Forever JWU

The generosity of alumni, faculty, staff, parents, students and friends of the university is what sustains us year after year. Support from the entire JWU community will help power a bold new era of academic excellence and achievement. To recognize our supporters for their generosity, we've established a family of giving societies.

Forever JWU Giving Society

Johnson & Wales University proudly recognizes our donors’ charitable giving, which supports our students on the path to fulfilling their academic potential, professional ambitions, and personal aspirations. Each circle consists of individual and corporate donors who believe in the university’s mission of providing a transformative experience inspiring professional success and lifelong personal and intellectual growth. We are grateful for this support!

Giving Circle

Giving Total as of June 30, 2023

Active Members

Chancellor's Circle $500,000 - $1M+ 25
President's Circle $100,000 - $499,999 87
Deans' Circle $50,000 - $99,999 92
Blue & Gold Circle $10,000 - $49,999 332
Wildcat Circle $5,000 - $9,999 254

 

Epicurean Society

Providence Epicurean SocietyThe Epicurean Society was established in Charlotte in 2008 and in Providence in 2015. Through a membership fee, donors enjoy two annual culinary experiences. Events, led by guest chefs who are assisted by JWU students and faculty, include culinary demonstrations, receptions, seated dinners and cocktail gatherings.

Your membership enables you to be part of unforgettable culinary experiences where you and your guest will learn about inventive cuisine and fine wine pairings. Additionally, your membership will provide scholarship support to JWU students. To date, members have collectively provided scholarships to dozens of hard-working and dedicated students who will become future leaders in their industry.

Learn more about how the Epicurean Society is part of the university’s holistic commitment to making higher education both affordable and accessible.

 

1914 Society

Founded 1914The 1914 Society recognizes individuals who plan to leave a legacy at JWU by including the university in their estate planning. Gifts that have been realized as well as those that are planned are recognized.

Learn more about supporting Johnson & Wales through a will, trust, life insurance policy, retirement plan or similar vehicle.

 

Mary & Gertrude Society

Mary & Gertrude SocietyThe Mary & Gertrude Society was established in the names of our founders, Gertrude I. Johnson and Mary T. Wales, who in 1914 had the courage and vision to create Johnson & Wales. More than a century later, we are proud to honor them by recognizing our loyal donors who have supported the university for three or more consecutive years.

Benefits of Mary & Gertrude Society membership include recognition on the JWU Giving website and in our Annual Report, as well as special recognition at alumni events. Members also receive a welcome gift, special invitations to events, including the Mary & Gertrude Society luncheons launched in 2023, an exclusive JWU desk calendar, and more. 

Each year, gifts to JWU help provide the stability and flexibility needed to help power a new era of innovation and ambitious advancements in academics. To celebrate the contributions of our most loyal donors, we are proud to recognize current members of the Mary & Gertrude Society. The generosity of these alumni, parents and families, faculty, staff and friends who give each and every year helps secure the future of Johnson & Wales University. We couldn't do it without you!

 

View the 2022-23 Mary & Gertrude Society Members

 

Want to become a member of the Mary & Gertrude Society?

Donors who make gifts of any amount to JWU for three or more consecutive years are automatically welcomed into the Mary & Gertrude Society. The Johnson & Wales fundraising year begins July 1 and ends June 30. Make your gift this year or contact us to learn more.

Attention Class of 2022 senior gift donors--make your first gift as an alum before June 30 and automatically become a member of the Mary & Gertrude Society one year early!