QND brings in largest fund drive total in school history

QUINCY – The Quincy Notre Dame Foundation announced Friday that the 2024 QND Fund Drive raised $607,370 in gifts and pledges, exceeding its goal by more than $132,000.

This is the largest amount raised through the QND Fund Drive since its inception in 1977.

“The QND Fund Drive continues to be our most important annual fundraiser. The historic support we received this year is a testament to the education that QND provides,” said Kurt Stuckman, executive director of the QND Foundation. “Supporters from all over the country make the conscious choice to invest in our school which we are very grateful. We would not or could not remain a debt-free school without the support of our local community and alumni throughout the country.”

The QND Fund Drive keeps tuition affordable by paying a portion of the school’s operating expenses to close the gap between the cost of education and student tuition. The campaign also provides financial assistance to students. Over the past 47 years, the QND Fund Drive has raised more than $18.5 million. The Fund Drive was led by co-chairpersons Brian Dreier and Dr. Jason Knuffman.

“The entire QND family is grateful for the generous support of the community.  I’d like to thank the alumni, friends, family members, business owners, volunteers and everyone who helps support our school,” said Dreier.  “The community is what makes it possible to continue delivering a vibrant, faith-based education to future generations. Thank you.”

Highlights of the 2024 QND Fund Drive: 

• The Foundation received more than $17,000 in new gifts and collected over $59,000 from donors who increased their gift from the previous year.  
• The 2024 Fund Drive saw 69 percent of all gifts come from alumni.
• There were 166 donors who were part of the Ray Heilmann Legacy Society (gifts of $1,000 and above).

“Once again, the Quincy Notre Dame friends, alumni and families have answered the call and, from the bottom of my heart, I want to thank each and every person who has and will continue to donate to the Fund Drive,” said Knuffman. “It is truly humbling to be a small part of this most important undertaking and I’m thrilled with the realization that so many care so deeply about QND!”

Division chairs for the 2024 Fund Drive, which kicked off in January, were as follows: LB Cornwell, Will Meckes, Jeremy Mefford, Lucas Frageman, Laura Rheinecker, Jacob Scholz, Hannah Cramsey and Curt Wavering.

QND has 399 students enrolled this year, with more than 44 percent receiving financial assistance for the 2024-25 school year. Last year’s graduating class was offered more than $7 million in academic, athletic, performing arts and trade scholarships.