Former Blessings in a Backpack CEO, Brooke Wiseman Speaks at Knox College Commencement
Knox College’s 178th Commencement ceremony honored the class of 2023 on June 4, 2023. On a warm, late-spring morning, family and friends gathered to the sounds of the Cherry St. Combo on the South Lawn of Old Main to congratulate and celebrate the achievements of the 266 graduating students.
Chair of the Knox College Board of Trustees Tony Etz ’83 opened the ceremony, welcoming all in attendance. He highlighted the achievements of Knox Athletics teams, acknowledging the Knox athletes who achieved All-American honors in track and field, as well as the Women’s Basketball Team for their appearance in the NCAA tournament. Etz emphasized that even as these achievements were part of their own stories, every graduating student also had an impact on the larger community during their time at Knox. “You made your mark. Every single one of you changed Knox College,” Etz said.
Knox College President C. Andrew McGadney took the stage following a spirited performance of “Unclouded Day” by the Knox College Choir. McGadney opened with a dedication to Professor of Music and Director of Choral Activities Laura Lane, whose 40-year career at the College comes to a close following Commencement.
McGadney continued, pointing out the dedication and resilience of the class, noting their ability to reach the end of their college careers despite the many challenges they faced along the way. He praised the graduates’ commitment to their community and willingness to use their voices for change.
“Because of all of you, I have hope,” McGadney said. “Because of all of you, I believe our community will be a better place in the years ahead.”
Following McGadney’s address, honorary degree recipients were recognized for their achievements.
Joseph B. Glossberg was recognized for his successful career in wealth advising and counseling, as well as 15 years of service as a Knox trustee. He received a Doctor of Humane Letters degree for his contributions to the well-being of others.
Michelle Kuo was recognized for advocating for social movements in racial and economic justice, incarceration and detention, restorative justice, and prison abolition. She received a Doctor of Laws degree for her dedication to social justice movements.
Finally, Commencement speaker Brooke M. Wiseman was honored for her tenure as chief executive officer of Blessings in a Backpack, guiding the organization to become the only national organization solely dedicated to closing the weekend hunger gap for food-insecure students. She received a Doctor of Humane Letters degree for her commitment to improving young people’s lives throughout the nation.
Wiseman took to the stage following her degree reception, stating she was grateful for the opportunity to celebrate the achievements of the graduating class. Wiseman detailed the journey of her nonprofit career, from her graduation from Ball State University to her first job as a professional Girl Scout. “I took a lot of ribbing for that back then. ‘Is that a real job? Are you selling cookies for a living?’ Sort of, actually,” Wiseman said.
She explained how her desire to help others led to continued service opportunities in her community, giving her a sense of belonging. After years of challenging work helping others, Wiseman stepped into the leadership role at Blessings in a Backpack.
Wiseman urged the class of 2023 to keep volunteer work a part of their lives after leaving Knox. She pointed out the local work Galesburg’s Blessings in a Backpack chapter has completed and praised the Knox students who continue to volunteer. Wiseman also acknowledged that Knox students have completed over 20,000 hours of community service in the last six years and emphasized the importance of keeping this element of the Knox education alive as they enter their careers.
“Choose your cause. Take your skills and passion out into the community. We all have a lot of work to do together. They are waiting for you now,” Wiseman said.
Did you know? At the spring commencement, Brooke Wiseman received a Doctor of Humane Letters degree for her commitment to improving young people’s lives nationwide. Other recipients of this prestigious honor include Presidents Barak Obama (2005) and Bill Clinton (2007), Secretary of State Madeleine Albright (2008), Congressman John Lewis (1999), Nobel Peace Prize winner Fridtjof Nansen (1897), as well as Pulitzer Prize-winning authors and Grammy-award-winning composers.