JWU

JWU Giving Societies

At Johnson & Wales University, every donor makes a difference. Giving societies recognize donors who have committed to the university through consecutive giving, leadership giving, planned giving and athletics support.

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Forever JWU Society

The Forever JWU Society recognizes donors who support the JWU Fund and scholarship funds — two of JWU’s most urgent priorities with immediate impact on students. Donors can become members by making an annual leadership gift.

Founder Circle: Gifts of $1,914 to $2,499
Honors JWU’s founders, Gertrude Johnson and Mary Wales, whose vision laid the foundation for the university we know today. 

Alumni who graduated within the last 10 years can join with a smaller gift:

  • 0-4 years from graduation: Gifts of $100 or more
  • 5-9 years from graduation: Gifts of $500 or more

Epicurean Circle: Gifts of $2,500 to $4,999
Honors JWU’s legacy of culinary excellence and innovation. 

Entrepreneur Circle: Gifts of $5,000 to $9,999
Honors the university’s beginnings as a business school and its evolution into the renowned College of Hospitality & Business.  

Vanguard Circle: Gifts of $10,000 to $49,999
Honors the students, faculty and alumni who are at the forefront of delivering community-oriented, holistic care. 

Philosopher Circle: Gifts of $50,000 and above
Honors the commitment to learning and growth that motivates all learners at Johnson & Wales. 

Mary & Gertrude Society

The Mary & Gertrude Society recognizes donors who support JWU for three or more consecutive years — with a gift of any size, to any area you’re passionate about.  

Wildcat Society

The Wildcat Society recognizes the athletics supporters who cheer on our teams from practice to game day. Make a gift of $250 or more to any athletics fund at JWU and become a member. Go Blue & Gold! 

1914 Society

The 1914 Society recognizes donors who’ve included JWU in their estate plans through a will, trust, life insurance policy, retirement plan or other means. If you’ve included JWU in your estate plan, you’re automatically inducted into this exclusive group of alumni and friends.

Learn about the 1914 Society
A server in a black uniform attends to guests seated at a table with wine glasses, while others converse in a warmly lit dining area.
Two individuals raise wine glasses in a toast at a warmly lit dining setting.
The Providence Epicurean Scholarship Society gathered on Nov. 30 for a special dinner arranged by Tyler Florence ’94, ’04 Hon., chef, restauranteur, television personality, producer and cookbook author as well as two-time James Beard Award nominee for Best Chef West Coast. Photos Mike Cohea 2021
A server pours wine into a glass while smiling at the camera during an event.
Five crispy cone appetizers, each filled with a creamy mixture and topped with a sliced green fruit, are arranged neatly on a clear display stand.
A group of people are seated at a table, clinking wine glasses in a celebratory toast.
PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Nov. 5, 2025 — The Providence Epicurean Scholarship Society hosted its annual dinner featuring Chef Daniel W. Thomas ’24, a Johnson
A chef in a denim apron gestures while speaking to an audience in a modern kitchen, as two other chefs prepare dishes in the background.
PROVIDENCE, R.I. — June 22, 2026 —Chef Shi Mei ’10 addresses guests during the Providence Epicurean Scholarship Society’s annual dinner at Johnson
Two individuals stand together indoors, each holding a glass of red wine, near a vintage-style cart with red wheels and blue trim.
A chef in a white uniform and tall hat smiles while working at a station with ingredients and utensils, with another person partially visible nearby.
Three individuals in matching black JWU uniforms serve small desserts on white plates at an indoor event.

Stay Connected to JWU

Giving society members receive specialized communications and event invitations, ensuring that members are in-the-know about all things Johnson & Wales and the impact of philanthropy.

Additionally, society members receive Invitations to events that highlight donor impact and share our gratitude.

The Donor Appreciation Reception
For members of the Mary & Gertrude Society and Wildcat Society, as well as select Forever JWU Society members and engaged volunteers, brings people together to sample food and drink prepared by culinary clubs and meet students representing academics and athletics from across the university.  It’s a showcase of what makes JWU special and how philanthropy makes that possible.

The Chancellor’s Dinner
For 1914 Society members and Forever JWU Society members at the Epicurean Circle and above, highlights excellence across JWU. Students partner with a talented chef to prepare a multicourse meal for invited guests. Attendees hear from scholarship recipients about their JWU journeys and professional goals. This is our way of saying thank you to our most impactful, generous donors.