JWU Magazine Fall 2024

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JWU MAGAZINE FALL 2024

JWU CELEBRATES ITS 110TH

For

From The Chancellor’s Desk

A

S THE JOHNSON & WALES COMMUNITY celebrates the 110th anniversary since our founding, it is appropriate to reflect on our history and recognize the milestones that have set the path to where we are as a university today. Gertrude Johnson and Mary Wales were early 20th century entrepreneurs, opening a business school to train workers and meet the workforce demands of emerging industries. When our founders passed the mantle of leadership to Morris Gaebe and Edward Triangolo after World War II, the school had about 100 students. These men of vision were responsible for the extraordinary growth in enrollment, building the university’s presence across the country. With our investments in technology and the College of Professional Studies, we now can bring a JWU education virtually to any student anywhere with a computer. As the 21st century unfolded, another man of vision — Jim Hance, a prominent businessman in North Carolina who earlier this year stepped down as the chair of the JWU Board of Trustees — believed in the promise of a JWU education and the value of bringing the university to Charlotte. Due to his leadership and the work and support of so many, this year we look forward to celebrating 20 years in the Charlotte community. Through the establishment of an Executive Advisory Council, the Charlotte Campus is deepening its roots and advancing the university’s reputation in the region.

While we honor our history, we also are excited for what the future holds as Johnson & Wales embraces our founders’ mission of preparing students for the workforce. The university’s academic portfolio continues to evolve to meet industries’ needs as we leverage our legacy programs in food and hospitality to become distinctive in the emerging areas of innovation, entrepreneurship, cybersecurity and healthcare. This year, we are observing the 10th anniversary of becoming the first Rhode Island higher education institution to offer a master’s degree in physician assistant studies. Our healthcare academic programs now include occupational therapy, nursing, clinical nutrition & dietetics, and a soon to be offered Doctor of Physical Therapy.

Woven throughout our academic programs is experiential education — a hands-on, high-impact approach of putting learning into action that has been in JWU’s DNA since our founding. Work is underway through the REAL initiative (Reimagining Experiential and Applied Learning) so that every course at JWU would include hands-on learning by 2028.

As we look to the future, we are inspired by our history and remain united in our mission to deliver the promise of a JWU education.

With Wildcat pride,

Mim L. Runey, LP.D. Chancellor

JWU

Vice President of Marketing & Communications

MATTHEW MONTGOMERY

Designer BRIAN MURPHY

Contributors

SCOTT BOWERS

JENNIFER BROUILLARD

LYNZI DELUCCIA

KRIS DERAIMO

ALISSA DION

PETE DIVITO

ANDREA FELDMAN

ANNIE KENNEDY

PEGGY LO

HUGH MINOR

LISA PELOSI

EMILY GILCREAST

CLARA SCHWAGER

JILL SMITH

MARIE-INES VALDEPENAS

JWU Magazine is published twice a year. Photos (black and white or color prints), high-resolution digital images and news can be sent to JWU Magazine, 8 Abbott Park Place, Providence, RI, 02903 or emailed to jwumagazine@jwu.edu.

Selection and publication of entries are at the editor’s discretion. JWU Magazine is produced by University Marketing & Communications in cooperation with the department of Advancement & Alumni Relations.

Chancellor

MIM L. RUNEY, LP.D.

Campus Presidents

MARIE BERNARDO-SOUSA, LP.D., ’92, PROVIDENCE

RICHARD G. MATHIEU, PH.D., CHARLOTTE

JWUVIEWS

PROVIDENCE CHARLOTTE

Sustaining Change

SINCE ITS CONCEPTION IN 2013, the Johnson & Wales

HIGHER GROUND

Sustainability Office (JWU ECO) has prioritized sustainability efforts and has led the university toward remarkable milestones.

“Many of our initiatives have come from ideas students bring to the table,” Matt Fannon ’08, ’22 MBA, JWU’s director of sustainability and resource management, says.

While the institution has prioritized sustainability for decades, in the last 10 years the Providence Campus’ electricity usage has decreased by 33.27% and seen a campus footprint reduction of 11.07%. JWU’s Downcity and Harborside Campuses tout solar fields, wind turbines, electric vehicle charging stations, and student-managed community gardens.

JWU’s latest Move Out and Donate campaign resulted in over 9,000 pounds of donations to nonprofits like Big Brothers Big Sisters of Rhode Island and the Rhode Island Food Bank. The Providence Campus is in its fifth year of being honored with the Tree Campus USA award — recognizing the hundreds of trees planted by dedicated students, staff and faculty. In 2024, JWU

became the first organization in Rhode Island to receive the Bee Campus USA award, providing a safe habitat for pollinators with a beehive site on the Harborside Campus.

“Having JWU be the first organization in Rhode Island to be recognized for Bee Campus USA speaks volumes to how JWU prioritizes sustainability on campus, as well as wildlife and bee conservation,” Sustainability Coordinator Michelle Galvin, M.Ed., says.

The university is currently a member of the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) in pursuit of the STARS (Sustainability Tracking Assessment and Rating System) certification. While the work is never quite done, the last decade’s achievements have earned Fannon recognition, being named one of Providence Business Journal’s 40 Under Forty in 2024.

“I tell our students all the time that sustainability doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing thing,” Fannon says. “If you change a few more habits each year, you start to make a bigger impact!”

— Lynzi DeLuccia

JWUVIEWS

PROVIDENCE CHARLOTTE

Taking Learning Communities to the Next Level Competitive Advantage

At Johnson & Wales, fostering friendships in the classroom is a key element in the university’s Collaborative Learning Program (CLP).

The CLP is a unique experience for first-year students which takes on a cohort model — allowing students to take two core courses in the fall and spring semester with the same classmates. The goal is to create a community where students bond with classmates and their professors for a more personalized and integrative education. Criminal

Justice Professor Paul Sylvestre, Ph.D., and Psychology Professor Jessica Fede, Ph.D., saw an opportunity to link their programs through a CLP with their Class of 2026 cohort.

“After their first year, this group of students really wanted to continue on together,” Professor Sylvestre says. “We did research on the collaborative learning communities here at JWU, and we found that retention rates and GPAs were higher for these students,” says Professor Fede.

This Criminal Justice/Psychology community spent their last semester together drawing connections between their Social Psychology course with Professor Fede and their Victimology course with Professor Sylvestre to better understand the humanistic side of criminal justice and be able to advocate for victims.

“It’s not only that you have classmates that you can depend on when it comes to assignments and being able to study together, but you have that sense of community with one another — and with your professors, too,” says Ariana Morales ’26.

— Lynzi DeLuccia

Have you ever thought about how many tires the average NASCAR team goes through in a year? Or 5 years? Brandon Summers ’25 has — this JWU Charlotte Corporate Accounting and Financial Analysis major spent six weeks crunching speedway data for Roush Fenway Keselowski (RFK) Racing, a major player in the Charlotte motorsports scene.

For Summers, the real-time experience has been invaluable. “One big project right now is implementing a new enterprise resource planning (ERP) system that controls company functions like finance and payroll”, he says. He’s also using Excel to reconcile projected budgets with actual costs over time: “We look at past history to try to prepare for the future so we can budget properly.”

Summers is one of 17 sports business fellows working across the greater Charlotte region at various organizations, including CAA ICON, FOX Sports and Michael Jordan’s 23XI Racing.

The summer fellowship program is run by Sports Biz Careers, a nonprofit founded in 2019 by JWU Associate Professor Jeff Longo and then-faculty member Pat Stack to help underrepresented students break into the industry.

But the fellowship is about more than just making connections. “Whoever they’re working for, we can be that middle ground to help support the student and the organization to make sure they’re both getting the best experience.” says Longo.

Since the program started, more than 60 students have been placed in jobs — and program alumni have returned as mentors. As for Brandon, he’s loved the opportunity to try out different types of accounting (general, corporate taxation and auditing). “Hopefully,” he says, “This internship will give me insight into what I want to do.”

— Andrea Feldman

New Leadership Drives JWU Forward

Over the summer, two significant appointments were made that will enhance Johnson & Wales University’s leadership team and drive the community forward. The university welcomes Vice President of Advancement & Alumni Michelle Mattox, M.P.A., and celebrates the appointment of Jennifer Adams Galipeau ’88, ’92 M.S., Ed.D., to dean of our College of Hospitality Management.

Mattox comes to JWU from the University of North Carolina Asheville where she served as the associate vice chancellor in University Advancement, overseeing the management of the comprehensive campaign, major gifts, planned giving and donor relations. She brings a wealth of experience in higher education and philanthropy, having previously served as a liaison to the UNC Asheville Foundation Board and held leadership roles at Wake Forest University and Florida State University, where she held integral roles in their respective $1B campaigns.

