The newest members of the Knox community have moved onto campus as they step into their residence halls for the first time. 

The class of 2026 boasts some unique qualities, coming from a wide range of backgrounds:

• The class is comprised of 287 students
• 40 percent of students come from Illinois
• 21 percent of the class is international students
• Pakistan, India, and Nepal have the highest representation among international students
• Almost 40 percent of the class are students of color
• 34 states and territories within the United States are represented

New arrivals were greeted with a string of events to get to know their new home. Orientation leaders and resident assistants were also throughout the campus to help new arrivals find their way and move in their belongings. 

“I’m excited about all the new faces around campus and all the new people I’ll be able to meet and talk to,” McKenzie Tell ‘25, an orientation leader, said. 

“ I think this is going to be a great year. I’m both nervous and excited about graduation,” Addison Anderson ‘23, a resident assistant, said. 

The Campus Information Fair provided new students with information about various services and clubs available on campus. Students and staff hosted tables in the center of campus to distribute flyers and help provide guidance. This event was paired with a free lunch buffet in the Hard Knox Cafe.

“I visited other colleges and they just didn’t have the right vibe. I came here to Knox and everyone was really welcoming right away, ” Phillip Strahle, a first-year student, said.

Later in the afternoon, students and parents gathered on the south lawn of Old Main to take part in a Welcome to Knox event. Knox College leaders, including President C. Andrew McGadney, shared messages of excitement for the new year, the many opportunities ahead, and much more. 

"Today, you’re joining a new community. It’s a community that’s built upon trust, collaboration, and cooperation; it’s a community that cares,” McGadney said.

Following the ceremony, students shared goodbyes with parents and loved ones before setting off on their first night at Knox.

The day concluded with students gathering in the Knosher Bowl for a Play Fair. The event gave students the opportunity to meet one another through an array of activities aimed to build relationships. The night culminated in an ultimate rock-paper-scissor game, which came down to two students fiercely competing to become champion. 

“It’s been great getting to know people. I’ve met so many awesome people,” Maeve Smith, a first-year student, said. 

Students will participate in new student orientation over the remainder of the week to meet faculty and staff, bond over activities with their classmates, and learn about all of the things Knox and the City of Galesburg have to offer.