Day of Service

As a part of the Franciscan mission to serve others, over 700 QU students and employees participated in QU’s annual Day of Service, during Franciscan Heritage Week this past October. The QU community served 35 different organizations in the Quincy community and surrounding area. In addition, 1,300 pounds of food was donated to Horizons Food Pantry during the food drive.

$67,592—The economic impact that the Quincy University community made in one day.

Every QU student is required to complete Franciscan service hours during their time at QU. On this day – the students are asked to step back and look beyond the requirement; look beyond the hours spent doing yardwork, painting, cleaning storage rooms, folding clothes, etc. 700 people came together for four hours, resulting in 2,800 hours of service.

The Independent Sector, a national membership organization for non-profits, values volunteers at $24.14 per hour. This adds up to $67,592…and that’s just a dollar amount. The men, women, children, veterans, elderly, animals, and businesses are impacted by service. Every organization that was served, touches the lives of thousands of people each year.

Quincy University is rooted in its core values – respect, care of creation, peace and justice, servant leader, wisdom, hospitality, service-learning, inclusivity, diversity, and reflective stance. The Day of Service provides QU students and employees the opportunity to put those core values into action throughout the community.

An Inside Look at Fr. Bill Spencer

Who is Fr. Bill?

Fr. William (Bill) Spencer, OFM was appointed as Director of Campus Ministry in July 2018. He is a 1970 alumnus of QU, a member of the Franciscan Friars of the Sacred Heart Province, the province that founded the University, and served on the QU Board of Trustees from 2008-2017.

What inspired you to pursue the Franciscan journey?

I knew Franciscans for most of my life. I was impressed with them and found them to be joyful, creative people. When looking at what I wanted to do in my life, it seemed like a good opportunity. I explored it more, and it felt like something I could do with integrity to be who I am. It made sense for me.

What did you do before you became the Director of Campus Ministry?

I worked for four years with men who were interested in joining the Franciscans, eight years as provincial minister, and three years as a campus minister at a high school in Chicago. I've spent most of my priesthood as a pastor and have had the opportunity to work with people of all ages at different parishes. I’ve lived in Illinois, Tennessee, Louisiana, and Ohio.

What is your favorite part about working in the Campus Ministry Office?

The students. They are good, generous, hard workers and are interested in living good lives and being good students. I also like the cultural diversity here at QU from people of all faiths; those who are completely involved in it to those who have little interest. The employees and students have the opportunity to go to Mass here every day of the week, and students can participate in Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Ignite, a praise and worship organization.

What do you like the most about the Franciscan Values incorporated here at QU?

Service. The recognition that people who have talents can be a blessing in using it for the good of others and their own benefit. It’s an act of faith and this group here at QU is very talented.

People desperately need the gift of service. Sometimes it’s as simple as a smile, to say hello and ask how they’re doing and sometimes it’s a food drive or visiting the elderly.

Campus Ministry is an open door to everyone. Heart of Ministry is the accompaniment. You’re there for people for what they need and want, whether it’s to come in and study, for a snack, or just to chat. We spend the majority of our lives trying to make sense out of life, and that’s what college students are trying to do as adults for the first time. Campus Ministry and QU gives them an opportunity to explore so the students care enough to live their life well.

What do you see for the future of Campus Ministry?

That there is always a need to be present and increase programs, and that students use it as a resource. We search for the same answers as others, and we can search together in the light rather then the dark.