260 Galesburg Sixth Grade Students Visit Knox College

260 sixth-grade students from Lombard Middle School visited Knox College’s campus on Thursday, May 2, 2024, to experience college life firsthand during Prairie Fire Adventure. From practicing improv to exploring the Knox farm, the students gained insight into the potential educational opportunities at Knox.

The visit commenced with a welcome address by Associate Director and Dean of Intercultural Life Tianna Cervantez ’06, who emphasized the importance of diversity, inclusion, and working through differences to create a global community of engaged learners.

“It was exciting seeing local students on campus. As a young Galesburg local myself, it was exciting to think about college, and I am hopeful to see some of the Lombard students in Fall 2029,” she said.  

Mark & Jeannette Kleine Center for Community Service Director of Civic Engagement Teresa Nelson highlighted the benefits of Galesburg’s diverse student population learning about and interacting with different identities. “I think it’s great for them to see all the different people that attend Knox and hopefully be able to see themselves in a space like this,” she said. 

As the lead organizer for this program, Nelson wanted to provide students with a great learning opportunity and build Knox’s relationship with the local community. When Lombard Middle School Principal Rebecca Hutton suggested the visit, Nelson eagerly embraced the opportunity. Nelson and Hutton had previously collaborated at the Monmouth Roseville School District.

“My role is not just about pushing the Knox students out there, but also to bring the community to campus. This is a great chance for some of the children to see what Knox is all about,” Nelson said.