The ringing of the bell atop Old Main opened the 187th academic year at Knox College on Monday, September 9 on the South Lawn. During Opening Convocation, the College welcomed over 400 first-year and transfer students from across the United States and 30 countries. 

Chair and Professor of English Cyn Kitchen ’00 provided this year’s Convocation address which featured candid remarks about her decision to step out of her comfort zone and share her journey of overcoming fear and embracing the power of storytelling.

“May we collectively and individually find it within ourselves to step up and embrace the inevitable challenges that lie ahead, to discover, develop, and deploy our unique and individual voices to the best of our abilities, and to surprise ourselves along the way by all we never dreamed possible,” Kitchen said.

President C. Andrew McGadney shared a brief recap of an orientation session he moderated on Sunday, September 8 with Burkhardt Distinguished Chair in History Konrad Hamilton and Assistant Professor of Political Science Thomas Bell, the inaugural co-directors of The Etz Family Institute for Civic Leadership and Dialogue, titled Civil Discourse and the Liberal Arts. The session helped to set the tone for the type of community we aspire to be here at Knox for the newest members of the Knox community. 

Student Senate President Sikandar Mateen ’26, a junior majoring in neuroscience and data science from Lahore, Pakistan, welcomed the Class of 2028 and over 30 transfer students. Mateen shared his experiences navigating college with the support of the Knox community. 

“Knox isn’t just a college; it’s a community, a place where you’ll find professors who are not just teachers but mentors, guiding you in both your academic pursuits and personal growth. This is a space where you’ll be challenged to think deeper, push yourself further, and connect with people who will leave a lasting imprint on your life.” Mateen shared.

Keeping with the long-standing tradition, Provost and Dean of the College Michael Schneider introduced new faculty members to the Knox community this fall. Provost Schneider also presented awards to this year’s Philip Green Wright-Lombard College Prizes for Distinguished Teaching recipients, Assistant Professor of Psychology Patricia Xi and Professor of Modern Languages-Spanish Robin Ragan.

Associate Dean of the College and Philip Sidney Post Professor of Chemistry Mary Crawford ’89 recognized six upper-class students with honors and awards including; Phi Beta Kappa junior year inductees Emme Patton ’25, a senior majoring in environmental science from Morton, IL, Brandon Roberts ’25, a senior majoring in history and educational studies from Portland, OR, Hannah Tannas ’25, a senior majoring in creative writing from Pendleton, IN, Lauren Wittry ’25, a senior majoring in German and physics from Naperville, IL; Elbridge Pierce Prize for scholastic improvement recipient McKenzie Caldicott ’25, a senior majoring in elementary educational studies from Portland, OR; and Faculty Scholarship Prize award winner Jonathan Franklin Walker-Moses ’25, a senior majoring in math and physics from Chicago, IL.

Two members of the staff were awarded this year’s Janet C. Hunter Awards by President McGadney, recognizing their outstanding accomplishments and service to the College. This year’s recipients were Bob Barry, painter in Knox’s facilities department, and Director of Disability Support Services Stephanie Grimes. 

As the ceremony came to a close, Vice President for Student Development MarQuita Barker encouraged students to embrace their time at Knox. “Say yes when a friend invites you to a social experience, ask questions of faculty and staff–because that is where the true learning happens. You’ll be amazed at how much you grow over these next few years.”  

The Knox College Choir, under the direction of Assistant Professor of Music and Director of Choral Activities Bram Wayman, led the audience in the signing Hail to Alma Mater to conclude the ceremony.