Themes of Confidence, Courage, and Community Define Knox College Class of 2026
Speakers at Knox’s 181st Commencement urged the Class of 2026 to lead with courage, lean on community, and carry forward the values that shaped their time at Knox.
Commencement
We can't wait to see you at Commencement—Sunday, June 7, 2026!
Sunday, June 7, 2026—South Lawn of Old Main, 10:00 a.m.
Commencement is the culmination of years of hard work by our most recent graduates and the ongoing support of family and friends. Join us as we end our academic year with this annual celebration.
Many events will take place to celebrate our 2026 graduates, our honorary degree recipients, and our Commencement speaker. Families are encouraged to book their accommodations now since nearby hotels fill up fast. Bookmark this page for the latest information, as events are subject to change.
If you are unable to join us this June in person, you will be able to watch the full Commencement ceremony on our livestream and take a look at the moments we capture in our Flickr album.
Commencement News
Knox College Celebrates First-Generation Graduates
On Saturday, June 6, close to 50 members of the Class of 2026 at Knox College were celebrated at the 11th annual First-Generation Ceremony, one of the highlights of the College’s Commencement Weekend.
Knox College Inducts 29 New Members into Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society
During Knox College’s 2026 Commencement weekend, 29 students were honored with a special induction ceremony for Phi Beta Kappa, the nation’s oldest and most prestigious honor society.
Twenty-One Knox Students Complete Senior Honors Project
Honors projects culminate in a thesis, portfolio, or comparable product, defended in an oral examination before a faculty committee that includes a qualified expert from outside the Knox community.
See the moments that made the day.
Tickets & Guests
No tickets will be required for the 2026 Commencement ceremony. Additionally, there is no limitation on the number of guests that graduates can bring.
Parking
Parking is available in all campus lots and in the Knox County Courthouse lot at the corner of Cherry & South Streets. The Cherry Street parking lot is reserved for accessible parking. There will be golf carts at this location to assist guests in getting from their cars to the ceremony venue.
The turnaround at Alumni Hall is reserved for emergency access.
Severe Weather
Commencement will take place outside even if it rains. Rain gear, windbreakers, and jackets are strongly recommended in case of rainy or cool conditions. It is suggested guests wear shoes appropriate for damp, grassy terrain. Information regarding a weather delay will be provided via email to students and on this page on the morning of Commencement, if applicable.
Commencement Sustainability
The Class of 2026 and their guests will likely notice the many ways Knox honors its commitment to sustainability throughout Commencement weekend. The following are just a couple of the sustainable features of Knox’s Commencement.
- All the caps and gowns are made from 100% recycled polyethylene. For every one of these gowns manufactured, the equivalent of 29 plastic bottles is recovered.
- Many of the 2026 graduates will wear green ribbons among their Commencement regalia. This signifies that they signed the Graduation Pledge for Social and Environmental Responsibility.
Commencement FAQs
We hope the information below will help answer questions you may have about the ceremony, accommodations, and more.
The Commencement ceremony is held outside on the South Lawn of Old Main and lasts from 10:00 a.m. to around noon.
Parking is available in all campus lots and in the Knox County Courthouse lot at the corner of Cherry and South Streets. The Cherry Street parking lot is reserved for accessible parking. There will be golf cart shuttles at this location to assist guests in getting from their cars to the ceremony venue. Shuttle stop locations are marked on this map.
The turnaround at Alumni Hall is reserved for emergency access.
The ceremony will be displayed on large LED screens that will also have closed captioning.
There will be accessible seating available in the perimeter sections. Commencement volunteers will be available to help accommodate you and your guests.
Accessible parking is available in the Cherry Street lot at the corner of Cherry and Berrien Streets. Golf cart shuttles will assist guests in reaching the ceremony venue. Shuttle stop locations are marked on this map.
Refillable, sustainable hydration stations will be set up throughout the ceremony area. Feel free to bring your refillable water bottle with you! Compostable cups will also be available.
There is no formal dress code. Because the ceremony is held outdoors, rain or shine, please remember to come prepared for any kind of weather (sweaters, raincoats, umbrellas, etc.), and be sure to wear shoes appropriate for damp, grassy terrain. The ceremony will be held indoors only if the weather poses a danger (lightning, thunderstorms, etc.).
Yes! You will be able to watch the full Commencement ceremony on our livestream.
A professional photographer will capture photos of the graduate as they approach the stage, as they receive their diploma, and a portrait after leaving the stage. Photos will be available for purchase directly from GradImages. Graduates will receive proofs via their Knox email shortly after the ceremony.
We ask that guests stay in the guest section for the duration of the ceremony. After the ceremony, the international flags and the class banner will remain in place for you to capture a candid of your graduate.
Commencement memorabilia—from announcements, thank you notes, keepsake covers, etc.—will available for purchase online. We’ll share vendor details here as soon as they’re finalized.
Starting June 1, 2025, Knox College will be a smoke and vape-free campus, promoting a healthier and cleaner environment for all. We kindly ask all guests and visitors to respect this policy by refraining from smoking or vaping anywhere on College grounds. Thank you for helping us create a welcoming and smoke-free community for everyone.
Commencement Pride Kit
Celebrate your 2026 Knox grad loud and proud with yard signs and social media profile images you can download and post!