Scholarships established in honor of local music educators, Quincy University alums

QUINCY — Quincy University recently announced the establishment of two endowed scholarships honoring Quincy University alumni Kathi Dooley and Dan and Pam (Wozniak) Sherman.

The fundraising effort to start these scholarships was spearheaded by George Meyer.

In a press release, Meyer said, “Kathi Dooley and Dan Sherman had such a positive influence on so many kids throughout their long careers in the music department in the Quincy schools. They not only made the high flyers fly higher but also helped the down-and-out kids succeed in school and life. I knew many of their former students would want to help honor them.”

Both scholarships are housed in the Quincy University endowment where earnings from investments will be given out in the form of student scholarships each year, leaving the principal balance to live on in perpetuity.

“I know these scholarships will be win-win,” said Meyer. “They are great for Quincy area schools that are having trouble hiring teachers in general and music teachers specifically. The scholarships also allow QU to attract more education students, many of whom end up accepting teaching positions in our area schools.”

Dooley came to Quincy College from Philadelphia and graduated in 1975. She was active in band and choir during her time as a student. She earned a master’s degree from the University of Illinois.

Dooley spent 40 years working for Quincy Public Schools, retiring as the director of music at the end of the 2019-20 school year. Under her leadership, the music department moved from a departmental organization to a cross-discipline approach where students are encouraged to develop various musical skills by performing in a variety of groups and ensembles.

Quincy High School’s marching band also changed from traditional picture shows to a themed precision drill show that develops throughout the season. Dooley also been involved in many community organizations and several regional and national music organizations and societies.

Dan Sherman came to Quincy College from Chicago and graduated in 1963. He earned a master’s degree from Southern Illinois University and completed postgraduate studies at the University of Illinois and Western Illinois University.

Pam Sherman came to Quincy College from Chicago and graduated in 1965.  Both Dan and Pam were involved in band and choir during their time as students. They were married in 1964.

Dan Sherman served as a teacher in the Quincy community for more than 45 years, having also served the Quincy Parochial Music Organization and Quincy Public Schools Fine Arts Department. Dan served as the director of choirs at Quincy High School and directed more than 40 musicals during his tenure.

Pam retired from Quincy University in 2002 after serving 26 years as the director of public relations. The Shermans have been heavily involved in many Quincy community organizations, including the Quincy Park Band, the Symphony Orchestra, Quincy Symphony Chorus and the Quincy Community Theater.

For more information or to make an investment in one of the new scholarships:

Kathy Dooley: https://give.communityfunded.com/o/quincy-university/i/quincy-university-support-qu/s/kathi-dooley-scholarship

Dan and Pam Sherman: https://give.communityfunded.com/o/quincy-university/i/quincy-university-support-qu/s/dan-and-pam-sherman-scholarship