Quincy University honored the 2023 Heritage Award Recipients at the Alumni Dinner during Homecoming Weekend on September 30. The Heritage Awards are the highest honor bestowed by Quincy University upon outstanding alumni.

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 announced Bob Kadzie ’73 as the 2023 recipient of the alumni of the year award.

After earning his degree in business administration and management, Kadzie worked for a few years with a QC alum in the transportation industry. He moved to Scottsdale, Arizona in 1976, and in 1981, he started his own business, Daniels/Nicolson Insurance Agency. His children, Danielle and Nicolas, inspired the name of the agency.) The agency flourished. After 40 years, Kadzie sold the agency to a good friend and now lives in Phoenix with his lifetime partner. He credits his strong family upbringing, his education at Quincy College, and the impact of Franciscan values as the foundation for how he approaches life. Above all, Kadzie commends Quincy College for the lifetime friendships that were formed on campus.

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 Jean Hoban Field ‘71 as the 2023 recipient. Hoban Field’s passion to influence positive change began as a student at Quincy College and evolved into her lifelong dedication to students and athletes. She worked for 50 years at IC Catholic Prep in Elmhurst, Illinois and was involved in Catholic education for 66 years as a teacher, coach, athletic director, and counselor. After she retired as director of counseling for the IC Catholic Prep community, the Counseling Center was dedicated to her. Hoban Field’s community service and volunteer work relate to her role as head volleyball coach, hosting tournaments to raise funds for regional and national causes. Hoban Field’s dedication to Catholic education exemplifies the Franciscan values of leadership, service, and pursuit of knowledge.

The Rising Hawk Award is given to an alumnus 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 the community. The university announced Evan McGaughey ’16 as the 2023 recipient. McGaughey played a key role on the QU men’s basketball team. His competitive approach was evident as a varsity basketball player and in his career path. During his senior year, McGaughey helped the Hawks have one of the best seasons in program history. His performance on the court got the attention of European teams. One month after he completed his master’s degree at QU, McGaughey signed a contract to play basketball in Germany. He was an international professional basketball player for five years. Currently, McGaughey is an IT recruiter for Vaco, a global talent solutions and business consulting firm. He says he loves the competitive nature of his job.

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 l7pw.cjpk.net or contact the Office of Community Relations at (217) 228-5275 or communityrelations@cjpk.net. Quincy University. Success by Design.