Homecoming and Family & Friends Weekend

Join us October 25-27, 2024!

We are excited to welcome Knox alumni, family, and friends to campus for Homecoming and Family & Friends Weekend. Throughout the weekend you have opportunities to celebrate, reminisce with friends, visit faculty and staff, cheer on the Prairie Fire—and just have fun!

The complete schedule is below. Use these buttons for schedule highlights to customize your weekend or to see who's coming.

Alumni     Parents & Families

The app for Homecoming and Family & Friends Weekend 2024, powered by Guidebook, is now available. Download Guidebook, then use Find Guide to search and download the “Homecoming and Family & Friends 2024” guide. Already have Guidebook? Just find and download the guide.

• Thursday, October 24

  4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Class of 1969 Pre-Reunion Gathering
  Home of Mary Mangieri Burgland '68, 20 Hiawatha Lane, Galesburg
  Registration required.

  5:30 p.m., Class of 1974 Pre-Reunion Gathering
  156 East Bar and Grill, 156 East Main Street, Galesburg
  Registration required.

  6:00 p.m., Volleyball vs. Eureka
  Memorial Gymnasium, T. Fleming Fieldhouse
  Prairie Fire Women's Volleyball battle Eureka College. Join us in cheering them on!

  7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., Cherry St. Jazz Combo
  Galesburg Community Arts Center, 349 East Main Street, Galesburg
  The Cherry Street Jazz Combo is joined by Matt Wilson, a former featured artist at Rootabaga Jazz Fest and Mirza Jazz Residency. Matt will hold a masterclass at 6:00 p.m., and then perform with the Combo beginning at 7:00 p.m.

• Friday, October 25

  9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Seymour Library Programming
  Library Exhibit: The Cartographer's Choice: Rare Maps from the Knox College Collection
  Library Student Exhibit: Arm and Arm on the Eve of War: International Students at Knox in the 1930s-40s
  Library Pop-Up Exhibit: Mapping the Ephemeral - Knox College Scrapbooks through the Years

  8:00 a.m. to 3:50 p.m., Return to Classroom
  You are invited to attend a Knox class! View the full list of classes open to alumni and families. Please note that space is limited in some classes.

  10:00 a.m., Campus Tours
  Office of Admission, Alumni Hall
  Alumni returning to campus with high school students interested in attending Knox College are welcome to join an information session and campus tour at 10:00 a.m. Call 800-678-KNOX or go to www.knox.edu/visit to register.

  10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Homecoming Hub and Check-in
  Ferris Lounge, Seymour Union
  A place to gather and connect with friends and family. Pick up your name tag, grab a snack, and let us welcome you to campus!

  11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Career Center Information Session
  Bastian Family Center for Career Success, Alumni Hall
  Learn about all the Career Center offers our students and how they can continue to support you as alumni. Come for resume building, job searching, and learn about the "power of first impressions." (Parents, are your students interested in getting a professional LinkedIn headshot? Visit Wallenburg Conference Room, Alumni Hall 117, between 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.).

  11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Record your Knox Oral History
  Abolition Lab, Seymour Library
  Join us in the Abolition Lab of Seymour Library to record your oral history and your memories of Knox! A trained student oral historian will conduct your interview.

  11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Knox Remembers
  HOPE Center, 305 South Cherry Street, Galesburg
  Honor and remember beloved members of the Knox College community. A dedicated table will be set up for you to reflect and share memories, and you can also share memories online.

  1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., Off-Campus Study Reunion Open House
  Stellyes Center for Global Studies, Room 226, Alumni Hall
  Alumni are encouraged to bring pictures from their time abroad!

  1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., Class of 1974 Life on Campus: Then and Now Panel Discussion
  Round Room, Ford Center for the Fine Arts
  Join the Class of 1974 and current students as they discuss life on campus then and now.

  2:00 p.m., Campus Tours
  Office of Admission, Alumni Hall
  Alumni returning to campus with high school students interested in attending Knox College are welcome to join an information session and campus tour at 2:00 p.m. Call 800-678-KNOX or go to www.knox.edu/visit to register.

  2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Sigma Nu Senior Class Meet & Greet
  Iron Spike, 150 East Simmons Street, Galesburg
  Alumni, family, and friends, get to know this year’s graduating class. Join us at Iron Spike Brewing Company, a craft brewery and restaurant dedicated to craft beer, inspirational foods, and community building.

