Knox alumni and friends gathered in New York on Tuesday, March 11, to celebrate Venture Boldly, the first comprehensive campaign in more than 20 years. The celebration took place at The Players, a social club in Gramercy Park, founded by the 19th-century Shakespearean actor Edwin Booth.
Alex Kemmsies ’09, New York Knox Club leader, welcomed attendees to the event and introduced Vice President for Enrollment and Dean of Admission, Nathan Ament, who spoke about Knox’s recent admissions success. He discussed recent changes made to recruitment messaging, staffing, and operations that led to enrolling the third-largest class in Knox history this past fall. He also called on Knox alumni to contribute to the enrollment process. “If you know of a student or a family that is considering Knox, offer to talk to them, offer to take them for coffee. It is the stories that you tell that really do make a difference.”
Amy Carlson ’90, television and film actress and Alumni Achievement Award recipient, followed Vice President Ament to discuss the impact of Knox's immersive experiences. An alumna of Repertory Theatre Term (known as Rep Term), Knox’s oldest immersive term, Carlson described Rep Term as the “quintessential experience for me.” She shared that Rep Term “teaches you so much, and it is one of the most unique opportunities a college can offer. You learn to collaborate together and build a community in such an intense and life-changing way.”
President C. Andrew McGadney shared the vision for the College’s future growth – the foundation for the Venture Boldly Campaign. “Our comprehensive campaign allows us to dream big and think boldly," President McGadney shared, and he encouraged all in attendance to help take a great place and make it better.
“Tell friends and colleagues how Knox prepares leaders in every field of human endeavor. Tell them about how you had great relationships with faculty that have lasted over time. Volunteer and share your stories. Come to events like this one. Learn about what is happening. Wear your Knox swag and show it proudly. The last part is to give—give whatever you can. We can make our great college even better if we lean together to support this awesome place.”
The evening closed with the traditional singing of the Knox hymn, "Hail to Alma Mater”, led by former Knox College Choir alumna Deb Howard ’72 and a closing by Knox alumna and comedienne Pamela Schuller ’09. See more photos on the Knox College Flickr.
The Venture Boldly tour continues on the road in March with stops in Denver and Washington DC, followed by events on the West Coast in April. The tour will conclude in Galesburg on Friday, May 2.
