Johnson & Wales University Alumni

Attention young chefs! This could be your moment.

The S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Competition 2026-27 is accepting applications through June 9, 2026, and chefs under 30 are encouraged to put themselves out there and showcase their talent on a global stage.

Submit your signature dish for a chance to advance to the Regional Finals, be evaluated by world-renowned chefs and compete for a spot at the Grand Finale.

Interested? Learn more at the link in comments.

Change can be challenging, but understanding the why behind it can make all the difference. 💡

From navigating uncertainty to supporting others through transitions, strong leaders know that change is about people.

If you’re building your leadership skills, learning how to guide others through change is a powerful step forward.

Read more: https://bit.ly/4wWIrob

Alumni Spotlight: We’re proud to highlight JWU alum Christopher Cook ’02, founder of DrinkOlia, a next-generation tea brand powered by antioxidant-rich olive leaf extract.

From leading kitchens in Texas to working hands-on in an olive orchard, Chris has turned his passion and experience into Olia, a growing wellness brand. With its first production run underway and expansion on the horizon, he’s bringing his vision to life.

“My time at JWU reinforced the importance of innovation, resilience, and turning ideas into reality. Those business principles, along with the fortitude I developed there, continue to shape my journey as the founder of Olia.”

Learn more about Olia and Chris’s entrepreneurial journey via the link in comments.

Congratulations, Chris, on this exciting milestone!

“Growing up, my mom always told me that whatever I decided to do — whether I became a janitor or a doctor — I should do it with passion,” says Arianna Llerandi Sanabria ’28. Llerandi has found her passion in JWU's Three-Year Design program, and is already using what she's learned to expand her online business. Read more about her story in the comments!

JWU Network is here!

We’re excited to introduce our new and improved alumni portal designed to help JWU alumni connect, engage and grow professionally.

With JWU Network, you can:

• Expand your professional network
• Serve as a mentor to fellow Wildcats
• Explore job opportunities
• Share professional updates and achievements
• Connect with the JWU alumni community
• And more

Visit network.jwu.edu to sign up today.

POV: You just stumbled upon your JWU 2012 yearbook. 🐾📖

What have you been up to since then? Let us know by leaving a class note at the link in our bio.

Registration is now open for the JWU Culinary Educator Summit — a three-day summer event designed for culinary professionals who teach. 🔪

Hosted on JWU Providence's campus, the experience features hands-on classes, live demonstrations, chef-led learning experiences and networking opportunities with fellow educators and industry professionals.

📍 Providence, RI
📅 July 13–15
⏰ RSVP by June 22

Space is limited, visit the link in our comments to register today.

“Once I decided I wanted to become an OT, it made sense to transfer to a school that offers the graduate program I would need," shares Health Science major Riley Filiatreault '28. "JWU has a good OTD program, and I felt they would ensure I had the foundation to apply not only to the OTD program, but to other programs if needed." Click the link in comments to learn more about how she's getting hands-on experience toward her goal of working with children as an occupational therapist.

This Memorial Day, the Johnson & Wales community pauses to remember and honor those who gave their lives in service to our country. We’re thinking of the families, friends and communities who carry their memory today and every day.

The university's offices will be closed May 25, 2026, reopening May 26, 2026.

The 9th Annual JWU Charlotte Wildcat Golf Classic is less than three weeks away!

Join fellow Wildcats, friends, and supporters for a great day on the course at Tega Cay Golf Club while helping enhance the student-athlete experience at Johnson & Wales.

Proceeds support initiatives including national tournament travel, new equipment and more.

Monday, June 8
Tega Cay Golf Club
15083 Molokai Drive, Tega Cay, SC

Get your tickets today! We look forward to seeing you on the course.