A Traditional Non-Traditional Knox Student: Irene Higareda Ponce ’00 Honors Her Family History by Giving Back to Galesburg

A Galesburg native, granddaughter of Mexican immigrants, and member of the Knox Class of 2000, Irene Higareda Ponce has deep roots in Galesburg and with Knox College. She was a non-traditional student when she enrolled at Knox in the 1990s, but her journey as a sociology major and anthropology minor at Knox reflects ongoing support for traditions and causes, whether it is family, heritage, or community, close to her heart.

Can you share what it means to you to be a community leader in the town where you grew up and where your family began their American story?

My father was born here in Galesburg in 1921, and my grandparents came here seeking a better life. There was a revolution in Mexico in the 1910s, and many lost everything during that time. The railroad was actively recruiting workers at the time, so my grandfather began working for the CB&Q. They provided boxcars for the workers. The wheels were removed, and doors and windows were cut out. The railroad camps were located outside of Galesburg city limits near the tracks. They faced discrimination, only being able to sit in certain sections of the movie theater, not being able to go to North Lake Storey, unable to purchase houses north of Main Street, and not being allowed in certain places, etc. I've always lived in Galesburg. I feel that it is important to give back to the community. Over the years, I have been on several boards and commissions.

First off, what made Knox College the right choice for you? 

When I graduated from high school in 1966, I was offered a scholarship to attend Knox College. I was intimidated because, in the 1960s, Knox had a reputation of having rich, smart kids from the Chicago suburbs. So I found a job at a bank and worked, got married three years later, and had four children. I went back to retail work, then was hired by Knox in 1984 at Seymour Library. While working, I spoke with the Director of Seymour Library Jeff Douglas about earning a certificate or associate’s degree in library studies through Illinois Central College. He advised me to get an associate's degree. I didn't have a car that I trusted to drive back and forth (we had two children in college at the time and another one who would soon be attending college), so I decided to take a couple of classes at Knox and transfer them as my electives. In 1991, I began taking several courses at Knox, gained confidence, and decided to pursue a bachelor’s degree. I took classes at Carl Sandburg College during the summers since Knox did not offer summer classes at that time. It took me nine years to complete my degree, taking one class per term.  

Who were your mentors or major influences during your time at Knox? How did they make an impact on you, and how do you try to play that impact forward, especially with young people?

My supervisor, Jeff Douglas, encouraged me to continue my education when I inquired about the possibility. My advisors, Professor of Chemistry Tom Clayton and Szold Distinguished Service Professor Emerita of Anthropology Nancy Eberhardt were both great motivators.  Our oldest grandson (Andrew Ponce ’20) graduated from Knox. (He will be graduating next month from Bradley with his doctorate in physical therapy.) My family was very supportive of my educational journey.  

Did you participate in any clubs or extracurricular activities during your time at Knox, and if so, what?  

While I was a non-traditional student, I met several Carl Sandburg College transfers. They were struggling with the transition from a 16-week semester to a 10-week term. I discussed it with now retired professor of history and director of the Vovis Center for Research and Advanced Study Steve Bailey, and he funded lunches so we could support each other. I felt that the non-traditional students were overlooked here on campus. A place was set up so they could store their lunch in a refrigerator, and lockers were provided to leave their books instead of having to carry them all around campus, as well as other small improvements that improved their experience on campus. Eventually, a Non-Traditional Students Club was formed.  

You are a member of the Hispanic Latino Resource Group. How has your heritage played a role in your life, and how does it continue to influence you?

I joined the Hispanic Latino Resource Group in 1999, shortly after it was formed. The group's strong mission is education. Since 2002, we have awarded $62,760 in scholarships, including $52,900 to graduating Hispanic/Latino high school students and $7,165 to students to attend Knox College 4 Kids. I served as president for over 10 years. We have recently had more people join, so I was able to give up that office but have continued as Education Committee Chair. Education has been stressed throughout my life, especially by my parents. My mom graduated from high school, but my father dropped out when he was 15 to help support his family after his father had a heart attack. I encouraged our children to pursue their education. We have sons with a master's in business, an attorney, a physical therapist, and a daughter who is a physician assistant. I am also very interested in the Mexican community here in Galesburg. I did my senior research on the educational attainment of Mexicans in Galesburg. I have also interviewed several of the older generation of Mexicans.

You do a lot of work with Relay for Life. How did you get involved with that organization, and how important is it to you to be an active participant with the organization? 

My mother lost her battle to lung cancer in 1995, only six weeks after her diagnosis. I've had multiple family members who lost the battle and many who are survivors, including our son and a sister. My goddaughter/niece Erica was active in Relay For Life for many years prior. In 2003, when one of our sisters who lived out of state moved back, the four of us decided to form a team with some friends in memory of our mother. My goddaughter/niece passed away in a car accident in 2004, so we continue to honor her announcement that we should raise $3,000 every year. We have raised $128,650 so far. Erica and I were co-captains until her death, and I have been captain since her passing.

What has kept you in this region over the years? 

Most of my extended family still lives here. I like the community. Although our four children have all moved away after college, they still return often.