Mount Zion couple named as chairpersons as QU announces $1.5 million goal for fund drive

QUINCY – Quincy University launched its 2024-25 fund drive on Thursday with a $1.5 million goal at kick-off events in Quincy and Springfield.

The QU Fund comprises unrestricted gifts to the university and temporarily restricted gifts to athletic and academic programs. Last year’s fund drive surpassed a $1.4 million goal to support campus improvements, technology enhancements and student scholarships. 

“As QU maintains a steady enrollment, we remain confident in increasing the goal for the annual fund,” said Robert Wyatt, vice president for university advancement. “We continue to see our alumni and friends meet and exceed expectations for the betterment of the entire QU experience.”

The chairpersons for this year’s campaign are Randy and Laura Cornille-Cannady, both 1979 graduates, from Mount Zion. 

After graduating from Quincy with a human resource management degree, Randy worked at JL Hubbard Insurance and Bonds for 43 years and retired from J.L. Hubbard/First Mid Insurance as vice president. 

Laura worked in student development at private and public universities, then left higher education as an assistant dean of students to begin to work at A.E. Staley as an employment recruiter and training manager. She then started her own business, Learning Alliances Company, working with industries, organizations and not-for-profits as a speaker, trainer and consultant. After selling the business, Laura worked as a consultant for family-owned crop farms and taught in the Leadership in MBA program at Millikin University. 

“Halfway to Quincy my freshman year, my parents told me, ‘Laura, we have enough money and aid to get you through one semester,’” she said in a press release. “I thought, ‘Why are we even going?’ Thank goodness we did. The support of the QC staff and the generosity of friends and alumni allowed me to complete my four years.”

“We donate to the QU Fund because the university provides a strong education and excellent values, which are an essential springboard to outstanding professional careers,” Randy said. “I know I would not be where I am today had it not been for the financial generosity of alumni and friends.”

To donate to the QU Fund, contact the Office for Advancement at 217-228-5226, visit www.quincy.edu/give or use the text-to-donate initiative. Text “QUFUND” to 44321 to receive an access link to give online. You can use Cash App and donate to $QuincyUniversity or Venmo donations to @VictorHawk.