Expanding upon her interim success, Galipeau will propel the College of Hospitality Management forward in her role as dean. She is a proud JWU alumna who began her professional career at JWU as the director of hotel internships before joining the COHM faculty in 1993, where she taught until 2013. She transitioned to the Office of the Provost in 2013 and, since 2021, has demonstrated exceptional leadership and a deep commitment to academic excellence within COHM. Since then, Galipeau has helped advance pivotal initiatives such as the launch of the Center for Beverage Education & Innovation, as well as signature college events like The Hospitality Summit, the Hospitality Technology Symposium, and the long-standing SEEM Leadership Conference

Exclusive Benefits

Members enjoy unforgettable experiences including:

• Dinners with renowned chefs

• An annual lunch in the university dining room

• Invitations to special events and guest lectures

• Customized corporate cooking courses (Chef’s Choice)

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Annual contributions and donations to the society provide scholarship support to help fulfill the aspirations of talented JWU students.

(which just celebrated its tenth anniversary this past April). Her dedication to student success and industry collaboration continues to position the college as a leader in hospitality education.

— Lynzi DeLuccia

ATHLETICS

Wildcats Men’s Soccer continues to make its mark nationally

As Johnson & Wales begins its 30th year of varsity athletic competition in 2024-25, it also marks the Providence Campus’ final season as a member of the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC). The Wildcats begin their swan song campaign having captured a total of 93 conference championships to go along with 57 NCAA Tournament appearances. Beginning in 2025-26, Johnson & Wales will join the Conference of New England (CNE) — formerly known as the Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) — as a full-fledged member.

The men’s soccer program owns 10 of those 93 GNAC titles, the first of which came back in 1995 under the guidance of Gregg Miller, who went on to win four more championships (2002, 2003, 2005, 2007) before departing the university following the 2007 campaign. In 2012, David Kulik arrived in Providence and has taken the Wildcats to the championship match seven times, winning five of them (2013-15, 2019, 2023).

“When I took the job, this program was coming off a five-win season,” explains Kulik, who inherited a team which had allowed a combined 207 goals in the previous four seasons. “Paying attention to detail, understanding basic team defending principles and, most importantly, understanding that you can’t win big matches if you bleed goals, have been foundational in the resurgence of the program.”

Last fall, Kulik’s squad helped avenge a one-goal loss on their home field in the 2022 GNAC Championship to the University of

Joseph (Conn.) by defeating Norwich 2-0 to secure trophy number 10. The season ended the following weekend on a school-record 17 match unbeaten streak when the Wildcats played to a 1-1 tie with Rochester (N.Y.) in the NCAA Tournament. The YellowJackets edged past the Wildcats in penalty kicks, 5-4, to advance to the next round.

JWU finished the 2023 season No. 4 in the country in goals against average (.47) and No. 5 in shutout percentage (.619). This marked the fourth time under Kulik that the Wildcats have ranked in the top 10 in GAA and the third time in the top five.

“No doubt, the best part about the program is the brotherhood amongst the student-athletes,” says Kulik, who has produced seven GNAC Players of the Year, two GNAC Defensive Players of the Year and one GNAC Rookie of the Year. “Our DNA is built around winning and togetherness, where the culture is always about hard work and team. We follow few rules besides be on time, work to your potential daily and be as respectful to those around you as humanly possible.”

Kulik entered the 2024 campaign as the all-time winningest coach in program history with 156, which is also No. 18 in the nation. His overall winning pct. at JWU is .746 (156-44-28), and the team’s 112 shutouts and team GAA of .755 during his tenure rank near the top of the NCAA statistics. Since 2019, the Wildcats own a GNAC regular season record of 40-3-6 and are an incredible 43-1-6 in their last 50 home matches at the Scotts Miracle-Gro Athletic Complex.

“We put our team motto inside each championship ring,” explains Kulik. “REALS: realistic, expectations, after, long-term, sacrifice. The program is about working hard and straight talk from the coaches on how we get better and grow.”

A similar tale of success exists 800 miles south of Providence on the Charlotte Campus, where the men’s soccer program captured its second-straight United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA) Division II National Championship in 2023.

Following a six-win season in 2021, head coach Phil Kroft took a roster featuring nine returners and 13 newcomers to an 11-5-5 campaign that culminated with a 4-2 win over Berkeley (N.J.) College in the national championship match.

“The 2022 season was a special one,” says Kroft. “2021 showed us how important it was to have guys bought in, and everyone on the roster in 2022 was just that. We had the right balance of upperclassmen leadership and underclassmen eagerness. The season had its ups and downs, but the team had this unwavering belief that we were going to win it all, and they simply went out and executed.”

Kroft accepted the head coaching position at the University of Chicago prior to the start of the 2023 campaign, which led to the elevation of assistant coach Nick Fusco to interim head coach. The Wildcats didn’t miss a beat with the new bench boss, cruising to a 14-1-5 record which was highlighted by USCAA Tournament wins over Five Towns (3-1), Central Maine C.C. (4-0), and a 4-3 shootout win in a rematch with the Knights in the finals.

“I could not have been more excited and prouder to lead the program going into the 2023 season,” explains Fusco. “Luckily for me, we had a fantastic group of returners from our championship team as well as talented newcomers that proved to be top players in the program. The group gelled quickly, and the team established itself as a tough defensive unit that could also play some exciting soccer. Throughout the season, the group had an unbreakable

Saint

confidence that they could compete against any opponent they lined up against, and that carried us all the way to the national championship.”

Fusco, who joined the program as a volunteer assistant in 2021 before being promoted to assistant coach the following year, was unable to attend the final two matches of the 2023 season after his wife went into labor following the Wildcats win over the Sound.

“That week was exceptionally memorable for myself in more ways than one,” says Fusco. “My wife went into labor with our second daughter the morning after our win over Five Towns. Thankfully, our fantastic staff of Connor Savageau, Andrew Sanchez, and Tito Villanueva were able to guide the guys to another championship in my absence while I was able to make it back for the birth of my daughter. Although watching the games from home was nerve racking, seeing the student-athletes get rewarded for all their hard work and dedication was a special memory I will always have.” This fall, the team warmly welcomed new head coach Michael Lambeck to campus to carry the torch.

You’d be hard-pressed to find a more successful pair of collegiate men’s soccer programs on the East Coast than the two Johnson & Wales stake claim to, and the Wildcats show no signs of slowing down anytime soon.

[2] Rhode Island native Aidan Bagley was named the 2023 GNAC Offensive Player of the Year.

[3] Senior Mike Hernandez celebrates after scoring the first goal of the GNAC Championship match against Norwich.

[4] The JWU Charlotte men’s soccer team won its second-straight USCAA Championship last fall.

[5] Christopher Haynes battles for a ball against Pfeiffer.

[1] The JWU Providence men’s soccer team captured its 10th GNAC Championship with a 2-0 win over Norwich in 2023.

Leading the Way

By Jennifer Brouillard

JOHNSON & WALES UNIVERSITY’S unique brand of education has represented the best in class and signature parts of its identity since its inception 110 years ago. Its leaders have a history of forging new paths, first in the realm of business and later in hospitality and culinary arts.

Innovation that meets evolving student needs is the Johnson & Wales way. Since its centennial, the university has offered new health and wellness degrees, created a renowned cybersecurity program, invested in online education, focused on sustainability, and right-sized its physical and academic footprint.

Johnson & Wales is an adaptive institution — it is in our DNA. Here’s how we are leading the way.

Academic Evolution

As the nation questions college affordability and return on investment, JWU is intent on being nimble to ensure that alumni and industry have access to talent pipelines that support success. Credentials such as certificates, badging, accelerated programs and undergraduate-to-graduate pathways have been added to save students time and money. The experiential and applied learning model is being reimagined to encompass industry-relevant components in every course — whether through discussions on skills and competencies or real-life problems inside the classroom.

To complement these enhancements, career advisors and faculty mentors will partner to guide students through the process of developing and following a comprehensive career plan. “This approach will provide additional intentional guardrails supporting all students beginning with early career planning and using a building block approach as they progress to graduation,” says Sheri Young, assistant provost for experiential education & industry relations.

Specialized accreditation for programs and colleges and advances in academic standing have also been a university focus. In the past three years, JWU has achieved accreditation from two new agencies, was continued in two others, received a new academic certification, and is making strong progress toward achieving accreditation from six new specialized accrediting agencies. These accreditations are essential as the university pursues excellence in health and wellness education.

Health and Wellness

Why health and wellness? The field is closer to the institution’s roots than you might think. Our half-century as a hospitality and culinary powerhouse has provided the foundation for a patient-centered,

empathetic and holistic approach to healthcare education. All students in the College of Health & Wellness (CHW) complete nutrition coursework within a food-as-medicine framework. They employ the tenets of hospitality, from a welcoming bedside manner to clear, direct communication that helps patients better understand their bodies and diagnoses.

