Knox College | News - Habitat for Humanity Dedication

Amy Jo Miller choked up with emotion as she thanked Knox College students and Knox County Habitat for Humanity volunteers standing in her new living room on Saturday.

"This is very special, for myself and for my boys," Miller said. "I want to thank Habitat for Humanity and Knox College, because without both of you, none of this would have been possible." (Photo: Knox students with homeowner Amy Miller, far right. Download for publication; caption and more photos below.)

Miller was presented with keys to her new home by a group of Knox students and Knox County Habitat members Saturday in front of her family and other supporters. The house, at 2085 E. First Street in Galesburg, is the first project completed by the Knox County Habitat for Humanity that was sponsored entirely by the Knox College chapter. Ground for the new home was broken last September, after the Knox College chapter received a $15,000 challenge grant from Habitat for Humanity International. The student-led chapter had to raise an additional $10,000 in matching funds.

"The Knox College chapter was very involved in this from the beginning," said Jim Ecklund, Executive Director of the Knox County Habitat for Humanity. "We were so glad to have you on board. You not only came in person to help out, but you raised $25,000 to pay for expenses. "

About 10 Knox students work every Saturday with the Knox County chapter of Habitat for Humanity, according to Lance Factor, professor of philosophy and adviser to the College's Habitat Chapter. As many as 80 students take part in Habitat at least once during the year.

A group of 11 Knox students took part in the dedication ceremony, presenting Miller and her two young sons, Cameron and Austyn Curtis, with a housewarming gift. Miller and her sons will move into the home, which is nearly completed, in a few weeks.

Ecklund said that before the dedication ceremony, some students had already spent the morning working on Habitat's next project, a house at 976 E. Fremont St.

"We've been working with Knox students for the past seven years, so we've come to expect high involvement on every level," he said. "And we got it. We're very thankful for that, for their enthusiasm and their regularity of being on the site."

Hal Devore, chairman of Knox County Habitat for Humanity's Family Selection Committee, thanked the students for helping give Miller and her sons a new home.

"Our hearts swell when we think of what you've chosen to do as part of your college experience," Devore said.

Amy Jo Miller reads a statement of thanks to Knox College students, Knox County Habitat for Humanity members, and her family during the dedication ceremony. Download for publication

Eura Ryan of the Knox College Habitat chapter with Amy Miller and sons Austyn and Cameron (right). Download for publication.

Eleven Knox students attended the dedication ceremony. Back row, left to right: Karol Sawicka, Jamie Koenig, Marianne Voss, Erika Frahm, Knox College Habitat Chapter President Amanda Fluegel, Becky Bartelt. Middle row, left to right: Jennifer Kuschel, new homeowner Amy Jo Miller and son. Front row, left to right: Brian Ching, Eura Ryan, Brian Park, and Jennifer Larsen. Download for publication