"For our father, UC was the pinnacle of his professional career. He loved teaching, mentoring students and connecting them with industry through UC's nationally recognized co-op program," said the Quo children. "We also want to honor our mother with this gift. She is the quiet force behind everything for our family, our short-order cook, our driver, our organizer. It was her dedication that enabled our father and our family to thrive."
The endowed professorship was funded by the Quo's children: Marcia, Geoff, Stacey and Brian—together with their six grandchildren—Emma, Jacob, Annie, Maddie, Bennett and Brady.
In May 2025, during UC's commencement ceremonies, three generations of the Quo family gathered on campus with former colleagues and CEAS leadership to formally recognize the gift and celebrate Phillip and Consuelo Quo's legacy.
"This professorship gives the college and university the opportunity to attract and retain the best engineering faculty who will follow in Phil's footsteps—advancing discovery and teaching and positively impacting our institution and region for generations to come," said John Weidner, PhD, interim executive vice president for academic affairs and provost and former CEAS dean.
A legacy of resilience and purpose
Quo began his UC career teaching evening classes while working full-time as an engineering executive. He later joined the faculty full-time, teaching mechanical and civil engineering and computer-aided manufacturing.
His journey to the U.S. began with his escape from mainland China to Taiwan in 1949. His wife, Consuelo Quo, survived the Pacific Theater of World War II in the Philippines before emigrating to the U.S.
"They both came to this country believing in the transformative power of learning," recalled son Geoff Quo. "Our father began teaching at UC's evening college while working as an engineering executive during the day. One of his happiest moments was receiving the letter inviting him to join the faculty full time. He devoted the rest of his career to teaching mechanical engineering, civil engineering and computer-aided manufacturing."
His mother was the family's "strength behind the scenes," he added. "She believed deeply in education and anchored our family. She allowed our father to focus on his dual career—working in industry during the day while teaching in UC's evening college at night—before he was ultimately invited to join UC's faculty full time."
Professor Quo often used Cincinnati's iconic bridges as teaching tools, his children recalled.
"He would say that few people remember the names of the engineers who designed the Brent Spence or Roebling bridges, but the structures still stand strong," Geoff Quo reflected. "This professorship is like those bridges—future holders may not know much about our family, but it will endure for generations, impacting students and faculty long after us."
For the Quo family, the gift of a professorship in their parents' name represents a thank you to UC, Geoff Quo added.
"Thank you," said Geoff Quo. "To UC, for giving our father a fulfilling finale to his career. To the future professors, who will continue mentoring and connecting students with the world beyond the classroom. And most importantly, to the students—whose ideas will transform industries, communities and the world itself… just as our parents were once given opportunities through the support and kindness of others."
About the UC College of Engineering and Applied Science
The UC College of Engineering and Applied Science immerses students in a rigorous, experience-based curriculum that prepares them for real-world impact. Its nationally recognized co-op program connects students with industry leaders and career opportunities.
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