Ten years ago, CHW launched its first degree program: the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies. Within eight years of its offering, the number of certified physician assistant (PAs) in Rhode Island doubled. JWU’s Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD), a full-time, 36-month accredited program, welcomed its first cohort of students in 2019. Both degrees are the first of their kind in Rhode Island and address critical healthcare needs. To combat workforce shortages, the university debuted its accelerated nursing degree program last fall, allowing learners who already have a bachelor’s degree to receive full qualification in just 16 months. The Charlotte Campus began the program in May, while the Providence Campus will premiere a Doctor of Physical Therapy program next summer.

What’s next for CHW beyond these new programs? The college is looking to develop an educational center for current health professionals that focuses on interprofessional team care to ensure patient safety and quality of care. It has also partnered with Harvard Medical School and Brigham & Women’s Hospital to increase the number of individuals from socioeconomic and minoritized groups who enter the healthcare field.

Cybersecurity

CHW isn’t the only college looking to diversify its industry. JWU’s cybersecurity programs feature a range of staff and faculty who are dedicated to supporting students from all backgrounds and experiences — and the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security (NSA/DHS) have noticed. They have designated Johnson & Wales University as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education (CAE-CDE). Only 300 colleges had earned this prestigious designation as of its awarding to JWU in 2022. With this stamp of approval, students in the Cyber Intelligence and Defense program enjoy direct access to scholarships, grants, internship opportunities and NSA trainings that are only offered at CAE-CDE institutions.

Students learn how to use various industry-standard cloud-services and network equipment to build and secure environments with increasing complexity in JWU’s Cybersecurity Center, a top-tier

Graduates of JWU’s certified Physician Assistant (PA) and Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) programs are addressing critical healthcare needs

Students in JWU’s cybersecurity program learn to build and secure complex digital environments and are well-prepared to secure the nation’s online networks.

defense education lab in the heart of downtown Providence. The center provides the Rhode Island community, businesses, law enforcement, and K–12 education institutions access to various cybersecurity services through a Faraday room, an enclosure used to block electromagnetic fields that provides a safe, secure place for professionals and businesses to perform research, test and build applications.

The work is paying off; students are receiving full-time job offers months before graduation and are well-prepared to secure the nation’s online networks.

Online Education

Online networks have allowed JWU to make strides in online education. The College of Professional Studies (CPS) began 10 years ago as a new business model within the university, targeting a new product for a new market: nontraditional adult learners who are not geographically bound to campus locations. By constantly innovating, CPS has created a nimble, entrepreneurial community to meet the needs of this growing population.

The college considers what is best for the working adult learner through a comprehensive “students first” model and makes every decision based on accrued data. It built admissions, marketing, student services, and user experiences tailored to the needs of the market. It also created high-quality online classroom experiences to support students’ learning goals.

Going forward, CPS will continue to identify student needs and meet each learner where they are in their education journey. Because

JWU continues to make great strides in online education with the College of Professional Studies (CPS).

a growing number of students possess little to no transfer credits, the college is exploring ways to help students accelerate their academic goals and receive credit through prior learning assessments, such as challenge exams, portfolios and CLEP testing. CPS will maintain its focus on customer service and support while expanding its relationships with industry through its corporate partnership program and its new professional training division, JWUpro. These efforts are succeeding: CPS’s recent Student Voice Score shows that 75% of its students are net promoters of their positive JWU experience.

Sustainability

Another priority is sustainability. Since its formation in 2013, JWU’s Energy Conservation Office (ECO) has spearheaded a broad range of initiatives to create a more sustainable campus and reduce its carbon footprint. To date, the university has

• Offset 100% of campus electricity usage through six remote net metering solar projects in Rhode Island

• Constructed two wind turbines on the Harborside Campus

• Built four Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold-certified buildings

• Partnered with RI Energy to reduce energy use in facilities and make equipment more efficient and cost-effective — efforts that earned the Providence Campus an Energy Excellence Award from Cenergistic Energy Consultants in 2017

• Grouped class schedules and minimized unused facility space to maximize efficiency of HVAC zones

members of the JWU community to purchase lightly used items that are no longer needed.

“By undertaking these programs now, campus communities will reap the benefits for generations to come — saving energy and reducing waste, instilling in students’ lifelong habits of sustainable practices, and even saving money along the way,” explains Matt Fannon, director of sustainability and resource management. “Energy reduction and recycling programs are an important start to help build a better tomorrow for everyone.”

• Participated in the voluntary City of Providence RePower PVD program, a collaborative, citywide effort to reduce building energy use index by 20 percent by 2025 (JWU’s Academic Center was RePower PVD’s top performer for 2020, reducing energy by 44.6% since 2015)

• Implemented urban forest management that received the Arbor Day Foundation’s Tree Campus USA recognition

• Partnered with the Green Collaborative, five like-minded student groups who created gardens and maintain two beehives on campus

• Became the first university in the state to recycle plastic film

• Provided students with reusable tumblers that can be used at filling stations throughout the campus

• Performed a feasibility study to add solar carports to parking areas

• Encouraged the reuse of items through the “surplus store,” a twice-yearly sale that allows

Five like-minded JWU student groups partnered with the Green Collaborative to create gardens and maintain two beehives on campus.

Sustainable Future

What will that tomorrow look like? As the number of enrollment-aged students has declined, many colleges are struggling to maintain former enrollment numbers and class sizes. JWU, however, has taken steps to ensure that its campus and operations footprint to accommodate a more realistic student population — 10,000, an optimal size that acknowledges market realities. Many schools’ enrollments are down 20% from last year due to issues with the new FAFSA launch. But with JWU’s investments in its future, fall enrollment at the university has increased.

“Moody’s, Standard & Poors, banks that we do business with, accreditors, they all complimented Johnson & Wales. What we are doing is what [other colleges] should be doing,” says Joe Greene, vice chancellor of finance and administration.

Over a decade ago, the university worked to make its $200 million endowment equal its debt. Today, JWU has applied its investment in facilities and retooled its financial model to create a $360 million endowment with debt totaling less than $40 million. This allows the university to invest in its current and new programs, marketing, employees and residential life. As citizens and students compete for housing due to local community shortages, JWU has consulted with city councils and is offering more on-campus housing options from singles to quads at price points that meet a variety of financial needs.

The university has also invested dramatically in dining to align

with its reputation around food and student demand. It is preparing food made to order, extending dining hours and creating a robust option that allows more meals per week. The goal is to combat student food insecurity, which affects 23% of undergraduates and 12% of graduate students nationwide according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Overall, these housing and dining options give parents peace of mind that their students can stay and thrive on campus.

Looking to the future, Johnson & Wales is strengthening its academic core and expanding its student services. The university is well-positioned to deliver on its founders’ mission to provide students with an excellent education to reach their fullest potential, whether enrolled in Providence, Charlotte or virtually through the College of Professional Studies. Through the next 110 years and beyond, it remains oneJWU united by its mission and powered by a shared purpose.

“For so many of our students, their JWU education is transformative, filled with promise and poised to release their untapped potential,” says Chancellor Mim L. Runey, LP.D. “We are excited for what the future holds for them and for Johnson & Wales University.” JWU

Celebrating 20 Years of JWU Charlotte

They say it takes a village — but a larger community made JWU’s Charlotte Campus a reality

Convinced that a Charlotte campus was destined as JWU’s Norfolk and Charleston campus leases ended, John Tuomala ’92 cold-emailed Carroll Gray, then-CEO of the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce, stating, “I’m a proud alum of a great university that has an opportunity to move to Charlotte.” After being invited to present to Charlotte Center City Partners (CCCP) and local business leaders, Tuomala recalls Jim Palermo of Bank of America pointing at Gateway Village and stating, “Your dream and alma mater will be right here.” While Tuomala secured the backing of his employer, Compass Group, and its CEO, Gary Green, Jim Palermo approached JWU Providence President Jack Yena and Bank of America Vice Chairman Jim Hance, both of whom agreed that JWU could be a good addition to Uptown. Hance would eventually lead the university’s growth as chair of JWU’s Board of Trustees.

Incoming JWU Charlotte students took a leap of faith based on maps where buildings would soon exist.

Executive Director of Operations Mark Norman recalls students willing to dream: “We expected 800 students — and 1,016 enrolled. They came sight-unseen because we were under construction” Mirroring Gertrude Johnson and Mary Wales’ humble founding of JWU with one student and one typewriter, JWU Charlotte consisted of just the academic building and some residence halls when the first class entered in 2004. In the all-hands-on-deck effort to get JWU Charlotte running, faculty stocked kitchens and labs by hand while staff traveled to Providence to train. “Many people made it happen, from Jack Yena and Providence Provost Tom Dwyer to then-Charlotte Mayor (and now former Governor of North Carolina) Pat McCrory to Art Gallagher, Charlotte’s first campus president, who became involved in all aspects of the city and helped make JWU known,” says Hance. Gallagher, for his part, credits colleagues for overcoming challenges during construction: “VP of Facilities Merlin DeConti was unflappable and brilliant.” BellSouth President Krista Tillman and Bank of America CEO Hugh McColl joined other visionaries in bringing the campus to fruition. Soon, JWU held its first academic convocation in

September 2004. In May 2006, the campus community cheered on the first class’s graduation.

