Events
For more information about Fifty Year Club events, contact Megan Clayton at 309-341-7476.
Upcoming Events
Commencement and June FYC Lunch 2013
Saturday, June 8
12:30 p.m.
Ferris Lounge
Make reservations
FYC in Michigan
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
11:30 a.m.
Home of Don '53 and Jan Hines
1151 Glen Road
Shelby, Michigan
FYC in Chicago/Chicago Knox Club
Sunday, August 25, 2013
12:00 noon
Eaglewood Resort, Itasca, Illinois
2013 Events
FYC in California
Knox alumni and friends enjoyed a reception, lecture, and special exhibit tour at the Bowers Museum in Santa Ana on Sunday, March 10. After a dessert reception,Professor of Anthropology Jon Wagner gave a brief lecture and presentation about the evolution of Lucy (Australopithecus afarensis) and the amazing research that his anthropology students are currently doing. The group then toured the exhibit. Professor Wagner remained to answer questions after the tour in the Museum's beautiful courtyard.
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FYC in Florida
The Audubon Country Club was the location for this year's FYC in Florida lunch. Although the day was overcast, it was still much warmer and hospitable than the snow storm in the Midwest. Recent grad Sarah Carlin '10 spoke about her travels abroad and teaching in Bhutan for a year, while President Amott gave a thorough update about the state of the College.
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2012 Events
Homecoming 2012
See photos from all the festivities at Homecoming 2012.
FYC in Michigan
More than 20 alumni and friends gathered at Black Star Farms agricultural estate in Suttons Bay, Michigan, for lunch, a tour of the grounds, and wine tasting. President Teresa Amott gave an update about the College, while Don Coe, owner-manager of Black Star Farms gave a brief, but very educational and interesting talk about the Farm and about the agricultural climate in Michigan. A short tour of the grounds and a generous tasting of Black Star Farms exceptional wines rounded out the event. All agreed that it was a very special event.
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FYC/Chicago Knox Club
More than 40 alumni and friends gathered for the joint FYC and Chicago Knox Club lunch and lecture at the Morton Arboretum in mid July. Professor of Biology Stuart Allison lectured about the history of Green Oaks, the Green Oaks Term and restoration of the tall grass prairie following lunch. Excessive heat deterred most alumni, but a few joined Professor Allison for a tour of the Arboretum's Schulenberg Prairie. The rest of the group browsed nearby gardens or shopped in the gift shop before heading home.
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FYC/Galesburg Knox Club
On June 21, more than 30 alumni and friends gathered at Hope Abbey mausoleum for a tour of Galesburg's historical Hope Cemetery. Rex Cherrington '73, a local historian and a Hope Cemetery board member lead the tour. Following the tour, attendees enjoyed a reception in the Gizmo.
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June FYC Lunch
About 30 local alumni and friends gathered after the 2012 Knox College Commencement to enjoy lunch and a talk by James Thrall, Knight Distinguished Assistant Professor for the Study of Religion & Culture. His talk, "What's in an Image? Picturing Religious Diversity at Knox" was accompanied by a PowerPoint and was very enlightening. He answered many questions after his presentation. During the business meeting, Honorary FYC members were recognized and new Honorary members were elected. A new slate of FYC officers was also approved.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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.
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.
2009 Events
Homecoming & Reunion
October 23-25, 2009
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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.
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)