Knox Traditions - Campus Life - Knox College
Source: https://www.knox.edu/campus-life/traditions
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:18
Knox Traditions - Campus Life - Knox College
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Knox Traditions
These are the things you’ll remember long after you’ve forgotten how to conjugate the subjunctive tense.
Visit Knox
Explore Campus
Living at Knox
Living in Galesburg
Knox Traditions
Pumphandle History
Bronze Turkey Football Game
First-Year Experience
Living Learning Communities
Campus Safety
Student Organizations
Health & Wellness
Student Resources & Support
Airport Shuttle Information
Explore Campus
Important Dates
101 Fun Things to Do as a Knox Student
Take a Virtual Tour
College is serious business (most of the time).
Most of Knox’s traditions began because a student got a wacky idea, and it proved to be so much fun that it stuck—hard in some cases. (Even a global pandemic couldn’t stop Pumphandle, though we did invent some new socially distanced ways to greet each other.)
Campus Traditions
Pumphandle History
You’ll kick off the fall term every year at Pumphandle, a Knox tradition where every student, faculty, and staff member shakes hands with everyone else–starting with the president. People wear costumes, make signs, and perform occasionally elaborate handshakes.
Learn about Pumphandle
Bronze Turkey Football Game
It’s one of the oldest football rivalries in the U.S. Since 1888, Knox has played rival Monmouth College for the coveted Bronze Turkey. (Yes, there is an actual bronze turkey statue that goes to the victors.) Over the years, mascots have been kidnapped, the trophy has been stolen, and college presidents have made bets over the outcome.
Learn about the Bronze Turkey
International Fair
Food, culture, and entertainment from around the world take center stage at our annual International Fair, a celebration of diversity. I-Fair is a chance for students from around the world to highlight their culture with arts and crafts, live dance and music performances, and unique cuisine.
Learn about I-Fair
Knox Students Hit the Beach for 2025 Flunk Day
Knox College Students Celebrate Flunk Day
Read about the last Flunk Day
Boogie by the Bay on Flunk Day!
There’s no way to capture the madness of the typical Flunk Day in one short video, but we tried!
Watch Here
Our Students' Favorite Traditions
This event is one of the reasons I look forward to the winter term. It’s such a fun and meaningful tradition, and I appreciate how it brings people together to celebrate all the diverse cultures that are part of the College.
Meher Khan
International Fair
The fact that every person shakes hands with each other, starting with the president, highlights Knox's commitment to personal connections and inclusivity.
Etienne Thomas
Pumphandle
I’m excited to perform because we put in a lot of effort . . . We are making street-style Indian chaat. We want to make sure everyone experiences the culture.
Ashel Dsouza
International Fair
“I saw those first seniors come out for Friars, and I was like ‘Everyone’s excited! This is going to rule!’”
Sarah Wallenfelsz
Flunk Day
test
Apr
23
7:00PM
Smokin’ Willies BBQ (161 N Cherry St)
Jazz Night
Event Details
Apr
24
12:00PM
Borzello Gallery, Ford Center for the Fine Arts
Unsettled Ground: Eugene Ofori Agyei
Event Details
Apr
23
6:30PM
Smokin’ Willies BBQ (161 N Cherry St)
Knox Jazz Ensemble and Sherrard HS at Jazz Night
Event Details
Skip to Main Content
Knox Traditions
These are the things you’ll remember long after you’ve forgotten how to conjugate the subjunctive tense.
Visit Knox
Explore Campus
Living at Knox
Living in Galesburg
Knox Traditions
Pumphandle History
Bronze Turkey Football Game
First-Year Experience
Living Learning Communities
Campus Safety
Student Organizations
Health & Wellness
Student Resources & Support
Airport Shuttle Information
Explore Campus
Important Dates
101 Fun Things to Do as a Knox Student
Take a Virtual Tour
College is serious business (most of the time).
Most of Knox’s traditions began because a student got a wacky idea, and it proved to be so much fun that it stuck—hard in some cases. (Even a global pandemic couldn’t stop Pumphandle, though we did invent some new socially distanced ways to greet each other.)
Campus Traditions
Pumphandle History
You’ll kick off the fall term every year at Pumphandle, a Knox tradition where every student, faculty, and staff member shakes hands with everyone else–starting with the president. People wear costumes, make signs, and perform occasionally elaborate handshakes.
Learn about Pumphandle
Bronze Turkey Football Game
It’s one of the oldest football rivalries in the U.S. Since 1888, Knox has played rival Monmouth College for the coveted Bronze Turkey. (Yes, there is an actual bronze turkey statue that goes to the victors.) Over the years, mascots have been kidnapped, the trophy has been stolen, and college presidents have made bets over the outcome.
Learn about the Bronze Turkey
International Fair
Food, culture, and entertainment from around the world take center stage at our annual International Fair, a celebration of diversity. I-Fair is a chance for students from around the world to highlight their culture with arts and crafts, live dance and music performances, and unique cuisine.
Learn about I-Fair
Knox Students Hit the Beach for 2025 Flunk Day
Knox College Students Celebrate Flunk Day
Read about the last Flunk Day
Boogie by the Bay on Flunk Day!
There’s no way to capture the madness of the typical Flunk Day in one short video, but we tried!
Watch Here
Our Students' Favorite Traditions
This event is one of the reasons I look forward to the winter term. It’s such a fun and meaningful tradition, and I appreciate how it brings people together to celebrate all the diverse cultures that are part of the College.
Meher Khan
International Fair
The fact that every person shakes hands with each other, starting with the president, highlights Knox's commitment to personal connections and inclusivity.
Etienne Thomas
Pumphandle
I’m excited to perform because we put in a lot of effort . . . We are making street-style Indian chaat. We want to make sure everyone experiences the culture.
Ashel Dsouza
International Fair
“I saw those first seniors come out for Friars, and I was like ‘Everyone’s excited! This is going to rule!’”
Sarah Wallenfelsz
Flunk Day
test
Apr
23
7:00PM
Smokin’ Willies BBQ (161 N Cherry St)
Jazz Night
Event Details
Apr
24
12:00PM
Borzello Gallery, Ford Center for the Fine Arts
Unsettled Ground: Eugene Ofori Agyei
Event Details
Apr
23
6:30PM
Smokin’ Willies BBQ (161 N Cherry St)
Knox Jazz Ensemble and Sherrard HS at Jazz Night
Event Details