Events

For more information about Fifty Year Club events, contact Megan Clayton at 309-341-7476. 

Upcoming Events

June Commencement Lunch and Business Meeting

Lunch and Talk by James Thrall, Knight Distinguished Assistant Professor for the Study of Religion & Culture
Saturday, June 2, 2012--12:00 noon
Ferris Lounge, Carrithers Hall, Seymour Union

FYC/Galesburg Knox Club

Tour of Historic Hope Cemetery
Guided by Rex Cherrington '73
Thursday, June 21, 2012--5:30 p.m.
Reception following in the Gizmo

FYC in Chicago/Chicago Knox Club

Lunch and Tour of The Morton Arboretum
Talk by Stuart Allison, Professor of Biology
Sunday, July 15, 2012--12:00 noon
Lisle, Illinois

FYC in Michigan

Lunch and talk by Nic Mink, Visiting Instructor of Environmental Studies
Thursday, August 23, 2012--11:30 a.m.
Black Star Farms
Suttons Bay, Michigan

Past 2012 Events

FYC in California
More than 60 alumni and friends gathered at the Huntington Library and Museum in San Marino, California, for a joint FYC and Los Angeles Knox Club event.  Douglas Wilson, co-director of the Lincoln Studies Center, gave a lecture about Shakespeare's influence on Lincoln. President Teresa Amott was also in attendance and gave a state-of-the-College update.
(view photos)

FYC in Arizona
A large group gathered once again at Grayhawk Golf Club in Scottsdale, Arizona, for the FYC and Phoenix Knox Club lunch on January 18. President Amott updated the group about what's happening on campus and answered questions, while Knox alumni ambassador Hayley Schueneman '12 talked about what Knox has helped her achieve during her four years.
(view photos)

FYC in Florida
The FYC lunch in Florida was hosted by Wayne '67 and Jill Duffy Plaza '67 at their lovely club in Naples.  Alumni and friends enjoyed an update by President Teresa Amott as well as a remarks by Knox alumni ambassador, Stephanie Sorensen '12.


Past 2011 Events

Homecoming 2011 (view photos)

FYC in Michigan (view photos)
FYC President Bobbie Schlick Poor '54 and Jim Poor '54 hosted this year's lunch at their summer home in scenic Leland. The area boasts lots of activities including fine dining, shopping, hiking, boating, and swimming for those who chose to stay. But the real highlight for the 30 Knox alumni and friends attending the lunch was the opportunity to meet the new Knox College president, Teresa Amott. An excellent meal and remarks by the FYC president and Knox president were followed by a boisterous rendition of the fight song, led by Larry Chadwick '53. Many attendees stayed to visit with President Amott and to catch up with friends.

 FYC in Chicago  
Cantigny Park (the McCormick Estate) in Wheaton provided a lovely venue for Teresa Amott's first FYC event as Knox's 19th president. First FYC vice president, Mary Ellen McNamara McArdle '52, led the brief meeting and introduced the new president. During her remarks, President Amott recognized Ray Truedson L'32, one of only four remaining Lombard alumni, who attended the event with his wife and son. Ray celebrated his 101st birthday on February 15, which is Founders Day for both Knox (1837) and Lombard (1851) College. The meeting was adjourned and Dorothy White Mrkvicka '52 led the group in singing the Knox Fight song. A few hardy souls even braved the excessive heat and humidity to tour the lovely gardens and museums on the estate. 

FYC in California
Sunny weather welcomed alumni and friends to the luxurious Montage Resort in Laguna Beach for the FYC lunch. Attendees gathered especially to say their farewells to President Roger '63 and Anne Taylor '63 and to thank them for their decade of service to Knox College. Roger Taylor gave his final update to the California group as president. He spoke, of course, of his three initiatives and encouraged those present to continue their support of the College. His remarks were met with great approval and a standing ovation. Before closing the meeting with the usual Knox Fight song, Megan Clayton surprised Roger and Anne by asking the group to join her in singing Happy Birthday to them as their birthdays fell the following week. Many lingered long after lunch to once again thank and say good-bye to the loyal 18th president of Knox College and his much respected wife. 

