Fundraising total for Quincy University for 2021-22 more than double given in previous year

QUINCY, Ill. – Quincy University has surpassed all annual fundraising totals in the history of the university, breaking four fundraising records over the past year.

The 2021-22 fundraising total for QU is $10,433,960, more than double the amount given in the previous year and 21 percent higher than the previous record set in 2019-2020. The university announced the results at a celebration held Thursday, June 30.

QU announced in September 2021 it had received a gift from the Thomas A. Oakley family of $6.5 million. It is the largest single philanthropic investment in the history of the school.

“While Quincy University gratefully acknowledged the largest single gift in its history last fall, today we honor all our donors,” QU president Brian McGee said in a press release. “QU’s new academic programs, enrollment growth and renovated facilities are all made possible by the incredible commitment of this community. Our bright future is being secured by the collective and continuing investment of all those who believe in the power and impact of a QU education.”

The total giving to endowment is the largest in QU history at $4,274,806, more than one million higher than the previous record for annual giving set in 2019-2020.

“We are thrilled by the support we have received from QU alumni, friends and family from around the world. In this challenging time for higher education, we celebrate the generosity of so many and the lives of students, faculty and staff who will be positively affected by this unprecedented funding,” QU vice president of advancement Robert Wyatt said. “We are honored to have served this region to train tomorrow’s leaders for more than 160 years. Support like this allows us to do so for the years and decades to come.”

Quincy University faculty and staff support of the fundraising campaign also set a record with 98 percent participation, the highest in QU history. Faculty/staff participation for the last several years was in the 80 percent range.

The annual QU Fund exceeded its goal by three percent with a total of $1,231,608. The QU Fund is comprised of unrestricted giving and gifts for academic departments, student clubs and organizations and the athletic department.

This year’s QU Fund chair was Linda Moore. A native of Quincy, Moore began her career in higher education as an admissions counselor and athletic recruiter after completing her bachelor’s at QU. She continued her career in college athletics, professional sports and Olympic projects, including the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games. In October 1996, Moore joined ESPN Productions Inc. as part of the X Games franchise and led the financial, legal and business aspects of each organization until her retirement in January 2016. Moore currently serves as city treasurer for Quincy and is a former member of the Quincy University Board of Trustees.

“I’m thrilled that so many alumni and friends continue to support our great university. I thank each one for all they’ve done to help,” Moore said.

The QU Fund raises money annually to support student scholarships, campus enhancements, technology upgrades and faculty development initiatives. The annual fund gifts are unrestricted, meaning they can be spent as they come in, making an immediate impact. Support of the QU Fund ensures that the mission and vision of Quincy University continue.

The QU fund also helps fuel QU’s Success by Design initiative, in which each student completes an individualized success plan for on-time graduation.