Knox College formally launched the 2017-18 academic year on September 11 with Opening Convocation, where President Teresa Amott said that learning is "among the most hopeful of human pursuits." In the Convocation address, Associate Dean Tim Foster described the phases of culture shock that are common among new students.

"It may seem odd to come together to celebrate in a tense and polarized time in our nation and in the world," Amott said. "One could reasonably ask: Shouldn't we be here to console and to comfort, rather than to celebrate? I think they are the same things. When we celebrate community, we console and we comfort."

Foster, a longtime Knox faculty member who became associate dean during the summer, spoke on the theme of "Make Your Home Among Strangers." A novel by that name, written by Jennine Capó Crucet, was the First-Year Preceptorial summer reading.

The culture shock experienced by the novel's main character, a first-generation college student named Lizet, has similarities to the culture shock that new Knox students may be experiencing, Foster said. Like Lizet, new Knox students may go through different phases of culture shock—some of them exhilarating and others challenging.

The last phase, he said, is adaptation, when "the culture of the new place begins to make sense."

"You become comfortable as you learn to fully participate and take advantage of this singular opportunity that is attending college," said Foster, who called the Knox community supportive and collaborative. 

Photos below: Associate Dean Tim Foster delivers the Convocation address; President Teresa Amott presents the Janet C. Hunter Prize to Barbara Schulze; Dean of the College Michael Schneider presents the Philip Green Wright/Lombard College Prize to Helen Hoyt, assistant professor of chemistry; Tim Foster presents the Elbridge Pierce Prize to Kelsie Pos; the Knox College Choir performs.

Opening Convocation also included remarks from Vice President for Student Development Anne Ehrlich, Director of Spiritual Life Monica Corsaro, and a performance by the Knox College Choir, directed by Professor of Music Laura Lane.

Another highlight of the Opening Convocation ceremony was the announcement of several College prizes and honors, which were awarded to Knox faculty, students, and staff.

The Philip Green Wright/Lombard College Prizes for distinguished teaching are awarded each year to two faculty members—one who has earned tenure and one who is non-tenured. The 2017 prize for a non-tenured faculty member went to Helen Hoyt ‘01, assistant professor of chemistry, and the prize for a tenured faculty member went to Heather Hoffmann, Robert M. & Katherine Arnold Seeley Distinguished Professor of Psychology.

Also recognized were two students who were inducted as juniors last spring into Phi Beta Kappa, the nation's most prestigious academic honor society: Nadine Burroughs, who is majoring in educational studies and mathematics, and Claire Cody, who is majoring in chemistry.

Cody also was selected for the Faculty Scholarship Prize, which is the highest honor that Knox faculty accord to a student. It is awarded to a senior who has exhibited exceptional academic ability while participating significantly in extracurricular activities.

Kelsie Pos, a senior biology major, received the Elbridge Pierce Prize for scholastic improvement. It is awarded to the senior who has made the greatest scholastic improvement since the end of the first year at Knox.

The winners of the Janet C Hunter Service Awards were Barbara Schulze, administrative assistant for George Davis Hall, and Margo Shively, supervisor of the Department of Theatre costume shop. The prizes recognize outstanding accomplishments and service to the College by staff members.