Highlights from on and off the Hill

2020

The Kenyon campus shifts to remote operations in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Students do not return to campus after spring break, and classes are taught online. In the fall, only first-years and sophomores return to study on campus. In the spring, seniors, juniors and sophomores are in residence while first-years take classes remotely.

2021

The College announces a $100 million gift that allows for the continuation of the Our Path Forward campaign to the bicentennial, along with new apartment-style residence halls on South Campus, following a comprehensive student housing study.

2022

The fall semester begins with President Sean Decatur on sabbatical and Provost Jeff Bowman serving as acting president. Bowman’s temporary tenure at the top is extended when Decatur announces his departure, to take the helm of the American Museum of Natural History in New York City. 

Kenyon holds two Commencement ceremonies — investigative journalist Sheila Coronel speaks to the Class of 2022, and television producer Samie Kim Falvey ’96 delivers a make-up address to the Class of 2020.

2023

The College’s art gallery rebrands as The Gund and celebrates the September opening of The Annex, a new location dedicated to art education in downtown Mount Vernon.

In June, Julie Kornfeld — an epidemiologist and vice provost for academic programs at Columbia University — is announced as Kenyon’s 20th president. She takes office in October and is inaugurated on April 13, 2024.

Climate activist and attorney Colette Pichon Battle ’97 H’18 delivers the 195th Commencement address on May 20.

2024

On Oct. 24, Founders’ Day celebrates two centuries of contributions to the College. Alexander Tyrell-Kenyon, Eighth Lord Kenyon — accompanied by his mother, Lady Sally Kenyon (pictured) — delivers the keynote address, continuing a family tradition: his great-grandfather participated in the College’s centennial observance in 1924. His ancestor George Kenyon, Second Lord Kenyon, was one of the earliest benefactors of the College. “I am so proud that my family name is spoken with respect and reverence with regard to this College,” he says.

The full bicentennial year includes Reunion Weekend (May 23-26), a parade on Middle Path, a block party on the South Quad, an alumni Kokosingers concert, and a Bicentennial Soiree. President Kornfeld announces the Our Path Forward campaign has reached $532 million — contributed by nearly 23,000 people, including more than 12,000 alumni.

The Kenyon women’s swimming and diving team wins its 25th NCAA Division III national title in March — its second championship in three years — edging rival Denison 448-430 in Greensboro, N.C. The 25th title extends Kenyon’s record as the winningest program in any sport across all three NCAA divisions.

Thomas Hall (pictured above), the first of two new South Quad residence halls, takes shape (and opens January 2025). Bexley Hall undergoes renovation to house 40 students in suites. 

A roundabout is constructed at the main entrance to Gambier.

2025

Author Jacqueline Woodson speaks at the 197th Commencement, offering the following advice to the new graduates: “Do what you love, and find a way to have it be the thing to get you through life.“

I Was There: Park Penrod ’25

Some of you may remember the football team at folding tables outside Peirce Hall, promoting a cheek swab to enter the national marrow registry. As we shouted “60 seconds to save a life” — a slogan created by Coach Corey Headley — I thought, “I’ll never get selected.” I laugh looking back: as I encouraged everyone else to sign up, I never believed my number would be called.

It was a blessing to go through with the donation and potentially help save someone’s life. The National Marrow Donor Program and Gift of Life Marrow Registry were stand-up organizations; everyone I spoke with had a genuine motive of making my experience as seamless as possible.

The recovery was short — I returned to normal about a day after. The donation itself was akin to having an IV in each arm and sitting in a reclined chair for 2.5 hours. They offered every accommodation possible and even ordered me a meal from The Cheesecake Factory.

I gained a real sense of selflessness through the process. The personal challenges I faced — blood draws and bone aches from pre-donation medication — were insignificant compared to what my recipient has battled their entire life. It put into perspective how fortunate I am to have my health. The donation — stem cells that traveled to Italy — helped save the life of a young woman battling leukemia.

Park Penrod ’25, the Kenyon football team’s quarterback, in action.

Photography courtesy of Park Penrod ’25 and the Kenyon archives