As JWU nears the century mark, share in our enthusiasm and pride as we recount our university’s rich and vibrant history.

Johnson & Wales Junior College of Business’ national accreditation was renewed in 1965. This, a broadening curriculum and granting of associate degrees attracted a growing out-of-state student population. In response President Edward Triangolo ’80 Hon. and Vice President Morris Gaebe ’98 Hon. purchased Johnson & Wales’ first residence hall, Crown Hall, in 1966. Retired U.S. Lt. Col. John McNulty ’89 Hon., overseeing the Student Work Program, became dean of students.

The Veterans Readjustment Benefits Act assisted those who had served between 1955 and 1964. Distinctive programs were developed to address the needs of this community and career-oriented students. Many concepts remain in place today — a Continuing Education (CE) program; the four-day school week; three terms versus two semesters and courses in a student’s major from day one. Manuel Pimentel Jr. ’98 Hon. was hired in 1967 and became director of financial aid. Barry Smith, director of admissions, needed an admissions representative in Connecticut. Pimentel volunteered, and with Gaebe put in long hours both on campus and on the road for Nights with the President, visiting high schools, promoting scholarships, and educating prospective parents and students on the school’s innovative programs.

With then athletic director and current chairman of the board John Yena ’06 Hon., Pimentel encouraged student participation in extracurricular activities, sports and business skills competitions. One of the school’s most successful directors of admissions, he established the rep-based admissions recruiting system in existence today.