Dear Knox Faculty, Staff, and Students,
I wanted to send a quick note to congratulate all of us on the successful completion of our in-person fall term. It is important to take a moment to pause and be thankful for our ability to be on campus together, experiencing the in-person, transformational, residential learning environment that Knox is known for, and to recognize all of those who helped to make the experience possible. From our dedicated and passionate faculty to the tireless efforts of our food service personnel to our colleagues in health services and our committed staff and students, we all pulled together to accomplish what some believed was impossible. For all of your efforts, I share my gratitude. In short, our multilayered approach to preventing the spread of COVID-19 worked, as we had minimal transmission on campus.
It is also time for us to celebrate our many accomplishments this term, including our chemistry classes holding biofuels week and working through problems with chalk outside on our sidewalk; students using random items to create games in an interactive design class; a weeklong learning and performance experience with our Jerome Mirza Jazz artist in residence, Allison Miller; our choir performing its fall concert; theatre producing four fall plays; alumnus and filmmaker Vince Singleton presenting a workshop as part of the Knox Fall Institute; the Knox Prairie Fire fall athletics teams enjoying the thrill of competition again, and our soccer teams winning championships. I know there are many more amazing experiences that took place within our community during this fall term, but I wanted to highlight just a few moments to help us remember a successful fall term.
I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge the complex and painful national issues that continue to impact our society on a daily basis. I continue to have faith and hope in our collective abilities to strive for a better world, to trust and care for one another, and ultimately to model the behavior that we all want to see.
During our winter break, I encourage all of us to care for ourselves mentally and physically, embrace family and friends, and stay connected with one another. Your determination, creativity, strength, and resilience continue to be greatly respected and appreciated.
Please accept my best wishes for a joyous, safe, and peaceful holiday season.
With warmest regards and best wishes,
C. Andrew McGadney President Knox College
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