Quincy University alumni honored with Heritage Awards during homecoming weekend

QUINCY — Quincy University honored its Heritage Award recipients at an alumni dinner during homecoming weekend on Sept. 28. The Heritage Awards are the highest honors bestowed by Quincy University upon its 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 professional achievement, personal accomplishments and loyal service to their alma mater. Teresa Kettelkamp, a 1974 graduate, is this year’s recipient.

Kettelkamp graduated from Quincy College with a political science degree and began her career with the Illinois Bureau of Investigation (IBI). She rose through the ranks and retired as a colonel. She then worked for the Gavin Group, Inc. conducting compliance audits of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People.

When Kettelkamp learned that Pope Francis had created the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors (PCPM), she contacted the PCPM Secretary about working with the commission. She met Cardinal Sean O’Malley, president of the commission, and two months later, Kettelkamp was living in Rome, working inside the Vatican focusing on developing universal guidelines for the protection of minors and vulnerable adults.

Pope Francis appointed Kettelkamp as a member of the PCPM, which meets twice a year in Rome. Its task is to suggest initiatives to the Holy Father for protecting minors and vulnerable adults in the global Church. Pope Francis reappointed her in 2022 as a member of the PCPM. Kettelkamp credits her career advancements and areas of service to the foundation of faith provided by her family and by the Franciscan values embedded in her Quincy experience.

The Franciscan Service Award, given to alumni who have made significant contributions to their community, state and nation through professional service, public service and civic activities, went to Joe (Class of 1965) and Judy Claes.

Following graduation in 1965, Joe joined the U.S. Navy and graduated from officer candidate school. He spent the next three years overseas in Guam and Vietnam. After returning to the U.S., Joe married Judy and began his career in the barge industry. He retired from his 40-year career in the barge industry as company president.

The Claes have been involved in areas of service since early in their marriage, including the Pro-Life Club, the men’s and women’s clubs and youth sports programs. They have volunteered at St. Patrick Homeless Center and Sheltered Workshop in St. Louis, and they support Catholic Charities and other groups working with unwed mothers and the less fortunate. They volunteered with the Franciscan Connection and at the Franciscan retreat center in Dittmer, Mo., updating grounds and buildings. More recently, they have volunteered at the food pantry in their parish every Thursday for the last nine years.

The Rising Hawk Award, 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 community, was given to Daryle Hightower, Class of 2012.

Hightower graduated with degrees in biology and chemistry. After graduating from QU, she went to chiropractic college at Logan University in Chesterfield, Mo. She now provides chiropractic services at Thrive Chiropractic in Quincy. Hightower says her time at QU was a wonderful preparation for her profession. She views her chiropractic practice as a calling.

“I get to share with people God’s beautiful design of the human body and help people heal naturally,” she said in a press release. “I can’t think of any more rewarding career.”