FYC in Florida (view photos)
More than 60 alumni and friends turned out to say good bye to President Roger '63 and Anne Taylor '63 on February 18 at the FYC in Florida lunch. The event was hosted by Jerry '53 and Mary Gill, Honorary member, at the lovely Naples Yacht Club. The view of the yachts in Naples Bay from the dining room was spectacular as guests enjoyed cocktails before lunch. After a welcome by FYC president, Bobbie Schlick Poor'54, Knox Ambassador, Helen Hapner '11, spoke about her Knox experience. President Roger Taylor gave a thorough update about the state of the College The Taylors will be much missed by FYC members. Many lingered after lunch to reminisce more or to make plans with friends while they were in the sunshine state.

FYC in Arizona  (view photos)
A warm and sunny day welcomed FYC alumni and friends who gathered at the Grayhawk Golf Club in Scottsdale for lunch in late January. President Roger '63 and Anne Taylor '63 were on hand to greet guests as they arrived. Following a reception on the Club's patio and lunch, Megan Clayton, associate director of FYC programs, welcomed and introduced Knox Ambassador, Ashley Antenore, a senior from Geneva, Illinois. Following her talk, President Roger Taylor gave an excellent College update. His remarks included his usual "When someone asks you where you went to college. . ." This group will certainly never look down at their shoes and say, "Oh, a small school you've probably never heard about," but will proudly declare that they attended Knox College when asked where they went to school! When he finished, the group a standing ovation to thank he and Anne for their service to their alma mater, alumni and friends, and the whole Knox/Galesburg community.

Past 2010 Events

FYC in Michigan (view photos)
A brief rain shower didn't dampen spirits of the more than 25 alumni and friends who gathered for the annual FYC in Michigan event in late July. The group, which included two Air Cadets, gathered at the Lake Michigan home of Don '53 and Jan Hines. Though the rain forced the event inside, guests were still able to enjoy spectacular views of the lake through the soaring windows of the couple's living room. It made a cozy setting for the welcome by new FYC president Bobbie Schlick Poor '54 and a College update from President Roger Taylor '63. A plentiful lunch followed the program.

FYC in Chicago (view photos)
More than 40 alumni and friends attended the 2010 FYC in Chicago event. Bill '50 and Jeanne Kelly Phillips '49 hosted the group at the lovely DuPage Club in Oakbrook Terrace. First Vice President Mary Ellen McNamara McArdle '52, welcomed the group and introduced College guests. Following lunch, Knox Ambassador Stephanie Sorensen '12 talked about her Knox experience. President Roger Taylor '63 gave an update on what is currently happening at the College. The meeting closed with Harry Kovats '52 leading us in the Fight Song.

FYC and Galesburg Area Knox Club
More than 60 alumni and friends enjoyed a talk and tour by Professor Lance Factor on June 30. Professor Factor spoke of the secret history and hidden symbols in Old Main at Knox College. The fascinating subject drew the large crowd and Professor Factor answered many questions.  Read more about the secrets of Old Main.

June FYC Lunch (view photos)
A small group enjoyed lunch and a talk by Knox College Trustee Richard Riddell '72. Dr. Riddell is serving as the chair of the College's Presidential Search Committee and gave insights into the search as well as answering questions about the search from FYC members.  

FYC in California (view photos)
On March 11, Knox Alumni and FYC members met at the luxurious Montage Resort, in Laguna Beach, California. President Bob Burden '55 welcomed the group and introduced President Roger Taylor '63 and Anne Taylor '63. After lunch, Knox Ambassador Sarah Carlin '10, talked about her experiences teaching at a Navajo reservation and studying abroad. President Taylor gave an in depth update about the state of the College. As the meeting closed, strains of the Knox fight song could be heard over the Pacific coast.

FYC and Phoenix Knox Club (view photos)
On Saturday, January 23, more than 30 Arizona alumni and friends gathered at the Phoenix Art Museum for the annual winter event there. The day began with a delectable lunch furnished by award-winning Arcadia Farms. President Roger Taylor gave a College update with news about enrollment, how Knox is dealing with the recession, fundraising efforts, and financial aid. The event was capped off by a docent-guided tour of the traditional wing of the Museum.

FYC in Florida (view photos)
This year's winter event was held at the impressive Lexington Country Club in Fort Myers, thanks to hosts Jay '51 and Shay Burgess. Following an excellent meal, Knox College student, Sam Magnuson '10, Altona, Illinois, spoke about his experience at Knox. His remarks ended with a genuine offer of thanks to the alumni whose donations fund scholarships, built the new track, and football field, and make updated classrooms possible. President Roger Taylor '63 updated the group with a State of the College address. President Bob Burden closed the meeting by urging all to join him in the Knox fight song.
 
