Student Story on Roger Taylor (short feature story)

“He’s the person that put Knox College on the map!” said Supriya Kasaju, a current junior student at Knox College.

A few Knox College students spoke up about Roger Taylor who after ten years, has finally decided to retire from his job. A lot of them had positive things to say about his administration. Kasuju said, “He brought positive changes, that is, he made the school more lively.” She explained how he was very friendly with students and occasionally, he would go to the cafeteria and have lunch with students. She also added that he was easy to talk to and would always listen when people voiced their opinions.

Freshman Marcus McGee praised Taylor for his fundraising. “Roger restored our schools financial power, I would not have been able to come here if Knox hadn’t offered many scholarships,” he said. He explained how he works for the “phonathon” of the college which consists of calling Knox College alumni to request funds and donations for the school. He added, “I realized how involved he was in getting funds for the school … and I respect him for what he has done for the school.”

Junior Celestina Agyekum pointed out that Taylor, being a Knox alumnus, was beneficial to the college. “Being a Knox alumnus plays a big role. He understands the needs of the people and always encompasses the culture of Knox in whatever he does,” she said. Agyekum had brief encounters with Taylor and described him as a very nice and approachable person.

Freshman student senate member Shelly Bhanot agreed with Agyekum. She mentioned that his administration was “student-friendly.” “I attended a board of trustees meeting and everyone liked his administration, he is a really nice guy,” Bhanot said. She described Taylor as approachable and stern at the same time.

Sophomore Tarere Eyimina pointed out that Taylor and his wife Anne host an annual Thanksgiving dinner for students that don’t leave campus. She added that on one occasion she was present, “they initiated us into the holiday, they told us stories about themselves and I got to know a lot about them.” Eyimina added that she had a lovely time with the couple and will love to do it again.

Senior Audrey Savage reaffirmed Eyimina’s statement. “The stories he tells about how he met is wife shows he's dedicated to Knox which helps with our self-confidence,” she said. She further explained the fact that Taylor shares his stories with students makes them proud to be a part of Knox. McGee stated, “Roger had a vision to make the school what it wasn’t and he did.”