Miller, Smith to lead QND Fund Drive

Lydia Miller and Scott Smith have been selected as chairpersons of the Quincy Notre Dame Foundation’s 45th Fund Drive which kicks off January 21.

The QND Foundation has raised more than $17 million in the past 44 years and exceeded its 2021 goal of $447,500 by more than $124,000.The money raised helps keep tuition affordable by paying a portion of the school’s operating costs and closing the gap between the cost to educate a student and tuition.  The Fund Drive additionally supports QND’s financial aid program. QND’s 2021-22 enrollment is 398, with 35% receiving financial assistance.

Lydia (Keck) Miller is a 2004 graduate of Quincy Notre Dame High School. She received her bachelors degree in Accounting from St. Ambrose University and MBA from Quincy University in 2008.  She is currently the Sr. Director of Benefits and Compensation at Dot Foods, Inc., in Mt. Sterling. Miller is a member of the Church of St. Peter in Quincy. She lives in Quincy with her two children, Malena and Brantley, who both attend St. Peter School.  Her late husband, Brett Miller, was a 2001 graduate of QND.  Lydia is currently engaged to Paul Slater, who also resides in Quincy. 

“Quincy Notre Dame has developed generations of leaders through its faith-based education and atmosphere.  Each student is known as an individual, and able to grow in knowledge, values and faith,” said Miller. “Catholic education is such an important asset to our community. It has not only provided me with an excellent education, but has shaped my leadership and built my faith foundation.  I am honored to be co-chair of this year’s Quincy Notre Dame Fund Drive with Scott Smith.”

Scott Smith is a 1980 graduate of Nauvoo-Colusa High School and a 1984 graduate of Quincy College.  Scott is the Senior Vice President of State Street Bank in Quincy. He is currently on the Executive Board of Arts Quincy, a past Board Member of American Red Cross, YMCA Big Brothers Big Sisters Program and a past President of QU Mart Heinen. Scott is married to Marilyn, a 1986 graduate of QND.  They are members of St. Francis Solanus Church and they have two children who attended Blessed Sacrament School and Quincy Notre Dame.  Brendan graduated from Westminster College and will graduate from SIU School of Dental Medicine in May. Aaron will graduate from Maryville University and will begin SIU School of Dental Medicine in the fall.   

“The Quincy Community ensures all students have options for a quality education. QND provides students with an education rooted in their faith while preparing them for a future in their professional life, and as leaders who are committed to providing service to others,” states Smith.

“It’s impressive to see alumni who leave the community to further their education and come back to QND as parents, teachers, coaches, administrators and staff which secures the future of the school. I am grateful our sons had the opportunity to experience the benefits of QND and will forever be part of the Raider family.”

In addition to the leadership of Miller and Smith, QND’s Fund Drive will be supported by many volunteers throughout the drive.

The 2022 Fund Drive leaders are comprised of:

– LB Cornwell, Financial Advisor, Stifel Financial

– Brady Frericks, Vice President Commercial Relationship Manager, Homebank

– Jill Kelly, Retired Chief Nursing Officer

– Will Meckes, Partner, Schmiedeskamp, Robertson, Neu and Mitchell LLP

– Morgan (Grawe) Miles, Interior Designer, Miles Design Co.

– Jim Obert, Vice President/Lending Officer, First Bankers Trust of Quincy

– Jayne (Schulte) Pieper, Promotions Coordinator, Blessing Corporate Services

– Jake Scholz, Attorney, Scholz & Scholz LLP

– Andy Tappe, Wealth Management Advisor First Vice President, Merrill Lynch

– Curt Wavering, Civil/Site Senior Engineer, Klingner & Associates