2013 Knox Service Awards

The Knox Service Award, established in 1987, is given to any member of the Knox community to recognize outstanding volunteer service benefiting Knox College. Awards are presented during Homecoming Convocation. Annual nominations are due by January 31.

2013 Recipients

Richard Kowalski P'14
Though Knox is not Dick Kowalski's alma mater, he is a true "friend" of Knox. For several years he was the link between the college and OSF St. Mary Medical Center, making it possible for Knox students to work as interns. A cornerstone of the Knox College educational program is the experiential learning component. Dick understood this and worked closely with Terrie Saline, director of the Bastian Family Center for Career & Pre-Professional Development, to offer opportunities through OSF.

Dick participated in the Carlin Career Development Forum, an event that provides students with the opportunity to hear from a wide range of executives and receive practical career information and advice. Dick's long tenure in hospital administration lent a unique perspective on the progression of health care services. He served also on the Business Advisory Council.

When son, Sterling, chose Knox and moved to campus, Dick and his wife, Doris, became members of the Parent Executive Committee. As parent volunteers Dick helps with welcome calls, solicitation of gifts, and the Parent Reception. The Kowalski's are members of the Gale Society, a giving club for local alumni and friends, and the President's Circle, a leadership giving society at Knox.

Though Dick's 34 years as CEO at OSF St. Mary Medical Center came to an end in June, his involvement in the Galesburg community continues. He is chairman of the Executive Committee of the Galesburg Area Regional Economic Development Association, and remains active at Knox and Carl Sandburg College, and assists with the National Railroad Hall of Fame effort.

Tony Liberta '55
Michelle Geyer '10 is just one of the students who was able to finish her time at Knox because of the Reverend Pete Hosutt Scholarship fund. That fund exists because Tony Liberta worked with five classmates to establish an endowed scholarship in memory of their friend and teammate, Reverend Pete Hosutt '55. The scholarship goes to a student involved in campus and community activities with a special focus on working with youth or within religious or faith-based organizations.

Tony has served Knox in a variety of positions. He was the FYC Board of Trustees Observer for four years and in that role, reported news to Club members via the FYC Bulletin. Tony volunteered as a Class Agent, an at-large representative for the Alumni Council, a 50th Reunion volunteer, and an Admission volunteer.

Tony is a retired Emeritus Professor of Biology from Illinois State University. An avid rose grower, he was a member of the former McLean County Rose Society, having served as its Editor, Treasurer, Vice-President and President. He is currently a member of the Greater Peoria and Decatur Rose Societies in Illinois. As a member of the American Rose Society he served on its Board of Directors for six years. He frequently lectures and writes articles on various aspects of rose culture and was a contributing author, along with his wife, to the books Ultimate Rose and The Rose.

Steve Walton '74
Steve Walton is no stranger to the Knox campus. In the past year, he spent time on campus as part of the selection committee to hire a new football coach. The committee conducted a nation-wide search and participated in on-campus interviews for five candidates. As a letter winner in both track and football, his love for Knox athletics runs deep. Steve contributed to the athletics initiative in 2008 and named the home side line of Knosher Bowl and the shot put area of the track and field venue.

He served on the Alumni Council as an at-large member from 2000-2005. During that time he worked with a committee to revise the Athletic Hall of Fame section of the by-laws. Steve was a Class Agent, and is a member of the President's Circle, and K Club. Steve attends summer alumni gatherings in Michigan, and comes from a long legacy of Knox graduates -- his father, mother, and two aunts are alumni.

He is a retired teacher and coach from Sterling High School District #5.

Now living in Michigan, Steve gives back to his local community as a Rotary member, church deacon, volunteer for Meals on Wheels, and a tour guide and member of the education committee for Point Betsie Lighthouse. He continues his connection with youth as an elementary school tutor, and as a track coach for Frankfort High School.

Previous Knox Service Award Recipients