Quincy University was founded by Franciscan Friars of the Saint Louis/Chicago Province of the Sacred Heart in 1860, only two years after they had arrived from Germany. Then known as St. Francis Solanus College, the friars lived in "Old Main" until a new separate friary was built in the early 1960's. The friary is home to friars who work and staff QU as well as providing chaplains and parish priests to the community. Friars living at QUF have served as chaplain at the Veterans Home and pastored parishes (including St. Francis Solanus, St. Anthony of Padua and St. Joseph). They have provided, at various times, ministers for other apostolates which included St. Mary's Hospital, the TV Mass for Shut-ins, as well as assisting at other parishes and organizations.

Statue of St. Francis at the center of Friars Plaza.

The Friars at QU   •   Quincy University   •   Sacred Heart Province