Quincy University Honors 2020 and 2021 Heritage Award Recipients

Quincy University will honor the 2020 and 2021 Heritage Award Recipients at the Alumni Dinner during Homecoming Weekend on October 2, at 6 p.m. in the Hall of Fame Room. Tickets for the dinner are $25 a person. The Heritage Awards are the highest honor bestowed by Quincy University upon outstanding alumna or alumnus.

For more than 50 years, Quincy University has presented the Bill O’Donnell Distinguished Alumni of the Year Award to alumni who have enhanced the reputation of Quincy University through their outstanding professional achievement, personal accomplishments, and their loyal service to their alma mater. The university has announced Dr. William Dolan ’70, as the 2020 recipient and Alan Knepler ’71 and Lucinda Awerkamp McClain ’71 as the 2021 recipients.

Dolan spent 15 years with Esperanca as a medical missionary. He left the Franciscans in 1986 but continued serving as a missionary until 1994 when he came back to work at the Phoenix VA Medical Center. He joined the U.S. Army Reserves in 1992 and the Navy Reserves in 2000. In later years, he joined the faculty of the University of Arizona College of Medicine, where he currently teaches today. He has been a loyal supporter of his alma mater for more than 50 years.

Knepler was a physical education teacher and coached boy’s soccer at Quincy Notre Dame from 1976 to 1986 before he went on to coach and teach for 23 years at Glenbrook North High School in Carol Stream. He touched countless students and student-athletes as an educator and coach, teaching them lessons he learned along the way. Knepler has been a leader in the community he has lived in and a faithful supporter of his alma mater.

McClain taught History and English after college. She later practiced law with a focus on social security, disability, estate planning, and adoptions. For over 50 years, McClain has served her community, her clients, and her alma mater. In addition to her countless hours of community service to various organizations in the Quincy Community, she has served her alma mater as a trustee and chair of the board, a scholarship representative and a student mentor.

The Franciscan Service Award is given to alumni who have made significant contributions to their community, state, and nation through professional service, public service and civic activities. The recipients of this award inspire and encourage others through their example and leadership.  The university announced Paul Brown ’65, as the 2020 recipient and Fr. Frank Kordek, ’68, OFM as the 2021 recipient.

The Rising Hawk Award is given to alumni under the age of 40 who demonstrates success early in his or her career and is active in the life of the university or the life of their community. The university announced Brady Killion ’13, as the 2020 recipient and Megan Greer ’20 as the 2021 recipient.

For a complete list of Homecoming activities or to purchase tickets online visit www.quincy.edu/homecoming.  For more information, please contact Alumni Services at 217-228-5209 or qualumni@quincy.edu.

Founded in 1860 by Franciscan friars, Quincy University is a small Catholic university emphasizing the sciences, liberal arts and the professions. Quincy University offers undergraduate, graduate and adult education programs integrating practical experience and Franciscan values. Faculty and advisors work with students to design customized success plans to help them graduate on time, find their passion and prepare them for life. QU is a member of NCAA Division II for intercollegiate athletics. For more information, please visit www.quincy.edu or contact the Office of Community Relations at (217) 228-5275 or communityrelations@quincy.edu. Quincy University. Success by Design.