The 43rd governor of Illinois will be the speaker at Knox College’s commencement in June.
Gov. JB Pritzker will also receive an honorary degree from Knox, the college announced on Friday.
“It is an honor to welcome Illinois’ Governor, JB Pritzker, as our Commencement speaker this June,” said President C. Andrew McGadney, in an announcement posted on the college’s website. “His commitment to public service and educational access, as well as his understanding of the importance of difficult dialogues to make positive change, align directly with Knox’s mission and values.”
Pritzker, a Democrat, is serving his second term.
Political leaders including President Bill Clinton, Secretary of State Madeline Albright, and then State Senator Barack Obama have spoken at previous Knox commencement ceremonies.
Knox College also announced other honorary degree recipients who will be honored during this year’s commencement — renowned Chicago artist and professor Theaster Gates and Knox College honorary trustee and longtime supporter Mary Kent Knight.
More information about the honorary degree recipients is available here.
Knox College’s 2025 commencement is at 10 a.m. Sunday, June 8.
