Knox College Homecoming and Family & Friends Weekend is fast approaching, with a variety of opportunities to reconnect with the College. Whether you're meeting up with old friends, exploring the newly remodeled areas around campus with your family, or cheering for the Prairie Fire, the weekend is packed with moments that highlight the spirit of Knox. 

Several alumni awards will be handed out during the Homecoming Convocation ceremony, including the Scroll of Honor, Knox Service Awards, and the Knox-Lombard Hall of Fame. These awards highlight the best of our community and the success of a Knox education. Here’s everything you need to know. 

Scroll of Honor

The Scroll of Honor award is presented to Fifty Year Club members, including honorary members, to recognize lifetime achievements in the service of their community, society, or humanity. 

You can read more about the Scroll of Honor and this year’s recipients here. 

Howard Heath ’73

During his career, Howard Heath served as a math and computer science instructor and as the Chicago Teachers Union's first and only black man to serve as vice president. An educator, lobbyist, and union officer, he continues to serve as the Chicago Teachers Union’s retiree functional vice president and American Federation of Teachers retiree representative. 

Carolyne “Carrie” Swanson McPherson ’68 

Carolyne “Carrie” Swanson McPherson founded a software firm, Information Development Consultants, Inc. that went on to develop DiLOG and 4gov, ground-breaking accounting and financial software packages. The company helped more than 250 clients in 28 states, as well as the Trust Territories of the Pacific and Virgin Islands. 

Steven L. Seward ’68

After graduating from Knox, Steven L. Seward earned advanced degrees in physiological science and optometry. He would later receive the Indiana Optometric Association’s Outstanding Young Optometrist Award and the American Optometric Association’s Distinguished Optometric Recognition Award. He participated in a mission to Cuba and as the Federal Drug Administration investigator for extended-wear contact lenses.

Knox Service Awards 

The Knox Service Award, established in 1987, is given to members of the Knox community in recognition of outstanding volunteer service benefiting Knox College. 

You can read more about Knox Service Awards and this year’s recipients here. 

Jim Davis ’06

Jim Davis served on the Hall of Fame Induction Committee and the K-Club Engagement Council. Through his nonprofit organization, the Good Athlete Project, Davis hosted numerous powerlifting events at Knox, raising funds for mental health awareness. He led efforts to raise funds for a beautification project in the Knosher Bowl, which saw the planting of nearly 20 red maples.

Dr. Tasha (Weatherspoon) Fleming ’96

Dr. Tasha (Weatherspoon) Fleming has made significant contributions to the Knox community by mentoring students, hosting campus events, and providing internship and shadowing opportunities. A former ABLE president, her career has extended to serving on Career Center Panels for Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in roles on the diversity committee, admissions committee, and more. 

John H. Gorski ’73

As the national coordinator for the 1988 “Save the TKE House” campaign, John Gorski led efforts to renovate the campus house, personally working on the deck with a ramp, making it the first ADA-accessible fraternity house on campus. As chair of the Knox College TKE Board of Advisors, he received the Honor Delta TKE Award and was recognized by the "Life Loyal" TKE program and the National TKE Hall of Fame. 

Knox-Lombard Athletic Hall of Fame

The Knox College-Lombard Athletics Hall of Fame is honored to recognize the extraordinary contributions of these athletes and teams, celebrating their achievements and the indelible impact they have had on Knox College athletics. 

You can read more about the 2024 Knox-Lombard Athletic Hall of Fame class here.

James Fennema ’73 - Baseball

James Fennema cemented his legacy in Knox College baseball with a career marked by exceptional achievements. Fennema holds the records for most career wins, most career complete games, and most career no-hitters by a Knox player. 

Paul Bennett ’08 - Baseball, Football

Paul Bennett made an indelible mark on both the baseball and football fields. Bennett holds several records, including most games played and most walks in a career, and is among the school leaders in home runs and runs batted in. In football, Bennett was named all-conference at both tight end and defensive end, showcasing his exceptional talent and adaptability.

Mike Hendrick ’13 - Football

An All-American, Mike Hendrick led the NCAA in tackles for a season and was a first-team all-conference selection in both 2011 and 2012. As captain of the 2012 Prairie Fire Football team, Hendrick set multiple records, including most total tackles in a game, most tackles in a season, and most career tackles.

Women’s Basketball 1987-88

The 1987-88 Women’s Basketball team made history with their exceptional performance, finishing first in the Midwest Conference (MWC) South Division. This remarkable squad went 8-2 in the MWC and achieved an impressive overall record of 18-4. Outscoring their opponents by an average of 7.8 points per game and outrebounding them by a margin of 10.4 per game, the team demonstrated relentless prowess on the court.