Around 200 students will walk across the stage on the South Lawn of Old Main on the Knox College campus this Sunday, June 7th during the 2026 Commencement ceremony. President Dr. C. Andrew McGadney shares this year’s speaker and two additional individuals receiving honorary degrees:
“This is coming home for Justin Hartley and we are delighted to have him speak and have him here. It is an opportunity to highlight individuals that are in the arts. At the end of the day, that is something we do well at Knox College and have done that over lots of years. Being able to honor someone that has been so passionate in the TV business, this is another one of his shows, and we are excited to have Justin here,” says Dr. McGadney.
“I will start with Dorothy Tucker, award-winning investigative journalist. Having and being able to recognize an individual that has been so committed to getting news and information out, bringing people together, and asking tough questions, I think that is one of the things that we were really excited about having her come and share. Deborah Rutter is another art executive and cultural leader. When you think about being a president of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in 2014 to 2025, when you talk about leading into the arts, someone that is passionate deeply, we thought wouldn’t it be wonderful to recognize her,” Dr. McGadney adds.
Knox College’s Commencement will begin at 10 am Sunday, June 7th, which is free and open to the public.
