Quincy University held its 153^rd commencement ceremony on May 15, 2016. Graduates, faculty, staff, friends and family came together to celebrate the awarding of 262 bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

Catherine Richards welcomed her fellow graduates.

“This is the day we begin a new journey as we leave here today…we have been blessed with so much here,” senior Richards said.

Christopher Chappell’e reflected on past adventures and announced the arrival of a new one.

“My time here at QU has been one for the books…Mom, you’re going to be a grandma,” senior Chappell’e said.

Graduates were bubbling with joy in QU’s Hall of Fame room as they waited for their degrees.

“I never thought this day would come. Now that it’s here, it’s pretty scary,” senior Adam Longo said.

The memories made by the graduates will last a lifetime and will be carried with them wherever life takes them.

“I’m so excited! I’m going to miss playing golf here at QU, but I’m ready for my next four years at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences for my pharmacy degree,” senior Cortni Hicks said.

QU has always offered and will continue to offer a unique experience to its students.

“I met so many wonderful people, made so many stories and will carry these memories with me for a lifetime,” senior Shelby Hoiness said.

For a fourth year in a row QU has received the National College of Distinction and is determined to prepare its graduates for life after graduation.

“It was a long, hard road and I feel battle worn, but I’m glad to be here. QU has prepared me to go to law school. Someday I will be a judge because I had great professors and mentors at QU. I’ve learned a lot about myself,” senior Charles Argana said.

QU was honored to have Brian Ross, award-winning ABC News’ Chief Investigative Correspondent, deliver the keynote address during the commencement ceremony.

“There is no elevator to the top, only hard work,” Ross said.

He has dedicated his professional career and life to fighting injustices.

“He embodies the QU mission, serving as a living example of how our students can go forward to transform the world around them,” President Gervasi said in press release.

Ross has remained committed to the pillars of journalism and has been repeatedly honored with the most prestigious awards in his field.

To read more about Brian Ross, follow this LINK. 

In President Gervasi’s closing remarks he reminds the graduates about the importance of a liberal arts degree and to take their Franciscan values with them wherever they are called to go. We can all be investigative reporters in this world.

“We are honored and thrilled we are all together. We are all called to see the larger picture and bring it back to make it better for others,” Gervasi said.

Congratulations to the graduating class of 2016.