Hall of Fame
Joanne Ortwerth came to Quincy in 1957 with her husband John who was beginning his basketball coaching career at Quincy College. She taught courses at Quincy University and at John Wood Community College for many years. She received the Golden Deeds Award from the Quincy Exchange Club and was honored by the YWCA as a Woman of Achievement receiving the Caren Kemner Award for Sports. Ortwerth has been honored several times at the Illinois State Red Cross Conference. She serves on the Executive Committee of the Quincy University Retired Faculty-Staff Association and is Chair of the Sunshine Committee. For many alumni, Ortwerth may be most highly regarded for the supportive role that she played in the development of the student athletes on her husband’s basketball team. Ortwerth’s husband John was the head coach from 1960-1975. Former players have remarked that she was like a mother figure to all of them, and with their real moms far away, that was so important. One basketball alum said that Ortwerth was always willing to lend an ear and help them deal with issues they faced. One of her nominators, 1970 QU alum Bob Ociepka, said, “Joanne has given so much to Quincy and to the many players who have come through the system.
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