That class included Larken Egleston ’06, who later served as a Charlotte City Council member and now works for a North Carolina congressman. “We didn’t have the sports teams or clubs that JWU has now, and the Towers hadn’t been built yet,” he recalls. “We were pioneers. There was a lot of excitement both at JWU and in Charlotte.”

Supporting Students through Partnerships

Charlotte Center City Partners has continued its close ties with JWU, including helping scores of JWU alums incubate small businesses at the Market at 7th Street food hall. “I think our relationship is strong and will get stronger with the new leadership,” states CCCP Chief Creative Officer Robert Krumbine, who has involved JWU faculty, students and staff in providing everything from cooking demonstrations to event management at Charlotte SHOUT! since the festival’s inception.

That new leadership includes JWU Charlotte President Richard Mathieu, Ph.D., who took the helm in January 2023. “I was attracted by JWU’s career-focused approach and by Chancellor Mim Runey’s strong leadership,” Mathieu says. He immediately instituted an open-door policy, getting to know students and employees, and he

(l to r) Jim Palermo, Gary Green, Art Gallagher, Pat McCrory and John Bowen.

JWU faculty and staff provide cooking demonstrations at Charlotte’s SHOUT! festival.

“I think landing a JWU campus was a badge of honor for the city.”

appreciates how many knowledgeable staff and faculty have been with JWU Charlotte since its beginning. Now he’s on a mission to build a vibrant residential campus community that fosters a strong sense of belonging among university students, faculty, staff and the university’s Charlotte neighbors.

Partnerships have aided JWU Charlotte in enhancing student services over the years. Thanks to the U.S. Department of Education’s Predominantly Black Institution Competitive Grant in 2021, Johnson & Wales has expanded tutoring and provided online financial literacy tools. Bank of America funds the Bridge Program, providing a summer residential experience to underserved JWU students. Partner RATIONAL supports culinary education programming to benefit students, such as the CFIT Speaker Series and JWU’s multicampus Future Food All-Stars Competition (won by Charlotte Campus student Gabby Smith ‘28).

Business partners and alumni help JWU provide financial aid to 99% of Charlotte Campus students — including loyal supporters of the Charlotte Epicurean Scholarship Society. Since 2008, the society’s world-class events have provided a platform for students — many of them first-generation — to share their journeys. “Their stories are so meaningful and moving,” says benefactor Joe Marley. And students continue to have support of faculty and staff. “We take pride in developing young minds and young people,” says Norman.

Meeting Industry-Responsive Workforce Needs

Atrium Health, Disney, Novant Health, Compass Group, Biltmore Estates, Dollywood, Kiawah Island Golf Resort and the U.S. Open are just some of JWU Charlotte’s partners. Hyatt and Four Seasons have each made JWU Charlotte a Tier 1 school, while the campus’ career

fairs draw blue-ribbon companies. JWU’s Experiential Education & Career Services (EE&CS) staff match students to employers, from securing accounting students jobs at TIAA to connecting psychology students to law enforcement opportunities.

“JWU Charlotte is small but well known,” says EE&CS Director Deborah Langenstein. “When a student is hired, the employer comes back for more. Our students know how to get the job done.”

John Tuomala ’92 agrees: “JWU graduates aren’t afraid to get in the dirt and work hard, whether in an entrepreneurial capacity or for a large company. They grow from there.”

Jamie (Blea) Carpenter ’12, senior director of human resources at Wyndham Hotels, appreciates how JWU faculty open doors from a

networking perspective. “I still try to do that for JWU grads who reach out to me,” she says.

Norman praises JWU’s adaptability in equipping students for the workforce. “We have changed and grown from culinary and hospitality to health & wellness and more. That was a sign of a school that was willing to take a risk.”

“We will continue to build off our strengths,” states Mathieu on how JWU’s legacy of culinary and hospitality excellence lends to other industries. “We are committed to being leaders in the convergence of food, beverage and health & wellness by envisioning a future where innovation, collaboration and holistic well-being intersect.”

Evolving Academics into Research, Innovation and Healthcare

“The nature of education is changing, and so is the manner in which we teach and educate,” says Mathieu. “I am proud that JWU faculty are building on our long history of experiential education and are evolving their classrooms to be increasingly active and participatory.”

Now JWU Charlotte’s 20 academic majors are complemented with 12 minors ranging from Media & Communication to Economics to Craft Brewing, while Charlotte’s Health Science, Psychology and Public Health majors can go on to earn an M.P.H. or an M.S. in counseling degree at JWU. “More degree options for students means they can have more options when they graduate,” says Culinary Department Chair Jennifer Gallagher, who has witnessed degree options expanding into entrepreneurship, corporate accounting, food science and nutrition. Baking & Pastry Department Chair Amy Felder has observed how changing curricula have broadened perspectives: “Culinary students mixing with business and hospitality and health students brings a different viewpoint into classes.”

And then there’s JWU’s annual Student Research, Design & Innovation Symposium, where students hone presentation skills and show off their work to the public. This year’s JWU Charlotte projects included early detection of colon cancer, securing an internship at the

“Our students know how to get the job done.”

White House, reducing food waste with sensory applications, and the impacts of JWU’s mentoring program. On campus JWU Charlotte students are taking advantage of well-equipped labs to conduct research. Reports Trinity Knauf ’25: “I recently have been working on isolating lycopene from tomatoes and as I continue, I will work on more complex compounds.”

Today, JWU Charlotte is addressing North Carolina’s projected 11% nursing shortage through a new accelerated second bachelor’s degree in nursing. The first cohort started in May, drawing students from all over the U.S. who are now gaining clinical experiences in local hospitals. Director of Nursing David Hudson hopes to develop more graduate healthcare leadership programs such as a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and specialty certificates for mental health practitioners to better serve Charlotte: “There’s a huge need for providers who can work with the homeless or with free clinics, establishing and running day-to-day activities.”

Effecting Positive Change

“Charlotte is very philanthropic — and the community appreciates JWU’s give-back nature,” notes author and former chef instructor Peter Reinhart. “Our students and staff participate in fundraising and service projects, and our alums and staff assume leadership and influential roles. I feel that we’re perceived as larger than we are because of the impact of our people.”

One influential alum is Chayil Johnson ’18. As a New Orleans high school student, Johnson was provided a culinary education funded by JWU alum Emeril Lagasse ’78, ’90 Hon. before earning his associate and bachelor’s degrees at JWU Charlotte. As executive chef of alum-founded Community Matters Café, a crucial component of Charlotte Rescue Mission’s addiction recovery program, he helps vulnerable populations transition back into the workforce.

“We set people up to be better prepared with a plan of a goal in the future,” Johnson says. “JWU prepared me to step into that leadership role and know to encourage people, lift everyone up to work at highest strength level and bring out natural talents.”

And then there are Jon Fortes ’97 and Amy Fortes ’10, the JWU alumni couple who own The Flipside Café, the Flipside Restaurant, Salmeri’s Italian Kitchen, FM Eatery and Flipside Catering. “JWU was about community, and we have tried to carry that, helping to raise money for calls to action and in emergencies,” Jon says. “At JWU that was important; our student clubs were always doing charity work.”

Observes Gillian Howard ’20, who founded the JWU chapter of Food Recovery Network while attending JWU as a veteran student and now partners with veteran student Aniyah Robinson ’25 in her Junior Chefs

outreach to Charlotte youth: “JWU’s core values expand beyond just 801 Trade Street — and we are the everyday living, cooking, healing proof.”

Looking Forward

“Eighteen years of graduates have cut their teeth here, pushing the envelope,” says Chayil Johnson ’18. In just two decades, JWU has transformed Charlotte’s food scene from “meat and three” while growing the city’s hospitality scene from a lone Marriott to high-class

hotels such as the Ritz-Carlton and the Ivey’s Hotel. Graduates aren’t just working in local businesses; they’re often running them. The campus has survived everything from the COVID-19 pandemic to a 2013 Academic Center flood. Under director Trudi Lacey, JWU Charlotte Athletics have transformed from club sports to 13 JWU Charlotte varsity teams in eight sports (newly added: softball) competing in the U.S. Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA). The men’s soccer team has won back-to-back national championships the past two years, and campus pride is high. The next goal: joining JWU’s Providence Campus in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)’s Division 3.

“We’ll continue our mission of transforming lives, strengthening our greater community and empowering our students through experiential learning to become the leaders and innovators of tomorrow,” notes Mathieu. To achieve this, he’s gathering community connectors from business leaders to alumni to provide strategic advice through a new JWU Charlotte Executive Advisory Council. One member of that council, Manny Rodrigues ’05, notes: “JWU’s future is aspirational and will continue to deliver on that promise of contributing to a vibrant city.”