 

Past 2009 Events

Homecoming & Reunion
October 23-25, 2009
 (view photos)

FYC in Michigan
July 29, 2009 (view photos)
More than 20 alumni and friends gathered at the home of Jack '54 and Joyce McGrew Fischer '55 in Michigan at the end of July. Members enjoyed drinks on the deck overlooking Portage Lake before remarks were given by FYC First Vice President, Bobbie Schlick Poor and President Roger Taylor '63. President Taylor gave a thorough and meaningful update on the state of the College. After a picnic lunch, courtesy of the Fischers, attendees visited with friends before making their way home.

FYC in Chicago
July 10, 2009 (view photos)
FYC members and friends gathered at the Forge Club in Vernon Hills for lunch and a College update. The group was entertained when Harry Kovats '52 sat down at a nearby piano and played the Knox fight song followed by several other melodies. FYC President Bob Burden welcomed the group and later introduced President Roger Taylor '63, who gave an update about Knox. Knox Ambassador, Tim Schmeling '11, who is majoring in both modern languages and international relations, talked about how he came to Knox and his involvement with a wide variety of campus clubs. The event ended with President Taylor leading the Knox Fight song as Harry Kovats accompanied us on the piano.

FYC/Galesburg Knox Club at Green Oaks
June 20, 2009 (view photos)
On Saturday, June 20, alumni and friends gathered at Green Oaks, Knox's biological field station. The attendees were first treated to a brief lecture by Associate Professor of Biology, James Mountjoy followed by a short walking tour to view some of the birds of Green Oaks. Professor of Biology and Director of Green Oaks, Stuart Allison also started his lecture in the classroom and then led the group outside for a hike along the road to the south and west prairies. After lunch, Knox student, Creal Zearing '10, who participated in the Green Oaks Term last year, gave a wonderful, engaging talk about her experience. A full tour of the lodge, known as Schurr Hall, concluded the day.

FYC Lunch/Class of 1944 and Air Cadet Reunion
June 6, 2009 (view photos)
Fifty FYC members and friends attended the annual FYC lunch on Saturday, June 6, celebrating commencement and the Reunion of the Class of 1944 and Air Cadets. Special recognition was given to David "Jeff" Walton who returned for his 80th Reunion. Read more about his return to campus. Honorary members were also especially recognized and welcomed as very important members of the FYC. After lunch and a short business meeting the group sang the traditional Knox fight song and returned home.

FYC in California
March 12, 2009 (view photos)
FYC president, Bob Burden'55, hosted this year's FYC in California event at the Balboa Bay Club in Newport Beach, California on March 12. The location brought together the largest number of members to an FYC event in California to date. Knox president Roger Taylor '63 gave a College update following lunch. Knox student, Amanda Look '09, made brief remarks about her Knox experience. The meeting closed with an exceptionally harmonious rendition of Hail Knox, All Glorious, and suggestions flew about where next year's event should be held.

FYC in Florida
February 4, 2009 (view photos)
More than 50 FYC members and friends gathered in early February for a luncheon in Bonita Springs, Florida. Jim and Mary Ellen McNamara McArdle '52 were our hosts at Spanish Wells Country Club, located in the heart of Bonita Springs. First vice president, Bobbie Schlick Poor '54, welcomed the group. Following lunch, she introduced President Roger Taylor '63, who gave a thorough state-of-the-College address. Kate Cochran, a Knox junior from Iowa City, Iowa, then spoke to the attendees about her experience at Knox. The meeting closed with promises to gather again next year and ending with Roger Taylor and Kate Cochran leading all in the Knox fight song.

FYC in Arizona
January 23, 2009 (view photos)
Members of the FYC in Arizona/Phoenix Knox Club gathered at the Arizona Country Club on an unusually rainy day in Phoenix in late January. Alumni from the classes of 2007 thru 1948, as well as, current parents and friends came from as far away as Tucson. The event was hosted by our own Paul R. Johnson '55. Following lunch, President Roger Taylor '63 gave a Knox College update followed by remarks by Jen Milius, a junior from Rockford, Illinois. Closing remarks were made by FYC president, Bob Burden '55. He asked that Roger Taylor, assisted by Jen Milius, to lead the group in singing the Knox fight song. Many lingered afterward to catch up with each other before heading home.
 
 

Past 2008 Events

FYC in Chicago (see photos)
FYC Commencement (see photos)
FYC in California and Arizona (see photos)
FYC in Florida (see photos)
FYC Founders Day (see photos)

See more photos