Now is the time to be bold.

President C. Andrew McGadney  shared this statement with hundreds of alumni across the country over the last six months at events launching the Venture Boldly comprehensive campaign. He was not only referring to the strategic initiatives the College has invested in over the last four years of his presidency, but the College’s approach to the Venture Boldly campaign as well.

A traditional fundraising campaign generally kicks-off on campus before heading out to engage with alumni and friends across the country. The Venture Boldly campaign, however, flipped that approach and visited nine cities from coast to coast before heading back to campus in May to celebrate the launch of the first comprehensive campaign in 20 years—and the largest in Knox’s history. From its December start in Chicago to Denver in March and Los Angeles in May, with six other stops in between, Venture Boldly events generated excitement and gathered momentum as Knox alumni, parents, students, faculty, staff, and friends came together to celebrate Knox’s historic past and bright future.

On May 2, Venture Boldly returned to Knox and Galesburg to host two events that brought together more than 500 members of the Knox and Galesburg communities. The first event was held at the Galesburg Public Library, where representatives from Knox and the City of Galesburg discussed ways to improve the partnership between the city and College in front of a standing-room-only crowd. An event on the Knox campus followed that evening featuring great food, vibrant company, a program featuring Knox trustees, alumni, faculty, and staff, and concluding with a drone show and dancing.

“Both events solidified that there is continued significant outreach by the College to make it known that the College is part of our  community. And the truth of it all is this: Galesburg and Knox College are the offspring of the same father,” said local writer Stephen Podwojski in an op-ed for Galesburg’s The Register-Mail.

Venture Boldly Continues

With the official launch of the campaign complete, Knox now turns its focus on working with members of the Knox community to meet the historic campaign’s goal of raising $175 million for the College. With more than $121 million raised to date, Knox is 69 percent of the way toward meeting its goal, and the work continues.

“The main point of a comprehensive campaign is to dream big and think boldly," President McGadney said. “And there are four main ways we, members of the Knox community near and far, can make our great College even better—attend events, volunteer, be a Knox ambassador, and, of course, give.”

The College will hit the road again this fall, engaging with alumni and friends. Stay tuned to the website www.knox.edu/ventureboldy to learn more about upcoming events and how you can support the comprehensive campaign.

Venture Boldly on the Road

• 1,000+ Event Attendees
• 11 Total Cities Visited
• 25 Alumni Speakers
• 14 Faculty & Staff Speakers
• 6 Trustee Speakers
• 5 Student Speakers
• 2 Knox College Choir Performances