Carl WilkensMr. Carl Wilkens is awarded the 2014 College of Educational Studies “Changing the World Award” for being an educational change agent and promoting democracy and social justice around the world.  Mr. Wilkens is the former director of ADRA Rwanda and in 1994 was the only American who chose to remain in the country after the Rwanda genocide began against the advice of his family, his close friends, his church, the United States government, and even when the United Nations pulled out.  Each day, he would venture out into streets crackling with mortars and gunfire, to deliver food, water and medicine to groups of orphans trapped around the city.  His choice to stay and help resulted in preventing the massacre of hundreds of children. He didn’t come home to US soil until 1996.

In January 2008, with no end in sight to the ongoing genocide in Darfur, Sudan, Carl decided to quit his job and dedicate himself full time to being a speaker, educator and leader of his educational non-profit, World Outside My Shoes as well as accepting offers from teachers around the country to come and share his experiences with students.  His goal is to inspire and equip people to stand up against genocide, racism, and intolerance through integrity, dignity, community and an understanding of “The Other”.  “The Other” being under our own roof or on the other side of the globe.

Please come and be inspired at the 2014 College of Educational Studies Commencement by recognizing and applauding the great work of Carl Wilkens, a man who exemplifies that one person really can make a difference.