Latest news with #JWU
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
James Beard winners to TV stars: Do you know all the celeb chefs that studied at JWU?
Johnson & Wales University has long been acknowledged for contributing to the local culinary scene by educating many chefs who lead Providence's best restaurants. You need look no further than the James Beard Foundation list of semifinalists and finalists for 2025. They include Ben Sukle (Oberlin and Gift Horse), Derek Wagner (Nicks on Broadway), Nikhil Naiker (Nimki) and Champe Speidel (Persimmon), all have JWU degrees, as does Cassie Piuma, for her Sarma in Somerville, Massachusetts. But do you know how many celebrity chefs began their careers after their JWU education? There's Sean Brock (2000), most recently the featured chef in the sixth season of Netflix's "Chef's Table." He's a James Beard Award-winning chef for McCrady's and Husk in Charleston, South Carolina. He was also nominated for a Daytime Emmy Award in the Outstanding Culinary Host category for PBS's "The Mind of a Chef," produced by Anthony Bourdain. You can book a culinary travel tour to Ghana with chef Eric Adjepong (2010). But you might also remember seeing him as a finalist on "Top Chef" season 16 and multiple other shows on the Food Network. He hosted the 2023 James Beard Awards and just opened Elmina restaurant in Washington, D.C. Michelle Bernstein (1994) also studied at the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. But she chose food and was named a James Beard Award winner for Best Chef: South for Michy's. She was on the Food Network series "Melting Pot." There's Graham Elliot (1997), who many recognize as a contestant on "Iron Chef" and "Top Chef Masters" and as a judge with Gordon Ramsay on the American "Master Chef" and "MasterChef Junior." He's also a three-time James Beard nominee as a chef. Other celebrity chefs with JWU roots include: Mark Ladner (1990), Tyler Florence (1994), David Kinch (1981), Adrianne Calvo (1904), Scott Liebfried (1993), Beau MacMillan (1991), Chris Santos (1993), Eric Haugen (2007), Houston Striggow (1979), Jordan Pilarski (2016), Chris Viaud (2012), Charlie Ayers (1990), Andy Husbands (1992) and Aaron Sanchez (attended 1996). Here are the most notable celeb chefs with special ties to Rhode Island and JWU. Not only a native son, the pride of Fall River, Massachusetts, Emeril Lagasse (1978) is among the deans of celebrity chefs. He's recognized with one name, just like Beyoncé and Gaga. He was the talent that launched the TV Food Network in 1993. Shows like "How to Boil Water," "Essence of Emeril" and "Emeril Live" transformed the way people looked at food and cooking. Bam! became his signature. He's also a restaurateur, opening and running many restaurants across the country as part of his Emeril Group. Most recently, he opened 34 Restaurant and Bar, his first Portuguese concept in New Orleans. He won a James Beard Foundation Award for Best Chef: Southeast in 1991. He's written many cookbooks. He even had a short-lived NBC sitcom, "Emeril," in 2001. Little-known fact: He was a musician and turned down a scholarship to the New England Conservatory of Music to attend JWU. Rhode Island's own Chris Cosentino (1994) has made his name on the West Coast as a restaurateur and as a celebrity chef. He had James Beard noms for his food at Incanto in San Francisco, known as a nose-to-tail restaurant (utilizing all edible parts of the animal instead of just the high-value cuts). He's opened other restaurants, including Cockscomb and Boccalone in San Francisco. He's working on a new project with flavors of Maui. His television credits include winning "Top Chef Masters" in 2012 and competing on "Iron Chef America." He has hosted, judged and competed in other shows, including "Next Iron Chef," "Guy's Grocery Games," "The Best Thing I Ever Ate," "Tournament of Champions" and "Chefs vs. City." The Portsmouth native collaborated on AfterShift, a limited-release nonalcoholic IPA from Athletic Brewing. The can features images taken from the chef's tattoos, which include spatulas, forks and knives. You might not know that Cosentino is a philanthropist, having earned more than $140,000 for The Michael J. Fox Foundation. Lorena Garcia (2000) is a Venezuelan chef and restaurateur based in Miami. Her Chica, billed as a celebration of culture and flavor, has locations in Las Vegas and Miami. Her Lorena Garcia Tapas y Cocina serves hungry travelers at the Dallas-Fort Worth and Atlanta airports. Garcia opened her first restaurant, Food Café, in 2002, two years after graduating from JWU. She is also a celebrity chef who has appeared on multiple television shows, including "Top Chef" and "Top Chef Masters." She's also appeared on a number of shows on Telemundo and Univision. Garcia is an activist on behalf of children. In April, she signed a letter with other chefs asking Congress to protect funding for food assistance. She has her own nonprofit organization aimed at combating childhood obesity, 'Big Chef, Little Chef.' Little-known fact: She is on JWU's board of trustees. Esquire wrote that Michelin-starred chef Jamal 'James' Kent (2002) was on the verge of building a culinary empire when he died suddenly of a heart attack on June 15, 2024. The national magazine wrote "what the restaurant world really lost was one of its greatest mentors and champions." He was 45. He had won the prestigious competition Bocuse d'Or USA in 2010, and opened restaurants under his Saga Hospitality Group, now the Kent Hospitality Group, including Saga, Crown Shy and Overstory. JWU profiled the chef in 2019, noting his mentorship of Danny Garcia (2014). Garcia is making a name of his own, having won Season 21 of "Top Chef" in 2024 and taking over the role as executive chef of the Kent Hospitality Group. This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: JWU grads include Emeril, Lorena, Cosentino, celeb chef is long
