Established in 1996, the George Washington Gale Scholars program celebrated its 30th year by inducting 11 new students in May. The program was named for Galesburg and Knox College founder George Washington Gale and supports higher education for first-generation and income-eligible students. It offers tuition-free scholarships to Carl Sandburg College and Knox College and was named one of Illinois’ six exemplary “best practices” by the Illinois Board of Higher Education in 1999.
“Inducting these students into this prestigious organization and scholarship program gives them all the opportunity from this day forward to achieve their dreams,” said Director of the Gale Scholars Program Steve Cheesman ’80. “A world of opportunities awaits them, and we want to continue to support and encourage them to see this opportunity through.”
There are currently 54 students enrolled in the Gale Scholars Program, including recent Knox graduate Katie Ponce ’26. Ponce, who is majoring in education, plans to teach in the Galesburg Community School District 205.
“For me, being a Gale Scholar has changed my life, not just because of the financial support but also having people in your corner,” Ponce said. “There are mentors, advisors, and peers who believe in you—sometimes before you believe in yourself. It’s about having a community that understands your journey and wants to see you succeed. That sense of community is something I will carry with me beyond college.”
Throughout the program’s history, 68 students have graduated from Knox, including the first graduating class in 2006. Chris Carpenter ’09, one of the first Gale Scholars graduates and currently a social studies teacher in the ROWVA School District, also reflected on his experience as the program’s first male graduate.
“This is the 30-year mark of the start of the program. It means a lot to me, especially because I am a teacher, and I teach history,” Carpenter said. “This program has 30 years of changing lives, and that didn’t happen by accident. It took a commitment from people in this community to ensure this program stays a round.”