More than 50 members of the Knox community gathered at Creative Artists Agency (CAA) for Venture Boldly Los Angeles on Thursday, April 24.
The festive night of reconnection, conversation, and celebration began with a warm welcome from Caitlin Muelder ’96, recipient of the 2006 Young Alumni Achievement Award. “We are here at CAA, of course, thanks to the late Tony Etz (’83). . . . I actually first met Tony Etz, as a toddler, when my sister and I lived with our parents Owen and Susan “Laurie” Muelder (both Knox Class of 1963), when they were head residents [at Knox]. Many years later when I was transitioning from acting to writing, I reconnected with Tony, who took me under his wing (artistically and professionally) and, in true Knox fashion, provided solid grounding that made me feel brave enough to ‘venture boldly’ into a new career path.”
Anne Thomason, director of Seymour Library, captured the imagination of attendees by sharing a vision for a 21st-century Seymour Library, one that will “improve the humanity” of the beloved and historic library. She emphasized the significance of Seymour Library being at the center of campus, connecting all parts of the Knox experience, and serving as the hub for collaboration and connection. Thomason also highlighted the need to make Seymour Library more accessible throughout, including at the east entrance and restrooms, circulation desk, and the elevator on the interior. She assured guests that the second-floor circular staircase will not go away, to the relief of the alumni in the audience.
“How do you take a great college and make it even better,” President C. Andrew McGadney asked after taking the stage, noting that it takes strategic investments, the ability to think and act boldly, and the launch of the largest campaign in Knox history, Venture Boldly. He shared how the power of investing can change lives and shared his vision for the College’s future growth, including new investments in student and faculty success and the establishment of the Etz Family Institute for Civic Leadership and Dialogue by Tony Etz ’83 and Nancy Etz. President McGadney also encouraged guests to share their passion for Knox by volunteering, being an ambassador, attending events, and giving.
After the traditional singing of the Knox Hymn, attendees closed out the evening with community and conversation. See photos in the Venture Boldly Los Angeles album on Knox College’s Flickr page.
Venture Boldly Los Angeles was the last stop on the domestic Venture Boldly tour before returning to Galesburg on Friday, May 2, with a grand return to Knox and Galesburg.