From the Hawk's Nest Podcast

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.

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.

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 of Sacred Heart and five other provinces into one province.

Sarah tells us about her career path to becoming QU’s Provost & VPAA. In addition to her academic experience, Sarah has also worked as a medical entomologist with the US Army Reserves and served as a captain in the Army. Sarah shares her goals for the university and the things that stand out to her and her family about QU and the Quincy community, and she offers some advice to students.

Nancy Benz tells about some of the projects she’s working on as the curator of collections and exhibits at the Quincy Museum. Nancy recently researched and published a coloring book for all ages highlighting the historical women who lived in the Quincy region, and she shares some of those stories. Nancy also shares some fun, memorable moments of her days as a QU student.

Mike Sennett discusses his role as antitrust and competition partner at his  international law firm and shares some of his experiences representing clients in countries throughout the world. Mike tells us about his current work with the Water Quality Association and about his involvement with immigration and children and family services. Then Mike offers some advice to students.

Theresa Spear shares her experience as a licensed funeral director. We talk about Theresa’s community involvement and work with non-profits. She tells us about her time at QU and some of the art projects she worked on as a student and art projects she works on now. Then she shares some advice for students and alumni.

Mark Mantovani shares his experiences in a broad range of professions including his  work in business and digital marketing fields, and as a practicing attorney and a college professor. We’ll also talk with Mark about his civic activities and philanthropy in the St. Louis area as well as with QU. 

Chad Thomas discusses his role with Chicago public schools and how he progressed to administrative roles in education in Chicago communities that deal with consistent gun violence. Chad also shares how his time at QU equipped him to take on these challenges and shares some of his favorite QU memories.

Diane Ary shares what her role at ADM entails and how her time at QU helped prepare her for career challenges and accomplishments. Diane also discusses her involvement with community organizations, and she reflects on her days at QU and offers advice for current students.