Over 1,170 Donors Give During Annual Knox Proud Days Campaign

Members of the Knox College community came together in a powerful display of pride, generosity, and support of Knox Proud Days, April 28–May 1, 2026. Over the course of the three-day giving campaign, 1,176 donors, including more than 100 first-time donors, stepped up to support Knox students and programs.

This year’s success was further amplified through the generosity of eight donor-sponsored matches and challenges. Participating donors included Jim Carpenter ’84; Donovan Pepper P’26 and Heidi Waltner-Pepper P’26; Dick Whitcomb ’57; Bill Buck ’64 and Phyllis Buck; Dick Aft ’60 and Mary Lu Aft ’60; Tom Anderson ’66; as well as an anonymous donor. 

Some of the challenges included the Parent Match—a challenge for current or former parents of Knox students; the Recurring Gift Challenge—the first 100 donors to set up a recurring gift unlocked an additional $1,000; the Reunion Year Challenge—classes of Reunion years gifts would be matched dollar for dollar; and Class of 1976 Challenge—any gift made by the 50th Reunion class would be matched dollar for dollar. An anonymous donor also created a matching challenge for new alumni donors this year, inspiring 410 alumni to make their first gift to Knox this year. 

“The 2026 Knox Proud Days was a great success for our students,” said Vice President for Advancement Marin Amundson-Graham. “It showed what’s possible when the Knox College community comes together to support the College’s mission, our students, and our faculty. The participation from alumni, parents, students, and friends, including so many first-time donors, created meaningful momentum that carried us through Knox Proud Days and onward into the end of our fiscal year.”

Throughout Knox Proud Days, alumni, families, faculty, staff, and friends embraced giving challenges and demonstrated the impact of collective philanthropy in strengthening the Knox experience. Much of the support benefited the Knox Fund, the College’s annual fund gives immediate support for all facets of the Knox experience, including scholarships, faculty excellence, athletics, immersive learning opportunities, wellness initiatives, residential life, and other programs.

In addition to supporting Knox students and programs, donors had the opportunity to participate in fun Knox Proud Days incentives. Individuals who contributed $18.37 could symbolically adopt a Knox squirrel and receive an official adoption certificate, while donors who gave $150 or more received a Knox-themed puzzle featuring a nighttime exterior photo of Old Main. Participants also had the opportunity to engage with interactive games and challenges on the Knox Proud Days website, including a matching game featuring the wigs of George Washington Gale (because while styles change, Knox’s mission stays the same), a quiz designed to reveal which Knox tradition best matched their personality, and a social media challenge that encouraged users to like a feed post to help unlock an additional gift.

“Knox Proud Days highlighted how the College stays true to its mission and values that have connected generations of Knox alumni,” said Director of Engagement and Annual Giving Christina Smith. “I was excited to see so many members of the community not only make a gift and see their impact doubled through the various challenges, but also have fun participating in the different games that celebrate the history and spirit of Knox College.”

Knox Proud Days supports the College’s historic Venture Boldly campaign, the first comprehensive campaign in more than 20 years for Knox College. After Knox Proud Days, the campaign has reached $148 million to date, 84% of the overall $175 million campaign goal. 

The overwhelming support shown during this year’s Knox Proud Days reflects the strength and dedication of the Knox community. Every contribution helps create opportunities for current students while building a bold future for the next generation of Knox students.