July 12, 2007
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Dear President’s Circle Member,  Last year at
this time, some wondered how Knox could top the 2005/2006
academic and fiscal year—record
admissions, two Fulbright Fellowship
recipients, a $10.3 million bequest, and Stephen Colbert as
Commencement speaker. But most were confident that Knox would have another
outstanding year. And it did.Knox ended the 2006/2007 academic and fiscal year once again at the top of its game. Knox received more than 2,500 applications for admission, breaking yet another record. Kourtney Cone ’07 was awarded a Fulbright Fellowship. And President Bill Clinton addressed nearly 6,000 people at Knox’s Commencement exercises on June 2. When the College ended its fiscal year on June 30, Beverly Holmes, vice president for Advancement, shared some additional good news. Knox had raised more than $10 million dollars from alumni and friends. Of that $10 million, $2,790,054 was Knox Fund gifts, exceeding the Knox Fund goal of $2.5 million by more than $200,000. This is the second year in a row that the Knox Fund has met—and exceeded—its dollar goal. This is also the second year where alumni participation has increased, moving from 30 percent last year to 31 percent this year. Please join me in congratulating Advancement on another excellent year.
Including the 101 Finley Society members, 159 individuals joined the President’s Circle this year. Thanks to each of you for your generosity and support of Knox. Gifts from President’s Circle members make up 70 percent of all Knox Fund donations and more than 90 percent of Knox’s total donations. Your support helps maintain Knox as the excellent institution it is today. More than 10 years after joining the Office of Advancement, Molly Mannino is retiring as Director of the Knox Fund. Molly has worked tirelessly to help bring the Knox Fund to the point it is at today, and we are all proud of her accomplishments. Many of you have worked with Molly over the years, and I know that you join me in wishing her the best for a well-deserved retirement.
In other news, Knox solidified its commitment to service by signing an agreement with the Peace Corps to create the Peace Corps Preparatory Program at Knox. The first program of its kind in the nation, it aims to better equip Knox students for international service. Knox students will apply to the program as sophomores and then spend their junior and senior years fulfilling the program’s requirements, which include foreign language study, courses in international relations, and community service. The Peace Corps plans to use the Knox pilot program as a basis for creating similar programs with colleges around the country. Knox has also been awarded a federal grant of $1.3-million to establish an institutional research program. 17th District Congressman Phil Hare (D-IL) announced the grant on Wednesday, June 20, in Washington, DC. The grant is from the Strengthening Institutions Program of the U.S. Department of Education. The grant will allow Knox to establish an institutional research department and to implement a regular assessment of the academic program. This will enable Knox to develop an even stronger educational experience for students in this fast-changing world As they do every summer, Knox faculty and staff are busily preparing to welcome new and returning students in September. The $6.2 million renovation of Hamblin Hall is making headway; the new Jorge Prats Soccer Field is nearly complete; and the Offices of Academic Affairs and the Registrar are working with new students to learn more about their academic interests. As of Tuesday, July 10, Knox has received 353 deposits, against a goal of 340. With the standard “melt” of students who opt to attend another college, our incoming class will be very close to the 340 goal. Jan Koran ’71 has just completed her first year as chair of the Board of Trustees, and she has provided solid leadership and an inspiring example of philanthropy for Knox. You'll receive Jan’s “Report from the Chair,” a recap of the June Board meeting, in your mailbox soon. Knox’s continued success is made possible by the support of President’s Circle members. Thank you for helping Knox have another outstanding year. Sincerely,  Roger Taylor ’63 President
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