  4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., Computer Science Mixer
  Room E117, Umbeck Science–Mathematics Center
  Alumni and currect students are welcome to gather with current students and faculty for department updates and fun.

  4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., Journalism Gathering
  Media Lab, Borzello Hall
  Alumni from the department are invited to connect and network with Journalism students and TKS staff.

  4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., Political Science and International Relations Gathering
  Room 104, George Davis Hall
  Alumni from the department are invited to share snacks and conversation.

  4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., Psych Open House
  Room A201, Umbeck Science–Mathematics Center
  Alumni, students, and families are welcome to gather and connect.

  4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., President's Circle Donor Reception
  Petrovich Atrium, Alumni Hall
  The President's Circle recognizes our leadership donors, celebrating the incredible impact they have on our entire community. By invitation only.
  Registration required.

  5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Parent and Family Gathering with Division of Student Development Staff
  Taproom, The Vault at Reserve Artisan Ales, 185 South Kellogg Street, Galesburg
  Parents and families, meet staff from the Division of Student Development and join us for a casual get-together before Celebrate Knox kicks off.
  Registration required.

  5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Class of 1969 55th Reunion Reception
  Innkeepers, 80 North Seminary Street, Galesburg
  Heavy appetizers and cash bar.
  Registration required.

  5:30 p.m., Knox-Lombard Athletic Hall of Fame Ceremony
  Lincoln/Skylight Rooms, Seymour Union
  A celebration of new Hall of Fame inductees.
  Registration required.

  2024 Inductees
  Paul Bennett '08
  Ted Boecker '70
  Jim Fennema '73
  Mike Hendrick '13
  The 1987-88 Women's Basketball Team

  6:00 p.m., Decade of the 60s Reception
  156 East Bar & Grill, 156 East Main Street, Galesburg
  Registration required.

  6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Celebrate Knox Reception
  The Vault at Reserve Artisan Ales, 185 South Kellogg Street, Galesburg
  Celebrate all things Knox at this casual gathering for all! Come meet with your classmates, other Knox parents and families, and President McGadney. Areas will be designated for Reunion years. Food trucks available on-site.
  Registration required.

  6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Class of 2004 Gathering
  The Vault at Reserve Artisan Ales, 185 South Kellogg Street, Galesburg
  Meet up with classmates at the Celebrate Knox Reception!

  6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Class of 1984 Gathering
  The Vault at Reserve Artisan Ales, 185 South Kellogg Street, Galesburg
  Meet up with classmates at the Celebrate Knox Reception!

  6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Alumni Art Exhibition: Gabe Moreno '14
  Borzello Art Gallery, Ford Center for the Fine Arts

  7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Class of 1974 50th Reunion Reception
  Gill Atrium, Umbeck Science–Mathematics Center
  Appetizers and cash bar.
  Registration required.

  7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Class of 2014 Gathering
  Whitcomb Art Center
  Refreshments provided.
  Registration required.

  7:30 p.m., Women's Basketball Scrimmage
  Memorial Gym, T. Fleming Fieldhouse

  8:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Knox Observatory Night Sky Viewing
  Rooftop, Umbeck Science–Mathematics Center
  View the night sky from the Knox observatory with Knox Associate Professor Nathalie Haurberg '06. Please note, there are several flights of stairs required to reach the observatory. Rain date: Saturday, October 26. This event is weather dependent and will be canceled in the event of excessive clouds or rain.

  8:30 p.m., Campus Fireworks
  South Lawn, Old Main

  9:00 p.m., Class of 1984 Meet Up
  The Bar 65, 65 South Cherry Street, Galesburg
  Class of '84! Let's continue the fun after the Celebrate Knox event at The Bar 65!

  9:00 p.m., Class of 1989 Meet Up
  Cherry Street Brewing Co., 57 South Cherry Street, Galesburg
  Class of '89! Let's continue the fun at Cherry Street after the Celebrate Knox event!

• Saturday, October 26

  8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., Knox Today
  HOPE Center, 305 South Cherry Street, Galesburg
  We welcome alumni, parents, and friends of the College to meet the leadership team to learn more about Knox today and have the opportunity to ask questions.

