Knox Honors Class of 2023 First-Generation Graduates

“It’s moments like this, days like today, that I applaud all of you,” said President C. Andrew McGadney said as he opened Knox College’s ninth annual First-Generation Reception on June 3, 2023, recognizing graduating seniors who are the first in their families to attend college. “I appreciate all that you’ve done and all that you will continue to do.”

Before hearing from student speaker Juan Ramirez '23, Provost and Dean of the College Michael Schneider introduced TRIO Writing Coordinator Paul Marasa. Marasa retires from Knox this year after 30 years of dedicated service. Marasa shared that he, too, is a first-generation college student and is familiar with the unique challenges and obstacles that come with that title. He recalled his family’s sacrifices to help him make it to graduation. “The places we came from don’t always look like the places we are trying to go,” he said. 

Ramirez shared reflection on his personal experience at Knox and that much of his college experience was a path paved by his own feet. He thanked the many advisors and members of the Knox community who provided support and encouragement through times of uncertainty and setbacks. “Remember, we are the trailblazers. Remember to always keep going,” he said. 

“This is your institution now. We give it gladly and willingly,” Schneider said in closing to the group of nearly 100 assembled in the Petrovich Atrium of Alumni Hall. 

Following the ceremony, graduates Haley Metz '23, Kapiolani Williams '23, and Marion Schweitzer '23 shared their personal Knox stories. Metz, graduating with a political science major, highlighted the amount of time and effort her family committed to ensure that she was successful, including some family members who traveled over 16 hours to Galesburg to see her walk across the stage and accept her diploma. “They are as happy as I am. My success is our success,” Metz said. “I feel like they are all just as much a part of graduation as I am."

Williams '23, graduating with a business administration major, recognized the opportunities her Knox education would provide her that were not available to her parents, giving her an appreciation for what the future would hold. “No cliché, I feel like the sky's the limit,” Williams said. “I really believe that I can achieve anything I want to do.” 

Graduating with a double major in secondary education and history, Schweitzer '23, acknowledged her family's efforts to build a better future for their children through immigrating to the United States. Earning her Knox degree honors her grandparents and builds a pathway for future generations of her family.“I want to make a difference with what I’ve been given. I am proud of the strides all of us first-generation students have made,” Schweitzer said.