More than 400 students officially joined the Knox College community on Wednesday, September 10, as President Teresa Amott welcomed them to the beginning of their "Knox College human-powered education."

"Starting today, you have a second home -- here in Galesburg, Illinois," President Amott told the first-year and transfer students, many of whom were joined by family and friends. "Here, we learn together. We learn in community."

"Follow your curiosity, even if it is challenging and difficult and takes you out of your comfort zone because we'll all be there with you," she added.

Earlier, the first-year and transfer students settled into on-campus homes -- with help from student volunteers -- and started getting acquainted with their classmates during Orientation Week activities.

Several of Knox's newest students took time to answer a few questions:

"What are you excited about?"

"The freedom. Being on my own." -- Jasmine Littrice, a first-year student from Chicago, Illinois.

"What are you looking forward to?"

"The whole college experience." -- Elena Angueira-Bosch, a first-year student from Isabela, Puerto Rico.

"I'm looking to grow in my craft in the theatre program. I'm looking to make lifelong friends, also." -- Noel Blakey, a first-year student from Chicago, Illinois.

"What are your impressions of Knox so far?"

"It's a really welcoming campus." -- Marissa Arrez, a first-year student from Chicago, Illinois.

"I like it. The library is great." -- Max Wiersum, a first-year student from Elmhurst, Illinois.

"I really like the staff so far. They're friendly and helpful, and I think they're going to be really supportive." -- Sidney Talbott, a first-year student from Chicago, Illinois.

"What's a fun fact about yourself?"

"I'm really good at cannonballs." -- Nemo Armenta, a first-year student from Highland Park, Illinois.

"I can drink hot sauce straight up. I love the taste of it." -- Katerina Sosa, a first-year student from Peoria, Illinois.

Here is a quick, by-the-numbers look at the Fall 2014 entering class:

Number of new students 408

Students of Color 43%
Latino/Hispanic 20%
African-American/Black 17%
Asian/Pacific Islander 8%
Native American 3%

International Students 13%

Number of States Represented 34

Number of Countries Represented 23