Many Paths: Galesburg and Knox College are the offspring of the same father | Opinion

I recently attended a wonderful Knox College event on May 2 that was open to all. 

It was a celebration that concluded the college's “Venture Boldly” campaign which is to ensure that Knox College continues to grow and innovate. 

Venture Boldly started as a national outreach occurring in major U.S. cities and culminated in Galesburg with an open invitation to Knox employees, students, alumni, Galesburg/County residents, and Knox trustee members. 

Everyone there was treated to food, beverages, some speeches, music, a fantastic drone show and a live energetic band till late evening. All this was free for any that wanted to attend. 

Earlier in the day, a kickoff meeting at the library was well represented by members of Knox College, the city of Galesburg, and residents. 

Both events solidified that there is continued significant outreach by the college to make it known that the college is part of our community. And the truth of it all is this: Galesburg and Knox College are the offspring of the same father. 

The history of Knox and Galesburg speaks to that statement. George Washington Gale came to the prairie to establish a manual labor college. 

The idea of a manual labor college takes its historical roots from the movement that started in 1825. The focus was to offer college education to students that were willing to do some manual labor, usually agricultural or mechanical, which in turn supplemented the college education. 

The manual labor model was to make higher education much more available to potential students that did not have the financial ability to attend college. 

Gale’s approach was sold to investors and then he went “west” and found a spot to create his college. Gale’s intent was to always establish a college and a community so that both would coexist to fully support each other.

So, in 1837, land was purchased for the creation of the town and the college. One needs to fully appreciate the principles that the College and community were founded upon: Christian beliefs, anti-slavery, rights for women and adherence to ideas of obtaining a higher education coupled with manual labor. 

While growing up in Galesburg, I never gave much thought to Knox College until I was able to cruise the “L” on Friday and Saturday nights (drive up and down Main and Henderson streets). That increased transportation freedom led to going out on high school dates. 

Toward the end of the evening, I would drive to the campus. My date and I would then take a slow walk on campus because of its tranquil beauty. I envisioned that I would eventually go to college and Knox exuded the atmosphere that I assumed I would eventually immerse myself in. 

Years later, in the mid-1970s, after going to college and coming home for various breaks, it was apparent at that time that Knox was more of an island to itself. 

“Knoxies” and “Townies” did not mix except at the local hot bar on Cherry Street. 

It was not overtly hostile, but the vibe was there. And to an extent, an increased vibe of disdain continues to exist by some of the area’s residents. 

That was evident by the local social media clatter when current Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker was announced to be the keynote speaker at the upcoming Knox graduation. Yes, charged partisan politics was on full display and I found it disheartening and counterproductive. 

The college for many years has continued to be one of the sustainable factors to improve our community standard.  Many local area residents lament Galesburg’s economic outlook and yet fail to understand just how much the college financially supports the community. 

The most recent study from 2018-2019 showed that Knox “Employs 502 full-time and part-time employees. 121 are full-time faculty; 38 are part-time faculty. That’s an annual payroll of more than $24.5 million, plus benefits.

Nearly 83% of all employees live here in the Galesburg area. That does not include the number of students who live, work, and spend dollars in Galesburg plus out of town visitors that attend various Knox events. Also, there is money generated for local area contracted vendors.

Knox college enrollment last year grew despite many of the other local colleges that have witnessed lower student numbers. Knox College reaches out to the community with its charitable works like “Blessings in a Backpack.” 

Look – Galesburg is Knox and Knox is Galesburg. Mayor Peter Schwartzman emotionally expressed his feelings at the end of the May 5 City Council meeting saying, “it takes the community to assist in anything that we want to do and I’m beginning to see coalescence of concern around important issues ..."

It does take a community of understanding and compassion to continue to build on what we have. We are fortunate to have Knox College. 

Stephen Podwojski is a retired, well-traveled former hotel consultant and training specialist.  He was also a long time original member of the Register Mail Community Roundtable.