  9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Homecoming Hub and Check-in
  Ferris Lounge, Seymour Union
  A place to gather and connect with friends and family. Pick up your name tag, grab a snack, and let us welcome you to campus!

  9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., The Knox Student (TKS) Open House
  Publishing Office, Seymour Union
  Coffee and donuts provided.

  9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., Family Coffee Meet & Greet with Senior Staff
  HOPE Center, 305 South Cherry Street, Galesburg
  Parents have the opportunity to continue conversations with Senior Staff after Knox Today.

  9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., Education Studies Gathering
  Room 105, George Davis Hall
  Ed Studies alumni and currect students are invited to gather with faculty for department updates and fun.

  10:00 a.m., Campus Tours
  Office of Admission, Alumni Hall
  Alumni returning to campus with high school students interested in attending Knox College are welcome to join an information session and campus tour at 10:00 a.m. Call 800-678-KNOX or go to www.knox.edu/visit to register.

  10:30 a.m., Convocation
  Kresge Recital Hall, Ford Center for the Fine Arts
  Join us for the 50th Reunion processional and presentation of class gift, and Knox Service and Scroll of Honor Award presentations.

  Knox Service Award Recipients
  Jim Davis '06
  John Gorski '73
  Tasha Weatherspoon Fleming '96

  Scroll of Honor Recipients
  Howard Heath '73
  Carolyne Swanson McPherson '68
  Steven L. Seward '68

  10:30 a.m., Men's Soccer vs. Lawrence
  Jorge Prats Field
  Men's soccer takes on Lawrence University in this Midwest Conference game. Join us in cheering them on!

  11:00 a.m., Sigma Nu Open House
  Sigma Nu House, 516 South West Street, Galesburg

  11:00 a.m., Class of '79 Tailgate
  Tailgate lot behind Knosher Bowl.

  11:00 a.m., Class of '84 Tailgate
  Tailgate lot behind Knosher Bowl.

  11:00 a.m., Class of '89 Tailgate
  Tailgate lot behind Knosher Bowl.

  11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Future of Aux Gym
  Auxiliary Gym
  Join Brad Nolden to learn more about the future of Aux Gym and see anticipated design plans.

  11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Food Trucks
  West Knox Street, across from Knosher Bowl and Jorge Prats Field
  Enjoy food from a variety of local food trucks.
  Hy-Vee Catering
  Jalisco’s
  Minis On The Go
  Pop Of The Morning
  Shaw Daddy’s
  Smokin’ Willies
  TMRW’s Brew

  12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Knox Remembers
  HOPE Center, 305 South Cherry Street, Galesburg
  Honor and remember beloved members of the Knox College community. A dedicated table will be set up for you to reflect and share memories, and you can also share memories online.

  12:00 p.m., Tailgate at the Sigma Nu House
  Sigma Nu House, 516 South West Street, Galesburg
  Alumni, family, and friends are invited to tour the house before they head on over to the football game and other activities. A tailgate tent with some light refreshments will be located at the back of the house.

  12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m., Class of 1974 Induction and Fifty Year Club (FYC) Luncheon
  Lincoln/Skylight/Oak Rooms, Seymour Union
  Join in the celebration and induction of the Class of 1974 into the Fifty Year Club. All FYC members encouraged to attend!
  Registration required.

  12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., Blessings in a Backpack
  Plomin Terrace, Alumni Hall
  Learn about Blessings in a Backpack and enjoy hot chocolate!

  12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., Knox Farm & Edible Forest Garden Tour
  Knox Farm, 422 South Academy Street, Galesburg
  Learn about ongoing Knox Farm projects and research in the high tunnels, with a student-led tour from the Knox Farm Crew.

  12:30 p.m., Women's Soccer vs. Lawrence
  Jorge Prats Field
  Women's soccer takes on Lawrence University in this Midwest Conference game. Join us in cheering them on!

  1:00 p.m., Football vs. Grinnell (and swag shop)
  Knosher Bowl
  Cheer on the Prairie Fire in one of the last games of the season against Cornell! Recognition of the 2024 Hall of Fame inductees at halftime. Knox swag will be available for purchase in the pavilion.

  1:00 p.m., Volleyball vs. Ripon
  Memorial Gymnasium, T. Fleming Fieldhouse
  Women's volleyball takes on Ripon in this Midwest Conference game. Join us and show your Knox pride!

