Saint Martin’s University has selected James Beard Award-winning chef Renee Erickson to serve as the celebrity host for its 2026 gala. The event, aimed at raising funds for student scholarships, is scheduled for November 7, 2026, on the university's Lacey campus. Erickson's involvement highlights the gala's focus on culinary excellence and community support.
Saint Martin’s University announced on March 6, 2026, that Renee Erickson, a James Beard Award-winning chef and restaurateur based in Seattle, will host its 2026 gala. The university's signature fundraising event supports student scholarships and will take place on Saturday, November 7, 2026, in the Hal and Inge Marcus Pavilion on the Saint Martin’s Lacey campus.
“We are delighted to welcome Chef Renee Erickson to Saint Martin’s for our 2026 Gala,” said Bill Brownsberger, S.T.D., president of Saint Martin’s University. “Her commitment to culinary excellence and community reflects the Benedictine values that guide our University. The Gala is a celebration of hospitality and generosity, and Chef Erickson’s artistry will help us create an unforgettable evening celebrating and supporting our students.”
A Seattle native, Erickson owns several acclaimed restaurants in the Pacific Northwest, including The Walrus and the Carpenter, Lioness, Barnacle, Westward, and General Porpoise Doughnuts and Coffee. Her cuisine emphasizes the seasonal ingredients of the region viewed through a European perspective, blending simplicity and elegance.
Erickson has authored three cookbooks: “A Boat, a Whale and a Walrus” in 2014, which won a Pacific Northwest Booksellers Association Award; “Getaway: Food and Drink to Transport You” in 2021, featuring recipes inspired by various global destinations; and her latest, “Sunlight & Breadcrumbs,” which focuses on everyday cooking.
She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Washington and serves on the board of its School of Art + Art History + Design. Erickson resides in Seattle with her family.
“The Gala is a powerful expression of our community’s belief in the transformative value of education,” noted John Grossman, vice president of Institutional Advancement. “In 2025, we raised $2 million for scholarships, turning the dream of a college education into a reality for many of our students.”
Rooted in the Catholic, Benedictine tradition, the black-tie gala includes a five-course gourmet dinner, live cooking demonstrations by celebrity chefs, and an auction of items and experiences. All proceeds support scholarships for talented students regardless of financial background. Tickets and further details are available through the university's website or by contacting the Office of Institutional Advancement at 360-438-4366 or gala@stmartin.edu.