JWU

Rx for Success: Expanding Health & Wellness

ADECADE AGO, students who roamed Johnson Hall on the Providence Campus heard discussions of assets, liabilities and capital as accounting professors conducted their classes. Today, visitors to Johnson Hall hear something very different.

“Decrease distractions, be focused, practice your six rights,” reminds Marie Woolery, an advanced practice registered nurse and JWU assistant professor. Where accounting students once took notes on principle, students are practicing the principles of nursing — implementing the six rights of medication administration (the right patient, medication, dose, time, route and documentation), preparing and injecting needles into injection pads, and applying antibiotic eye ointment on Eugene, a patient simulator manikin. It’s all part of JWU’s accelerated nursing bachelor’s degree program, one of several new programs within the College of Health & Wellness.

Why Expand Health and Wellness?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 1.9 million health-related job openings are projected each year, on average, due to employment growth and the need to replace workers who leave the field permanently. The American Medical Association and the Association of American Medical Colleges both project a physician shortage in the United States that could reach over 100,000 in the next decade. Employers are trying to entice applicants with thousands of dollars in signing bonuses and even housing stipends. With a dearth of personnel, healthcare must increase collaboration to achieve better functional outcomes with less resources. Enter JWU’s College of Health & Wellness and its holistic programming that recognizes nutrition and movement as medicine. Besides the accelerated nursing program, JWU offers undergraduate health and wellness programs in Dietetics and Applied Nutrition, Exercise and Sports Science, Health Science, Healthcare Administration,

and Public Health. These majors can flow into JWU graduate programs that include master’s degrees in Clinical Nutrition & Dietetics, Public Health, and Physician Assistant (PA) Studies as well as the Occupational Therapy (OT) Doctorate. A new Doctor of Physical Therapy (PT) degree program premieres in June 2025.

The JWU Advantage

“A lot of schools have PT, OT and PA, but very few have [those three plus] nursing,” says Paul Ullucci Jr., DPT, Ph.D., director of the physical therapy doctorate program. Adding JWU’s undergraduate and graduate degrees in public health, dietetics and nutrition to the mix — as well as the undergraduate program in exercise and sports science — puts Johnson & Wales in a class of its own. “That’s where we really start to develop a practitioner that has a lot of ability and can communicate across multiple disciplines,” Ulluci adds.

Hospitality and Culinary Enhancing Health

JWU’s world-renowned hospitality and culinary programs also play a role in creating the most well-rounded practitioners. Responding to healthcare employers who cite workers’ poor communication skills as their most frequent complaint, JWU’s College of Hospitality Management has developed an online module that helps our health and wellness students identify verbal and nonverbal cues and improve their overall bedside manner. These skills are crucial in developing a rapport and doctor-patient relationship; proper trust and a therapeutic alliance help patients attain the highest outcomes and increase their treatment effectiveness by 30 percent.

CHW students are also collaborating with the College of Food Innovation & Technology in ways that are mutually beneficial. These students visit the CFIT kitchens and learn how to create and cook Mediterranean-style, heart healthy,

and weight loss diets. PT students take these efforts one step further — they analyze CFIT chefs and students’ biomechanics and working environments to perform risk assessment and injury prevention.

“The Teaching Kitchen model brings together a variety of disciplines to show people how they may make more nutritious choices to improve their health outcomes,” explains CHW Associate Dean and Associate Professor Rebecca Simon. “It will include students from public health, nutrition, culinary and even business and engineering. The possibilities for collaboration are endless.”

Clinical Experience and Community Support

That collaboration continues beyond the JWU campus in the form of clinical experiences and community support. The nursing program’s clinical rotations provide hands-on experience and exposure to different specialties in healthcare, including pediatrics, obstetrics, acute care, mental health and community health. By working with healthcare professionals, nursing students discover the complexities of delivering care as a team. They also work with nonprofit community partners, learning the importance of self-esteem and self-worth to people who are often in various stages of crisis. The experience provides a real-life perspective that these students will carry with them into their professional lives.

“The program aims to fill the theory-practice gap, enabling our students to be ready to meet the challenges of today’s ever-changing healthcare industry,” notes Kiley Medeiros, interim director of Providence’s nursing program. “We are able to offer multidisciplinary, interprofessional, simulation and various hands-on clinical experiences to prepare our students to enter the healthcare workforce as a new registered nurse, and ultimately improve health outcomes.”

JWU’s PT program is among the top 1% of PT programs nationwide in terms of clinical hours; students receive a competitive edge by spending 40 hours per week for 40 weeks in supervised care settings. They also engage in 90 hours of integrative clinical experience when they are in class and on internships. Employers are taking note; they have committed to hiring our students and providing their expertise and assistance. Faculty are active practitioners in and out of the classroom — many with decades of experience working and teaching in their specialty. They

provide students with strong foundational knowledge before introducing specialties in electives such as imaging and adaptive sports.

Johnson & Wales is the only university in New England to have an adaptive sports program. Justin Lafferier, PT, Ph.D., associate director and associate professor in the physical therapy doctorate program, says, “Adaptive sports is a venue to break down barriers that people don’t even realize they have bias towards.” He notes that people with disabilities accomplish more with adaptive sports than in a rehab setting. Endorphins are released as people with similar conditions interact and compete — and students see that improvement in real-time. The adaptive sport doesn’t have to be intense to reap benefits — participants obtain goals that they weren’t able to in the clinic as they are reintegrated in society and gain acceptance of their disability.

Students also benefit from JWU’s Center for Student Research and Interdisciplinary Collaboration. Zachery

Edwards ’22, a health sciences graduate and research fellow at the center, says, “The environment boosted my confidence in my abilities while increasing my understanding of how important interprofessional and interdisciplinary collaboration is. It prepared me for multiple leadership roles by providing me with the skills necessary to manage group dynamics and be a successful contributor in those settings.”

Edward and a group of peers recognized the need for a forum to talk about what they’re learning. They created the Healthy Equity Club, which allows students to reflect and reframe their experiences while learning about new and interesting topics that may be applied to their fieldwork. They build a network of support and choose the topic and the content.

“The Health Equity Club is where students get the chance to take their learning from the scholarly to the personal,” says Associate Professor Samantha Rosenthal. “They have created a space to address sensitive or even controversial topics with their peers so they can work through the challenges they may be facing.”

Back in the nursing lab, students are practicing how to give subcutaneous injections. One student, in her haste to remember all steps, forgets to use a circular motion to clean the injection site. Woolery

gently corrects her, miming the correct motion. The nervous student sheepishly replies, “I’ve never done this before.”

Woolery places her hand on the student’s forearm in sympathy and support. “This is a safe space,” she assures.

The student smiles in relief and returns to her task. Like many CHW students before her and the many that will come after, she succeeds and gains confidence. JWU

SERVICE IN ACTION

Service, in its truest sense, extends beyond mere obligation; it is the intentional act of contributing one’s time, expertise and passion for the greater good. The university has many who have worked in service of its mission, but perhaps none more unwaveringly than the three Johnson & Wales University Board of Trustee members who are concluding their board service after a collective half century. Chair of the Board James H. Hance Jr. ’06 Hon.; John Hazen White Jr. ’96 Hon.; and David A. Wilson, Ph.D., ’99 Hon., P’98, have fostered growth and true transformation at the institution.

“Collectively, these gentlemen have served for close to 50 years,” says Chancellor Mim L. Runey, LP.D. “They epitomize the definition of philanthropy with the time, talent and treasure they have brought to their JWU Board service. They are forever members of the Johnson & Wales family and always will be Wildcats for life.”

By Lisa Pelosi & Emily Gilcreast

James H. Hance Jr. ’06 Hon.

Prior to joining the JWU Board of Trustees, Jim Hance served as vice chairman and chief financial officer of Bank of America, headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina. His belief in the promise of a Johnson & Wales education and the value of bringing the university to the Charlotte community twenty years ago is an amazing legacy that has and will continue to be passed on to each graduating class at the Charlotte Campus.

In 2005, he brought his extraordinary business expertise and his deep commitment to community service to the Johnson & Wales Board of Trustees. After he rotated off the Board in 2014, not only did the university successfully entice him to come back one year later, but he also accepted the invitation to become chair — the second independent chair in the history of JWU’s Board of Trustees.

Hance has dedicated his time to become a student of the higher education industry and steadily navigated the university and Board through complex, critical strategic decisions, including a presidential search and selection, the development of three strategic plans, the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and the consolidation of the university’s campus system. He has been a staunch advocate for the importance of fundraising, and has led by example, including serving as co-chair of a university campaign and as a loyal donor.

When asked about his long-time association with the university, he shared, “For me, it has been most gratifying and has made me most proud to see the growth of the Charlotte Campus, the evolution and successes of the entire university, and witnessing the growth of Chancellor Runey into a remarkable leader, navigating complex challenges with resilience.”

John Hazen White Jr. ’96 Hon.

John Hazen White’s name and life have been interwoven with Johnson & Wales University for decades. He first was elected to the JWU Board of Trustees in 2002, serving three, three-year terms, and then after a year off, he returned to the Board in 2012 to serve three additional three-year terms.

