity to earn her bachelors in nursing. She was also drawn to the faith-based education and small class sizes. As she navigated through the admissions and financial aid process she found the staff and faculty helpful.

“The staff is very knowledgeable and willing to help,” said Garrison. “The two schools work well together; the cohesion is really nice.”

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.