Knox College students are taking full advantage of spring break with a variety of enriching experiences, showcasing the College's commitment to diverse learning opportunities. From musical tours to academic conferences, here's a glimpse into how some students are choosing to spend their break:

Academic Endeavors

Many students are utilizing the break to advance their research and study goals. Three students, working alongside Assistant Professor of Educational Studies Ming Lei, are presenting research papers at the 2024 International Society for Information Technology and Teacher Education Conference in Las Vegas. Additionally, a group of students mentored by Religious Studies Lecturer Scott Harris is presenting academic papers at the Midwest Regional Meeting for Biblical Studies in Indiana. 

These are among the many experiences students are engaging with over the break to dive deeper into their respective fields of study.

Musical Adventures

The Knox College Choir (KCC) is embarking on an exciting tour to Chicago, making stops in Princeton and Naperville to perform with local students along the way. The tour culminates in Oak Park with a performance featuring Chicago-based KCC alumni. This unique opportunity allows the choir to showcase its winter repertoire to younger students, inspiring them to try out for their own local choirs. 

“The importance lies in that these students in Princeton and these churchgoers in Oak Park are our neighbors,” Director of Choral Activities and Assistant Professor of Music Bram Wayman said. “Through the industry of Illinois and the long-standing link of the railroad, our economies, and communities are bound up with each other. I'm excited to make that link tangible, to give to our neighbors the best gift we can: our voices in song."

Dance Delights

A group of eight dance students are traveling alongside Associate Professor of Dance Kathleen Ridlon and Chair and Professor of Dance Jennifer Smith to attend the American College Dance Association's Annual Conference at St. Olaf College. Colleges and universities nationwide are present at the conference, where students are participating in master classes, attending concerts, and performing routines. 

Knox dancers are presenting two dance pieces at the event, including a student-choreographed piece titled "Little Voice" by Madelyn Pellegrino '26 and a solo piece called "The Phoenix," choreographed by Ridlon and performed by Jojo Ludington '25. This opportunity not only allows students to showcase their talent but also exposes them to a diverse range of dance styles and experiences.

Athletic Pursuits

Prairie Fire athletic teams are making the most of spring break with an abundance of travel opportunities. Prairie Fire baseball is scheduled to play 11 games, including three conference games against Lawrence, during their 10-day trip to Florida. Meanwhile, the Prairie Fire softball team is gearing up for 10 games in nine days in Florida, and the Prairie Fire golf team is traveling to the North Atlanta area for an eight-day trip. 

These trips not only provide valuable game time but also offer a chance for team bonding and preparation for the upcoming season. “We get to compete against schools from all over the country, some we have never played against before,” Knox Sports Information Director and Associate Head Baseball Coach James Clark '09 said. “The spring break trips get us ready for the conference season.”

Professional Immersion Experience

The Bastian Family Center for Career Success selected 12 students to embark on a trip to the Kansas City Professional Immersion Experience trip held in Overland Park, Kansas. This four-day experience includes a wide variety of networking opportunities with Knox alumni, including Max Utsler ‘70, Ellen Ramsey ’12, Lucas McIntosh ’98, and others. The trip also features a main reception on March 15. Alongside these networking opportunities, students have the chance to visit prominent employers such as NAIA, Spotlight, Lockton, and more, allowing them to explore potential career paths.

Pre-med students are also traveling over break, as they take part in a set of hands-on shadow experiences with healthcare professionals in Illinois. One of the groups is traveling to learn alongside Graham Medical Group in Canton, Illinois, where they are shadowing multiple areas of the healthcare field, including wellness and nutrition programs, cardiac rehab, surgery, and more.

“An opportunity for our students like this can't be overstated in its importance,” Director of the Vovis Center for Research and Advanced Study and Health Professions Advising Lisa Harris said. “To spend three full days shadowing in a top-notch facility like Graham Health System, across surgery, the emergency department, cardiac rehab, nursing, you name it -- it's invaluable for our students who are considering a career in the health professions and will likely have a big impact on their plans going forward. I am so grateful to Jacob Green and the folks at Graham who have made this possible for our students for the second year in a row.”