As executive chairman of Taco Group Holdings Inc., White is a prominent business leader in Rhode Island, committed to supporting the re-emergence of the manufacturing industry in the United States. He was invited to serve as a Visiting Industry Professor in October 2023, during which he shared his “live-by” message with JWU students on the importance of leading with love, honor and respect, and to never forget that the most important part of a successful business is its people.

Take a stroll on the university’s Providence Campus and you will pass by the Taco Center for Business and Arts & Sciences that houses the Media Lab and the Criminal Justice Lab. Students at both the Providence and Charlotte campuses are enrolled in classes offered by the John Hazen White College of Arts & Sciences.

Continuing his family’s long relationship with the university, White has been a champion for fundraising in support of JWU students, inspiring and leading all constituency groups by example, including serving as chair of the Board’s Development Committee, co-chair of a university campaign, a challenge gift donor on multiple occasions and a loyal supporter and advocate.

About his connection to Johnson & Wales, he remarked, “The 22 years of service to the university’s Board of Trustees have been some of the most precious and meaningful years of my life. The experience I have had being involved with such a great and noble institution — the lessons learned — have been immense and truly significant. Being able to contribute financially and as a board member provided me with a feeling of success and honor as part of such a wonderful institution.”

David A. Wilson, Ph.D., ’99 Hon., P’98

In 2015, Dave Wilson brought to the JWU Board of Trustees a strong business acumen coupled with higher education experience, having served as the CEO of the Graduate Management Admission Council for nearly two decades, preceded by 16 years as a partner with Ernst & Young LLP, as well as close to a decade as faculty in academia. He finished his career as an independent corporate director at six public companies including Barnes & Noble and as lead director at CoreSite Realty.

During his nine years of service, Dave served as the chair of the Audit & Risk Management Committee, helping the Board effectively oversee an increasingly complex higher education landscape, and heightening the Board’s focus on risk assessment and management, scenario planning and cybersecurity.

He has been a strong supporter of JWU students before and throughout his time on the Board, including through his service to the Confrérie de la Chaîne de Rôtisseurs as its Bailli Délégué and as founder and past chair of the Chaîne Foundation, a provider of significant scholarship support for JWU students.

Dave, a proud parent of a JWU graduate — Sean ’98 and daughter-inlaw Erin ’98 — values the unique educational experience provided by Johnson & Wales and, together with his wife, personally supports JWU student scholarships through the David A. ’99 Hon., P’98 and Jane M. Wilson P’98 Family Endowed Scholarship established in 2016. As a trustee, an honorary degree recipient, a donor and the parent of an alum, he has been fully immersed in Johnson & Wales. His family’s philanthropic interests are diverse, but education remains a top priority.

“As a young boy, growing up in Canada, my parents always taught me to hold the door for others. It was the right thing to do,” he shared. “That message cascaded and, as an adult, I saw an obligation not only to hold a door but to open doors for those who could not do so or who may not even have known that there was a door for them. Jane’s and my greatest legacy at Johnson & Wales University is not measured in dollars or hours but in the lives of those students for whom we opened a door.”

ALUMNI NEWS

The Power of Mentorship

For 110 years, mentorship has helped shape JWU students into leaders and thinkers who go on to make their mark on the world. Mentorship is more than guidance — it’s a transformative relationship where knowledge and experience meet inspiration and growth. JWU alumni mentors do more than teach; They challenge students to think deeply, take risks and unlock their full potential. This culture of mentorship, passed down through generations, is at the core of what makes our community so strong.

The power of mentorship lies in its ripple effect. It’s not just about helping students succeed academically — it’s about shaping lives, fostering confidence and providing the tools to navigate the future. For over a century, these mentor-mentee relationships have inspired breakthroughs, launched careers and built a legacy of innovation and leadership. As we celebrate 110 years, the impact of mentorship at our university continues to resonate, creating lasting change and empowering new generations to push boundaries, ask big questions and make meaningful contributions to the world.

“JWU teaches the importance of networking. It provides unique opportunities for students to meet industry professionals and work in their desired industry early in their journey. This experience helps them obtain roles that they are excited about and prepared for when they graduate.”

Allison Pangakis ’08 freelance event manager

“I visit campus throughout the year for various events, where I offer guidance and support to the students and aspiring chefs of tomorrow. Working with my alma mater and contributing to the success of these students is truly the highlight of my job, and I approach this responsibility with utmost dedication and seriousness. It is our responsibility to carry forward the tradition of supporting and guiding the next generations, helping them reach their true potential. Together, let’s nurture their growth and ensure their success.”

Scott Popovic ’98, culinary innovations manager, Nestlé

“I am committed to advancing initiatives that promote a welcoming and equitable environment across JWU. I support JWU students by dedicating my time throughout the academic year strengthening a campus culture to ensure that students have a safe haven, feel a heightened sense of belonging and possess adequate resources to thrive. I meet monthly with the IDEA Group to collaborate on solutions related to belonging. During my time with the group I helped to draft the university’s DEI Statement, built content for the DEI webpage, participated in the Diversity Dialogue Series, contributed to the Indigenous Land Acknowledgement action plan and helped to build the DEI Focus Group analysis and action plan. I also work with JWU Alumni as a think-tank to strengthen pipeline engagement and increase volunteer support. As a member of the Mary & Gertrude Society, I count it a privilege to consistently be able to give back to JWU by supporting future alumni financially. The ability to help secure the future of my alma mater is a beautiful thing.”

— Elána Frazier ’13 project director & social impact executive

“Giving back by spending time, sharing lessons learned, and providing guidance brings great joy and allows me to pay it forward. I’m proud to be part of the mentorship program and to actively participate in campus events like SharkFest, contributing to the university community in meaningful ways.”

— Nicholas Szymanski ’08, chief operating officer, ELLKAY

“Supporting JWU students allows my skills to flourish in unconventional ways. Create your own light and allow others to add to it. As our alumni network grows, so does our wealth of knowledge, connections and collaboration.”

—

Tiffany Franco ’23 executive administrative assistant, JPMorgan Chase & Co.

IN MEMORIUM

“A key part of my JWU journey was supporting students through various admissions roles, starting with the Collegiate Ambassador Team and later as a Career Explorations leader. I was inspired by the program that had once motivated me. This supportive environment is something I now aim to replicate as an educator. Returning to JWU for my M.A.T. in Culinary Education, I balanced full-time studies with a role as a culinary demonstrator, traveling across New England to promote JWU’s programs. My diverse industry experiences have enriched my career, expanded my network and reinforced my commitment to nurturing future students.”

— Victoria Esser ’15, ’21 M.A.T., family and consumer science teacher, Stonington Public Schools

Here’s to the next 110 years of connection and excellence. Together, we’ll keep the JWU spirit alive and thriving both in and out of the classroom.

Reflecting on Your JWU Journey

Louis Giarrusso ’48 was Johnson & Wales’ oldest living alumnus who recently passed away at the remarkable age of 101. He worked in a textile factory before serving in the Army Company L, 3rd Battalion, 305th Infantry Regiment of the 77th Division. After his service, he enrolled at Johnson & Wales, earned his degree in accounting, and began a remarkable 39-year career at General Electric where he helped transition the company into the technology age. His starting salary? $1.01 an hour. Giarrusso’s time at JWU held a special place in his heart. He reminisced about the valuable experiences and knowledge gained during his years on campus — when a graduate could mail their résumés to company presidents and receive a response! Though times have changed, the university’s unwavering admiration for and commitment to its graduates remain constant. Today, we honor Giarrusso’s legacy with profound gratitude.

As you take a moment to vividly recall your time at JWU, what specific memory or experience stands out the most to you? Was it a professor who sparked your passion, a challenging project or friendship that saw you through late-night study sessions? Each of us has a unique story of how JWU shaped our lives. The key figures in these experiences, including mentors and supportive peers, are at the core of our JWU journey. Acknowledging the role that mentors, friends and the university community have played in our development can be a powerful way to appreciate how far we’ve come and to inspire us to continue making a positive impact. JWU

ALUMNI NEWS

CLASS NOTES

1977

FELIX L. FIDELIBUS PVD

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA

[1] Felix was awarded a Doctorate in Business Administration from Walden University in March of 2024. He is the chief financial officer for CTK Management Company LLC in Fort Lauderdale.

1984

ZACHARY A. FRANGOS PVD

NASSAU, BAHAMAS

[2] Zachary has started a new position as managing director of The Pointe Complex in Nassau, Bahamas. The Pointe Complex has three hotel properties: Margaritaville, One Particular Harbor Residence and The British Colonial.

1989

MITCHELL N. BELL PVD

NEW SMYRNA BEACH, FLORIDA

[3] Mitchell has been appointed to the Bank, Insurance and Securities Association (BISA) Board of Directors.