  1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., Knox is Lit
  Whitcomb Art Center
  Enjoy alumni readings, as well as an opportunity for open mic. Read more about the featured authors.

  2:00 p.m., Green Oaks Tour
  Green Oaks Biological Field Station, 1797 Truro Turn Road, Victoria, IL 61485
  Check www.knox.edu/greenoaksdirections or use the address above for GPS directions.

  2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., Our Knox College People Remembered at Hope Cemetery
  Hope Cemetery, South Academy Street
  Meet at the front gates of Hope Cemetery for a guided tour with Rex Cherrington '73.
  Registration required.

  2:00 p.m., English and Art History Alumni Talk: "Liberal Arts Forever: My Career in Museum Publishing"
  Ruth Evans Lane '04, Senior Editor, J. Paul Getty Trust
  Room 213, Whitcomb Art Center

  3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Fiji House Planning
  Fiji House, 218 Cedar Street, Galesburg

  3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., LGBTQ Mixer
  Wilson House

  3:30 p.m., TRIO 50th Anniversary Celebration and Photo
  Gill Atrium, Umbeck Science–Mathematics Center

  3:30 p.m. to 4:15 p.m., SNU-Handle
  Sigma Nu House, 516 South West Street, Galesburg
  Get to meet the brothers, other alumni and family and friends with the Delta Theta version of Pump Handle.

  3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Aplha Phi Omega
  Taylor Lounge, Seymour Union
  Celebrating 40 years at Knox! Meet and greet with apple cider and snacks.

  4:00 p.m., Open Houses
  Meet up with students and alumni!
  ABLE, ABLE House, 168 W. Tompkins St.
  ADE, Standish Room, Seymour Library
  Alpha Sigma Alpha: Mocktail Hour, ASA House, 362 S Academy St.
  Casa Latina, 643 S. West St.
  Delta Delta Delta, Tri Delta Lodge, 386 S. Academy St.
  I-House, 418 S. West St.
  Pi Beta Phi Homecoming Tea, Pi Phi House, 396 S. Academy St.
  TKE Open House, TKE House

  4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Jorge Prats Memorial
  Petrovich Atrium, Alumni Hall
  Celebrate the life of beloved Knox professor and coach Jorge Prats with friends and family.
  Registration required.

  4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Reunion Photos
  Memorial Gymnasium, T. Fleming Fieldhouse
  4:00 p.m. – 1964
  4:10 p.m. – 1969
  4:20 p.m. – 1974
  4:30 p.m. – 1979
  4:40 p.m. – 1984
  4:50 p.m. – 1989
  5:00 p.m. – 1994
  5:10 p.m. – 1999
  5:20 p.m. – 2004
  5:30 p.m. – 2009
  5:40 p.m. – 2014
  5:50 p.m. – 2019

  4:15 p.m., Sigma Nu Open House, Chapter Meeting
  Sigma Nu House, 516 South West Street, Galesburg
  All are invited to connect and socialize with fellow alumni, their families, friends of the house, and current Actives. A wonderful opportunity to renew, reconnect, and rejuvenate the ideals of being a Sigma Nu at Delta Theta. There will be a State of the Active Chapter and Alumni Chapter presentations as well as the Alumni Board Election.

  4:30 p.m., Music Department Showcase
  Kresge Recital Hall, Ford Center for the Fine Arts
  A sampling of music from some of our choral and instrumental ensembles.

  5:15 p.m., Havdalah Ceremony
  HOPE Center, 305 South Cherry Street, Galesburg
  Join us for a beautiful and brief Havdalah ceremony marking the end of Shabbat, led by Rabbi Jennie. She will share a few words about the significance of Havdalah before guiding us through this weekly ceremony. We welcome you to bring friends and family to share in this meaningful moment. Light refreshments will be served.

  Reunion Dinners & Gatherings
  Join your classmates at your class event or at the Homecoming Dinner!
  Registration required for all.

  6:00 p.m., Homecoming Dinner
  Lincoln/Oak/Skylight Rooms, Seymour Union
  Cash bar at 6:00 p.m., dinner served at 6:30 p.m. All alumni, parents, faculty and staff are invited. Areas will be designated for Reunion years.

