circles of investment
Circles of Investment are a unique way to honor an individual, group, or company while adding support to students and education in Quincy. This investment will touch the lives of children in our community for generations to come. To create a new circle, the minimum investment is $10,000 and to create a new bench, the minimum investment is $50,000. Gifts of any amount may be added to a circle at any time. If you would like information on initiating a circle, contact Julie Ross at (217) 228-7171. The following circles have been established with QFQE:
Houston Kirk Memorial Scholarship – Mathematics
Carson Kirk initiated QFQE’s first Circle of Investment in memory of his father, Houston Kirk. Houston was responsible for introducing calculus into Quincy’s curriculum. He also taught advanced mathematics at Quincy High School for twenty-two years. Houston retired in 1972 and moved to Florida. This circle funds math education throughout the district and was celebrated in 2004.
A Friend for Education – English
The person who initiated this circle wished only to be known as “an individual dedicated to the promotion of education to enhance a student’s future.” This circle funds English education, including journalism and creative writing, throughout the district and was celebrated in 2004.
Bill and Margaret Keller Memorial
Dennis and Barb Gorman initiated this circle in memory of Barb’s parents, Bill and Margaret Keller. Bill attended Quincy Public Schools and served on the Board of Education for many years. This circle currently funds Baldwin, Madison, and Quincy Junior High schools, where the Gorman’s grandchildren attend, and was celebrated in 2004.
Dooley-Sherman-Fonza-Bassett – Music
Bill and Lynda Keller initiated this circle to honor QHS music teachers Kathi Dooley, Dan Sherman, Les Fonza, and Clyde Bassett. All three of the Keller’s children were involved in choir and orchestra from the time they were at Baldwin through their high school career. This circle funds music education throughout the district and was celebrated in 2004.
Janet Neiswender – Special Education
J.D. Neiswender initiated this circle in memory of his mother. Janet taught science and language arts at Quincy Junior High School for thirty years. During that time, she also developed a close relationship with many of the special education students. This circle funds special education throughout the district and was celebrated in 2004.
Dena Gooch Eakle Memorial Fund - Elementary Education
Carson Kirk initiated this circle in memory of his grandmother, Dena Gooch Eakle. Dena taught third grade at Franklin School for many years, inspiring her daughter Carolyn to become a teacher as well. This circle funds elementary education throughout the district and was celebrated in 2005.
Carolyn Eakle Kirk Scholarship - Language Arts & History
Carson Kirk initiated this circle in honor of his mother, Carolyn Eakle Kirk. Carolyn taught language arts and history at Quincy Junior High School from 1948 to 1960, when she resigned to stay home with Carson. This circle funds language arts and history throughout the district and was celebrated in 2006.
Martha McCrory Foundation, Inc. – Music
Martha McCrory initiated this circle to fund stringed instruments. Martha has enjoyed a career revolving around music. She has been a teacher, professional cellist, and administrator. Martha built the Sewanee Summer Music Festival into a highly ranked summer training program and concert series of international proportions. Her keen interest in young people studying music during the summer has long been her passion. This circle was celebrated in 2006.
Deelite Cashman Ernst Literacy Fund – Adams Elementary School
Deelite Ernst’s family and friends initiated this circle in her memory. Deelite treasured time with her children, and was also devoted to her "other" children, her first grade students at Adams School. Deelite dedicated herself to their education, and the warm hugs and kisses she received daily from past and present students were evidence of her impact on their lives. This circle funds literacy education at Adams Elementary School and was celebrated in 2006.
G. Keith Cashman - QHS Golf Teams Fund
Keith Cashman’s family and friends initiated this circle in his memory. Keith was involved in the savings and loan industry for over thirty years. During that time, he worked to encourage legislation favorable to the thrift business and the saving and borrowing customer. Keith was also an accomplished athlete and an avid golfer, passing his love for the game to his children and grandchildren. This circles funds the Quincy High School golf teams and was celebrated in 2006.
Patricia & David Donald Memorial – Special Education
Carson Kirk initiated this circle in memory of his close family friends, Patricia and David Donald. Patricia Fuelbier Donald taught special education in the Quincy Public Schools for 29 years and David worked for the Mental Health Authority of West Central Illinois. This circle funds special education throughout the district and was celebrated in 2007.
Excellence in Education – English & History
The person who initiated this circle wished only to be known as “an individual dedicated to the promotion of education to enhance a student’s future.” This circle funds English and history education throughout the district and was celebrated in 2007.
Naomi Meyer - Elementary Education
Samuel Becker initiated this circle in honor of a cherished teacher, Naomi Meyer. Naomi taught third and fourth grade at Washington School from 1930 to 1937 and at Franklin School from 1937 to 1975. This circle will fund elementary education throughout the district and was celebrated in 2007.
Foreign Language & Music Education
This circle was initiated by retired school teachers who wish to remain anonymous. They had a passion for both their students and for teaching, and wanted to carry that legacy forward. This circle funds foreign language and music education throughout the district and will be celebrated in 2008.
Beulah Gooch Memorial – Business & Career Education
Carson Kirk initiated this circle in memory of his great aunt, Beulah Gooch. This circle will fund business and career education at the Quincy Senior High and the Quincy Area Vocational Technical Center and will be celebrated in 2008.
Gardner-Denver Bench - Science & Technology
Gardner Denver, Inc. initiated the first bench, setting the pace for other businesses and groups to invest in the Quincy Public Schools. Gardner Denver is a global producer of blowers, air compressors, petroleum pumps, water jetting pumps and accessories, fluid transfer equipmen, and liquid ring pumps. This endowed fund will support science and technology education throughout the district and will be celebrated in 2010.
Herman Schneidman - Athletics
Herman Schneidman initiated this circle to fund athletics. Herman attended Quincy Public Schools and played football for Quincy High School. He went on to play football for the University of Iowa, the U.S. Navy, and the Green Bay Packers. This circle is growing and has not reached the point of celebration.
Norma Seckman Tushaus – Child/Family Mentor Program
Norma Tushaus, Quincy High School Class of 1945, initiated this circle to fund the Child/Family Mentor Program. Norma was orphaned as a child and believes that if a program of this nature had existed when she was in school, her life may have been much different. This circles funds mentoring throughout the district and will be celebrated in 2008.
Stella Lilly Memorial – English Literature
Judith Derhake Babcock, Quincy High School Class of 1955, initiated this circle in memory of her favorite teacher, Miss Stella R. Lilly. Miss Lilly taught English Literature at QHS for over thirty years. This circle funds English literature throughout the district and will be celebrated in 2008. |
