Knox College has postponed its 2020 Commencement exercises, originally scheduled for June 7, because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. In an April 10 email, President Teresa Amott announced that the College hopes to host an on-campus Commencement ceremony in early August, depending on what public health measures are in effect at that time.

Despite the postponement of the ceremony, she added, “It is vitally important to recognize the achievements of this year’s graduating students and the unprecedented challenges they are facing in their final term. This will be a graduating class like no other—and their strength, creativity, and resilience during this moment highlight the very best of Knox.”

Members of the Class of 2020 are working with Knox officials “to create ways we can recognize and celebrate their accomplishments in June, even though we will not be able to assemble on the South Lawn to do so,” President Amott said. Details will be announced later.

Below is the full text of President Amott’s letter to the Knox community:

Dear Knox Community,

I write to share another difficult decision in what has become a season of difficult decisions. To safeguard the health and safety of our students and the Knox community, the College has decided to postpone its 2020 Commencement ceremony, originally scheduled for Sunday, June 7. Right now, we hope to reschedule an on-campus ceremony in early August, depending on whether the public health measures in place at that time will again allow large gatherings. 

While the actual date of the ceremony has been postponed, however, it is vitally important to honor the achievements of this year’s graduating students and the unprecedented challenges they are facing in their final term. This will be a graduating class like no other—and their strength, creativity, and resilience during this moment highlight the very best of Knox. Members of the class are currently working with senior leadership to create ways we can recognize and celebrate their accomplishments in June, even though we will not be able to assemble on the South Lawn to do so until later. We will keep you updated as plans are finalized.

As I have said before, this is a public health and economic crisis that is much bigger than Knox, but it highlights the enduring value of a Knox education in a fast-changing world. These are times that call for creativity, public spiritedness, and an ability to understand and assimilate a wealth of often contradictory information to come up with innovative and effective solutions. So I am heartened by the knowledge that there will be approximately 300 more Knox graduates ready and willing to join the fight in just a few weeks. I am so proud of each of them, and the entire College is looking forward to celebrating with them and their loved ones in Galesburg soon.

In the meantime, if you would like to share a message of congratulations with our graduates-to-be, I know they would appreciate hearing from you. You can submit a message online or email a short video to communications@knox.edu.

Thank you and take care,

Teresa