jwufamily connection
DENVER CAMPUS
Winter 2016
FAMILY/ HOMECOMING WEEKEND Spirited events and athletic competitions
FEATURES Student Government Association; Health Science program debut
CAMPUS NEWS Cultural Connection Series, community service, Sharkfest, fashion show
RECIPE A JWU faculty chef shares a favorite recipe
This is a publication of Johnson & Wales University specifically created for families and designated contacts of JWU students.
WELCOME DEAR JWU FAMILIES, This is always a great time of the year to reflect on the many things in our lives for which we are thankful. I am especially grateful to be part of such a rich and supportive JWU community — from our engaged students and alumni, to our faculty and staff, to our parent and family supporters. Over the past three months, I’ve connected with many student groups and individuals. I’m incredibly inspired by their spirit and curiosity about the world around them. I know you are proud of these amazing young men and women as they explore their passion today and begin planning their future. I am as well. I’m sure you are all eager to welcome your students home from college and hear of their experiences and plans for when they return to campus in January. As you share these moments, please know that all of us at JWU are preparing for their return and the continuation of their journey at JWU. It is truly our privilege to partner with all of you. I wish your family safe and peaceful holidays. Richard Wiscott, PhD Campus President
JWU Family Connection | Winter 2016
FAMILY/HOMECOMING WEEKEND
JWU spirits were high during Homecoming & Family Weekend, October 21–23. The Denver Campus welcomed JWU families and alumni to celebrate and share our universitywide spirit and energy through three days of events, activities and Wildcat athletic competitions. continued... JWU Family Connection | Winter 2016
FAMILY/HOMECOMING WEEKEND
JWU Family Connection | Winter 2016
“UNITED IN ONE“ WITH STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION JWU Denver’s Student Government Association (SGA) is stronger and more active than ever, and SGA president Reggie Smith ‘18, has been working hard to keep it that way. The SGA motto this year is “United in One,” reflecting the university’s efforts to connect and make an impact among all students and all majors.
“One of the opportunities we have as a small campus with such a diverse array of majors is to encourage a variety of interests, and the actions of the SGA have to reflect that,” says Smith. “It is also crucial to reach out to all sections of the student population, to make sure their voices are being heard.” The SGA executive board has been developing student advisories for culinary and business majors to give students more of a say in their education. Smith wants to introduce presidential forums into his schedule, to better understand the needs of the student body at large. “I believe that holding more events where we can hear what students have to say should be a priority,” he says.
L–R: Reggie Smith ‘18, president of the Student Government Association; Dakota Roth, president of the Campus Activities Board; Esai Gonzalez, president of the Residence Hall Assembly, and Richard Wiscott, PhD, president of the Denver Campus.
SGA’s role in university life is not only to represent what their classmates want, but also to provide opportunities that showcase student strengths. As a result, SGA representatives are advocating for more variety in college-hosted student events and encouraging students across majors to attend.
JWU Family Connection | Winter 2016
SGA has also been working on fostering connections between students of different majors. Some of these ideas include offering informal cooking classes to non-culinary majors and having fashion merchandising students teach culinary students how to mend their uniforms properly. Smith says the goal of these initiatives is to foster an atmosphere of unity and mutual appreciation across campus, and to demonstrate the diverse talents and experience of the students.
HEALTH SCIENCE PROGRAM DEBUTS
With a nearly 30-year background in research and five years of teaching experience in JWU’s College of Arts & Sciences, Judy St. John, PhD, is thrilled to lead the new Health Science program in the 2017–18 academic year. The program gives students the opportunity to learn about the broad field of health and is the first of its kind at the Denver Campus. Students can specialize in one of three pathways: Health Science, Health Promotion or Health Management. “The Health Science program represents a holistic approach to the field of health. Not only will we be offering new and exciting science laboratory courses, we will also offer courses in public and global health,” says St. John. “If a student is interested in health, this is the program for them.”
JWU Family Connection | Winter 2016
All health science students begin with an introductory course that provides insight into health career opportunities. They also take a culinary class called Cooking for Health and Wellness and have the opportunity to choose an internship in areas such as health research, health promotion or education, epidemiology or community health. For students who are curious about the industry, St. John offers these words of wisdom: “Follow your passion! Learn about all the different opportunities available in this field, find one that speaks to you, set a goal and work hard to achieve it.”
CAMPUS NEWS WHAT PILLAR OF THE WILDCAT WAY DO YOU MOST RELATE TO?
The pillar I most connect with is COMMUNITY, because when I am going through stressful, happy or sad times, the Johnson & Wales community is always there to help me get back on my feet or celebrate an achievement along with me. There is no better feeling than knowing faculty, staff and students are there to watch you succeed. — Stephanie McDowell ’17, Sports/Entertainment/Event Management
I connect most with COMMUNITY. At JWU I am involved in many clubs such as Student Alumni Association and Alpha Sigma Tau, and I have a work-study position. JWU gives me so many opportunities to be involved and gives me pride in being a Wildcat. — Carrie La Ronda ’19, Culinary Nutrition
To me, the most important pillar in the Wildcat Way is COMMUNITY. The way that we, as Wildcats, support and work alongside each other gives us the strength we need to make it through college, and to succeed once we graduate. We may be a small campus, but that to me is a benefit, not a drawback, because it makes for stronger interpersonal connections. — Duncan Maxwell ’18, Media & Communications Studies
JWU Family Connection | Winter 2016
CAMPUS NEWS CULTURAL CONNECTION SERIES The Cultural Connection Series is a free program created by Student Involvement & Leadership to increase students’ awareness of the arts. Students visit local cultural venues including museums, symphonies, plays and musicals.
