Knox College held its annual Knox Proud Day and Founders Day celebration on Thursday, February 15, 2024, providing opportunities for the community to engage with Knox’s history, while highlighting the significance of donor support. 

The event raised $972,127 from 1,437 donors, which will go on to support scholarships, faculty excellence, athletics, immersive experiences, wellness initiatives, residential experiences, and more.

"I love uniting the Knox and Galesburg communities on Founders Day and Knox Proud Day," Vice President for Advancement Monica Keith said. "It's a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our institution, promote philanthropy, and foster connections through a range of events, both on campus and online. I'm grateful for our alumni volunteers, event organizers, and donors for their dedication and investment in our future."

The day featured a range of campus activities, allowing current students and community members to participate. Highlights included the ringing of the Old Main bell and the traditional lighting of the wooden cake in the Oak Room. The cake, originally designed by former business office manager James Cuthbertson for the 1952 Founders Day celebration, was a focal point, accompanied by Knox-themed merchandise and refreshments.

“I enjoy sharing the excitement of Founders Day with our students and campus community,” Assistant Vice President, Advancement Operations Sandra Gray said. “I am looking forward to those students continuing to be excited about Founders Day and Knox Proud Day for decades forward.” 

Adding to the festivities, more than a dozen restaurants in Galesburg offered Knox-themed menu items, showcasing the widespread community support for the occasion.

“I’ve been told ‘Thanks for what you do for Knox.’ and my answer is always ‘I can’t do enough.’ I got so much out of coming to Knox, and I’m happy to give back,” said Scott Baldwin '81, owner of Orange Cup in Galesburg. Orange Cup handed out free coffee and energy drinks during multiple on-campus Knox Proud Day events. 

This year’s Knox Proud Day Lincoln Lecture, “Lincoln and the Other Douglass”, featured Dr. Diana J. Schaub, who spoke about the historical significance of Abraham Lincoln, national monuments and statues, and the contrasting viewpoints of Fredrick Douglas. The day concluded with an “Operation Glow” party in the Oak Room, featuring neon lights and dance music to cap off another successful year. 

“Founders Day is a reminder that Galesburg and Knox College would not exist without each other,” Associate Director of College Engagement and Alumni Relations Levi Morgan said. “The community involvement we saw on Founders Day for our Knox Proud Day efforts show this mutual support is alive and well.”