Taking the Next Steps
Knox President C. Andrew McGadney reminded graduates of the obstacles they overcame and to always keep a spot in their hearts and minds for their alma mater.
“Graduates, many of us started our Knox journey together in 2021, and I will remember your class fondly as we navigated a new environment coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic,” President McGadney said. “You have left your mark on Knox, and all of us, in ways that few classes before you have done. You persevered, you challenged us and each other, you stepped into the unknown, sometimes with hesitation, and emerged on the other side, confident and strong.”
The day was not only for the graduates, as Chair of Knox College Board of Trustees John Lawler ’88 also showed appreciation for those who helped the newest Prairie Fire alums.
“On behalf of the Board let me express our gratitude to the faculty of the College,” Lawler said. “They are not merely instructors; they are the stewards of our mission, the very soul of this institution. Their tireless dedication, commitment to truth, and willingness to challenge and inspire are essential to the success we celebrate here today.”
An example of one such faculty member was Burkhardt Distinguished Associate Professor of History Konrad Hamilton, who was awarded the 2025 Presidential Award for Faculty Excellence.
After the students were presented for degrees by Provost and Dean of the College Michael A. Schneider, President McGadney awarded degrees to the new graduates on behalf of the Board of Trustees. Those assembled expressed their pride, jubilation, and all-out relief with applause, cheers, and yells signaling the end of one journey and the beginning of the next.
Knox President C. Andrew McGadney reminded graduates of the obstacles they overcame and to always keep a spot in their hearts and minds for their alma mater.
“Graduates, many of us started our Knox journey together in 2021, and I will remember your class fondly as we navigated a new environment coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic,” President McGadney said. “You have left your mark on Knox, and all of us, in ways that few classes before you have done. You persevered, you challenged us and each other, you stepped into the unknown, sometimes with hesitation, and emerged on the other side, confident and strong.”
The day was not only for the graduates, as Chair of Knox College Board of Trustees John Lawler ’88 also showed appreciation for those who helped the newest Prairie Fire alums.
“On behalf of the Board let me express our gratitude to the faculty of the College,” Lawler said. “They are not merely instructors; they are the stewards of our mission, the very soul of this institution. Their tireless dedication, commitment to truth, and willingness to challenge and inspire are essential to the success we celebrate here today.”
An example of one such faculty member was Burkhardt Distinguished Associate Professor of History Konrad Hamilton, who was awarded the 2025 Presidential Award for Faculty Excellence.
After the students were presented for degrees by Provost and Dean of the College Michael A. Schneider, President McGadney awarded degrees to the new graduates on behalf of the Board of Trustees. Those assembled expressed their pride, jubilation, and all-out relief with applause, cheers, and yells signaling the end of one journey and the beginning of the next.
Published on June 08, 2025
Scott Holland, Office of Communications
