Knox College held #KnoxProud Day, its annual day of fundraising, on Wednesday, February 15. The event was a great success, raising over $1.3 million from 1,645 donors. These funds are used to support scholarships, faculty excellence, athletics, immersive experiences and internships, health and wellness initiatives, and the residential experience.

This year, #KnoxProud Day events were combined with Founders Day, the anniversary of Knox’s founding, which is used to embrace Knox’s values as an educational institution.

"Combining these two important days is a wonderful way to celebrate the past and present—while encouraging investment in Knox's future," Monica Keith, vice president for advancement, said. 

A number of in-person and online events were held for community members. Professor Emeritus Lance Factor led the Knox Together Virtual Series webinar, "The Secret Code in Old Main,” which explored the history and mysteries of Old Main.

"Interest in ‘The Secret Code in Old Main’ webinar event was really high,” Megan Clayton, associate director of college engagement and lifelong learning, said. “Who wouldn’t like to learn more about one of the most iconic buildings on campus and a story that includes history, mystery, and secret societies? And Lance Factor is a skilled and knowledgeable storyteller."

Locally, restaurants across Galesburg stepped forward with Knox-themed offerings to celebrate. Multiple coffee shops and bars created custom drinks, restaurants offered food specials, and some hosted after-hours gatherings such as karaoke.

"I was blown away with their enthusiastic and creative responses we received for #KnoxProud Day. College spirit is alive and well in Galesburg, and this will not be a one off. Knox loves Galesburg!” Levi Morgan, associate director of college engagement, said. “A special thanks to Experience Galesburg, the Downtown Community Partnership of Galesburg, and the Galesburg Area Chamber of Commerce for all their help and support." 

On campus, the long-standing tradition of the Founders Day wooden cake continued with a celebration that included Knox swag, trivia, and desserts. The enormous wooden cake, designed by former business office manager James Cuthbertson for the 1952 Founders Day celebration, was on display in the Oak Room in Seymour Hall. Knox swag was distributed, and trivia and other events encouraged students to reflect on the day and engage with the College’s history. 

"Not only did we get to see students celebrate all things Knox, but it was exciting to see alumni of all ages and from all over show their Knox pride, too,” Christina Smith, director of college engagement, said. “Ten different Knox Clubs celebrated the day across the country and alumni of all ages gathered to share drinks and food, bowl, meet over Zoom, and more. Some different class years even met over Zoom to reminisce about their time at Knox. The Knox connections truly last a lifetime."