The 8th Annual Emeril Lagasse Golf Classic Tournament

"Thanks for kicking it up a notch at last year's event. We look forward to seeing you again this year in support of future food service industry leaders."
Chef Emeril Lagasse ’78, ’90 Hon, Trustee

Born out of Chef Emeril Lagasse's commitment to give back to his alma mater, the annual Emeril Lagasse Golf Classic is a unique event benefiting the renowned chef’s endowed scholarship fund.

Kicking off on Mon, Sep 20, this year’s two-day event finds the Golf Classic returning to scenic Newport, RI, and to one of the world’s premier golf courses.

With the combined efforts of 112 golfers and 60 corporate donors, the 2009 tournament raised approximately $400,000. Four scholarships, each worth $10,000, were awarded to deserving culinary students from each of our campuses, pictured here (l-r) with Emeril: Amanda Shepard (Denver, Colo), Brandon Snyder (Providence, RI), Justin Gregory (Charlotte, NC) and Jacqueline Martin-Rodriguez (North Miami, Fla).

Supporting Education by Giving Back
Since the scholarship’s inception, nearly $3 million dollars has been raised, with all proceeds going to educational initiatives. For Lagasse ’78, ’90 Hon, Trustee, easing students’ financial burden is the first step to building a solid career foundation.

"Education is what sets us apart in our profession," said Chef Lagasse. "Being able to make that affordable makes me proud to have the scholarship bear my name."

83% of our students meet the cost of their education by working while in school. In 2009 alone, the university committed more than $112 million dollars in scholarship aid, helping more than 84% of our 16,000 students. However, this is not enough.

Strengthening the Mission
By raising scholarship dollars, the Golf Classic helps ensure that "any student with the dream to be part of our great industry is able to receive a JWU education," noted Steve Caldeira, tournament chairman.

"Having Emeril work with all of us on this event helps to strengthen our mission of providing students with practical, quality and affordable education, and for that we are extremely grateful," said John J. Bowen, university president.

"Thanks to your generosity, some of our most talented and deserving students will be able to continue along their educational and career paths."

Join us in this important endeavor. Your donation will have a profound and lasting impact on the lives of young students pursuing their dream of a quality culinary education.

Mark Your Calendar
This year’s Golf Classic opens on Mon, Sep 20 with a very special dinner to honor the 2010 scholarship recipients. Tournament play takes place on Tue, Sep 21.

You can register for the event online, as well as view options for tournament play and sponsorship packages.

For further details, contact Jennifer Fustino, tournament manager, at 401-598-4676.