Commencement at Johnson & Wales University formally celebrates the end of one chapter and the beginning of the next, as students graduate and begin, or advance in, their careers. The ceremonies held in Charlotte, NC on Thursday, May 1, and at the Amica Mutual Pavilion (AMP) in Providence, RI on Saturday, May 3, honored graduates’ passion, perseverance, pride and resilience as they accepted their diplomas and became lifelong members of the JWU Alumni community.
For many JWU Online students, attending commencement — whether at the Charlotte or Providence ceremony — gave them the opportunity to meet their classmates in person for the first time. We asked a few graduates to reflect on their journey as a JWU Online student and to share what commencement means to them.
Sense of Community
Ella Asare Afortor, Doctor of Business Administration (DBA), shared, “Commencement is a beautiful celebration of the hard work, dedication, and growth that brought me to this moment. It’s not just the end of a journey, it’s the beginning of an exciting new chapter. What made my journey truly meaningful was the sense of community and the ability to engage with fellow professionals from diverse backgrounds.
“Completing my dissertation defense and earning my DBA degree was a truly surreal and joyous moment. I felt an overwhelming sense of pride and gratitude for everything I had accomplished, knowing that all the hard work, challenges, and sacrifices had finally paid off. It was a reminder that with determination, the right support, and a bit of patience, anything is possible, and this achievement has inspired me to continue pushing myself toward even greater goals.”
Dasan Orlich, B.S. – Psychology, began his journey as an on-campus student. He described Providence as “a beautiful campus right downtown in a big city with a small-town feel, and professors and staff that genuinely cared about my wellbeing — it was like a dream come true.”
But when he lost a family member, navigated a personal illness and then sustained injuries in an accident, he returned home to Arizona. Dasan declared, “Thanks to the wonderful staff and faculty, my very asynchronous academic life online felt as in-sync with on-campus life as possible. I have been cheered on, every step of the way. I could not have done this without the support from everyone at JWU — staff, faculty, mentors, advisors, peers, and even Wildcat Willie. JWU has truly changed me for the better and I could not be more thankful.”
Passion
Brandon Logan, Doctor of Business Administration (DBA), credits his successful defense of his dissertation to his passion for the topic, “which made the research enjoyable and meaningful. I could also bring real-life experience into my defense, which strengthened my arguments and made the process more authentic. The DBA program challenged me, changed me, and prepared me for the next level in my career. Receiving the degree is the culmination of hard work and the beginning of a new chapter.
“JWU Online’s DBA program has been one of the most rewarding journeys I’ve ever completed. I feel relief, pride and a deep sense of gratitude. The following quote from Booker T. Washington anchored me throughout the journey, ‘If you want to lift yourself up, lift up someone else.’ Completing the DBA degree is not just a personal achievement — it’s a reflection of the mentors, peers, and community that supported me, and a commitment to lifting others as I climb.”
Perseverance
Demetri Sianis, B.S. – Culinary Arts and Food Service Management, who was placed in special education classes during elementary and high school, was told by his high school teacher and counselor not to apply to college. Passionate about cooking and determined to prove them wrong, Demetri applied to JWU Online and persevered to complete his program – he dreams of someday managing a restaurant. “I have no words that can express how happy I am feeling. I’m proud that, despite being told I wouldn’t make it in college, I’m earning my bachelor’s degree.
“I am incredibly honored to participate in the commencement ceremony and graduate from such a fantastic university — and to be the first person in my family to receive a bachelor’s degree. Earning the degree at JWU Online is a step towards a promising future. Grateful to have had the unwavering support of my family, friends, and the university faculty and staff, I am a testament to how a supportive online learning community has helped me achieve my goals.”
Albert Torres, A.S. – Business Administration, who transferred to JWU Online, exclaimed, “I thought I would never make it!” Instead, he excelled in his classes and attributed his promotion to an Airport Instructor of Training and Development at the TSA in New York, to what he learned in school.
Albert declared, “I am proud to be the first individual in my family to graduate from college. It’s been truly an honor to be a part of Johnson & Wales and to become a graduate with an Associate in Business Administration.”
Pride
Ben Huntzinger, B.S. – Digital Marketing & Social Media had always planned to attend a four-year on-campus program in person and to live in the dorms for the full college experience. When that wasn’t possible, he enrolled in JWU Online. “It’s been such a blessing to be online, because I feel like I haven’t had to put my whole life on pause.
“Being the first person in my family to earn a bachelor’s degree is a huge honor. I’ve had a really good college experience online and made friends virtually. I could have gotten my diploma in the mail, but crossing the finish line and seeing all of the graduates’ faces at the commencement ceremony made the accomplishment more real.”
