“Nicky’s the third of my three daughters … The alumni scholarship was like manna from heaven,” says Ronald Michaud ’76. “We qualified because I’m an alum. I got a great Johnson & Wales business education, and my sister graduated from culinary.”

Vice president and controller of leasing at Bank of America in Providence, R.I., Michaud’s bachelor’s in accounting “helped me land my first job, and as I’ve built my career.” Working in Providence for more than 24 years, he’s witnessed JWU’s tremendous transition. “It’s great to see how well my school has done.

As a student, Michaud worked full time, was unable to live on campus and borrowed 100 percent Stafford loans. “Today students can’t borrow that much.” He wanted Nicole to attend the college of her choice and grow through a full university experience. He was excited when she decided to attend a JWU Career Explorations event. “I didn’t convince her; that weekend sold her,” he adds. “She had an extraordinary experience.”

Attending dad’s alma mater wasn’t Nicole Michaud’s ’10 plan. “Then I visited and enjoyed everything about it.” She began in fashion merchandising, but found her niche in human resources, and graduates in May with a bachelor’s in management. “With classes in my major from day one, I decided against fashion, and went with HR without wasting a whole year.”

As her parents hoped, Nicole has taken advantage of flexible class schedules, worked, participated in campus events and made lifelong friends. Currently on an internship, she hopes it will lead to full-time employment. “I love JWU. I wish my experience could last longer,” she says. “I appreciate it [the alumni scholarship]. So does my Dad. I know it has helped.”

“When we heard we were eligible for the alumni scholarship, it was absolutely wonderful,” says Lisa Ouellette ’97 M.B.A., director of product safety and reliability at Rhode Island’s Hasbro headquarters. “It reinforces the connection between my school, its alumni and their families ... It helps defray costs, and allows my son, Steven, to experience all JWU has to offer.”

Ouellette attended JWU’s Alan Shawn Feinstein Graduate School, juggled her job, raised a family and forged friendships. “It’s allowed me to grow with my global company. I believe I’ll continue to move forward in my career because of my degree.”

Still, her experience didn’t impact Steven’s decision to attend JWU. “He’d decided to be a chef a long time ago,” taking Chef ’s Choice classes as a youngster. His high school teacher, a JWU alumna, suggested he consider JWU over the Culinary Institute of America. “Then Ray Dube from JWU Admissions talked to him about the early acceptance program, and Steven was hooked.”

As a freshman culinary arts major, Steven Ouellette ’13, is soaking it all up. “Working with food and these talented chefs is really cool,” he says. “It’s challenging; they push, but they’re here to help and not see you fail. It’s very rewarding.” He’s enjoying life on campus, taking part in the University Involvement Board’s music and concerts, and making friends from “all over the place.”

Image top: Donna and Ron Michaud ’76 are the proud parents of their Legacy scholar, daughter Nicole Michaud ’10, graduating in May with a degree in management.

Image bottom: What does Steven Ouellette think about attending his mom, Lisa’s, alma mater? “I’ll never be as smart as her, but it’s nice to have a school in common.”