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Knox Alumni Achievement and Service Awards Presented at Homecoming Convocation

by Knox College Office of Communications

Galesburg, IL (10/21/2025) — During the Homecoming Convocation, Knox honored a trio of alumni. The College presented three awards recognizing extraordinary service, professional excellence, and emerging leadership within the Knox community.

This year's recipients were Kathy St. Cyr '68, who received the Knox Service Award; Martin Reichel '71, recognized with the Knox Alumni Achievement Award; and Max Potthoff '14, honored with the Knox Young Alumni Achievement Award.

"Our award winners have carried the Knox spirit into the world. They have influenced industries, communities, and lives in ways that make Knox proud," said Chair of the Alumni Council Kathryn Mahaffey '78. "Each of us carries a piece of this institution wherever we go. We bring its values, its lessons, and its spirit into the world. Together, we form a network that extends far beyond its walls-a community of thinkers, doers, leaders, and lifelong learners."

The Knox Service Award, established in 1987, recognizes any member of the Knox community for outstanding volunteer service benefiting Knox College. After graduating, Kathy St. Cyr worked in marketing information and new project development with Frito-Lay. She was also a dedicated Knox supporter, volunteering with College admissions and serving as the Dallas Knox Club contact. She acted as a class agent, a member of the Knox Steering Committee, and co-chaired her 50th and 55th Reunions. She is a member of the Old Main Society and the Lincoln-Douglas Society. She also established the Kathy St. Cyr Scholarship Fund.

"I credit Knox as being the second-most important decision I ever made in my life," St. Cyr said, adding that marrying her husband is first. "It started me on many, many paths. The education was wonderful, and the education outside of the classroom was also meaningful.

"I am deeply honored for this and thank all of you for the recognition and support I've always received my entire time as part of the Knox family."

The Alumni Achievement Award recognizes alumni for significant achievements and contributions to their profession and community, and for leadership, innovation, and life's work that represent the mission and values of Knox.

Martin Reichel made his impact closer to campus, serving as the leader of the Galesburg Rotary Club. He was a member of the Galesburg Library Board of Trustees, serving as president and treasurer. He played an integral part in the building of the new Galesburg Public Library, serving as construction manager.

"For Commencement, our speaker was Governor Pritzker, who had this advice for the students attending Knox: 'The main thing for success is to show up.' That's what I tried to do all my life," Reichel said.

The Young Alumni Achievement Award honors early-career graduates whose accomplishments and leadership reflect the promise of Knox's liberal arts education. Max Potthoff currently serves as U.S. Sustainability Manager for McDonald's Corporation, where he advances regenerative agriculture, manages a renewable energy portfolio, and leads climate strategy for restaurants nationwide. Potthoff volunteered for his Class of 2014 Reunion, helping to organize a memorable 10-year celebration that strengthened bonds among classmates and built lasting connections with Knox.

"One of the things Knox taught me was not every idea is a good one, but being in a place where your ideas are taken seriously and you have the freedom to explore, that's where education and learning happen," he said. "As a young person, when your ideas are taken seriously, that confidence metastasizes and that confidence sticks with you. Thank you to everybody at Knox who invested in me; it truly is a pleasure to be back, and I'm grateful for this honor."

Before concluding, Mahaffey had one more piece of advice-not just for the alumni gathered, but for future alumni and all associated with Knox College: "As you reflect on your time here, I encourage you to consider how you can continue to engage with Knox and the next generation," Mahaffey said. "You might do this through mentoring students, philanthropy, attending events, or simply sharing your stories. We hope you stay in touch because your involvement truly makes a difference."

Media Attachments

President C. Andrew McGadney with this year’s recipients: Kathy St. Cyr ’68 (Knox Service Award), Martin Reichel ’71, (Knox Alumni Achievement Award), and Max Potthoff ’14, (nox Young Alumni Achievement Award).

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