The Knox College community grew by more than 400 students on Saturday, September 5, when President Teresa Amott officially welcomed them to campus and the beginning of a new chapter of their lives.

"Starting today, you have a second home in Galesburg, Illinois," President Amott told 427 first-year and transfer students, along with their families and friends. "This is a place to begin to practice the art of community building" and to make your mark in the world.

She noted that the students will receive a lot of advice at Knox, and she offered her own short piece of advice: "You will learn the most from the people the least like you."

"We, too, will learn from you," she added. "Together, we will become one community."

Knox's newest students are getting to know one another -- and their new home -- through Orientation Week activities, which will continue for the next few days.

Here is a look at several of those students, who shared a little bit about themselves.

What are you most looking forward to?

"I'm looking forward to getting involved in community service and the dance squad." -- Shakisha Grays '17, from Galesburg, Illinois.

"I'm looking forward to Flunk Day." -- Chidinma Oguejiofor '19, from Abuja, Nigeria.

What's a fun fact about yourself?

"Since sophomore year, I've had a baking business. I make cupcakes, cakes, and everything." -- Evin Robles '19, from Pasadena, California.

"Pretty much everything in my wardrobe is blue because I like the color blue." -- Shivant Shrestha' 19, from Kathmandu, Nepal.

"I'm an introverted extrovert. Or an extroverted introvert." -- Leontyne Wan '19, from Skokie, Illinois.

"I do 3-D origami." -- Jyostna Seesala '19, from Chicago, Illinois.

What's on your Knox "bucket list"?

"Get involved in Improv Club." -- Laura Tapley '19, from San Antonio, Texas.

"I want to join the birding club." -- Elena Iatropoulou '19, from Thessaloniki, Greece.

"I would really like to study abroad in Japan." Megan Jones '19, from Wichita Falls, Texas.

What are your impressions of Knox so far?

"It's a very positive and inspiring school." -- Alissa Ortiz ‘19, from Chicago, Illinois.

"It's quiet. There are a lot of squirrels. Everyone is really nice, too." -- Soumitra Thorat ‘19, from Pune, India.

Here is a by-the-numbers look at the Fall 2015 entering class:

Number of new students 427

Students of Color 42%

Latino/Hispanic 21%
African-American/Black 12%
Asian/Pacific Islander 11%
Native American 1%

International Students 15%

Number of States Represented 33

Number of Countries Represented 23