President Conover Affiliated to the Franciscan Province
President Phil Conover was recently given the honor of “Affiliation to the Franciscan Province of the Sacred Heart” at the QU Board of Trustees meeting on Friday, May 10, by Fr. Tom Nairn, OFM, provincial minister of the friars of the Sacred Heart Province. This honor recognizes individuals who have made Franciscan values a part of their lives and welcomes them into the life of the Franciscan friars.
“The Franciscan Province can honestly say that the Lord gave us a brother in Phil Conover,” said Fr. John Doctor, OFM, vice president of mission and ministry. “He embodies the Franciscan charism in word and actions.”
The friars acknowledged Conover for being a servant leader and collaborator. His ability to empower others to share their gifts and talents has built a community that strives to do its best and looks for ways to improve and carry out the Quincy University mission.
“Phil models the gospel vows that a Franciscan takes,” said Fr. John Doctor. “Phil considers the appropriate direction with a stop, look and listen approach, and periodically reflects to ensure the direction remains life-giving and faithful to the mission. His stance is one of humility and gratitude. Phil loves and respects people. He builds on the good of others and challenges them to rise to their potential.”
Several decades old, the custom is used in all the Provinces in the U.S. Affiliates are apprised of the workings of the Province and receive Province publications. The Directory of the Province includes a list of all affiliates, and local fraternities invite affiliates to Franciscan social gatherings. The only other Quincy affiliate to the Province is Dr. David Costigan. Conover is only the second to be affiliated in the past few years.
Founded in 1860 by Franciscan friars, Quincy University (www.quincy.edu) is a Catholic, co-educational, residential university offering undergraduate, graduate, and adult education programs that integrate liberal arts, active learning, practical experience, and Franciscan values. Quincy University’s intercollegiate sports are members of the NCAA Division II Great Lakes Valley Conference for men and women. For more information, please contact the Quincy University Office of Community Relations by calling (217) 228-5275.
