Alumni of the year award

by Jen Wingerter ’13

THE HERITAGE AWARDS are the highest honor bestowed by Quincy University upon an outstanding alumna or alumnus. The awards salute the achievements of alumni whose personal lives, professional achievements, and community service exemplify the objectives of their alma mater.

The Bill O’Donnell Distinguished Alumni of the Year Award is given to alumni who have enhanced the reputation of Quincy University through their outstanding professional achievement, personal accomplishments, and or their loyal service to their alma mater. Recipients of this award have demonstrated a belief in Quincy University’s mission and vision through philanthropic support of the university and through the contribution of time, talent, and treasure.

This year, Quincy University is pleased to honor Steve ’75 and Jan (Dickson) ’77 Koester.

Steve and Jan Koester credit their success and that of their sons to QU, and that is why they support their alma mater in all areas, whether the Annual QU Fund, athletics, or other areas of need.

Steve arrived on the QU campus in the fall of 1971 from Effingham, Ill., majoring in accounting. Jan, a Quincy native, began her college education in 1973 and majored in elementary education and special education. Steve and Jan met on campus in 1974 and were married in 1978 in the QU Chapel. They have two sons, Scott and Drew, who both graduated from QU, Scott in 2005 and Drew in 2013. They both majored in accounting and finance and earned their MBA from QU.

“QU has always been an important part of our lives and our son's lives. We learned valuable lessons from the Franciscans,” said Jan. “We also see QU as a vital part of the Quincy community and the surrounding area as a whole.”

Professors That Prepared Them Well

Steve accepted a position at Peat Marwick Mitchell in Decater after graduation. He returned to Quincy in 1976, when he began his 43-year career with Gray Hunter Stenn. Jan taught for 34 years, teaching preschool, kindergarten, and first grade.

Steve and Jan attribute a well-rounded education, professors, and classes from QU, prepared them well for their careers.

“Dr. Magliari had real-world experience and taught lessons that applied to the world we face,” said Steve.

“Professors Sue Francouer, Jim Bower, and Ann Mary Gullen all impacted me and enhanced my love for teaching,” said Jan. “The Reading Center provided me with hands-on experience to work with children before my student teaching began.”

They appreciate the quality education and the small-town family atmosphere that QU provides.

“The professors know you by name rather than a number and are always willing to help if needed,” said Steve.

But to the Koesters, QU teaches more than the skills needed to have a successful career. QU teaches skills that lead to a successful life.

“We have learned the importance of family values, religion, being a part of the community, and working hard,” said Steve and Jan. “We try to treat everyone equally, give back, be honest, and love people.”

Giving Back to QU

Steve and Jan have faithfully given back to the QU and Quincy community. From serving as a greeter at St. Peters Parish, where they are faithful members, to serving on area nonprofit boards, to helping raise funds for local organizations and charities, the Koesters invest their time, talent, and treasure into the community.

Their support of QU is widespread. Steve (through his company Gray Hunter Stenn) served as QU's auditor for years, taught classes in the Oakley School of Business, served as president of QU’s National Alumni Board, and served as an annual fund volunteer. Jan served on the Chapel Centennial Committee.

“QU has always beenan important partof our lives and our son's lives.We learned valuable lessonsfrom the Franciscans.”

—Jan Koester ’77

“Steve and Jan have been loyal supporters of QU for years,” said Matt Bergman, senior director of advancement. “They attend many QU alumni and athletic events and are always ambassadors for QU wherever they go.”

“QU and the community of Quincy have provided so much for our family. We need to give back to both for the gifts we have received from them," said Steve and Jan. “We are honored to be recognized as the Bill O’Donnell Distinguished Alumni of the Year. We feel that we can help QU retain its excellence and Franciscan values by giving of our time, talent, and treasures.”