A Solid Foundation

QU Prepared Alumna to Teach and Lead Others

Proud supporters Barbara (Fischer ’68) and Jim Long give back to Quincy University in many ways.

It’s been 50 years since Barbara (Fischer ’68) Long first set foot on the Quincy College campus. As an incoming freshman, Fischer viewed Quincy College as nothing more than a temporary step in her college career—a transitory, one-year intermission between Quincy Notre Dame High School and another university to which she planned to transfer as a sophomore.

At least, that was the plan.

"It became apparent to me that Quincy College fulfilled my requirements of high expectations, quality students (including several National Merit scholars), academic excellence, focus on ethics and development of a spiritual center and growth, attention to individual needs and interests, importance of service modeled by Franciscans and faculty, moral development, and informed decision making," Barbara says.

Barbara earned a Bachelor of Arts in education from Quincy College in 1968 and continued her education through graduate programs at the University of Chicago, Antioch College, Harvard University and Boston College. Throughout her 33-year career in public education, Barbara taught at the elementary school level and served as a principal for 16 years in Massachusetts' Arlington Public Schools.

An Unforgettable Experience

Barbara cites several of her Quincy College professors as key influences in her professional career including Dr. David Costigan, emeritus professor of history.

"Dr. Costigan was a model for me as a teacher and administrator in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in my efforts to meet the individual needs of each student and prepare each one to be an actively engaged citizen of the world," Barbara says. "He was an outstanding educator and embodied the Franciscan spirit of dedication to family, church, community and friends; lifelong learning; and inspiring and mentoring others."

Now retired and living happily in University Park, Florida, Barbara and husband, Jim, are actively engaged in their community, church, and the arts. They serve on several boards, including the NPR Partners Board and are involved with the Sarasota Institute of Lifelong Learning, University of South Florida Lifelong Learning Association, Community Emergency Response Team, and Benderson Rowing Center. The Longs continue finding new ways to support the education of future generations and recently hosted a 13-year-old boy from Munich, Germany while he attended 8th grade at a nearby middle school.

Giving Back

Though many miles now separate them from Quincy University, the Longs have always made an extra effort to stay connected through a number of channels. And they still make time to visit.

"We have returned to Quincy on a regular basis," Barbara says. "It always brings back fond memories when we walk the campus, see the new developments, and chat with old friends and professors." 

In addition, Barbara and Jim are generous and frequent contributors to many of Quincy University's fundraising outlets including the new Dr. David Costigan Scholarship and the yearly QU Fund drives. Furthermore, by
including Quincy University in their estate plans, the Longs are proud members of QU's Heritage Society.

"Because of the outstanding liberal arts education I received at Quincy College and the lifelong effects of that experience, I have contributed to Quincy on a regular basis since graduation. Jim and I are impressed with the positive efforts of [QU President] Dr. [Robert] Gervasi and the faculty to foster high expectations and academic standards," Barbara says.

Contact Julie Bell at bellju@quincy.edu or (217) 228-5229 for helpful tips about getting the most from your gift this year.