Johnson & Wales University

Valerie L. Oransky Foundation Contributes $10,000 to University
Fiancé of late restaurant employee keeps memory alive
through culinary arts education

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – February 14, 2007 – Rather than the planned fall wedding, a memorial dinner event was held for Valerie L. Oransky. A few months earlier, in July, the 39-year-old general manager of The Old Country Buffet in Dartmouth, Mass., was murdered by one of her employees. But her dreams for success in the food service industry live on through her fiancé's commitment to "keep her name alive."

James King, Oransky's boyfriend of 16 years, grieves for his loss with the most altruistic of intentions. Shortly after her death, he established Valerie L. Oransky Foundation. The first fundraiser was held in September – a golf tournament to benefit Johnson & Wales University College of Culinary Arts. The event raised $10,000. the recipients of the scholarhips are:

-Michael Souza of Mashpee, Mass., a freshman who is pursuing a degree in culinary arts received $5,000.

- Aimee Rapoza of West Bridgewater, Mass., a freshman who is pursuing a degree in baking & pastry arts also received $5,000.

According to King, Oransky, a hardworking, dedicated employee who rose through the ranks in the anything but 9-to-5 restaurant business, always wanted to attend culinary school. Oransky was also fighting multiple sclerosis.

"She was very intelligent, particularly about food service and food safety,"King says. "She was a hands-on person. She achieved a lot in her short career."

"We are grateful to James King and Valerie’s dear friend, Ruth Fortier who, in spite of such a tragedy and loss, have allowed Johnson & Wales University to help keep Valerie’s memory alive through the education of future culinary arts leaders," Dr. Irving Schneider, president, Johnson & Wales University, Providence Campus, says. "Jim’s generosity, his determination, and his passion are remarkable."

Plans are underway for a second fundraiser to be held on Sept. 23, 2007 at the Hawthorne Country Club in North Dartmouth, Mass. The event will include a golf tournament, dinner, entertainment, raffles, and a silent auction.

For information on the fundraiser and the Valerie L. Oransky Foundation call (774) 213-5778, or email. Donations can be made at, or mailed to HarborOne Bank, 68 East Grove Street, Middleboro, Mass., 02346 or The Valerie L. Oransky Foundation, 437 Wareham St., Middleboro, Mass., 02346.

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.