The Niemanns, both Quincy natives, are also both graduates of Quincy’s Catholic schools. Among their many contributions, they established the Connie Niemann Wheeler Scholarship Fund at Quincy Notre Dame High School, in memory of their late daughter. Through the Niemann Foods Foundation, they provided funding for a number of technology upgrades and campus signage at QND.

Rich, a long-time member of the Quincy University Board of Trustees, previously served as chairman of its Finance Committee. Connie was secretary of the QND Foundation Board. She was a co-founder of the St. Peter School library and also served as accompanist for the St. Peter Children’s Choir for a number of years. Their eight children and the 16 of their 24 grandchildren who grew up in Quincy are all graduates of St. Peter School.

Last year’s recipient was Charles A. Scholz, Quincy attorney and civic leader.

Quincy Catholic Elementary Schools is a consortium formed in April 2008 comprised of the four Catholic elementary schools whose mission is to work collaboratively and collectively to promote and support Catholic elementary education through ongoing marketing and development initiatives. The Quincy Catholic Elementary Schools Foundation was established as a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in July 2009.