Time Flies

Clara A. Abbott Professor Emeritus of Biology Bill Geer P’88, P’90, D.Sc.D.’09, who taught at Knox from 1963-2000, is remembered by generations of alumni who worked with Geer in his famous “Fly Lab.” We believe this photo of Professor Geer and a student is from the early days of his lab—if you can confirm our hunch, email us at knoxmag@knox.edu.

Response to Summer/Fall 2025

Thanks to Liz Ewing-Abell ’90 and Janelle Rettig ’87 for sharing their memories about the last issue’s Flashback photo featuring Bob Dole:

“I  was a sophomore when Bob Dole came to the Knox campus in March of 1988. I think I remember him and George Bush convening inside Old Main. I feel like I saw them both through the windows as I passed by. Maybe?”—Liz Ewing-Abell '90

“I was happy to see the photo of Bob Dole. Senator Dole had challenged George H.W. Bush to a debate. Dole had won the Iowa Caucus, while Bush came in third place. By March, Dole was really struggling to overcome the money and resources of a sitting Vice President. Bush was speaking at a Republican fundraiser dinner in the gymnasium. Dole took over Old Main and bought an hour-long slot of national television advertisement to debate an empty chair. 

I was the field representative for Dole for President in three Illinois Congressional Districts. It was my first real job after graduating from Knox. I also did advance work for both Bob and Elizabeth Dole. On March 13, 1988, I was called to get to Galesburg earlier than I planned. Elizabeth Dole had requested that I staff her, because I had spent a lot of time with her in Iowa. My important job for the day? Her makeup bag was lost, and I was tasked to buy her make-up for the live television "debate." If you know me, you might think I would be the last person to roam Galesburg buying makeup for a very discerning Elizabeth Dole. I guess she liked me enough she didn't notice my plain face. My parents were in the front row of the audience.

I went on to work for other electeds and even became an elected official myself, albeit a much more liberal one. I will forever be grateful to Bob Dole and Tom Harkin for sponsoring and championing the American with Disabilities Act. I wonder if we will ever see that strong of bipartisanship again. Thanks for the memories.”—Janelle Rettig '87