Heritage Award recipients honored by Quincy University during homecoming weekend

QUINCY — Quincy University honored its Heritage Award Recipients at the alumni dinner during homecoming weekend on Sept. 30. The Heritage Awards are the highest honor bestowed by Quincy University upon outstanding alumni.

For more than 50 years, Quincy University has presented the Bill O’Donnell Distinguished Alumni of the Year Award to alumni who have enhanced the reputation of Quincy University through their outstanding professional achievement, personal accomplishments and their loyal service to their alma mater. The university announced Bob Kadzie, Class of 1973, as this year’s recipient.

After earning his degree in business administration and management, Kadzie worked for a few years with a QC alum in the transportation industry. He moved to Scottsdale, Ariz., in 1976. In 1981, he started his own business, Daniels/Nicolson Insurance Agency. His children, Danielle and Nicolas, inspired the name of the agency.) After 40 years, Kadzie sold the agency to a friend and now lives in Phoenix with his lifetime partner. He credits his family upbringing, his education at Quincy College and the impact of Franciscan values as the foundation for how he approaches life. He commends Quincy College for the lifetime friendships formed on campus.

The Franciscan Service Award is given to alumni who have 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. The university announced Jean Hoban Field, Class of 1971, as this year’s recipient.

Hoban Field’s passion to influence positive change began as a student at Quincy College and evolved into her lifelong dedication to students and athletes. She worked for 50 years at IC Catholic Prep in Elmhurst and was involved in Catholic education for 66 years as a teacher, coach, athletic director and counselor.

After she retired as director of counseling for the IC Catholic Prep community, the counseling center was dedicated to her. Hoban Field’s community service and volunteer work relate to her role as head volleyball coach, hosting tournaments to raise funds for regional and national causes. Hoban Field’s dedication to Catholic education exemplifies the Franciscan values of leadership, service and pursuit of knowledge.

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. The university announced Evan McGaughey, Class of 2016 as this year’s recipient.

McGaughey played a key role on the QU men’s basketball team. During his senior year, McGaughey helped the Hawks have one of the best seasons in program history. One month after he completed his master’s degree at QU, McGaughey signed a contract to play basketball in Germany. He was an international professional basketball player for five years. McGaughey now is an IT recruiter for Vaco, a global talent solutions and business consulting firm.