QU Receives $500,000 Grant Toward Stadium Renovations

QUINCY, Ill. – Quincy University received a $500,000 grant from an anonymous foundation on April 1 in support of the ongoing QU Stadium renovation project announced in December. To date, the grant represents the single largest contribution to the stadium plan.

"We are truly honored that this donor has shown confidence and support in the project by way of this generous grant," said director of athletics Marty Bell. "We are thrilled that so many from the community have shown their support for a revamped QU Stadium and we are confident that this grant is only the beginning in what we see as a truly transformative university and community-wide endeavor."

This grant, added to the funds already generated for the project through donor support, advertising and sponsorships, brings the total external support to $1.3 million.

The renovation of QU Stadium—home to Quincy University's football and baseball programs—includes recently installed synthetic turf playing surfaces for football and baseball (infield only). In addition, the football stadium is set to receive replaced bleachers, luxury suites, a new press box, as well as a new building encompassing locker rooms, offices, meeting rooms, and training facilities.

Once complete, the project will allow for the expansion of the existing football roster as well as the addition of a JV baseball program. Furthermore, QU Stadium will be home to the university's first ever men's and women's lacrosse teams beginning in 2017 and 2018 respectively. QU is one of nine GLVC schools expected to adopt lacrosse programs by 2018. The new teams and expanded rosters are expected to increase enrollment by a total of 90 students—50 for lacrosse alone.

"The QU stadium project was designed to unify the community and restore a Quincy landmark. We hope others will follow suit to support this worthy cause. We at Quincy University look forward to giving the community a premier venue for football, baseball, lacrosse, as well as non-athletic events," Bell said.

The QU baseball team's season is currently in progress while the Hawks football team hosts their 2015 home opener on September 19.

This fall, the university will have over 440 student athletes in 18 intercollegiate sports, representing a 51 percent increase since 2007.

"Every dollar raised for this initiative allows QU to re-invest additional funds in other facets of the university," Bell says.

For more information on the stadium project, including giving and naming opportunities, contact the Office of University Advancement at 217-228-5227.

Founded in 1860 by Franciscan friars, Quincy University (www.quincy.edu) is a Catholic, co-educational, residential university offering undergraduate, graduate, and adult education programs that integrate liberal arts, active learning, practical experience, and Franciscan values. Quincy University's intercollegiate sports are members of the NCAA Division II Great Lakes Valley Conference for men and women. For more information, please contact the Quincy University office of communications by calling (217) 228-5275.

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