From the Hawk's Nest Podcast

Dick walks us through his career experience of spending 43 years in higher education administration in a variety of institutions in the Midwest and Southeast. He shares some fond memories of his days at Quincy College and how he and a group of Quincy alum have remained in contact for decades. As a QU trustee, Dick also shares his thoughts on how the university is growing and expanding its resource...

Roger shares with us his role as QU’s director of entrepreneurship and how he is overseeing the newly established Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation. Roger tells us about the purpose and outreach of the Center and some success stories of QU student entrepreneurs.

Eric walks us through his career path of owning and working for several computer and technology-based companies and tells us about the company he and wife now own. Eric shares some lighthearted stories and memories of his days at QU and offers good advice for current students.

Michaela tells us about her current leadership role in education and her career path. She shares how she managed earning advanced degrees while serving in the education field. Michaela was also on a women’s basketball team that has been inducted into the QU Sports Hall of Fame, and she shares how her experience as a student athlete set a foundation for challenges in her career and personal life.

Brad walks us through his basketball coaching career of over 25 years, and he shares what led him to be selected as the QU men’s basketball head coach. Brad talks about his approach and goals for the team and how the lessons he learned as a player and coach are implemented into his coaching style today.

Mark shares with us some of the challenges and rewards of his coaching career. He coached high school soccer and golf for over 4 decades; 34 of those years were spent coaching at Quincy Notre Dame High School. As you enjoy this podcast, you’ll realize, as is common among most career coaches – once a coach, always a coach. Mark also has some fond memories of his time as a student at QU.

Jason tells us about his role as the new head men’s NCAA football coach at QU and shares his coaching approach and goals for the team. We talk about Jason’s coaching experiences and success at a university in Missouri and at three high schools in Illinois and how he and his family have become part of the QU community.

Diane shares with us her responsibilities as Assistant Director of Student Engagement and as head coach of QU’s new Cheer and STUNT programs. Diane explains the intense competitive nature of STUNT, how competitions are conducted, the variety of skills student athletes bring to this sport, and what fans can expect to see when watching QU’s Cheer and STUNT team.

Katie also tells us about her role as Dean of Library and Information Services at QU’s Brenner Library and discusses the services and features the library offers. She shares some exciting news about an exhibit coming to Brenner Library – the Americans and the Holocaust Traveling Exhibit. QU is one of 50 libraries in the nation selected to host this exhibit from the Holocaust Memorial Museum. 

Teresa tells us about her work with the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors, created by Pope Francis, and her journey to be able to serve at this level. Teresa also shares some of her experiences working with the Illinois State Police, and she recalls favorite QU memories and shares how she stays connected with alumni.

Sam has served as QU’s Director of Safety and Security since 2011.  As he nears his retirement, Sam reflects on his career and work experience before coming to QU and walks us through the responsibilities and the most rewarding moments of his service at QU. He also shares some advice for QU students.

Liz tells us about her experience serving as a Peace Corps volunteer in Morocco including her journey to get into the Peace Corps, her areas of service and what life is like there. Liz also shares some fun memories of her time at QU and how she stays connected to former classmates and alum.

Jessica shares with us her journey from being a graduate assistant coach with the QU women’s basketball team, to coaching at several other colleges and then joining the coaching staff with the University of Nebraska women’s basketball program. She also recalls some great moments at QU on the women’s basketball team and offers some advice to student athletes.

Fr. Daren talks about his approach and outreach as he looks forward to being the QU Director of Campus Ministry, and he walks us through his decision to assume this role. He shares his Quincy background and his connection with QU students, and he encourages us to integrate Franciscan values into our daily lives.

Daniel tells us about his service at QU as a theology professor and how he started his education studying for the priesthood. He shares some of the career and service opportunities that theology graduates pursue. Then Daniel give us an overview and deeper understanding of and appreciation for the President’s Honors College, of which he is the dean.

Bob tells us about his journey to becoming faculty at QU, how long he has served in the QU Art Department, and how many courses he has taught. He shares the array of awards and recognitions he’s received and tells us about his favorite artists and forms of artwork. Bob also highlights how he stays connected with and is motivated by QU alum from the art program.

Kathleen tells us about her work as a learning management systems analyst in the Chicago area and her involvement in physical therapy and personal training, starting with her time at QU as a sport management major. We’ll learn about Kathleen’s love for sailing and her recent sailboat race. She also shares some of her fun memories at QU and how strongly connected she is to alum.

Courtney shares her journey to becoming the head women’s basketball coach at QU including her time on the court as a student athlete and how she moved into coaching.  Then Courtney tell us about her first season as QU head coach. She highlights some standout moments, her approach with the team and her expectations.

David Frolick tells us about his 36 years of experience as a political science faculty member with a private college in Naperville, Illinois. David takes us back to his Quincy roots and what brought him to Quincy University and what life was like on campus then. He also shares his experiences and thoughts on different faith communities working together for the common good.

Daryle Hightower shares her approach regarding the chiropractic services she offers and what led her to pursue this career.  She also discusses what life was like as a QU student and student athlete, and she shares some of her favorite memories and how she stays connected to former classmates and teammates.

Grant is the assistant director of QU campus ministries. He shares the responsibilities and goals of campus ministries and some of the services and activities that are ongoing and planned for the future. He explains ways they are advancing peer-led groups and missions opportunities and how campus ministries is working with athletes.

Amy discusses her current responsibilities in diverse roles with the Jefferson City Medical Group and as owner and manager of a Quincy business.  She explains their family’s involvement in football from her sons playing to her husband who’s a high school football coach. Amy’s husband is also a QU alum, a podiatrist practicing in Jefferson City. Amy shares with us her continued connections with QU...

Angie tells us about how she progressed from earning her degree in athletic training, to being an athletic trainer, and to serving as an adjunct at a community college. Angie also shares how she and her brothers came to QU from New York and their connection with a former QU baseball coach. Angie discusses her memories at QU and how much she and her family stay connected to the Quincy area.

Matt shares his journey to becoming the head baseball coach at QU and his early seasons as pitching coach and assistant coach. Then we discuss the baseball team’s historic, record-breaking  season last year, how far they advanced and what Matt’s approach is for this season. We also get Matt’s reaction to several prestigious awards he received last season.

Fr. Joe has been serving at QU in a variety of roles for over 5 decades. Fr. Joe takes us back to his childhood and what led him into the priesthood and walks us through earning his doctorate at Harvard and his service at QU. Fr. Joe also shares his journey as a historian. We focus on his recent publication about the history of the Sacred Heart Province and get Fr. Joe’s insight into the merging o...