A DECADE OF DEDICATION

by Pasha Yates ’15

Franciscan friars have been sewn into the fabric of Quincy University’s history since its founding in 1860. The guidance and leadership of the Franciscans have led the university forward for 160 years. For a decade, Fr. John Doctor, OFM, has paved his own path at QU with his unwavering commitment to the university. Fr. John is a 1972 alumnus of Quincy College, served on the QU Board of Trustees for nine years, received an Honorary Doctor of Divinity degree in 2016, and continues to serve as the Vice President for Mission and Ministry.

During Fr. John’s time at the university thus far, he has led QU through many ups and downs including, financial uncertainty, presidential transitions, and now the current coronavirus pandemic. Without hesitation, Fr. John guided the entire university community daily with continued prayers, encouragement, and reflection, from the time the university transitioned to online learning due to the pandemic through the end of the semester.

“He said to them ‘Go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature,” (Mark 16:15 [NAB]). In times of doubt, uncertainty, and angst, Fr. John brought hope, comfort, serenity, and even humor, through his words, lessons, and reflections.

“Fr. John provides a powerful witness to the Franciscan identity and charism of Quincy University. For decades, as a student, Franciscan provincial, trustee, and vice president, Fr. John has been a kind, generous, and energetic presence on campus,” said President Brian McGee, PhD. A central value of the Franciscan order is community, expressed in compassion, peacemaking, and reverence for creation. Fr. John lives out these values daily, and these are the values that are intertwined in his messaging to the QU community in times of need. Fr. John continues to encourage us, especially in these past few months, to lean on our Franciscan value of solidarity, to focus on the good with a spirit of gratitude, that we are not alone, and that with God, we have enough.

For 160 years, the Franciscan values of diversity, servant leadership, service, the pursuit of knowledge, justice and peace, inclusiveness, and accountability have guided the university in times of trouble and triumph and will continue to guide us in the future.