Emeril Lagasse Establishes Endowed Scholarship Fund

Emeril Lagasse '78, '90 (hon.) is one of the University's most visible alumni, head of a veritable empire of restaurants, cookbooks, television shows, and food products. In 2001, “The Emeril Lagasse Scholarship Fund at Johnson & Wales University” was established by the Scripps Howard Foundation and Johnson & Wales to celebrate the taping of the 1,000th episode of the Emeril Live! program for the Food Network.  
Since then, the fund has raised more than $1.6 million. "Through this scholarship fund I hope to make a positive impact for my alma mater," Lagasse said. In addition to monies for tuition, the scholarship includes a one-term externship at one of Lagasse's restaurants for each student. “To know that I can help them professionally, that I can truly give back in a concrete way, makes me proud. I believe that education is what sets us apart in our profession.”