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Knox College Opens New Year with Opening Convocation

"Given what we see outside of our community, where divisions and conflicts seem to be all around us, let’s come together as a Knox and Galesburg community and model the behavior that we would like to see throughout society. By standing together and supporting one another—we all succeed and grow."—President C. Andrew McGadney

On a warm, sunny September Monday, Knox College opened its 188th academic year with its annual Opening Convocation on the South Lawn of Old Main. The crowd included staff, faculty, returning students, and more than 340 new students from 32 states and 20 countries.

Business major and Student Senate President Manavi Subba ’26 opened the ceremony, reflecting on her growth at Knox and the importance of learning with others.

“Knox became my second home, the home I built for myself, with my own people and my own dreams,” Subba said. “There has never been a day I wished I could be anywhere else. This country might feel foreign at times, but Knox never has.”

President C. Andrew McGadney blended the warmth of the day with the excitement of a new academic year, offering words of advice to those beginning or continuing their education.

“However you arrived or returned to campus, please know that the entire College community welcomes you with open arms,” President McGadney said. “As I begin my fifth year as a member of this community, I reflect on the many experiences that we have shared together, some challenges and many successes. We have supported each other, challenged each other, and grown individually as a community.”

The President also stressed three simple points for students, faculty, and staff: Don’t rush to judgement; support one another; and take responsibility. In a world that can be overwhelming at times, it’s important to take a break, pause and reflect, and appreciate and acknowledge the good things in life. 

“We are all moving through life with baggage and that is OK and quite normal,” he said. “Our collective job is to help one another to navigate this space with humility and grace, with forgiveness in our hearts and an openness to greet and help one another. Given what we see outside of our community, where divisions and conflicts seem to be all around us, let’s come together as a Knox and Galesburg community and model the behavior that we would like to see throughout society. By standing together and supporting one another—we all succeed and grow.”

Associate Professor of Physics Mark Shroyer delivered the Convocation Address, invoking the College’s history and connection to nature. Shroyer tied those relationships together, asking what a liberal arts education means and challenging students to go beyond the standard AI definition. He encouraged students to explore campus, nature, and the educational opportunities before them, not letting fear prevent them from getting the most out of their journey.

“You will join the thousands of students who have walked these brick sidewalks, who have studied in the Red Room, who have worn down the steps of Old Main, who have breathed the air shared by the gingko [referencing the beloved gingko tree in front of Seymour Library], and you will become part of this campus, and Knox will become part of you,” he said.

Provost and Dean of the Faculty Melissa Glenn followed the address by introducing new faculty members to the College, including both tenure-track and non-tenure-track professors. 

Annual Awards

In addition to welcoming the Knox community to the start of a new academic year, the College also presented awards to students, faculty, and staff at Opening Convocation. Provost Glenn presented the Philip Green Wright-Lombard College Prizes for Distinguished Teaching recipients to tenure and non-tenured staff. The Philip Green Wright-Lombard College Prizes are the highest honor conveyed by the Knox faculty upon its members, with the criteria being distinguished teaching. Earning the honors were tenured faculty member, Professor of English Barbara Tannert-Smith,and non-tenured faculty Assistant Professor of Educational Studies and Director of Teacher Education Mary Lyons, and Assistant Professor of Biology Mark Slabodnick.

Associate Dean of the College and Philip Sidney Post Professor of Chemistry Mary Crawford ’89 recognized four upper-class students with awards. She introduced three junior inductees into the College’s chapter of Phi Beta Kappa: Olivia Clark Dunn ’26, a political science and environmental studies major from Portland Oregon; Avery Celia Leigh ’26, an environmental science major from Prairie Du Sac, Wisconsin, and member of the Knox women’s soccer team, and Lance Jacob Miller ’26, a biochemistry major from Mascoutah, Illinois, and member of the Prairie Fire cross country team. Andrew Dean Garrett ’26, a business and management major from Normal, Illinois, and member of the Knox baseball team, received the Elbridge Pierce Prize for scholastic improvement recipient, and Avery Celia Leigh also received the Faculty Scholarship Prize.

Two staff members were awarded this year’s Janet C. Hunter Awards by President McGadney, recognizing their outstanding accomplishments and service to the College. The Hunter Prizes are awarded annually to a member of the Knox College salaried staff and to a member of the hourly staff to recognize outstanding accomplishments and service to the College. Staff members are nominated by their colleagues and the winners are chosen by members of the selection committee.

This year’s recipients were Angela Hollowell, who works as a custodian in Building Services, and Megan Clayton, the associate director of college engagement and lifelong learning in the Advancement Office. Hollowell has worked for Knox for nine years, while Clayton has been at the College for 36 years.

President McGadney presented the awards, offering high praise for each.

“Today, we celebrate not only her incredible work ethic, but the heart and soul she brings to our College each and every day,” President McGadney said of Hollowell, while saying of Clayton: “She reminds us that Advancement isn’t just about moving forward—it’s about building relationships rooted in trust, gratitude, and shared purpose. And because of her, our College is stronger, more connected, and better prepared to meet the future.”

As the ceremony ended, Provost Glenn reminded all to “let excitement win the day, be there for each other, be open,” and in the words of Lady Gaga: 'Don’t hide yourself in regret, just love yourself and you’re set.'”

The Knox College Choir, under the direction of Assistant Professor of Music and Director of Choral Activities Bram Wayman, led the audience in singing “Hail to Alma Mater” to conclude the ceremony. 

Published on September 17, 2025

- Scott Holland, Office of Communications