Johnson & Wales University Alumni

09/04/2026

As another academic year begins, we’re looking back on the memories, friendships and experiences that made JWU unforgettable. 🫶🐾

Drop your favorite memory below. 👇

09/03/2026

Meet us at the zoo!

Join the JWU community for JWU at the Zoo on September 11, from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at Roger Williams Park Zoo in Providence. Bring your family, bring your friends and enjoy a "wild" evening.

-Free admission
-Free parking
-Up-close animal experiences
-Family-friendly fun

Tickets are free, but registration is required. Reserve yours today: https://bit.ly/4i9qPAK

09/02/2026

Every gift has a story. In our Donor Spotlight series, we're celebrating the alumni, families and friends whose generosity helps shape the future of JWU.

Meet Bruce and Esther Dezube P'07, loyal JWU Fund donors for 12 consecutive years and proud members of the Mary & Gertrude Society.

Inspired by the impact JWU had on their son, Dustin Dezube '07, they continue to invest in the next generation of culinary and hospitality leaders.

"When Dustin was a student, my wife and I attended an event where students showcased the culinary skills they had been practicing," Bruce recalls. "I turned to my wife and said, 'I've never seen him so happy!' Now, when I receive exceptional service, I'm always struck by how many people tell me they trained at Johnson & Wales. JWU does really good work, and it has a special place in my heart."

Thank you, Bruce and Esther, for your continued support and belief in our students.

Do you have a donor story to share, or know someone whose generosity has made an impact at JWU? We'd love to hear it. Share your story at [email protected].

09/01/2026

Every chef’s journey starts with the fundamentals. Thanks to a longstanding partnership with The Vollrath Company, L.L.C., every incoming Culinary Arts student at JWU receives a professional sauté pan, giving them the tools to build skills and confidence from day one.

As Johannah Evans ’28 shared, “Receiving that pan felt like an investment into my future and a new beginning, all wrapped in one.”

Take a look at some of the moments JWU students received their sauté pans as they kicked off the academic year and began their culinary journeys.

08/26/2026

In celebration of National Black Business Month, we're spotlighting Lisa Ranglin '20 M.S., founder of RIBBA (Regional Initiative for Business Building & Advancement), an organization that began as the Rhode Island Black Business Association and has since evolved to serve a broader regional mission.

Born and raised in Jamaica, Lisa immigrated to Rhode Island at 18 and went on to build a successful career in corporate leadership. A vision developed during her graduate studies at JWU ultimately became RIBBA, a regional nonprofit advancing entrepreneurship, workforce development, leadership development and economic opportunity across Southern New England.

"I founded the Rhode Island Black Business Association in 2010 after seeing too many talented Black professionals and business owners overlooked, underfunded and disconnected from opportunities."

Today, RIBBA has reached 6,000+ businesses, supported 2,000+ entrepreneurs and professionals, helped clients access more than $2.3 million in capital and empowered minority- and women-owned businesses to drive economic growth across our communities.

"My proudest accomplishment is not a title, award or position. I am most proud knowing that our work is transforming lives and creating pathways for people who have historically been excluded from opportunities."

National Black Business Month is a celebration, but support matters year-round. Learn more about RIBBA's impact and how to get involved at www.ribba.org.

08/26/2026

Way to go Armani Henderson '20 '21 M.S.!

🥥 Rhode Islander Armani Henderson stopped by to talk Loco Beach Coconuts Vs Savannah Bananas at Gillette Stadium this weekend with Bekah Berger🎙 Kim Zandy + jaybuff

Full interview https://omny.fm/shows/92-pro-fm/armani-henderson-banana-ball-loco-beach-coconuts

08/25/2026

08/24/2026

"My journey at JWU gave me more than a culinary education—it gave me the confidence to take risks, embrace my heritage and pursue the career I envisioned for myself." - Chef Krysia Villón '12, owner of Chiqui's Kitchen.

As a Peruvian-American, one of Krysia's most memorable experiences at JWU was participating in a culinary study abroad program in Peru. Cooking in Peru and learning alongside industry professionals left a lasting impression and continues to inspire her work today. 🍴

Since graduating, Krysia has built a diverse culinary career spanning the chocolate industry, personal chef work, teaching and entrepreneurship. Today, she owns a specialty food business featuring Peruvian empanadas and other foods inspired by her heritage, is a chef-in-residence at Nibble Kitchen in Somerville, MA and teaches as an online Gastronomy instructor at Boston University.

"I’m grateful for what I experienced at JWU. It helped me hone my confidence to pursue opportunities, take chances and create a culinary career that is uniquely my own."

Do you have a career update you'd like to share? Submit a class note: https://bit.ly/4dEbRgh

08/18/2026

Providence area alumni! Get ready for JWU Night with Rhode Island FC on September 30 at Centreville Bank Stadium!

Join fellow alumni, students, faculty, staff, families and friends for a fun night of soccer and school spirit. Purchase your discounted ticket and exclusive JWU scarf package for just $29: https://bit.ly/4iaZdLm

Bring your family, wear your JWU gear and let's enjoy some "wicked good soccer!"

JWU Night, Rhode Island FC vs Indy Eleven
September 30 | 7:30pm
Centreville Bank Stadium
11 Tidewater St, Pawtucket, RI 02860

08/14/2026

Calling all Charlotte-area alumni!

Join fellow alumni from Friday, September 18-Sunday, September 20 for an Alumni Social presented by Noir Hospitality Group.

Spend the weekend in Charlotte, North Carolina, reconnecting with old friends, reminiscing about cherished memories and making new ones. Whether you attend one event or join the entire weekend, it's a great opportunity to celebrate your JWU connections and connect with fellow Wildcats.

Click here to view the weekend schedule and reserve your spot today: https://bit.ly/4fY6KMd