QUINCY UNIVERSITY HONORS 2024 HERITAGE AWARD RECIPIENTS
Quincy University honored the 2024 Heritage Award Recipients at the Alumni Dinner during Homecoming Weekend on September 28. The Heritage Awards are the highest honors 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 Teresa Kettelkamp ’74 as the 2024 recipient of the alumni of the year award. Kettelkamp graduated from Quincy College with a political science degree and began her career with the Illinois Bureau of Investigation (IBI). Kettelkamp rose through the ranks and retired as Colonel. Then she worked for the Gavin Group, Inc. conducting compliance audits of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. When Kettelkamp learned that Pope Francis had created the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors (PCPM), she contacted the PCPM Secretary about working with the Commission. She met Cardinal Sean O’Malley, President of the Commission, and within two months, Kettelkamp was living in Rome, working inside the Vatican focusing on developing universal guidelines for the protection of minors and vulnerable adults. Pope Francis appointed Kettelkamp as a member of the PCPM which meets twice a year in Rome, and its task is to suggest initiatives to the Holy Father for protecting minors and vulnerable adults in the global Church. In 2022, Pope Francis reappointed her as a member of the PCPM. Kettelkamp credits her career advancements and areas of service to the foundation of faith provided by her family and by the Franciscan values embedded in her Quincy experience.
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 Joe ’65 and Judy Claes as the 2024 recipient. Following graduation in 1965, Joe joined the U.S. Navy and graduated from officer candidate school. He spent the next three years overseas in Guam and Vietnam. Soon after returning to the States, Joe married Judy and began his career in the barge industry. He retired from his 40-year career in the barge industry as president of the company. The Claes have been involved in areas of service since early in their marriage including the Pro Life Club, the men’s and women’s clubs, and youth sports programs. They have volunteered at St. Patrick Homeless Center and Sheltered Workshop in St. Louis, and they support Catholic Charities and other groups that work with unwed mothers and the less fortunate. Joe and Judy volunteered with the Franciscan Connection. Then they volunteered at the Franciscan retreat center in Dittmer, Missouri, updating grounds and buildings. More recently, they have volunteered at the food pantry in their parish every Thursday for the last nine years. Judy and Joe believe that to those who have been given much, much is expected. Joe says he often reflects on how fortunate he was to have attended a Franciscan college.
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 Daryle Hightower ’12 as the 2024 recipient. Quincy University was instrumental in preparing Hightower for her career and providing the foundation to integrate her faith into her practice. Daryle graduated with two degrees, one in biology and one in chemistry. After graduating from QU, Daryle went to chiropractic college at Logan University in Chesterfield, Missouri. Currently, she provides chiropractic services at Thrive Chiropractic in Quincy. Hightower says that her time at QU was wonderful preparation for her profession. She views her chiropractic practice as a calling. “I get to share with people God’s beautiful design of the human body and help people heal naturally. I can’t think of any more rewarding career.” Her husband, Adam, is also a QU alum. He is the Head Baseball Coach at John Wood Community College. The Hightowers have four sons. They strive to live out their Catholic faith in all areas of their life. They believe their marriage is their most important mission.
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 jya.enjoystlucia.com or contact the Office of Community Relations at (217) 228-5275 or communityrelations@enjoystlucia.com. Quincy University. Success by Design.
