Founders Day

Join us as we Celebrate our Past, Present, and Future!

Register for Events
Download Digital Swag
   Tell us why you're Knox Proud

Find out how you can volunteer on Knox Proud Day!

Proclamation

It's official! With a Proclamation from the City of Galesburg signed by Peter Schwartzman, Mayor of Galesburg and professor of environmental studies at Knox College, February 15 is declared Founders Day and Knox Proud Day!

Celebrate All Day Long!

8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., Gale's Grounds, Post Lobby, Post Hall
Enjoy free coffee at Gale's Grounds and have the opportunity to write a thank you note to donors or write a shoutout to your fellow colleagues. 

9:00 a.m. to 12 p.m., Gizmobile
All over campus  :)  Grab a ride on the Gizmobile!

9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Library Pop Up: Revolutions in Writing and Printmaking
Seymour Library
Take part in interactive demonstrations of a hand-operated printing press and explore the future and wonders of 3D printing. Don't miss this unique opportunity to witness the fusion of tradition and innovation.

10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Library Exhibit
“Revolutions in Writing and Printmaking” and demonstrations of letter press

11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Senior Challenge Launch
Oak Room, Seymour Union
Come play some fun games, enter to win Knox prizes, and get some free Knox swag as we kick off Senior Challenge 2024!

11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Founders Day Cake
Join us for the cake lighting at 12:00 p.m. Get some free Knox swag, snap a selfie with George Washington Gale and the famous Wooden Cake; then grab a real-life, tasty miniature version (aka, a cupcake).

12:00 p.m., Lunch in Hard Knox
Enjoy a special Founders Day lunch in Hard Knox

11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Org Fair Tabling

12:00 p.m., Bellringing

12:00 p.m., Explore Knox Archives Virtual Event
Find full details and register to attend!

2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Make Your Resume Knox Proud
Bastian Family Career Center, Alumni Hall

3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Supporting Student Athletes
Athletics is offering free smoothies and t-shirts to wear to show our athletes you're always cheering them on!

5:00 p.m., Lincoln Lecture: "Lincoln and The Other Douglass"
Muelder Reading Room, Seymour Library or via Livestream
Register to attend in person or virtually

8:00 p.m., Glow Event
Oak Room, Seymour Union

Gather in Galesburg

7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., February 15, Galesburg Knox Club
Meet up with Galesburg alumni and friends at Reserve Artisan Ales; registration is open now.

All Day, February 15
Support local businesses and enjoy various Knox-themed drinks or treats. Participating businesses include: 156 East, Opie's, Reserve Artisan Ales, Cherry Street, Jimmy's Pizza, Orange Cup, baked, Bar 65, Beanhive, Budde's, HyVee on Henderson, Lim's Ice Cream, and more signing up every day—stay tuned!

History of the Wooden Cake

The Founders Day wooden cake was designed by former business office manager James Cuthbertson for the 1952 Founder's Day celebration. The celebration was created to celebrate Knox’s 115th birthday and the whole Knox campus community was invited. The events that day included a skit in Beecher Chapel (which is no longer standing) and a party in Seymour Hall with a dance to follow. In 1954, Knox carpenter Ray Pratt and Professor of Chemistry Ira Neifert designed and made an Old Main Bell Tower on the cake out of a tin can for the 117th celebration. Each year, the cake is updated with the anniversary year.

Explore More of Knox History

Watch a recording of the 2023 Knox Proud Day virtual event, Lance Factor's "Secret Code in Old Main."