From announcing a transformational $75 million gift to celebrating the release of a new novel by John Green ’00, Kenyon enjoyed a memorable 2017. Here are the top-10 most read articles published on Kenyon.edu in the past year.
10. Highest Honors, Apr. 11, 2017
At Kenyon’s annual Honors Day ceremony, faculty, staff, students and community members were recognized for their contributions to life on the Hill. Honorees for 2017 included Professor of Spanish Clara Román-Odio and Assistant Professor of Political Science Jacqueline McAllister, as well as Anderson Cup winner Sam Clougher ’17.
9. Kenyon Review Editors’ Picks, June 12, 2017
Web surfers looking for a hot read were eager to click on the Kenyon Review’s list of summertime book recommendations. From light beach reads to weighty tomes, the Review suggested something for everyone.
8. Taking the Stage, May 16, 2017
Star basketball coach Shaka Smart ’99 H’17 captivated the audience at Kenyon’s 189th Commencement ceremony in May. “Today, more than ever, the world you’re inheriting needs you to choose a path that makes you come alive and follow it unapologetically,” Smart said to the graduating seniors. “You won’t regret it.”
7. Radiant Autumn, Nov. 1, 2017
Nothing says “Kenyon” like colorful leaves drifting through cool, crisp air and crunching underfoot. Our collection of 2017’s most beautiful autumn photos is living proof.
6. Kenyon Mourns Professor Emeritus Roy Wortman, July 26, 2017
Roy T. Wortman H’05, a longtime member of Kenyon’s history faculty, died Sunday, July 23, at the age of 76. “Roy was one of my heroes,” said James R. Pierce Jr.’78. “I treasure my decades-long relationship with him. He epitomized everything wonderful about the liberal arts experience, and indeed, our great country.”
5. Welcoming 2021, Aug. 22, 2017
Just months after bidding adieu to the Class of 2017, Kenyon eagerly welcomed the Class of 2021 to Gambier. Bread bakers, Eagle Scouts, award-winning writers and virtuosos of innumerable musical instruments numbered among the 460 new students.
4. Wright Center Opens Doors, Jan. 23, 2017
Kenyon kicked off 2017 by opening its first academic building outside of Gambier. The Wright Center, located in downtown Mount Vernon, provides a new home for film classes while also increasing community connections and housing the Office for Community Partnerships.
3. Kenyon Mourns Amy Blumenthal, May 31, 2017
Amy Blumenthal, remembered as a devoted teacher, a talented writer and an astute editor, died on May 27 at the age of 61. The wife of Professor of English Sergei Lobanov-Rostovsky, Blumenthal served in Kenyon’s English department and Office of Public Affairs.
2. Turtles All the Way Down, June 30, 2017
What does “Turtles All the Way Down” even mean? That was the question everyone was asking after the announcement of the latest work by John Green ’00 H’16. Professors from Kenyon’s mathematics and philosophy departments did their best to shed light on the title prior to the novel’s Oct. 10 release.
1. Transformational Gift, Sept. 15, 2017
Shortly after the beginning of fall semester, members of the Kenyon community packed Rosse Hall to hear the details of a mysterious special announcement. The audience erupted in applause as President Sean Decatur announced a gift of $75 million, the largest donation in Kenyon history, that will help fund the development of a revolutionary new West Quad.