‘Top Chef’’s Dan Jacobs will be the keynote speaker at the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s 2024 winter commencement, the university announced Tuesday.
Jacobs, the head chef and co-owner of acclaimed Milwaukee restaurants EsterEv and Dandan, will share his “recipe for success” with graduates.
“I want to share the challenges I’ve faced, but also celebrate the journey itself,” Jacobs said in a press release. “Success, for me, will be seeing some heads nodding, some smiles, and maybe a few moments of reflection where they realize that they, too, can overcome whatever life throws at them.”
Jacobs has raised over $90,000 to spread awareness on Kennedy’s Disease and was one of four Americans who spoke to President Joe Biden on behalf of independent restaurant owners. He also helped raise $26.8 billion for the Restaurant Revitalization Fund and is actively involved in several charities like No Kid Hungry and Main Street Alliance.
Jacobs intends on sharing his challenges and experience on “Top Chef” in his speech.
“It was a crash course in tenacity, grit, and perseverance — all skills that are essential in life, and that’s where the real growth happens,” Jacobs said. “Competing on the show was proof to myself that my disability doesn’t have to limit or define my potential.”
Senior class president Sam Mahlum said “[Jacobs] epitomizes the aspirations of so many Badgers — to do good in this world and to live lives of integrity and compassion.”
Winter Commencement 2024 will be held on Sunday, Dec. 15 at the Kohl Center.
