Fox Valley Technical College’s ambitious, multi-phase renovation of its Culinary & Hospitality learning labs is nearing completion. Launched in 2023, the project has already transformed several key spaces, and now the college is turning to the community to help fund the final piece: an expansion of the Quantity Cooking Lab.
Stepping up once again is Jones Dairy Farm, a family-owned food processing and food service corporation headquartered in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin, and a long-time supporter of the Culinary & Hospitality programs. With a generous lead gift, Jones Dairy Farm is helping launch the final fundraising initiative.
“There is a philanthropic aspect to it,” says Philip Jones, CEO and Chairman of Jones Dairy Farm. “And there is also an altruistic aspect, which is how do we cultivate the next generation of loyalists to Jones and what we do and why we do it the way we do.”
The partnership between FVTC and Jones Dairy Farm began with business ties and has grown into a meaningful philanthropic relationship. In 2013, the company provided the lead gift that helped transform a classroom into the Jones Dairy Farm Culinary Theatre, a cornerstone of the program.
Since the renovations began three years ago, the college has completed several major upgrades, including:
- A new short-order lab with a service window for student-run food sales
- A remodeled meat identification lab to support foundational culinary techniques
- An additional baking lab designed to meet the needs of the rapidly-growing baking associate degree program
This summer, renovations continue with updates to Ione’s Kitchen plus improvements to an older baking lab and construction of a new dish room.
As the college prepares for the final phase, Jones Dairy Farm’s support is once again helping to shape the future of culinary education at FVTC.
“These students will hopefully remember who helped them get through their careers in their formative years,” Philip explains. “And that, to me, is a very powerful tool of brand development, trust, and just getting people familiar with who we are.”
Want to help?
Go to our Hospitality Transformation Project page to learn how to financially support the project. Gifts of all sizes are welcome from individuals, businesses and community organizations.
We are honored by the continued investment and partnership with Jones Dairy Farm. Their leadership has inspired others in our community to join them in supporting the Hospitality Transformation Project. A strong hospitality sector is important to our local economy and quality of life. As we enter this final stretch of our campaign we could not be more grateful for the commitment Jones Dairy Farm as made to FVTC students and their success.
Becky Boulanger, FVTC Foundation Executive Director
