Quincy University to relocate music department, provide home for new engineering program through $4.2 million grant

QUINCY — Quincy University recently announced plans for how it will spend approximately $4.2 million from the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE) as part of the Independent Colleges Capital Investment Program.

The grant will be used to initiate and continue revitalization efforts at the university’s North Campus near 18th and Seminary Road. Phase one of the grant project is under way and will provide a new home for QU’s music programs including faculty offices, practice rooms and a music library. Currently the music program is spread across two buildings at North Campus.

“We are excited about this grant that enables our program to relocate our music program directly next to the Connie Niemann Center for Music,” Christine Damm, dean of the school of fine arts and communication, said in a press release. “The renovation will make it easier for students to rehearse, have lessons and take courses all in one area. It will create a cohesive space for our student musicians and our growing program.”

Additional phases will allow for the remodeling of part of the Center for Science to provide suitable space for mechanical and electrical engineering degree programs that will begin at QU in Fall 2024. Future phases will include the build out of space for new programs in the health sciences tentatively scheduled to be launched in 2026.

“Mechanical and electrical engineering degrees are heavily supported by experiential learning and renovated laboratories. In addition, several classrooms will be established for these new bachelor’s degrees,” said Lee Enger, dean of the school of science and technology. “This grant provides the capital needed to start the programs with dedicated classrooms and laboratories.”

The electrical engineering program will prepare students to design, develop, test and supervise the manufacturing of electrical and electronic equipment. The mechanical engineering program will prepare students to design, develop, build and test mechanical and thermal sensors and devices, including tools, engines and machines.

The IBHE created the Capital Investment Grant Program to provide private, not-for-profit colleges and universities in Illinois with financial assistance for capital projects as defined by applicable State of Illinois statutes and program rules.

“Like other private colleges and universities in Illinois, Quincy University appreciates this important investment by the state in meeting the future needs of Illinois students and families,” said Brian McGee, president of Quincy University. “Private, independent universities in Illinois serve more students than do the state’s public universities, and state support of private higher education is a great deal for taxpayers. This grant will allow Quincy University to provide critical new academic programs for our region and supply excellent campus resources to students while keeping student costs low.”

The Quincy University North Campus consists of five buildings with more than 180,000 square feet of space on 18 acres. The complex was built in 1964 as the Lady of Angels Seminary and was acquired by Quincy University in 1984 when the seminary closed.

The North Campus Revitalization project began in 2011 as part of the university’s now concluded Forever Forward Capital Campaign. This campus is home to the Franciscan Retreat Center, the Center for Science and Technology, the Connie Niemann Center for Music and the QU Music Department, Quincy Media Inc. Broadcast Studios, the Mart Heinen Softball Complex, Legends Stadium and Mackenzie Field, the baseball and softball locker rooms and indoor practice facility, and the indoor golf practice facility.