Quincy University will host its 160th Commencement ceremony

Quincy University will host its 160th Commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 13 at 10:00 a.m. in Quincy University’s Football Stadium (20th and Sycamore). The 2023 spring graduating class is comprised of 146 undergraduates with an additional 32 graduate degree recipients.

The procession will be led by University marshal, Robert Mejer, distinguished professor of art, and assistant marshals, Dr. David Kirchhofer and Dr. Scott Luaders, professors of physics and chemistry, respectively. Dr. Brian McGee, QU president, will confer degrees and provide remarks. Dr. Kimberly Hale, assistant vice president for academic affairs, will convene the ceremony. Jessica Howell ‘17, director of campus ministry, will deliver the invocation, and Fr. John Doctor ’72, OFM, vice president for mission and ministry, will provide the benediction. Choir members Zoey Griffin ’23, Crystal Middendorf ’23, Joseph Niemerg ’24, and Colby Schulz ’24 will perform the National Anthem and the Quincy University Alma Mater.

Graduates elected senior representative Crystal Middendorf to deliver the program’s welcome address and reflection. Middendorf is a psychology major and a member of Concert Choir, Chamber Choir and the QU Dance team.

Mary Nell (Frier) Meyer ’63, Dr. George C. Meyer ’63, John P. Shibles ’69, and Thomas Nairn, O.F.M.,’71 will be awarded Honorary Degrees of Doctor of Humane Letters during the ceremony. More details will be provided following commencement.

Dr. Vicky Eidson ’86 will deliver this year’s commencement address. Eidson, professor of accounting, joined the faculty at Quincy University in 2005. Prior to that, she was an Associate Professor of Accounting at Culver-Stockton College in Canton, Missouri, and a certified public accountant at Gray Hunter Stenn, LLP in Quincy, Illinois. Eidson earned her bachelor’s degree at QU and was a recipient of the Bonaventure award. She earned her Master of Accountancy from Western Illinois University in Macomb, Illinois and her Doctor of Management degree from Webster University. Eidson is a Registered Certified Public Accountant and a Certified Management Accountant. She was a recipient of the Illinois CPA Society Outstanding Educator Award (2016), and multiple excellence in teaching awards.

Eidson is a distinguished leader in the classroom and in her service to the university community. She has served as the faculty liaison to the Finance Committee of the Board of Trustees, the chair of the Faculty Planning and Budget committee, a member of the Provost & Vice President for Academic Affairs Search Committee, and a member of the Faculty Advisory Committee to the President. Eidson serves as the faculty sponsor for the Institute of Management Accountants club on campus and has sponsored undergraduate research at the 2021, 2022 and 2023 Academic Symposiums. She was the chair of the Higher Learning Commission Criterion 5 team for both 2019 and 2023 accreditation site visits and has served on the Blessing Corporate Services Audit Committee since 2005. She was the recipient of the QU Franciscan Service Award in 2017.

The ceremony will be live-streamed at https://youtube.com/live/qDCSc1yTXrE?feature=share

Additional Commencement festivities include:

May 12 – Champaign Brunch – 11:00 a.m. – Main Dining Room

May 12 – Baccalaureate Liturgy – 5:00 p.m. – St. Francis Chapel

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, 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.