Boston Globe
07-05-2025
- Business
- Boston Globe
Johnson & Wales to cut 91 jobs amid $34m deficit, decreased enrollment
The bigger picture: While Brown University wrestles with the Trump administration over federal funding, JWU's financial challenges are more structural in nature. Runey's memo states that the university doesn't expect enrollment to return to its 2011 numbers. Get Rhode Map A weekday briefing from veteran Rhode Island reporters, focused on the things that matter most in the Ocean State. Enter Email Sign Up 'Institutions of higher education also have faced various external challenges ranging from the demographic enrollment cliff, changing cultural attitudes toward higher education, loss of international students, and a host of other factors,' Runey wrote. 'JWU has not been immune to these challenges.' Advertisement Higher education institutions are among the largest employers in Rhode Island, and the state relies on the colleges and universities for far more than thought leadership. Brown is one of the biggest developers in Providence. Even in a diminished capacity, thousands of JWU students provide an economic boost for downtown. What's next: JWU's layoffs are happening at both its Providence and Charlotte campuses, along with JWU online. Runey's memo said the university plans to delay staff raises 'until later in the year when we can evaluate what is possible. Advertisement This story first appeared in Rhode Map, our free newsletter about Rhode Island that also contains information about local events, links to interesting stories, and more. If you'd like to receive it via email Monday through Friday, . Dan McGowan can be reached at
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
JWU laying off 91 employees to address $34 million budget deficit
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — Johnson & Wales University (JWU) is laying off dozens of employees as it works to overcome 'serious financial challenges.' In a letter sent to faculty and staff Tuesday, JWU Chancellor Mim Runey explained that 91 positions will be eliminated and those impacted will be notified over the next few days. The layoffs impact both of JWU's campuses, which are located in Providence and Charlotte, North Carolina. Runey said the overall reduction in workforce is necessary to address JWU's $34 million budget deficit. She believes the layoffs will align JWU's operational size with that of the current student population. 'We simply cannot afford to be the size that we once were, and we believe this reduction will allow us to close the financial deficit and to move forward with a balanced budget,' Runey wrote. 'Without changes to the core way the university operates, the deficit could continue to grow, creating an operational imbalance that would be very difficult to reverse.' 'Changes made now will mitigate the potential for a larger more severe impact in the future,' she added. SEE ALSO: JWU expands eligibility for free tuition initiative Runey noted that JWU has 'taken intentional actions to address budget concerns while also investing in new endeavors' over the last decade, including shuttering two of its campuses, selling underutilized real estate assets, consolidating programs, restructuring upper leadership, closing low-enrolled programs, eliminating open positions and streamlining university operations. 'This work has accelerated in recent years to stem the tide of mounting external factors,' Runey said. 'Revenue from the sale of former campus buildings has helped to bolster the endowment, reduce overall debt, and cover deficits in the past three year's budgets.' JWU's one-time cash reserves are 'now nearly depleted,' according to Runey, meaning the university has no other choice but to shrink its workforce, which she explained is its largest operating expense. 'We are at the beginning of a new journey, forged out of a moment of crisis,' Runey said. 'We are seeing reasons for optimism in our current strategic direction, but the stark reality is that Johnson & Wales University must endure a rapid evolution into a different way of working.' Download the WPRI 12 and Pinpoint Weather 12 apps to get breaking news and weather alerts. Watch 12 News Now on or with the new 12+ smart TV app. Follow us on social media: Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
JWU expands eligibility for free tuition initiative
