Knox Community Raises more than $1.7 Million in Celebration of College’s Founding

Knox College’s celebration of the 189th anniversary of its founding hit new heights. Thanks to a matching gift campaign—Out-Raise the Roof—the Knox community raised more than $1.7 million in February. Gifts from alumni, parents, friends, students, faculty, and staff, were made in support of the Knox Fund, the College’s annual giving program, and will be put to work immediately in support of all facets of a Knox education. 

What began as a $100,000 dollar-for-dollar match challenge from a generous donor exceeded its goal in just 10 days. The anonymous donor, inspired by the response from the community, increased the match to $500,000 and Out-Raise the Roof was launched on Founders Day. “Inspired by your generosity and the courage of Knox’s founders, our anonymous donor has RAISED THE ROOF on their challenge, agreeing to match all Knox Fund gifts in the month of February up to $500,000, totaling $1 million for Knox,” the College shared in a message to its community. 

The additional challenge sparked the power of the Knox community, and between February 16 and February 24, the $500,000 match was met, for a total of $1 million for Knox. But with a few days left in the month, the Knox community kept going, raising more than $350,000 in the last four days of February, which was again matched by our generous donor. “What a wonderful completion to our celebration of Knox’s founding,” said Vice President for Advancement Marin Amundson-Graham.

“The Knox community did more than Out-Raise the Roof for Knox by meeting and surpassing our goal—they followed in the footsteps of Knox founders, who ventured boldly to establish a college on the prairie with a mission of access for all. This is a level of commitment and generosity worth shouting from the rooftops,” she added.

In total, 495 individuals made a gift to the Knox Fund in February, raising $1,705,318. Gifts will support students through scholarships, immersive learning, and the work of the extraordinary faculty and staff to provide a Knox education truly transformative.

“I extend my sincere thanks to everyone who stepped up to meet this ambitious challenge, and a huge thank you to our generous donor, who was inspired by the courage of Knox’s founders to challenge the Knox community to Out-Raise the Roof in support of our prairie college. This unwavering support is one of the most important ways we can work together to make a great college even better,” said President C. Andrew McGadney.

The Out-Raise the Roof challenge is part of the College’s historic Venture Boldly comprehensive campaign, which has raised more than $144 million towards its $175 million goal. More information on the campaign, including opportunities to participate, is available on the Venture Boldly website.

Published on March 02, 2026

Megan Scott '96, Vice President for Communications