Famous Alumni
This 1971 Knox graduate's accolades include appearing on The Colbert Report, serving in the administration of President Bill Clinton, and running Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's 2016 presidential campaign.
Who is John Podesta?
Since 1982, Knox's international students have come together to plan this spectacular event for the Knox and Galesburg communities to share their nation's culture, history, and--of course!--food.
What is International Fair?
This long-serving Knox psychology professor, and his unique research, has been featured in over 1000 popular print and internet outlets, as well as several national and local news stations.
Who is Frank McAndrew?
Erected in 2017, this building is the newest addition to Knox's campus and has won architectural awards for its cutting-edge, environmentally-conscious design.
What is the Whitcomb Arts Center?
Often considered to be the city's founder, Galesburg gets its name from this Presbyterian (Christian) minister who also helped draw up the original plans for founding Knox Manual Labor College.
Who is George Washington Gale?
After graduating from Knox College in 2002, this student quickly became one of India's most famous English-speaking stand-up comedians, and his acting credits include BadMaash Company; Delhi Belly; Go, Goa, Gone; and Revolver Rani.
Who is Vir Das?
Held twice a year--once at the year's beginning and once at its end--this beloved Knox tradition involves every professor, employee, and student of the College, as well as handshakes, hand sanitizer, and two very, very long lines of people.
What is Pumphandle?
This $2,000 award is guaranteed to every junior and senior at Knox to help them fund research, study abroad, internships, or other experiential learning opportunities.
What is the Power of Experience Grant?
The last standing site of the original Lincoln-Douglas Debates in 1858, this well-loved Knox building features a view of the south lawn, its original set of stairs, and a secret door.
What is Old Main?
Giving its name to Galesburg's Historic Shopping District, this downtown street hosts several of Galesburg's finest small businesses, including student favorites Baked Pizza and Cornucopia Natural Grocery.
What is Seminary Street?
This Iraqi Knox alumnus, who graduated in 1951, is credited with establishing Knox's Honor Code and later served as the President to the United Nations General Assembly.
Who is Ismat Kittani?
Once a year at Green Oaks Biological Field Station, Knox faculty and students get together for this tradition that helps reset and preserve the 700-acre restored prairie site.
What is the Prairie Burn?
This immersion term brings groups of 4 students together under the mentorship of faculty to work in an office building downtown each day, in place of going to class.
What is StartUp Term?
"Born" in 2016, this recent addition to the Knox family might be found at sporting events, open houses, or--occasionally!--wandering around campus.
Who is Blaze the Fox?
Born in Galesburg, Illinois, this 3-time Pulitzer Prize winning poet is featured in statues and busts around Galesburg and gives his name to the local community college.
Who is Carl Sandburg?
Who is Barnabas Root?
Celebrated in the spring of each year, this Knox tradition began as a student protest against having no vacation days in the College's 10-week Spring Term, and has since become an officially sanctioned annual celebration.
What is Flunk Day?
This academic program in the humanities at Knox has won several awards, is often considered to be in the top three programs of its kind in the United States, and places students in careers as diverse as publishing, teaching, law, and news broadcasting.
What is creative writing?
This genre of music is well-beloved at Knox, and brings students, staff, faculty, and local residents together every Thursday night to listen to a live band perform.
What is jazz?
Students who remain in Galesburg over the summer might find themselves participating in this annual festival that combines rides, music, games, fried food, and history.
What is Railroad Days?
This 2019 Knox alumna is famous on TikTok for her irreverent humor and for raising awareness about her unique form of blindness.
Who is Natasha Caudill?
Once a beloved pastime, this wintery Knox tradition was laid to rest after Knox retired its use of large food trays in its cafeteria.
What is sledding down Knosher Bowl?
This Knox College professor and alumna is known for her numerous tattoos, membership in a punk band, and expertise in formation and evolution of galaxies beyond the Milky Way Galaxy.
Who is Nathalie Haurberg?
Known for its Red Room, student offices, and stacks, this Knox building is a favorite for students seeking a quiet place to study.
What is Seymour Library?
This Galesburg invention can be found at Chicago's Navy Pier, Tokyo Dome City, the Las Vegas Strip, and Kalindi Kunj in New Delhi--among countless other locations.
What is the Ferris Wheel?