As university president, I frequently get asked, “What differentiates Johnson & Wales University from other colleges and universities?” I usually answer, it is our rich history of offering unique academic and experiential education designed to serve and anticipate the needs of our students and industry, today and tomorrow.

I often add, it is also our ability to listen — to our students, faculty, staff, employers, alumni and friends, and the communities where we work and live. The ability to connect with various stakeholders is what inspires our strategic plan, FOCUS 2011. It allows us to assess progress, recommit and reinvest in the people, organization, structure and actions that permit us to achieve our goals. JWU is dedicated to fulfilling the promise it makes to its students and graduates, and integrating our mission, core values and strategic goals into all that we do.

Currently, we are dealing with formidable hurdles in academia, as in the business world. To help meet the challenge and remain competitive, we need your involvement. There are a number of ways you can forge your relationship and stay involved with JWU:
- Meet prospective students and families at Admissions Information Meetings across the country, or provide post-graduation insight at Admissions Open Houses.
- Represent your company at our campus career conferences.
- Attend alumni and industry networking events.
- Return as a Distinguished Visiting Professor or Chef.
- Take part in university fund-raising events.

In 2008, the university conducted a study of labor market experiences of alumni from the graduating classes of 1997 to 2007 to understand more about their career progression and the role their alma mater played in launching and advancing their professional careers. We learned a lot, including that 86 percent of the surveyed graduates remain in touch with former classmates; 39 percent report that they remain in contact with JWU faculty.

We value your involvement and the relationships we have with you and others who believe in our mission as an investment in their own future. We encourage your feedback at jwumagazine@jwu.edu. Join us as we continue to invest in excellence.

University President John J. Bowen ’77