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — Johnson & Wales University (JWU) has expanded its new initiative that offers free tuition to eligible undergraduate students. The JWU Pledge was initially only available to qualifying Rhode Island, North Carolina, Connecticut and Massachusetts students. But it is now also open to students from Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine and South Carolina. The scholarship, which goes into effect this fall, covers up to 100% of tuition for students and families with an annual household income of less than $80,000. The initiative will cover at least 60% of tuition for students with a household income that's below $200,000. JWU Chancellor Mim Runey said there has been 'great interest' from prospective students since the scholarship was first announced back in January. Runey said JWU is committed to 'creating pathways to make higher education more affordable, accessible and attainable for students of all means and backgrounds.' To be eligible for the JWU Pledge, students must: Be a resident of Rhode Island, North Carolina, South Carolina, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire or Maine Have a high school GPA of 3.2 or higher Complete and file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and requisite forms Live on campus Be eligible for a Pell Grant (for those seeking 100% tuition coverage) The JWU Pledge covers tuition only, meaning it does not include lab fees, supplies, books or room and meal plans. Though current students are not eligible to receive the scholarship, JWU explained that it has increased need-based aid significantly over the past few years. LEARN MORE: The JWU Pledge Download the and apps to get breaking news and weather alerts. Watch or with the new . Follow us on social media: Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Boston Globe
21-02-2025
- Sport
- Boston Globe
JWU's wrestling coach Lonnie Morris goes to the mat for his powerhouse team
They've also made him a bit of a celebrity on campus and around town. A graduate of Rhode Island College who now lives with his family in Barrington, Morris draws on his personal experience as an all-American wrestler. As a coach and the assistant athletic director at JWU, Morris says he aims to lead by example — and 'with love.' Get Rhode Map A weekday briefing from veteran Rhode Island reporters, focused on the things that matter most in the Ocean State. Enter Email Sign Up Q: What made you start a wrestling program at Johnson & Wales? Advertisement Morris: I was coaching high school wrestling. [It] was a pretty historic program, still very good, Coventry High School. They had won the state 17 years in a row, and I was helping out there, and then I went to another school, and I just wanted my own thing. I didn't want to play second fiddle, and I just wanted to start something from scratch. And they were starting wrestling at Johnson & Wales, and a longtime friend reached out to me and said this might be something you would be interested in. And we started with four kids, and next thing you know, we just got it rolling. And we really haven't looked back. How do you inspire your wrestlers? I try to live the right way; some people call it a championship lifestyle. I'm not a big drinker, I don't smoke. I try to be a good person. I try to live by the Golden Rule, treat others the way you want to be treated. I don't rule by fear. I rule by love. There's two ways to run a program. You can rule by fear, or you can rule by love. I choose love. I think it lasts longer. I think my guys know I love them, and I care about them. To inspire them, I share stories from some of the alumni that have come through. And like I tell everyone, there are kids that come from struggle, there are kids that come from privilege. And that's the best part of wrestling — you can benefit from learning from each other. Advertisement Can you talk about the upcoming NCAA DIII championships taking place in Providence in March? It's been a bucket list item of mine. It hasn't been back in New England since 1993. I actually wrestled in it. It was at the Coast Guard Academy. It was my junior year in college. It's just embarrassing that we haven't had it back in New England. Part of the reason no one wants to take it on is because it's a lot of work. But in the end, the Midwest kids deserve to come to the East Coast to see the ocean and get to see New York City, or Boston, or Providence. And our kids get to wrestle in front of their moms and dads. This year, it's right here in our backyard. So that'll be awesome for the JWU kids. I think this year's team has a chance to do something that no JWU team has ever done and have a chance to really win it, and doing it at home would be pretty special, so time will tell. Speaking of the Ocean State, you're a member of the New England Wrestling Association, you were inducted into the RIC Hall of Fame, the Rhode Island Wrestling Hall of Fame, and you're also an National Wresting Coaches Association hall of famer. How does it feel to have made such a massive impact on Rhode Island wrestling? Advertisement Do you know the only hall of fame I'm not in? Which one? Where are we from? Oh, Coventry, that's crazy! They have to get you in there, man! I think I'm a good nominee! But, in all seriousness, I've been very blessed to have great coaches, and I've been very lucky. I've surrounded myself with great assistant coaches. And when you recruit a lot of good kids, you win a lot of matches, and when you've been doing it a long time, that's how you get all those things, but it means a lot that we built the program from scratch, and we've offered a lot of opportunities. I'm very proud of the fact that more than half our lineup are local kids. But all that hall of fame stuff is just a sign of getting old and doing it a long, long time and surrounding yourself with really good people. Jason Simon is a student at Johnson & Wales University.