1994

KENDRA J. LORING PVD

ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO

Kendra has written the children’s book "The Saga of Henri Standing Bear," about a New Mexico rescue horse. The book was released on May 22, 2024. Kendra is also the founder and riding instructor at Enchanted Equine Adventures in Albuquerque.

1996

SUZANNE D. BAGNERA ’98

MBA PVD

NORTH MIAMI, FLORIDA

[4] Suzanne is an assistant professor in the Chaplin School of Hospitality and Tourism Management at Florida International University in North Miami. In addition to teaching classes, she is the lodging curriculum lead and provides oversight to the Executive Education program.

1999

JEANNETTE F. STEFAN-OZGA NMI

DORAL, FLORIDA

[5] Jeannette is the director of culinary development for Sedano’s Supermarkets, the largest independent Hispanic grocery store chain in the United States. Responsible for all new product development, quality control, and training for prepared foods, bakery and cafe in 34 stores throughout central and southern Florida.

2000

MARILU RIVERA PVD

HOUSTON, TEXAS

[6] Marilu is the director of hotel accounting at Hotel Zaza in Houston and has been in the hotel industry for 25 years.

TIFFANY LEWIS PVD

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA

Tiffany was promoted to vice president of sales & marketing for Sandpiper Hospitality in Richmond.

2001

SHADEL W. HAMILTON II, ED.D. NMI

CLEARWATER, FLORIDA

[7] Shadel has been named the president of the Ultimate Medical Academy in Clearwater.

2002

JASON BOUCHARD PVD

SAINT PETERSBURG, FLORIDA

[8] Jason has published the book "My Journey of Grief, Hope, and Faith" to share the struggles and journey associated with grief.

MONICA L. YORK PVD

KINGSTON, RHODE ISLAND

Monica is the chief business officer for the College of Environmental & Life Sciences at the University of Rhode Island in Kingston.

2003

TAMISHA L. CIVIL PVD

STOUGHTON, MASSACHUSETTS

[9] Tamisha is running for a seat with the Massachusetts Governor’s Council.

2005

BHARAT LUGANI ’07 MBA PVD

SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA

Bharat was promoted to complex general manager for Hilton Worldwide at the Doubletree San Jose and Juniper Hotel Curio Collection in San Jose.

2006

NICOLE REDD-MCINTOSH PVD

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA

[10] Nicole is the executive pastry chef and cake designer at Nicole Bakes Cakes and was the winner of the 2024 California Wedding Day Best Wedding Cake and Desserts — Los Angeles.

2007

MANSOOR HAIDER PVD

UNION CITY, CALIFORNIA

Mansoor is the corporate executive chef at Mollie Stone’s Markets located throughout the Bay Area.

SHERLINE LEXIME NMI

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA

[11] Sherline has joined the Hilton Brand as a director of human resources in Fort Lauderdale.

EDUARDO AMARAL ’12 MBA PVD

DALLAS, TEXAS

Eduardo is the regional vice president of execution for MCR Hotels in Dallas.

2009

JOSHUA M. MCBRIDE PVD

NEW YORK, NEW YORK

[12] Josh is an entertainment host and lifestyle expert, who has appeared on shows like "Sherri Shepherd," "The Today Show," "Good Morning America," "Wendy Williams," and "The Talk," has launched his own video-based module course that teaches those who want to get on TV, how to get on TV. With over a decade of experience on the small screen, Josh strives to help small business owners who are looking for more eyeballs on their product or service.

TARAH M. WARNER ’16 MBA PVD

BLACKSBURG, VIRGINIA

[13] Tarah has been hired as the assistant professor of practice for event & experience management for the Howard Feiertag Department of Hospitality & Tourism Management at Virginia Tech University in Blacksburg. She also maintains her position as the president and CEO for two event management companies, TMW Productions, LLC and Weddings by TMW Productions, LLC.

VALERIE C. MCCOURT CLT ARLINGTON, TEXAS

After 15 years in the sports entertainment event management industry, Valerie joined the front office of the Texas Rangers Baseball Team as manager of tour operations in November 2022. One year later, the Rangers won the World Series for the first time in franchise history. The Front Office received their World Series rings on April 15, 2024.

ANTHONY E. ROBERTS JR. NMI

EVANSVILLE, INDIANA

[14] Anthony is one of 10 in the Travel Weekly Travel Advisor Class of 2024. He is also a Certified Travel Associate (CTA) and Certified Cruise Counselor (CCC).

2011

GABRIEL A. RODRIGUEZ PVD

BRONX, NEW YORK

[15] Gabriel is the director of culinary education at Allie’s Place Center for Culinary Education in the Bronx, NY. Allie’s Place is a free culinary job training program and is part of Homes For The Homeless, a nonprofit that operates shelters throughout the city.

SUBMISSIONS

If there’s news in your life you’d like to share with fellow alumni, please send us photos and announcements about your career, recent weddings, unions and additions to your family.

Images: To submit images from your event, please provide high resolution digital files (minimum one megabyte [1 MB] in size, in jpeg format), or actual photographs can be emailed to alumni@jwu.edu. A form to submit class notes is available at: https://bit.ly/jwuclassnotes

CLASS NOTES

ANDREW J. ZNIDARSIC CLT

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA

Andrew has been appointed vice president of client relations at Bon Appetit Management Company in San Francisco.

JESSICA L. JEFFERS DEN HENDERSON, COLORADO

[16] Jessica was promoted to vice president of marketing for United Flea Markets, overlooking the creative and strategy surrounding 15 flea markets nationwide. United Flea Markets is headquartered in Henderson.

2014

DANIEL M. GARCIA PVD

NEW YORK, NEW YORK

[17] Chef Danny Garcia is the latest winner of the culinary competition television series Top Chef.

KENIA MCCARTHY PVD

PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND

[18] Kenia joined Brown University Division of Biology and Medicine as director of BioMed Human Resources in September 2023. As director of BioMed Human Resources, Kenia provides leadership throughout the Division of Biology and Medicine in all areas of human resources, including

culture and engagement, employment, recruitment, performance management, employee relations, training and development, organizational design, and compensation.

2015

ALEXIS D. MCCRAE CLT

CHESAPEAKE, VIRGINIA

[19] Alexis is the general manager of Hampton Inn & Suites-Chesapeake Battlefield Blvd in Chesapeake.

TERRENCE A. GAGALA PVD

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS

[20] Following his time in the alcoholic beverage distribution business, Terrence is now a territory sales manager for Kerry Foodservice covering the Chicago and Northern Illinois market. Terrence also continues his volunteer work with the American Cider Association & the Technology Center of DuPage’s Culinary & Hospitality program.

BRENDAN G. DWYER PVD

KINGSTON, NEW YORK

Brendan has been appointed general manager at Hutton Brickyards in Kingston.

BENJAMIN J. SIEGEL PVD

ELIZABETH, NEW JERSEY

Benjamin is portfolio manager of wines at Allied Beverage Group in Elizabeth.

2016

VERSHAWN A. GRAY CLT

LANCASTER, SOUTH CAROLINA

Chef Vershawn Gray, the owner of Southern Dish 101 in Lancaster, won Businessperson of the Year 2023 from the Lancaster County Chamber of Commerce.

2018

KRISTINA B. D’ONOFRIO PVD

HARRISON, NEW YORK

Kristina is the CEO of the online boutique Electric Shock, based out of Harrison.

2020

MOLLY E. GORDON CLT

CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA

[21] Chef Molly Gordon has been awarded the 2024 Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) Alumni Achievement Award. Only one alum is given this prestigious award each year. Chef Gordon is a chef instructor at Wando High School and owner of Simply Southern Chef in Charleston.

BRYON BURNESS DEN

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA

Bryon is the luxury suites concierge for the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park in San Francisco.

ARIEL P. LAWLOR PVD

MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE

Ariel is the sous chef for the Memphis Grizzlies NBA Team in Memphis.

2021

DELILA D. TORRES PVD

NEW YORK, NEW YORK

[22] Delila is a sous chef with Flik Hospitality working at Cravath Law Firm in New York City.

2022

ASHLEY M. HATHAWAY ONL

KENNETT SQUARE, PENNSYLVANIA

[23] Ashley is the pastry chef at Sweet Amelia’s KSQ in Kennett Square. The restaurant is owned and operated by her brother, Zack Hathaway ’17, and sister in law, Karessa Hathaway ’17. The restaurant, which has been open for more than a year, is already getting award buzz and recognition. It is a full JWU graduate family-run business.

ASHLEY MARTINEZ ’23 MBA PVD

TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA

Ashley is the event coordinator for the Florida State University College of Law in Tallahassee.

AMANDA FLETCHER ’22

MBA ONL

CARY, NORTH CAROLINA

[24] Amanda has been promoted to senior global event manager for Brightly Software, a Siemens company, in Cary.

DUSTY COOPER ’22 MBA ONL

WASHINGTON, D.C.

[25] Dusty has been appointed chief operating officer at DC Central Kitchen.

