By Celina Dietzel ‘17

Knox College students gained valuable insights and advice from Dan Taylor '72 when he recently visited campus as part of the new "Alumni in Residence" program.

Taylor, who was on campus September 26-28, greeted students at a lunch in Ferris Lounge and thanked them for taking time out of their busy day to come to the event. He remembers having the same kind of busy days when he was a student at Knox. Taylor was a sociology major, captain of the men's basketball team, and one of the founding members of Allied Blacks for Liberty and Equality (ABLE).

Today, Taylor is the senior vice president of PNC bank in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He told students at the lunch that he didn't follow a direct career path after Knox. Instead, he worked first with a local bank, then in radio, and even as an NCAA basketball official.

He encouraged students to trust their career decisions, regardless of where they lead.

"You have to be comfortable and confident," he said.

Taylor is the first alumnus to visit campus through the Alumni in Residence program, which is hosted by the Office of Alumni Relations and the Bastian Family Career Center's Knox Networking Program (Knect). The series brings alumni to campus to talk about how their Knox educations prepared them for success and what they have learned along the way.

During the lunch with students, Taylor also shared some insight about the way his company and other professionals view recent graduates.

"We don't care what you major in, we care that you did the best you could in that major," he said.

Runsha Jiang '20 was relieved to hear these words. The first-year is undecided in her major, and felt better knowing that she can follow a major she's passionate in.

Celina Pedit '17 also felt assured hearing from someone who's taken advantage of their time at Knox.

"It was nice to see someone who is successful, but also leads a balanced life," she said.

At his keynote presentation, Taylor offered the students several pieces of advice, including:

• Always give back.

• Help somebody that can't do anything for you.

• Regardless of what you major in, do the best job you can.

• Do what you say you're going to do.

Riya Tiwari '17 and Saige Hillier '17, both anthropology-sociology majors, said they appreciated hearing from Taylor.

"I thought he was a very motivational speaker, in the sense that he gave us a lot of life advice," Tiwari said.

Taylor said he owed his professional career to Knox, and the benefits his liberal arts education provided.

"I talk about Knox College everywhere I go," he said, telling students in the audience: "You should be tremendously proud that you are part of the Knox College community."

During his visit, Taylor also visited with ABLE members and met with the men's and women's basketball teams.

Taylor closed out his lunch with students with a smile and a last piece of advice, "Make the best of your time here, these are the best years of your life."