Knox Service Awards

The Knox Service Award, established in 1987, is given to members of the Knox community in recognition of outstanding volunteer service benefiting Knox College. Awards are presented during the Homecoming Convocation. Annual nominations are due by February 1.

2022 Recipients

Bob Gillespie '90

His volunteer service with Knox includes the Knox College Professionals in Residence program (2017, 2019); guest lecturer and mentor  with StartUp Term (2015, 2017, 2019); Bastian Family Center for Career Success (2017, 2019); guest speakder and volunteer with the Knox Business Club (2018).

Bob has returned to Galesburg numerous times assisting students in their StartUp team development.

His involvement with StartUp Term has evolved into the model of engagement in relation to connecting and mentoring students, taking part in the term, giving back as a volunteer, and financially supporting the program. Bob was one of the first alumni to volunteer for StartUp Term in 2015 and is now one of our lead mentors and guests.

Since 2015, Bob has assisted and mentored more than 100 Knox students.

Sabir Taj '01

Creator of the Knox Docs program that provides students mentorship opportunities; the ability to share ideas and patient cases; and be a space for clinical and non-clinical collaboration among Knox Alumni.

During the pandemic, Sabir helped recruit more than 20 medical doctors to
speak with students virtually, provide virtual shadowing experiences, interview preparation, and mentoring related opportunities.

Sabir has made numerous phone calls and sent many emails to Knox alumni in the medical field recruiting them to volunteer.

Because of his efforts, 12 medical professionals provided hour-long Zoom interviews to assist current students applying to medical school or pursuing a career in medicine during the [2020] winter term alone.