QUINCY UNIVERSITY TO HOST WINTER COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY

Quincy University will host its Winter Commencement ceremony on Saturday, December 9, at 10:30 a.m. in Quincy University’s St. Francis Solanus Chapel in Francis Hall, 1800 College Avenue. The 2023 winter graduating class is comprised of 46 undergraduates and five graduate degree recipients.

University marshal Robert Mejer, M.F.A., distinguished professor of art, and assistant marshals David Kirchhofer, Ph.D. and Scott Luaders, Ph.D., professors of physics and chemistry, will lead the procession. Sarah Vordtriede-Patton, Ph.D., provost and vice president for academic affairs, will convene the ceremony. Reverend John Doctor, O.F.M., vice president for mission and ministry, will deliver the invocation and benediction. President Brian McGee, Ph.D., will give closing remarks. QU students, Adam Liesen, Julia Liesen, Alaric Mefford, Crystal Middendorf, Jesse Mose, Kyia Obert, Austin Wood and Sophia Zanger will perform the National Anthem and the Quincy University Alma Mater. Phil Conover, M.A., president emeritus, will deliver the commencement address.

Phil Conover is President Emeritus of Quincy University. He served as the university’s 23rd President from 2017-2019 and has also faithfully served the University as a volunteer, trustee, interim athletic director and chief operating officer. Conover was awarded the honorary doctor of humane letters in 2019. He graduated from Arizona State University with a B.A. in history and an M.A. in guidance and counseling. He taught history at Quincy High School and coached in several local high schools during his career. In 1973, Conover became the basketball coach at Quincy Notre Dame and later was dean of students and also served as assistant principal. In 1978, he joined Blunt Ellis & Loewi as a financial advisor and eventually retired from Wachovia Securities.

Conover has an extensive background in higher education including serving as a member and vice-chair of Quincy University’s Board of Trustees and as interim vice president of instruction for John Wood Community College. He was interim president of the Great River Economic Development Foundation (GREDF). Conover served as Quincy University’s Annual Fund Chair with his brother Joe in 2004. He has served the Quincy community as a board member of John Wood Community College, GREDF, Quincy Notre Dame High School and Blessing Hospital. Conover was the 2015 recipient of the Quincy Exchange Club’s 63rd Golden Deeds Award, an honor that signifies selfless commitment and tireless work on behalf of the community, and the 2020 recipient of the United Way Joe Bonansinga Community Service Award. Conover was given the honor of Affiliation to the Franciscan Friars Province of the Sacred Heart in 2019.

The ceremony will be live-streamed at https://youtube.com/live/ONR7YsJ2jVE?feature=share

For media inquiries, contact Matt Bergman at communityrelations@quincy.edu or 217-228-5221.

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, visit www.quincy.edu or contact the Office of Community Relations at (217) 228-5275 or communityrelations@quincy.edu. Quincy University. Success by Design.