Students ready for the MLK Day Challenge in 2015
COMMUNITY SERVICE IS IN OUR DNA The Community Service Network (CSN) is a student-led organization that learns about and takes part in co-curricular service projects. In addition to regular volunteer opportunities, the group’s efforts include the annual MLK Day of Service in January, the Spring Day of Service in April and the Alternative Spring Break program. CSN gives students an opportunity to gain and build leadership skills, become educated and understand root causes of community issues. Students can get involved in a number of ways: • Join the CSN page on the Involvement Network. • Serve on CSN as a member and help plan events. • Sign-up for monthly one-time service programs. • Attend major service days like Homelessness & Hunger Awareness Week, MLK Day of Service and Alternative Spring Break. • Stop by the Student Involvement & Leadership Office. In the last academic year, the Denver Campus logged 25,580 hours of service. JWU Family Connection | Winter 2016
“We believe it’s important to open new opportunities for students who might not have experienced cultural events before, and the small groups of students allow for a more personalized learning experience,” says Noah Huffer ’18, who helps to coordinate student trips to cultural events.
Students gather at the Colorado Symphony’s Tribute to Pixar.
The program is free for students. The university purchases a set amount of tickets for each event; half are available on a first-come, first-served basis, while the other half are distributed in a drawing to ensure that different students can participate. Since last year, more than 130 individual students have gone on 14 excursions, with at least six more events planned for this year.
CAMPUS NEWS STUDENT ENTREPRENEURS EARN TOP DOLLAR AT SHARKFEST COMPETITION Nerves were high and the competition was fierce during the First-Year Sharkfest Competition, held during Homecoming & Family Weekend. Modeled off the “Shark Tank” TV show, five JWU teams comprised of firstyear students pitched their ideas to a panel of esteemed judges, vying for the chance to win the first-place cash prize of $1,000. Each team’s concept was scored based on five criteria: the quality of the presentation, chances of success, return on investment, realistic venture and the judge’s penchant to invest in the concept. Ultimately, marketing major Dillon Matuska’s concept, Mag-Snap, emerged as the winner. Matuska came up with the idea as a simple solution for door security using Polymagnet magnets. Now Matuska will go on to JWU Denver’s All-Student Sharkfest Competition, which will be held in February 2017.
All students, regardless of major, are encouraged to apply and compete for the February competition. First place receives $2,500, second place receives $1,500 and third place receives $1,000. Students can apply in January through the Involvement Network. Questions about Sharkfest can be directed to School of Business Associate Professor Jeff Gilbert at 303-256-9665.
ALL HALLOWS FASHION SHOW Chanel Goines ’20 models a locally-designed dress at The Hallows Fashion Show, held October 28. The student fashion show is an annual event produced by JWU Denver’s Catwalk Club and featured fall/winter looks from local boutiques. A portion of the event proceeds and silent auction benefit Clothes to Kids Denver, a nonprofit organization that provides free clothing to preschool-through-12th-grade students from low-income or in-crisis families.
JWU Family Connection | Winter 2016
JWU COLLEGE OF CULINARY ARTS
RECIPE
Curried Sweet Potato and Kale Stew Chef Adam Sacks, RD, CCC, CRC, associate instructor, Denver Campus WHAT YOU’LL NEED 4 tablespoons coconut oil 2 shallots, minced 4 tablespoons fresh ginger, minced 4 tablespoons garlic, minced 2 Thai red chilis (or serrano pepper), stem removed, thinly sliced 6 tablespoons vegan red curry paste 2 tablespoons maple syrup 3 14-ounce cans coconut milk 3 teaspoons, ground turmeric, to taste Sea salt to taste ½ cup frozen green peas 4 cups kale, chopped, packed 1 cup cashews, roasted 2 lemons, juiced Thai or regular basil, to taste Yield: 8 servings OPTIONAL: Serve with lemon juice and Thai or regular basil.
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JWU Family Connection | Winter 2016
METHOD OF PREPARATION 1. Heat a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add coconut oil, shallot, ginger, garlic and pepper. Sauté for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently. 2. Add red curry paste and sweet potato. Stir and cook for 2 minutes more. 3. Add coconut milk, maple syrup, turmeric and a pinch of salt. Stir and bring to a simmer over medium heat. 4. Once simmering, add peas (optional) and slightly reduce heat.
5. Cook for 5–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, to soften the potatoes and peas, and infuse them with curry flavor. 6. Taste and adjust the flavor of the broth as needed. 7. Once the broth is wellseasoned and the potatoes are softened, add kale, cashews (optional) and lemon juice. Cover and simmer for 3–4 minutes more over low to medium-low heat. 8. Serve over rice, quinoa or steamed broccoli.