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Common Man's Alex Ray to Speak at 189th Convocation
One of the most respected businessmen, philanthropists, and restaurant visionaries in New Hampshire history will speak to the New Hampton School community next month.
With a yearlong theme of food as an inspiration, New Hampton School is thrilled to announce that Alex Ray, owner and co-founder of the Common Man Family of Restaurants, will be the keynote speaker at the school's 189th Convocation on Sunday, September 12, 2010. The program, which will officially kick off the 2010-2011 academic year, is set to begin at 5 pm.
"We are delighted to have such a respected member of our neighboring community speak to our students and faculty,” New Hampton Head of School Andrew Menke said. “Alex Ray’s entrepreneurial spirit as well as his dedication to philanthropy and helping people locally and on a global level is remarkable. For a school whose mission is to shape global citizens, it is wonderful to have a speaker who embodies all the qualities that we are trying to instill in our students."
Ray has built the Common Man Family of restaurants into a thriving hospitality business that includes 13 restaurants and numerous other businesses. Alex's mantra for The Common Man family has always been “Do Good,” and he encourages all employees to get involved with their local communities, through hosting fund-raisers at each location and volunteering their own personal time. He allows employees a paid day off to contribute to a charity important to them, and supports employee efforts to raise funds for local organizations, sometimes making his own personal contribution. Ray was recognized by the National Restaurant Association in 2009 and was awarded their Cornerstone Humanitarian Award for his efforts.
Said National Restaurant Association President and CEO Dawn Sweeney. "(Alex) has demonstrated a tremendous commitment to serving his community, helping friends and neighbors, and giving back to those in need. Perhaps most admirable is that Alex passes on this sense of community to the employees of his restaurants, encouraging each of them to participate in service projects."
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With a yearlong theme of food as an inspiration, New Hampton School is thrilled to announce that Alex Ray, owner and co-founder of the Common Man Family of Restaurants, will be the keynote speaker at the school's 189th Convocation on Sunday, September 12, 2010. The program, which will officially kick off the 2010-2011 academic year, is set to begin at 5 pm.
"We are delighted to have such a respected member of our neighboring community speak to our students and faculty,” New Hampton Head of School Andrew Menke said. “Alex Ray’s entrepreneurial spirit as well as his dedication to philanthropy and helping people locally and on a global level is remarkable. For a school whose mission is to shape global citizens, it is wonderful to have a speaker who embodies all the qualities that we are trying to instill in our students."
Ray has built the Common Man Family of restaurants into a thriving hospitality business that includes 13 restaurants and numerous other businesses. Alex's mantra for The Common Man family has always been “Do Good,” and he encourages all employees to get involved with their local communities, through hosting fund-raisers at each location and volunteering their own personal time. He allows employees a paid day off to contribute to a charity important to them, and supports employee efforts to raise funds for local organizations, sometimes making his own personal contribution. Ray was recognized by the National Restaurant Association in 2009 and was awarded their Cornerstone Humanitarian Award for his efforts.
Said National Restaurant Association President and CEO Dawn Sweeney. "(Alex) has demonstrated a tremendous commitment to serving his community, helping friends and neighbors, and giving back to those in need. Perhaps most admirable is that Alex passes on this sense of community to the employees of his restaurants, encouraging each of them to participate in service projects."
In addition to his work with local charities, Ray has been part of Habitat for Humanity efforts as well as relief work after 9/11, Katrina, and the earthquake in Haiti, where he traveled earlier this year. He is currently building a culinary institute in Honduras.
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