  5,000 Role Models of Excellence Project Visit North Miami Campus NORTH MIAMI, Fla. — April 26, 2007 — When 40 students from Miami-Dade’s 5,000 Role Models of Excellence Project visited the North Miami Campus on April 13, they got to experience more than your average college tour. The 5,000 Role Models of Excellence Project is a dropout intervention program for minority at-risk boys ages nine to 19 in Miami-Dade County founded by State Senator Frederica Wilson. Part of the organization’s activities includes making visits to colleges and universities in an effort to present the boys with information needed to make good decisions that keep them in school. While the trip marked the organization’s fourth visit to the university, it was its first time experiencing part of what an education in culinary arts is about. "The university is always glad to host visiting high schools on campus," said director of culinary purchasing, Shawn Ray, who organized the visit. "Visits such as these help students explore their career and higher education options." The tour of the campus, which included presentations about J&W’s College of Business, College of Culinary Arts and The Hospitality College, was followed by some time in the classroom. "Students from the Project were assigned to three classes which consisted of Pastry Arts, American Cuisine and Dining Room Essentials," Ray said. "These students then brought together what they learned for a grand dining experience with the food made earlier in the day. By exposing the students to the three areas, they received a little taste of what an education and a career in the food service industry would be like." In groups, students prepared polenta with grilled vegetables, braised pork loin with capers, chicken with mushroom and sage and desserts like chocolate molten cake, truffles, homemade ice cream and apple crumble. "Johnson & Wales University afforded our program the wonderful opportunity of touring their university and our students have gained a wealth of knowledge," said Senator Wilson. "Many of them were not aware that Johnson & Wales has a criminal justice program. For the students who are interested in criminal justice, it provides them another option." Not only was the visit a unique experience for students in the Project, but also for J&W culinary arts teaching assistants, who received the opportunity to plan and teach the classes. "Teaching culinary arts is my ultimate goal after I graduate from Johnson & Wales, especially with my experience as a teaching assistant," said culinary arts junior Michelle Negron. "I received good feedback from the students, which is a great." Johnson & Wales University, founded in 1914, is a nonprofit, private institution. A recognized leader in career education, we offer accredited degrees in business, hospitality, culinary arts, technology and education. With a diverse student body of more than 16,000 graduate and undergraduate students, representing all 50 states and 89 countries, JWU prepares students for personal and professional success by integrating rigorous academics and professional skills, community leadership opportunities and our unique career education model. The university is committed to urban revitalization and thoughtful historic renovation. Through active civic participation and by offering unique learning opportunities, JWU improves the quality of life in its campus communities in Providence, R.I., North Miami, Fla., Denver, Colo., and Charlotte, N.C. For more information visit www.jwu.edu.
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