2023

CHRISTOPHER R. SIRAVO ’23

MBA ONL

GLASTONBURY, CONNECTICUT

[26] Chris serves as a national account manager for Travel Insurance International where he

focuses on the management of their largest retail profit center. Chris was also married in December 2023 and has a baby girl on the way.

ELENA MANCHETTE ’23

MSPAS PVD

HOPE VALLEY, RHODE ISLAND

Elena is a physician assistant at Wood River Health in Hope Valley and Westerly.

MIDDLETOWN, NEW YORK August 3, 2024 24 26 25

WEDDINGS 2012

SEUNG JAE LEE PVD

SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA March 16, 2024

2018

HANNAH MIDDLETON PVD & IRVIN GIRON PVD

IN MEMORIAM

WILLIAM DRAPEAU ’49

June 9, 2024

MARILYN G. BUZZERIO ’64

May 14, 2024

JEFFREY VALE ’70

May 9, 2024

PAUL V. VALLIERE ’72

July 28, 2024

ROSE K. SAGAN ’74

July 10, 2024

HARRY V. LANE ’76

February 8, 2024

JOHN L. MADANCY ’76

July 5, 2024

LEWIS J. SAWYER ’76

May 6, 2024

KENNETH L. HANLEY ’77

December 31, 2023

JOHN J. VENDETTOLI ’77

February 8, 2024

MARIE A. COCCIA ’79

May 1, 2024

STEPHEN QUINN ’78

July 6, 2024

BERNARD J. FLATTERY ’79

February 14, 2024

ROBERT F. SELEMA ’79

April 3, 2024

KATHLEEN HOPKINS ’80

February 24, 2024

RUSSELL T. WHEELER ’80

May 10, 2024

ROBERT J. HUTCHISON ’81

February 26, 2024

JOHN MCCORMICK ’81

February 2, 2024

EDWARD AUGUST ’82

May 5, 2024

GERALD J. LACASSE ’82

June 10, 2024

THOMAS H. PETERSON III ’82

April 24, 2024

RICHARD E. CARLSON ’83

July 10, 2024

CHRISTOPHER E. MARTIN ’83

June 12, 2024

JOHN H. MCCHESNEY ’84

July 9, 2024

PAUL L. CHAMPAGNE ’85

April 27, 2024

JOYCE I. KIFF ’85

June 9, 2024

BRIAN D. BRENNAN ’86

January 9, 2024

SHARON O. MOYLAN ’86

July 17, 2024

JOHN S. ALDER ’88

June 18, 2024

MARK CREAN ’88

March 5, 2024

THOMAS R. DELANEY ’88

March 8, 2022

TODD S. KENEE ’88

March 20, 2024

PERRY LI ’88

July 5, 2024

CONNIE WOLLENWEBER ’88

July 9, 2024

BLAIR J. BARBIERI ’89, ’96 M.S.

June 25, 2024

ALAN S. DEEM ’89

April 18, 2024

JARED NOYES ’90

May 19, 2024

BRYAN E. HARNED ’91

July 1, 2024

J. P. ELLENBERGER ’92

March 28, 2024

JAMES J. HAWKS ’94

July 18, 2024

JAMES LAMPKE ’94

June 22, 2024

ARLYN MASSA ’94

March 12, 2024

STEVEN D. ROSIER ’94

May 1, 2024

NANCY ZITER ’94 M.S.

February 3, 2024

BRETT GRIFFITH ’95

June 15, 2024

SCOTT A. GROVER ’95

March 9, 2024

ANGELA D. ABBOTT ’96

March 5, 2024

ERICA W. FORD ’96

June 20, 2024

DANIEL KLIMAITIS ’96

May 19, 2024

JAMES J. MAYNARD ’96

February 8, 2024

JOSEPH WATSON ’96

July 8, 2024

BRIAN JASON ’97

July 26, 2024

JENNIFER LAKARI ’97

May 15, 2024

KERRI FLEMING PAVAN ’97

February 16, 2023

MAUREEN L. CARBONI ’98

March 7, 2024

JESSICA MCGINLEY ’98

May 24, 2024

SEAN P. DAIGLE ’99

June 15, 2024

MATTHEW M. HARAKAL ’99

February 15, 2024

MARK A. DRISCOLL ’00

February 8, 2024

MICHAEL REDFERN ’01

April 2, 2024

CHRISTOPHER S. VISTEIN ’01

March 29, 2024

ED BARROOD ’02

January 27, 2024

KATHLEEN GILFILLAN ’02

February 28, 2024

JAMAL JAMES KENT ’02

June 15, 2024

HEATHER M. BERUBE ’05

July 20, 2024

TIMOTHY G. ENGLAND ’05

April 12, 2024

JASON REESE ’05

March 2, 2024

LINDA WIGGINS ’05

February 15, 2024

ERIC D. CHASE ’06

February 9, 2024

JONATHAN C. ZANESKI ’06

May 21, 2023

JEFFREY S. NEELY ’07

March 7, 2024

ALEXANDER STEWART ’07

June 10, 2024

DR. JONATHAN PONDS ’08

ED.D.

July 12, 2024

TIMOTHY P. MCGOWAN ’09

April 20, 2024

JESSICA N. PENN ’09

June 12, 2024

STEPHEN A. MACLEAN ’10

April 30, 2024

THOMAS G. CONNELL JR. ’12

February 23, 2024

CHRISTOPHER J. CAMIRAND ’13

May 7, 2024

ANDREA E. OLIVER ’18

June 1, 2024

FACULTY, STAFF AND FRIENDS

JOHN J. AUKSTOLIS

June 27, 2024

DAVID S. GOLDA

May 7, 2024

MAXCEL HARDY

March 4, 2024

SAMUEL JARCHO

June 23, 2024

HELENE V. PETRONE

June 11, 2024

CYNTHIA J. SHAPPY

February 14, 2024

THOMAS M. STRAWN

June 4, 2024

CORNELIUS B. TONET

May 10, 2024

Mascot Fever

By Jennifer Brouillard

Griff the Griffin, a precursor to today’s beloved Wildcat Willie, finally gets the attention he deserves

Mascots are the lifeblood of college campuses worldwide. They motivate, inspire, foster team spirit and raise morale. A change in mascots can inspire pride, but also stir emotions — as JWU discovered 30 years ago.

Wildcat Willie was born in the 1960s when “J&W,” as it was known then, was a junior college. Even though few sports existed on campus, the basketball team coached by Jack Yena (a former president and a chairman of the board emeritus) won the NJCAA regional championship and competed in the national tournament. The team’s success was shortlived; by the early 1970s, the Board of Directors voted to eliminate athletics and Wildcat Willie faded into obscurity.

In the early 1990s, growing student interest in sports led to the emergence of a new mascot: Griff the Griffin, a mythological figure with the front half of an eagle and the back half of a lion. The griffin was thought to be a part of the university seal, which combines the family crests of Misses Johnson and Wales. But the

figure in question is the Welsh dragon, a national symbol of Wales!

To correct the mistake, a movement by the entire JWU community succeeded in restoring the original wildcat as mascot in 1997. By that time, JWU had enjoyed its first year as a member of the NCAA Division III, and the successful program we know today was underway.

Some graduates from that era took the loss of Griff hard. Griff personified Johnson & Wales and symbolized their college experience. Such a change felt like the demise of the school they knew and loved.

Design and Digital Media major from the Providence Campus. Various elements were incorporated to create the same fierce-yetfriendly mascot on all campuses — a design that is still in use today.

In 2013, a newly designed Willie T. Wildcat (Wildcat Willie’s more formal moniker) debuted during Family Weekend to kick off the 2014 celebration of the university’s centennial year. BAM! Mascots, a professional mascot design company, worked with JWU to develop the vision of universitywide mascot design contest winner Devon Tsinzo ’15, a Graphic

Some alumni still find the wildcat mascot a hard pill to swallow. But the truth is Willie would not be where he is today without Griff. After faltering in the 1960s, Willie returned in earnest and learned everything he knows from the best: Griff. Whether cheering student-athletes to victory, rallying spectators or entertaining attendees of university events, Willie’s successes are Griff’s successes. Griff’s short time as mascot lives on in the hearts and minds of graduates who had the privilege of knowing him. His spirit endures and will never be forgotten.

Whether you are a griffin or a wildcat, whether you graduated from “J&W” or “JWU,” you are a part of the Johnson & Wales legacy. And it’s a legacy of which Griff would have been proud. JWU

Griff the Griffin

Embracing our roots, celebrating our achievements.

SAVE THE DATE REUNION 2025

April 4-6 | Providence, Rhode Island

Calling all alumni — don’t miss the weekend of the year!

Reconnect with old friends, relive cherished memories and experience JWU’s vibrant campus life. From Taste of JWU to interactive workshops and the Distinguished Alumni Awards, this is your chance to celebrate our shared history and look forward to an exciting future.

Register today! alumni.jwu.edu

Wales Gertrude Johnson