Johnson & Wales University has received a leadership gift from the Ecolab Industry Foundation of St. Paul, Minn., to benefit the new Cuisinart Center for Culinary Excellence on Providence's Harborside Campus. The Ecolab Academic Leadership Suite, above the central atrium entrance, includes college leadership offices and the dean's conference room, visible to more than 20,000 annual visitors to campus.
The commitment of Ecolab and the Ecolab Industry Foundation underscores their appreciation of the university's industry-relevant focus, and efforts to promote sustainable practices within the JWU academic programs. The 82,000-square-foot culinary center is the signature academic laboratory for the College of Culinary Arts, housing kitchens, dining rooms and beverage labs within its Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified design.
"As we prepare our students to meet the expectations of industry, this facility helps us to provide them with an exceptional learning environment for our hands-on curriculum," Providence Campus President Irving Schneider, PhD, notes. "We value the generosity of the Ecolab Industry Foundation in supporting this major capital project at JWU."
Funded by Ecolab Inc., The Ecolab Industry Foundation assists nonprofit organizations in the areas of education, civic and community development, the arts and conservation. Ecolab is a global leader in cleaning, sanitizing, food safety and infection control products and services for the hospitality and other institutional markets. Ecolab's corporate research and development center in Minnesota earned LEED Gold Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). The company considers its total impact on the environment.
Johnson & Wales University is developing its own gold standard in food safety practices and programs. "As we move forward with the JWU gold standard, our goal is to practice what we preach internally, teach what we practice as educators and preach what we practice and teach to our external audience," says Karl Guggenmos '93, '02 MBA, university dean of culinary education. "The support of Ecolab is important as we incorporate these key standards in our food safety and sanitation curriculum. Ecolab's role as an industry leader in these areas sets an example for our students."
There are additional naming opportunities within Cuisinart Center for Culinary Excellence. Contact Steven Shipley '85, '06 MAT, Providence director of development and alumni relations, at 401-598-2884.
Ground was broken this winter for the long-awaited North Miami Campus Wildcat Center. Designed by the Deerfield Beach, Fla., architectural firm of Gallo Herbert Lebolo to be a true center of campus, the new 30,000-square-foot facility will be built on property one block south of the North Miami Campus' University Center.
"This will be transformational," said Ismare Monreal, dean of students. "This is not just a student center. It will be the center of the campus, a hub for student life, clubs, organizations, student recreation, as well as athletics ... a true center for our campus and student life."
The three-story structure will bridge the gap between University Center — the first campus building — and the recently opened Biscayne Commons student residence. A dramatic, glass-enclosed, two-story atrium entrance will frame an area that will be used for student events. The 850-seat arena and gymnasium will be "home court" for Wildcat basketball and volleyball. The building will house administrative offices for Residential Life, Student Activities, Athletics, Greek life and student government, making it a true hub for all non-academic programs.
"The new Wildcat Center is the latest expression of Johnson & Wales' commitment to the complete development of our students academically, professionally, socially and athletically," North Miami Campus President Loreen Chant '89 says.
Gift and naming opportunities are available for those interested in supporting construction. Contact Peter Rood, director of development and alumni relations, at 305-892-7036.