Johnson & Wales University President Art Gallagher
By George MacBain
     
Tim Newman did a wonderful job with his "recent" introduction of President Art Gallagher of Johnson & Wales University. Art is a native of Brooklyn, NY, a graduate of Fairfield University and his career includes 24 years at Brown University. In 1999, Art joined the Providence, Rhode Island campus of Johnson & Wales as VP of Student Affairs and in 2004 opened the University's newest campus in Charlotte. Art has quickly become a very visible leader in Charlotte by being on the Boards of The United Way, Arts & Science Council, Boy Scouts and Presbyterian Hospital. He was also chosen 2004 New Comer of the year by Leadership Charlotte. After a couple of jabs at Tim's golf game, Art gave us a very informative program on J&W.
 
Johnson & Wales was founded in 1914 by Mrs. Gertrude Johnson and Mrs. Mary Wales as a two year business college in Providence RI. It grew to junior college status, then a four year college and then to university status. By the mid '70's, the school created a new focus and began offering culinary degrees. Today Johnson & Wales has four campuses located in Providence, Rhode Island; North Miami, Florida; Denver, Colorado; and Charlotte, North Carolina. Total enrollment at the 4 campuses is over 16,000 students with 50% in the Culinary College programs, 25% in the Business College programs and 25% in the Hospitality College programs. The college, for 27 years, has a 98% employment rate within 60 days of graduation in the student's field. J&W University, in 30+ short years, has become the nation's premier culinary college.
 
The Charlotte campus began in 2004 with 1,014 enrolled and has grown to 2,569 today. These Charlotte students come from 46 states and 9 foreign countries. Located on Trade Street and Cedar Streets in the Gateway area of downtown, the campus has 3 residence halls, 3 academic and faculty buildings, 2 parking decks and plans for a separate business school building. The campus is new, feels very urban and has an estimated $100mm impact on our local economy each year. Area residents can dine in the school dining facility downtown featuring creative cuisine from the J&W students. The Charlotte campus will have their inaugural graduating class celebrate commencement on May 17th at Time Warner Cable Arena. Charlotte's own Harvey Gantt will be commencement speaker and also receive an honorary degree. Art mentioned the many culinary dignitaries that have visited the school and mentioned the most well known graduate is Emeril Lagasse, arguably the most well known chef in America. We are so fortunate to have such a fine University in our city headed by a real community/academic leader in Art Gallagher.
   
Head Table: Collin Brown, Jessica Dupree, Alan Simonini, David Zimmerman, Tim Newman, Pat Gray, Mark Norman;
Invocation: Thomas Moore;
Visitors & Guests: Tom O'Brien; Health & Happiness: Tom Hutchins; Song and Piano: Thomas Moore; Photos: Bert Voswinkell

• Recovery wishes are extended to several in the Rotary family: George Thompson continues to recover from last week's bypass surgery; former member Dwight Thomas has experienced real problems with his vision. Ralston Pound stays in touch with Dwight and was glad to report yesterday that Dwight's vision has improved and he's doing much better; Burgl Pruett (Ronnie) will have a mastectomy on Friday at Presbyterian Hospital.
    
• Mac McCarley is the 2008 Lucille P. Giles Community Award recipient for his work with Florence Crittenton Services of Charlotte. As a former Board member, past Board chair, and current Board of Advisors Chair, Mac exemplifies a true commitment to philanthropy and activism in assisting high-risk single pregnant and non-pregnant young women reach the goal of self-sufficiency.
   
• John Stedman is looking to open a branch of the Scottish Bank in Huntersville; Donald Haack was recently interviewed on Fox News Rising where he discussed his books, Bush-Pilot in Diamond Country and Diamond Safari.
   
• ROSTER UPDATES are due by May 5th. If you need your photo updated, David Norman has scheduled sessions on May 13 and May 20 (1 hour before/after Rotary). Incoming District Governor, Bob Wilson, commented on our Roster at a recent training conference by saying there are several photos that need to be updated. Hint, Hint!
  
• Deepest sympathy is extended to David and Donna Hodgkins on the loss of their daughter, Jessica. David is a member of Dilworth SouthEnd Rotary and served as this club's Assistant Governor a few years back. Cards may be sent to 816 Lexington Avenue (28203)
       
• Chris Kemper reported another successful Habitat project has wrapped up. Charlotte Rotary provided 52 volunteers and over $5000 monetary/in-kind donations.
  
• Edwin Peacock introduced Ellen Stahlsmith to the club on Tuesday. Ellen is Senior Vice President/Senior Commercial Loan Manager for First Trust Bank. Welcome Ellen!