Y.E.S. Donor Joins Students to Share Life Lessons, Enjoy a Meal
Dec. 12, 2022 | John B. and Lillian E. Neff College of Business and Innovation News
By John Anderson III
The Young Executive Scholars (Y.E.S.) Program culminated its 2022 curriculum with a breakfast sendoff at the Jones Leadership Academy of Business (JLAB) on Monday, Dec. 12.
Here, roughly 30 student participants had the opportunity to meet and hear from alumnus, donor and supporter of the program, Chuck Knabusch and his wife Maryann, as well as enjoy breakfast catered by Chick-fil-A.
The University of Toledo’s Y.E.S. Program is a collaboration between UToledo’s John B. and Lillian E. Neff College of Business and Innovation and Jones Leadership Academy of Business.
The program was established in 2017 to help cultivate the academic potential of underrepresented students, preparing them for success in higher education.
Before the group ate, Mr. Knabusch addressed the students with words of wisdom he has amassed over his long and successful career.
He preached resiliency and his desire to support a program that helps provide opportunities for young students. He also stated the importance of pursuing your passions.
“To me, it’s about giving opportunity,” said Knabusch. “I cannot imagine what some of these kids have gone through and come from, and sometimes in life we cannot see that there’s an opportunity out there. How can you not support something like that?”
Once breakfast had arrived, Mr. and Mrs. Knabusch joined the Y.E.S. students at the tables in the JLAB cafeteria to enjoy the food and talk with the emerging leaders.
“Chuck and Maryann displayed true servant leadership. They sat down with our kids to eat and discuss what the students are doing in their lives and where they aspire to take their careers,” said Dr. Ward Barnett, Principal of the Jones Leadership Academy of Business.
“They do not simply say that they care about these kids – Mr. and Mrs. Knabusch visited our school and displayed it. They made the effort to get to know our students, and I love that.”
Dr. Barnett also highlighted the importance of breaking down the walls between the Y.E.S. students and a successful businessperson like Chuck Knabusch.
“Interacting with Mr. and Mrs. Knabusch allowed our students to see them as just people, despite the immense business success that Mr. Knabusch has had.”