  6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Class of 1969 55th Reunion Dinner
  Galesburg Symphony Office, 95 North Seminary Street, Galesburg
  Buffet and cash bar.

  6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Class of 1974 Reunion Dinner
  The Vault at Reserve Artisan Ales, 185 South Kellogg Street, Galesburg

  6:30 p.m., Class of 1989 Dinner
  Safari Lounge, Cherry Street Brewing Co., 57 South Cherry Street, Galesburg

  7:00 p.m., Class of 2004 Gathering
  Cherry St. Brewing Co., 57 South Cherry Street, Galesburg
  We will start at Cherry St. and then head across the street to Duffy's.

  8:00 p.m., Class of 1984 Gathering
  Iron Spike Brewing Co., 150 East Simmons Street, Galesburg

  8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., Class of 1994 Gathering
  Safari Lounge, Cherry Street Brewing Co., 57 South Cherry Street, Galesburg
  Registration required.

• Sunday, October 27

  8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., Beth Potter '89 and Robin Carre '85 Memorial 5K Walk/Run
  Turner Track, T. Fleming Fieldhouse
  All are invited to participate in this memorial walk/run. View the race course here. A few long sleeve shirts are avaailable for purhcase at Check In. A portion of the proceeds will go to the Potter-Carre Experience Fund. (You can email gifts@knox.edu if you would like a receipt for your donation).

  8:30 a.m., Class of 1984 Coffee Gathering
  Orange Cup Side Hustle, 2701 East Main Street, Galesburg

  9:00 a.m., Slow Flow Yoga
  Mirror Room, E. & L. Fitness Center, T. Fleming Fieldhouse
  Unwind after the weekend with a relaxing yoga session—all are invited! Please enter at the main Fieldhouse entrance.

  9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., Class of 1969 55th Reunion Brunch
  Lincoln Room, Seymour Union
  Registration required.

  9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., Class of 1974 50th Reunion Brunch
  Home of Carl and Karen Zeches Hawkinson '74, 249 Park Lane Drive, Galesburg
  Registration required.

  9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Knox Remembers
  HOPE Center, 305 South Cherry Street, Galesburg
  Honor and remember beloved members of the Knox College community. A dedicated table will be set up for you to reflect and share memories, and you can also share memories online.

  10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Brunch in the Hard Knox Café
  Hard Knox Café, Seymour Union
  The Hard Knox Café welcomes all visitors to enjoy brunch on campus! Prices are $10 for adults, $6 for children ages 6-12, and free for children 5 and under. Credit or debit cards accepted at the door.
  Registration requested.

  1:00 p.m., 1973 Barcelona Program Memorial Tree Dedication
  South Lawn, Seymour Union
  During the 1973 Knox Barcelona Program, the tour bus carrying students and faculty was involved in an accident that resulted in the deaths of three students and serious injury to several others. This year we dedicate a living memorial to those who didn’t come home, to those whose lives were forever changed, and to the heroics of Knox faculty and Barcelona Program students during the recovery. All are welcome.

  The weekend winds down. Enjoy strolling through campus and Downtown Galesburg.

• Frequently Asked Questions

  What should I do first?
  Make your room reservations now at a local hotel or airbnb.

  How do I register?
  Online registration is open now!. Register by October 11.

  Who should I reach out to if I want to organize a Reunion?
  A member of the College Engagement team will be happy to provide you with information to help you plan your Reunion. Contact us at engage@knox.edu or 309-341-7238.

  Who should I reach out to if I have a question about Family & Friends events?
  Contact the Office of College Engagement at engage@knox.edu or 309-341-7238.

  Where can I find Knox apparel and gifts?
  Shop a wide variety of items in the online bookstore, and wear your new Knox gear to campus! When on campus you can visit the Knox Bookstore in the lower level of Seymour Union. Hours are 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Friday; 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday; and 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Sunday.

  Other questions?
  Contact the Office of College Engagement at engage@knox.edu or 309-341-7238.

   

To make sure you don’t miss anything, update your email and home address. Update your info online or send updates to records@knox.edu.

Save the date now for Homecoming and Family & Friends Weekend: October 9–12, 2025. Classes ending in 5s and 0s will celebrate Reunion in 2025. Want to plan something for your class? Email engage@knox.edu.