Quincy University recognizes five alumni as recipients of Heritage Award

QUINCY — Quincy University honored its 2022 Heritage Award recipients at an alumni dinner during homecoming weekend on Sept. 24 in the Hall of Fame Room. The Heritage Award is the highest honor bestowed by Quincy University upon outstanding alumni.

Quincy University has presented the Bill O’Donnell Distinguished Alumni of the Year award for more than 50 years to alumni who have enhanced the reputation of Quincy University through their outstanding professional achievement, personal accomplishments and loyal service to their alma mater. Steve Koester, Class of 1975, and Jan (Dickson) Koester, Class of 1977, are the 2022 recipients.

Steve spent most of his 43-year accounting career at Gray Hunter Stenn in Quincy. Jan taught for 34 years in preschool, kindergarten and first grade. The Koesters credit the well-rounded education and professors of QU for exceptional preparation for their careers.

They have faithfully given back to QU and the Quincy community for decades, serving on nonprofit boards and raising funds for local organizations and charities. Steve served as QU’s auditor, taught classes in the Oakley School of Business and served as president of QU’s National Alumni Board. Jan served on the Chapel Centennial Committee.

The Franciscan Service Award is given to alumni who made significant contributions to their community, state and nation through professional service, public service and civic activities. The recipients of this award inspire and encourage others through their example and leadership. Dan Sherman, Class of 1963, and Pam (Wozniak) Sherman, Class of 1965, are the 2022 recipients.

Dan served as choral director at Quincy High School for more than 50 years and as director of the Parochial Music Organization for 45 years. Pam taught instrumental music in the parochial schools for nine years before beginning her 26-year tenure in public relations at QU.

The Rising Hawk Award is given to an alumnus under the age of 40 who demonstrates success early in his or her career and is active in the life of the university or the life of the community. Julianne Touhy, Class of 2015, is the 2022 recipient.

Touhy works as the senior meeting planner for the American Bar Association. She is involved with the Professional Convention Management Association Greater Midwest Chapter and recently was named as a member of the PCMA’s 20 in Their Twenties Class of 2022.