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Honored to Lead as They’ve Been Led
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by Chris Brennemann, PhD
Mike graduated in 1972 with a degree in psychology and a teaching certificate. He began his career in community mental health. He and Carole returned to Quincy when he accepted a teaching position in a dropout prevention program with Quincy Public Schools. He would later move to Guidance and Counseling at Quincy Senior High School, where he took an active role in developing programs and working with students. He continued his interest and work in community mental health.
Carole graduated in 1973 with a fine arts degree and a teaching certificate. She began her career in corporate advertising in Chicago. When they returned to Quincy, Carole accepted a teaching position to head the art program at Hannibal Senior High School. During the Hennessy’s 13 years in Quincy, Carole continued to exhibit her watercolor painting, founded and ran a successful art consulting and framing business, and was actively involved in the local art community. Both Mike and Carole were involved in the Quincy community.
When they returned to Chicago, Mike worked in upper management of a well-known Chicago candy company. In 1995, he was appointed president and CEO of the Coleman Foundation, an endowed, private charitable foundation. During his 30-year tenure, the foundation made over 6,800 grants in the areas of cancer support and treatment, self-employment education and housing and training for the developmentally disabled.
Carole actively participates in the Chicago art community and continues to paint and competitively exhibit her work. Her work has been included in many state, regional and national exhibitions, as well as shows in Italy, Spain and Canada. Carole has signature membership in the Watercolor USA Honor Society of which she is the president, the National Watercolor Society, and both the Illinois and Missouri Watercolor Societies. She also volunteers with several school arts programs and local arts organizations.
Mike and Carole were both led to Quincy by QU alums, Rose Camastro Pritchett and Jim Mentesti. Rose was Carole’s high school art teacher. She encouraged both Carole and Mike to go to Quincy.
Mike was also influenced by alum Jim Mentesti who took Mike to Quincy for a weekend and introduced him to faculty, administration, financial aid staff and townspeople.
Mike was guardedly optimistic he would be accepted and get enough financial aid to attend. He was admitted just a few weeks before the semester began and still credits Rose and Jim for guiding him through the enrollment process and for having such a tremendous impact on his future. He explains, “I was determined not to disappoint Rose, Jim and my parents and to make the most of the opportunity I was given.”
When Carole visited the school, she liked the campus, the town, the professors in the art department and the programs available. She liked the feel of a smaller school. Carole adds, “Everyone was so friendly and welcoming, and new friends were quickly made.”
The Hennessys are grateful for their QC education. Mike says his professors were knowledgeable and truly interested in their students. “Alums I see today still talk about the quality academics and the experiential programming,” says Mike. Carole adds, “Quincy offers a varied experience with many opportunities. Smaller classes provide more individual attention from instructors.”
In addition to the depth of their education, they reflect often on the Franciscan values embedded in the QU experience and have implemented that giving back approach throughout their careers and in their personal lives.
“I think my commitment to service to my communities is a reflection of the Franciscan values,” says Carole. Mike says that what he learned at QU and his varied work experiences came together in leading the Coleman Foundation. “Being led by curiosity, determination, respect for others, hard work, wise use of financial resources, and a desire to leave things a little better reflect Franciscan values.”
Mike adds that his involvement with Circle K projects and fundraising was the beginning of his giving back approach and certainly influenced his career choices.
The Hennessys have maintained friendship with a number of their classmates and professors. For Carole, QU art professor Robert Mejer continues to be a friend and mentor. Rose Camastro Pritchett remains a trusted friend. Mike remains in touch with several alumni friends including Jim Mentesti. He also enjoys a long-standing friendship with Pete Prunkl, a favored psychology professor. Fr. Francis Jerome’s impact on Mike and Carole led to him conducting their wedding.
I have been fortunate to have been helped by many over my life, and I feel it is important to continue to honor that by helping others now.”
“As time passes, we become even more grateful for those who have helped us. This is an exciting time at QU! As Alums, we have the opportunities and potential to help students receive the same experiences and benefits we treasure." ~Carole Hennessey '73
