Alumni Features What are alumni doing now?
“If God can work through me, he can work through anyone.”–St. Francis of Assisi
Heritage Honors
The Heritage Honors are the highest honor bestowed by Quincy University upon an outstanding alumna or alumnus. The awards salute the achievements of alumni whose “personal lives, professional achievements, and community service exemplify the objectives of their alma mater.”
Franciscan Service Award Criteria
- Nominee must be an alumnus/alumna of QU as defined by the Quincy University Alumni office (degree preferred but not required)
- National Alumni Board to select
- Significant contributions to their community, state, and nation through professional service, public service, and or civic activities
- Honorees offer inspiration and encouragement as role models for principled leadership and a wholehearted commitment to serving others
Past Recipients:
- 2020 – Paul Brown ’65
- 2021 – Fr. Frank Kordek, OFM ’67
- 2022 – Dan ’63 and Pam ’65 Sherman
- 2023 – Jean Field ’71
- 2024 – Joe ’65 and Judy Claes
Rising Hawk Award Criteria
- Young alumni under 40
- Nominee must be an alumnus/alumna of QU as defined by the Quincy University Alumni office (degree preferred but not required)
- National Alumni Board to be involved: Young Alumni Council to select
- Who demonstrates success early in his or her career and is active in the life of the university or the life in their community
Past Recipients
- 2020 – Brady Killion ’13
- 2021 – Megan Greer ‘ 20
- 2022 – Julianne Touhy ‘ 15
- 2023 – Evan McGaughey ’16
- 2024 – Daryle Hightower ’12
Bill O’Donnell Distinguished Alumni of the Year Criteria
- Based on professional accomplishments and contributions to the community and humanity
- Nominee must be an alumnus/alumna of QU as defined by the Quincy University Alumni office (degree preferred but not required)
- Nominee must demonstrate a belief in Quincy University’s mission and vision through philanthropic support of Quincy University.
- Nominee must have demonstrated continuing interest in and support of Quincy University through contribution of time and/or talent.
- Recognized alumni who have enhanced the reputation of Quincy University through their outstanding professional achievement, personal accomplishments, and or their loyal service to their alma mater.
Past Recipients
| 1960 | Joseph Bonansinga ’31 |
| 1961 | Dorothy H. Claggett ’50 |
| 1961 | John J. Wensing ’57 |
| 1961 | Juanita (Reece) Jenkins ’48 |
| 1962 | Michael Rooney ’15 |
| 1978 | Joseph J. Simeone ’41 |
| 1978 | Bernard Willer ’30 |
| 1979 | Leo Lechtenberg ’32 |
| 1979 | Tom Daly ’51 |
| 1980 | Fr. Seraphin Tibesar, OFM |
| 1980 | Fr. Henry Freiburg, OFM |
| 1980 | Fr. Harold Jochem, OFM |
| 1980 | Fr. Lucian Trouy, OFM |
| 1981 | Edward E. Boddy ’60 |
| 1981 | Sr. Andre Friers, CPPS ’70 |
| 1982 | Bishop Albert Zuroweste ’18 |
| 1984 | Paul W. Meyer ’43 |
| 1985 | Bernard Willer ’30 |
| 1986 | Joseph Quinn ’57 |
| 1987 | Thomas Awerkamp ’40 |
| 1988 | Richard J. Helmer ’62 |
| 1989 | Robert E. Meyer ’40 |
| 1990 | William E. Taylor ’60 |
| 1991 | Harold C. McGinnis ’56 |
| 1992 | Robert Zehnle ’67 |
| 1993 | Richard H. Niemann, Sr. ’53 |
| 1994 | Frank J. Kabbes ’54 |
| 1995 | James P. Mooney ’70 |
| 1995 | Janet M. (Zinngrabe) Mooney ’70 |
| 1996 | John D. Stenger ’66 |
| 1997 | Thomas H. Pollihan ’72 |
| 1998 | Edward Readon ’53 |
| 1999 | Shirley Murphy ’87 |
| 2001 | Dennis E. Boudreau ’78 |
| 2001 | Suzanne (Schultz) Boudreau ’75 |
| 2002 | Richard T. Mitchell ’57 |
| 2003 | Maureen (Breakey) O’Donnell ’76 |
| 2003 | William E. O’Donnell ’73 |
| 2004 | Kevin J. Breheny ’78 |
| 2004 | Susan L. (Pierantoni) Breheny ’79 |
| 2005 | Douglas P. Helein ’73 |
| 2006 | John M. Christensen ’56 |
| 2007 | Mary Jane Brenner ’60 |
| 2008 | Jim Mentesti ’66 |
| 2009 | Orlet Family (Andy & Eileen Orlet) |
| 2010 | Bill Metzinger Sr. ’74 |
| 2012 | Richard O. Ryan ’64 |
| 2013 | Michael Hennessy ’72 |
| 2013 | Carole (Hughes) Hennessy ’73 |
| 2014 | Robert W. Schlepphorst ’51 |
| 2014 | Joanne M. (Ehrhart) Schlepphorst ’49 |
| 2015 | Paul Brown ’65 |
| 2016 | Pete Brown ’76 |
| 2017 | Roger ’57 & Mary Kay (Wayman) Venvertloh ’57 |
| 2018 | George ’63 & Mary Nell (Frier) Meyer ’63 |
| 2019 | James ’59 & Judith (Perko) Heinz ’61 |
| 2020 | Dr. William V. Dolan ’70 |
| 2021 | Al Knepler ’71 |
| 2021 | Lucinda McClain ’71 |
| 2022 | Stephen ’75 & Jan (Dickson) Koester ’77 |
| 2023 | Robert Kadzielewski ’73 |
| 2024 | Teresa Kettelkamp ’74 |
Nominations for all awards are solicited annually from faculty, staff, alumni, and friends of the university, specifically in the fall of each year. However, we accept award nominations throughout the year. We encourage nominations to be kept confidential. Submitted nominees are reviewed by Alumni Services and the final selection is made by a committee of the NAB.
The nomination deadline for the 2025 awards is October 31, 2024. Submissions after October 31 will be considered for the following year. Self-nominations will not be accepted.
The winners will be announced in the spring and highlighted in the spring edition of QUniverse.
Nomination Form
This is a form for those who wish to nominate a fellow alum who has achieved professional accomplishments and service to their communities and/or to the university.