Graduates from our online platform commence a new phase of their lives as alumni from our website.
**Online Students Celebrate Achievements and Community at Johnson & Wales University Commencement**
Johnson & Wales University held commencement ceremonies in Charlotte, NC, and Providence, RI, on May 1 and May 3, respectively, to celebrate the graduation of students who have shown resilience, passion, and perseverance in their academic journeys. Among the graduates were many online students who attended commencement for the first time to meet their classmates in person.
Chef Huie Martin, B.S. - Culinary Arts and Food Service Management, is an executive chef and business owner in Florida who earned his bachelor's degree online. Martin credits his degree with solidifying his place in the industry and positioning himself for further advancement. Chef Daniel Thomas, B.S. - Food & Beverage Entrepreneurship, a Private Chef to Washington D.C.'s power elite, also praises Johnson & Wales University Online for delivering online education and being a resource after graduation.
Ben Huntzinger, a B.S. - Digital Marketing & Social Media graduate, enrolled in Johnson & Wales Online when an in-person program was not possible and was the first person in his family to earn a bachelor's degree. Demetri Sianis, a B.S. - Culinary Arts and Food Service Management graduate, was told not to apply to college but persevered and will soon manage a restaurant. Adriana Milko, B.S. - Psychology, has been hired as a Behavioral Specialist at a human services agency in Rhode Island after completing an internship at Braver Medical.
Albert Torres, an A.S. - Business Administration graduate, transferred to Johnson & Wales Online and credits his promotion at the TSA to what he learned in school. Virginia Henry, M.S. - Food Safety, is a Black woman, a member of the LGBTQ+ community, a Navy veteran, a breast cancer survivor, and over 50 years old. Despite facing many personal battles, Henry has contributed to the world in meaningful ways. Ella Asare Afortor, a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) graduate, shared that the sense of community and ability to engage with diverse professionals made her journey meaningful.
Jessica Rounds, Manager of Academic Advising, appreciates the impact she has in helping students succeed and is proud of their achievements. Gary Rabinowitz, our website Online Student Advisor, hopes that Johnson & Wales University Online has influenced students to be bold with their dreams, humble in their success, and resilient when faced with failures. Molly White, B.S. - Psychology, graduated after a 20-year break and feels blessed that her father was present to witness her success.
While specific details about the 2025 Commencement ceremonies at Johnson & Wales University in Charlotte, NC, and Providence, RI, are not provided, we can infer the experience of online students and the broader themes of perseverance, passion, and community based on general information about university commencements and student experiences. The ceremonies honored graduates' passion, perseverance, pride, and resilience.
Jonathan Garrigues, an M.S. - Finance graduate, participated in the Charlotte ceremony to have his family watch him walk and recently promoted from Account Executive to Senior Account Executive at WM. Dasan Orlich, a B.S. - Psychology graduate, returned home to Arizona due to personal circumstances but found support and encouragement from Johnson & Wales staff and faculty during his online academic life. Brandon Logan, another DBA graduate, credits his passion for his research topic and ability to bring real-life experience into his defense for his successful dissertation. Chloe LaSalle, B.S. - Hospitality (Tourism Management), chose Johnson & Wales University Online for its flexibility and believes it provided her with the knowledge and skills needed for her promotion to manager at The Vanilla Bean Creamery in New Jersey.
Overall, the story behind Johnson & Wales University's Commencement ceremonies for 2025, focusing on online students, would likely highlight the themes of overcoming challenges, maintaining passion for education, and embracing the university community—both locally and virtually. The ceremonies served as a reminder that no matter the obstacles, dedication, and hard work can lead to success and a sense of belonging within the Johnson & Wales University community.
- Chef Huie Martin, armed with skills from his online degree in Digital Marketing & Social Media, asserts that his education has enabled him to advance his business.
- Adriana Milko, with a background in Psychology, is now a Behavioral Specialist, using her online education to help others in Rhode Island.
- Albert Torres, an A.S. - Business Administration graduate, leverages his learning from Johnson & Wales University Online to ace his TSA promotion.
- Virginia Henry, an M.S. - Food Safety graduate, showcases resilience, overcoming personal battles to contribute to the world commendably.
- Ella Asare Afortor, Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) graduate, cherishes the diverse network and sense of community she built at Johnson & Wales University Online.
- Brandon Logan, a DBA graduate, demonstrates the power of passion and real-life experience in his successful dissertation defense.
- Chloe LaSalle, B.S. - Hospitality (Tourism Management), benefits from the flexibility of online learning, which fuels her promotion at The Vanilla Bean Creamery in New Jersey.
