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Northwest College sends mobile kitchen after UJ's dining center damaged in fire

Jamestown, ND (01/28/2025) — On January 24, 2025, in an act of remarkable generosity, Wyoming's Northwest College sent University of Jamestown their mobile kitchen equipment in response to UJ's recent kitchen fire.

In UJ's time of need, president of Northwest College Lisa Watson took it upon herself to reach out to the university with an incredible solution. Mobile kitchen equipment previously used by her college during construction was no longer needed. She offered it to UJ-no strings attached.

"When I heard about the fire, I felt called to help," said Watson, originally from Beach, N.D.

Staff from Northwest College drove more than 1,200 miles, from Powell, Wyoming, to Jamestown, North Dakota, and back to deliver the first installation of equipment. A second installation was delivered on January 26.

Dustin Jensen, vice president for student affairs and dean of students at the University of Jamestown, said he felt inspired by Northwest College's selflessness.

"It's just amazing that they would drive thousands of miles to Jamestown, stay on campus for five minutes to unhook, and head back. It's inspiring to see people dive in and do what they can to help," he said. "There have been so many people doing so many good things."

Following the university's fire on January 19, UJ staff and faculty have been working tirelessly, in conjunction with their food service provider Sodexo, to ensure students are fed.

Dan Kucera, University of Jamestown Sodexo general manager, expressed his gratitude, saying the new mobile kitchen equipment will help his staff provide students with a more robust dining experience: "This is the biggest smile I've had on my face for the week. This is going to make our staff happy, which will make the students happy. That's the goal after all."

About University of Jamestown

University of Jamestown is consistently ranked as a top regional university in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report. Founded in 1883 as Jamestown College, UJ is a private, Christian liberal arts institution that offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. At the bachelor's level, students can pursue degrees in the arts, sciences, and nursing. The university also grants master's degrees in business, education, leadership, technology and clinical counseling. Additionally, UJ provides doctoral programs in clinical research, character in leadership, and physical therapy. To expand access to its high-quality education, University of Jamestown launched UJ Accelerated, its online division, which delivers intensive upskilling opportunities to learners across diverse settings. For more information about academic offerings, campus life, and online programs, please visit UJ.edu.

Media Attachments

Dan Kucera, University of Jamestown Sodexo general manager, checks out a mobile kitchen that Northwest College sent UJ after university's dining center was damaged in a fire. NWC staff drove the mobile kitchen 1,200 miles round trip from Powell, Wyoming, to Jamestown, North Dakota.

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