It seems like Steve Knox has never left the NIU campus.

In reality, he left after graduating in 1985 as a sociology major. However, it took a few years after a stint in seminary school before he returned to NIU as the Rev. Steve Knox.

The Rev. Knox, who heads the parish at the Newman Catholic Student Center, said being a pastor on a college campus where high turnover occurs annually presents a challenge.

“Every year means reaching out all over again, just trying to connect with students,” he said. “I know many college students drop spirituality and church when they get to college and many don’t. But it’s a big challenge to always be reaching out and to do it creatively.”

More unique is the Rev. Knox’s bid to fight for attention with all the debauchery that can happen on a college campus.

“Sometimes people end up making bad choices and end up going down a destructive path,” he said. “Most people have a similar experience in their lives. The gospel message is one of taking people where they are at and helping them to grow. God’s forgiveness is there for anyone out there sorry for what they have done. We try and reflect that, but at the same time be aware that people are going to make mistakes.”

Rachel Aufischer, a sophomore elementary education major, think the Rev. Knox is a fun-loving, caring person. “He’s a great leader who brings students to the church and makes it a real community there. Whenever you have a problem, you can go in and talk to him,” she said.

Ray Tourville, chairman of the foreign language and literatures department, has a theory on why Knox has made such an impact on so many lives.

“It’s his personality,” he said. “He is very open, so people are unafraid to go up to him.”

That openness aside, the Rev. Knox said last year was very difficult with all of the scandals hitting the Catholic church.

“[The scandals] definitely made me focus more on prayer, and I really believe in what I am doing … ,” he said. “When things are happening outside of your control, you need to stay focused. There is always a possibility of new life and hope. I know the church will be purified and renewed.”

Instead of focusing on the troubling past, Knox prefers to dwell on positive events, such as this past Easter.

“I think with Easter it is focused on the Resurrection with all the life and hope that comes from that,” he said. “I think a lot of tough things can happen to us in life, and we need hope. What we celebrate helps us to bring the mind peace.”

In his spare time, the Rev. Knox likes working out at the Student Recreation Center and reading. He is a Chicago Cubs fan and follower of Billy Corgan’s band Zwan.