President Julie Kornfeld congratulated new students on becoming full-fledged members of the Kenyon community.
A bicentennial edition of Founders’ Day welcomed new students into the fold, honored dedicated faculty and bridged the present and past with a special keynote speaker — a descendant of the College’s namesake.
Alexander Tyrell-Kenyon, Eighth Lord Kenyon, continued a family tradition of speaking at celebratory events in the history of the College that began with his great-grandfather’s participation in Kenyon’s centennial observance in 1924.
Accompanied to campus by his mother, Lady Sally Kenyon, he offered a keynote address that offered reflections, advice and praise for the campus community. His ancestor, George Kenyon, Second Lord Kenyon, was one of the earliest benefactors of the College.
“I am so proud that my family name is spoken with respect and reverence with regard to this College, and I hope that each and every one of you here today feels the same pride for being part of this great establishment and community,” he said.
Founders’ Day highlights the contributions of all who have supported the College since it was founded by Bishop Philander Chase in 1824, from faculty and staff to students and alumni.
President Julie Kornfeld used the occasion to call attention to those over the years who have supported the College with their generosity, from those — like Lord Kenyon — who donated to Chase’s academic venture in the Ohio wilderness two centuries ago to more recent contributors.
“Philanthropy played a vital role in Kenyon’s founding, its current operations, and sets the foundation for our third century,” she said. “This year, we have seen a powerful affirmation of this with the culmination of the Our Path Forward to the Bicentennial campaign. Nearly 23,000 people — including more than 12,000 alumni who participated in their own Founders’ Day convocations — combined to give more than $532 million to Kenyon!“
Her remarks followed a processional down Middle Path that brought faculty, trustees and administrators wearing full regalia into Rosse Hall. There, the main business of the day was to officially welcome new students as full members of the undergraduate community.
“Founders’ Day is the final milestone as our community’s newest members transform into full-fledged Kenyon students,” Kornfeld said.
Vice President for Student Affairs Celestino Limas led members of the Class of 2028 and transfer students in the Rite of Matriculation during which they vowed to devote themselves to a set of shared values, including “mutual respect, inclusive citizenship, spirited inquiry and intellectual integrity.”
A number of awards were announced during the ceremony. These included three faculty members receiving the newly renamed Kenyon Medal for Dedication to Teaching, Scholarship, and Service as they celebrated 25 years of teaching at the College:
-
Marcella Hackbardt, professor of art;
-
Karen Hicks, Peter Rutkoff Distinguished Professor in Diversity and Inclusion, and professor of biology; and
-
Marla Kohlman, professor of sociology.
Three individuals also received the Middle Path Medals, recognizing those who have made significant contributions to the Kenyon, Gambier or Knox County communities through volunteer or job-related activities. This year’s honorees were:
-
Joel Gunderson and Margaret Lewis, restaurateurs who established Middle Ground and helped renovate and reopen the Village Inn; and
-
Liz Keeney, a retired staff member who served the College in a number of capacities, including as dean of academic advising and associate director of student accessibility and support services.
The Faculty Advising Award — honoring a tenured faculty member who has shown dedication, commitment and energy to academic advising for students — was given to Glenn McNair, professor of history.
The Rev. Richard A. Burnett, general secretary of the Colleges and Universities of the Anglican Communion, of which Kenyon was an originating member, offered a few words and a certificate in honor of the College’s bicentennial.
Then, following an acknowledgement of campus community members who died in the past year and a rousing version of “Kokosing Farewell” led by the Chamber Singers to close the convocation, Kornfeld joined students from the Class of 2028 on the north side of Rosse Hall in a tree-planting ceremony. The Red Sunset Red Maple tree — which will be named Chlorophyllander Chase — will serve as the group’s inaugural gift to the College.
“Just as this tree grows, so will you,” Kornfeld said. “My hope is that an important part of that growth — intellectually, socially and emotionally — will happen right here on this campus as you navigate new friends and classmates, challenging coursework and exciting opportunities.”
Afterward, new students were invited to sign the Matriculation Book in the Norton Room of Ransom Hall. Since 1841, all Kenyon students have been able to add their names to the three-volume book.
This year, the whole day was full of special activities in honor of the occasion. In the morning, students were treated to free donuts and hot cider on the Advancement Center porch, and the Class of 2028 gathered for a “bagelpalooza” in Peirce Hall before walking to the main ceremony together. Later, there was a walking tour of Latin and Greek inscriptions around campus and cake and cupcakes in Peirce to cap off the celebration.
Browse the gallery below, and view more photos from the celebration.
