Knox College conducted its 168th Commencement exercises Saturday, June 8, on the South Lawn of Old Main, as 301 graduating seniors received their bachelor's degrees.

Actor and comedian Ed Helms and graduating senior Alex Uzarowicz addressed the Class of 2013 before President Teresa Amott welcomed the graduates to the alumni community.

Helms, in describing his journey on the way to a career in comedy, told the graduating seniors that fear of the unknown should be "a trigger for curiosity."

Fear "can be a spirit guide on your path to a successful life," he added. "Success lies in the tension between fear and discovery."

Honorary degrees were awarded to Helms, Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan, and Knox College Dean and Vice President for Academic Affairs Lawrence Breitborde.

A total of 93 graduating seniors earned Latin Honors ( summa cum laude, magna cum laude, or cum laude.) Nineteen members of the Class of 2013 were awarded College Honors for advanced independent study projects that were evaluated by a select committee and produced a major piece of research or creative work.

During the Commencement exercises, Katherine Elizabeth Miller and Joshua Richard Tatro were announced as winners of the John C. Weigel Prize, which is awarded to the member of the graduating class with the highest scholastic achievement.

• Text of Ed Helms Commencement Address
• Alex Uzarowicz's Address to the Senior Class
• Honorary Degree Presentation to Lisa Madigan
• Honorary Degree Presentation to Ed Helms
• Honorary Degree Presentation to Lawrence Breitborde
• Members of the Class of 2013 Look Ahead
• Commencement Ceremony
• View all of the Commencement 2013 photo galleries.