On Friday, June 12, 45 members of the Knox community assembled at the Sunset Ridge Country Club in Northfield, Illinois for an evening of connection, reminiscence, and conversation. The event, Leadership through the Liberal Arts: The Power of Athletics, was part of Knox’s Venture Boldly On the Road events. Joined by key members of Knox’s athletic staff, the gathering focused on why a purpose-driven, challenging liberal arts education—acquired in part through athletics—remains essential.
Kicking off the program, Justin Newell, vice president and director of athletics, welcomed attendees and set the stage for a night rooted in shared experiences and celebration. Newell emphasized the importance of Knox’s approach to liberal arts education and the crucial role of athletics in complementing and bolstering academics. He also stressed the importance of athletic-academic partnerships in Division III sports and Knox, in particular. From there, a distinguished panel of alumni athletes added their thoughts.
Randy Oberembt ’76, former head coach of Knox football from 1985-1996, recalled his personal experiences as both a coach and player in athletics. He emphasized the distinctive role that athletics played in the liberal arts experience at Knox, and how Knox’s approach challenged students to think deeply and act boldly, on and off the field.
Laura Rosene ’90, trustee emerita, spoke to her own athletics experience, reflecting on how her Knox experience shaped her career, underscoring the lifetime impact of academic and athletic commitment working in tandem. Rosene, like the rest of her fellow panel speakers, shared stories of her time in Knox athletics, building a warm atmosphere of nostalgia and camaraderie.
Provost and Dean of the Faculty Melissa Glenn rounded out the panel by speaking about the integration of athletics and academics, and the value of challenge in creating experiences that are rigorous, intentional, and transformative for student athletes.
Across the lively Q&A session, common themes emerged; the role of athletics being an integral part of the Knox learning experience, a focus on long-term personal development for athletes beyond simple win-loss ratios, and the value of teamwork, resilience, adaptability, and accountability in sports, academics, and life. Each panel speaker talked at length about how their athletics experiences had shaped their personal journeys and how they are looking ahead with positivity about the future of Knox College.
Venture Boldly, Knox’s $175 million comprehensive campaign, is driving strategic growth, enriching the student experience, and spurring investment in our community.
