Knox College Welcomes New Students

The second-largest class of new students in 40 years moves into residence halls and begin orientation at Knox College on Saturday, September 4.

Photos: Flanked by plaques of Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas and below a replica of the "Knox for Lincoln" banner displayed at the 1858 Lincoln-Douglas debate at Knox, President Roger Taylor (above) and Vice President Lawrence Breitborde (right) address new students and families outside Old Main. Photos from September 2009.

First-year and transfer students total an estimated 407 from the United States and 21 other countries. Knox's final enrollment, including upperclass students who return on Tuesday, will be calculated at the end of the second week of classes.

The 2010-2011 academic yearinformally opens with the all-campus Pumphandle celebration on Thursday, September 9. The 2010 Opening Convocation and the first day of classes are on Friday, September 10. The convocation is free and open to the public at 11 a.m., Friday, September 10. Former Wisconsin Governor and former Secretary of Health and Human Services Tommy Thompson will give the Opening Convocation address.

Photos: Right, father and student move necessities into a residence hall; below, current students and staff help new students with the heavy lifting.

Highlights of the entering class include geographic diversity -- 12% of the class are from 21 countries outside the United States, and 13 states are represented by at least five students. Strong academic performance is shown on several dimensions, with 43% of entering students graduating in the top 10% of their high school class. Knox does not require standardized tests for admission, but many students report scores -- this year's entering class reported mid-50% scores of 26 to 31 on the ACT and 1140 to 1410 on the SAT.

This year's entering class also features 160 students who have participated in significant volunteer community service; 128 varsity athletes and 54 team captains; 15 National Merit Commended Scholars and 5 National Merit Scholars.

The admission office surveyed incoming students about their academic interests -- the top five are English, psychology, biology, history and pre-medicine.

Founded in 1837, Knox is a national liberal arts college in Galesburg, Illinois, with students from 45 states and 48 countries. Knox's "Old Main" is a National Historic Landmark and the only building remaining from the 1858 Lincoln-Douglas debates.

Snapshot of the Entering Class, September 2010:

(All figures estimated as of Aug 31, 2010 and include first-year and transfer students except as noted.)