Jonathan Garrigues, M.S. – Finance, walked in the Charlotte ceremony. Eligible to participate in commencement in May 2024, Jonathan wanted to complete his final courses during the summer, and to have his whole family — including the son he and his wife were expecting — watch him walk. Recently promoted from Account Executive to Senior Account Executive at WM, Jonathan has already turned the page to his next chapter.
Jonathan exclaimed, “Commencement was amazing! I got to meet and speak with several other master’s degree graduates who had traveled from California, Miami, Northern Virginia and Georgia to walk in the Charlotte ceremony. I was even able to meet in person for the first time a graduating student that I’ve had a bunch of classes with. It was perfect!”
Resilience
Adriana Milko, B.S. – Psychology completed an internship at Braver Medical in Riverside, RI, where she worked with kids and their families to help them manage OCD and anxiety. She is grateful to have had the opportunity to gain hands-on experience and connect with professionals that helped her to get hired in a full-time position as a Behavioral Specialist at a human services agency in Rhode Island.
“I am ready to graduate and focus on my next steps in my new position – I already love it! Commencement represents not only determination, and resilience to accomplish my goal, but it also symbolizes a pathway toward this new chapter and journey! The commencement ceremony was amazing and I felt damn proud of my achievement!! Let’s go, Wildcats!”
It’s Never Too Late
Molly White, B.S. – Psychology revealed, “It took me nearly 20 years to cross that stage — but I finally did it. When I was young, I took all of these milestones for granted; however, as I’ve grown in both age and as a person, I realize how special these moments are for me.
“I never would have imagined, 20 years ago, while struggling with being a teen mom, battling addiction, and balancing work, that I would experience this monumental moment. I feel blessed that my dad, a constant presence throughout all of my struggles, got to be there to witness my successes and feel proud of me.”
Virginia Henry, M.S. – Food Safety shares that as a Black woman, a member of the LGBTQ+ community, a Navy veteran, a mom to her son, a breast cancer survivor, and over 50 years old, she faced many personal battles. She offers, “We have all faced difficulties and have encountered setbacks that have made us stumble, but we are resilient beings, who have learned to embrace our challenges and contribute to the world in meaningful ways.
“Before moving forward and striving to create change, acknowledge and celebrate the tremendous success you’ve already achieved. This moment, this time, is yours to savor.”
Chef Huie Martin, B.S. – Culinary Arts and Food Service Management, participated in the Charlotte ceremony. Born in Jamaica, he is an executive chef and business owner in Florida. “My rise from a humble dishwasher to an accomplished executive chef is a testament to my unwavering dedication, hard work, and continuous pursuit of culinary excellence. The bachelor’s degree from JWU Online is helping me solidify my place in the industry and positioning me to advance my career even further.
“I couldn’t be prouder. Going back to school in my 50s wasn’t easy, but it was worth it. Earning my bachelor’s in Culinary Arts and Food Service Management is more than a career move, it’s a message to my kids that you’re never too old to learn and it’s never too late to chase your goals.”
As graduates close this chapter of their educational journey and begin to share their future goals, we celebrate their achievements with them. Hearing from students about the support and assistance that I have provided to them over the years of working together is not only deeply appreciated; it is also a powerful reminder of the impact I have in helping them succeed. What students may not always realize is that the mark they leave on us as advisors is just as meaningful as the one we hope to leave on them.
~ Jessica Rounds, Manager of Academic Advising
The Next Chapter
Chloe LaSalle, B.S. – Hospitality (Tourism Management) chose JWU Online because she wanted an educational experience that would prepare her for an exciting career in hospitality, while being flexible enough to necessary to balance her studies, professional responsibilities, and personal life. Chloe praised JWU’s Online Hospitality as being phenomenal in, “providing me with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills that directly contributed to my promotion to manager at The Vanilla Bean Creamery in New Jersey.
“Commencement feels not like an end, but like an exciting new beginning. It’s about stepping confidently into the next chapter of my life, deeply grateful for the experiences and knowledge JWU Online has provided. I’m genuinely excited about the future, especially as I pursue my passion for event planning — there’s nothing I love more than bringing people together and creating unforgettable moments.”
Chef Daniel Thomas, B.S. – Food & Beverage Entrepreneurship, currently a Private Chef to Washington D.C.’s power elite said, “At JWU, they understand how to deliver online education. If you take the first step, they will walk with you and they will even hold your hand. They will be there as a resource after you graduate.
In your book called ‘life’ you can say that you had a rough few chapters. In your life, you can always choose to turn the page and start writing your new chapter. So, start writing your next chapter at Johnson & Wales University Online.”
Congratulations to all JWU ‘25 graduates. We hope that along with everything else you have learned through your academic journey that JWU was able to influence you to be bold with your dreams, humble in your success and resilient when faced with failures. Good luck with all your future ventures.
~ Gary Rabinowitz, JWU Online Student Advisor
