Letters

Megan Scott — Photo by Peter Bailley '74

A little more than 14 years ago, I returned to my alma mater to coordinate communications for the Office of Advancement, which included serving as editor of this very magazine. I had never been an official magazine editor before, but it had always been one of my dream jobs*, and I was excited to finally have the opportunity to dig into the work. Now, after 28 (yes, that’s 28) magazine issues, I am officially signing off as editor of Knox Magazine and leaving my alma mater to lead the Office of Communications at Lawrence University.

To say that this is a bittersweet moment is putting it lightly. While I’ve taken on a variety of different roles during my professional career at Knox, editing Knox Magazine has always been a part of my portfolio, and telling Knox’s story in this format has served as a welcome creative outlet. During my years as editor, we moved from black-and-white to color, doubled the page count, redesigned the entire magazine, and maintained a robust Class Notes section (despite worries that Facebook would overtake our dedicated correspondents’ work). We’ve featured profiles of alumni, faculty, and students who are making a true difference in our world. And I’ve had the privilege of working with an amazing group of designers, writers, photographers, alumni volunteers, and students along the way. I am excited about my new professional opportunity (and about the fact that I can finally submit to Class Notes without editing them), but I can honestly say that I will miss this work.

Pam Chozen, who has served as associate editor of the magazine for the past four years, will serve as the magazine’s next editor, starting with the Spring 2019 issue, and I look forward to seeing the direction she will take her new role. I have been inspired by Pam’s creativity throughout our work together, and I am certain that Knox Magazine will thrive under her leadership.

Thank you to all of the class correspondents and others that I’ve worked with over the years. It has been a pleasure to tell Knox’s story with you.

Sincerely,
Megan

*If you remember my dream magazine editorial job, let me know! You can reach me on Twitter @msco.

Math is an Art, Not a Science

When I was a mathematics major at Knox in the 1960s, planning was under way for what became the Umbeck Science-Mathematics Center. At that time, Rothwell Stephens was the chair of the Department of Mathematics. When discussion of the building ﬁrst began, it was referred to as “the new science building.” Dr. Stephens, who was a well-respected mathematician, was upset. He said, if the Department of Mathematics was moved into a science building, he would resign. According to Dr. Stephens, mathematics is an art, not a science. Actually, he said it is a branch of philosophy. Knox did not want to lose this honored mathematician, so the building is called the ScienceMathematics Center, rather than the Science Building.

I am very proud of my bachelor of arts degree in mathematics from Knox College. My degree from Knox opened doors for me later on. The fact that Dr. Stephens was an integral part of my education contributed to the respect for my degree. I hope many future students will recognize mathematics as the art that it is and choose to earn a B.A. in mathematics rather than a B.S. I cringed when I read your recent article where you included mathematics in a list of sciences, imagining Dr. Stephens’ reaction.

All Letters to the Editor

Knox Magazine

On the Front Lines of the Battle Against “Truth Decay”

Math is an Art, Not a Science

So Long, Farewell

Math is an Art, Not a Science

On the Front Lines of the Battle Against “Truth Decay”

President Teresa Amott discusses the threat of "Truth Decay" and how Knox College takes steps to combat it.