News from Nativity Preparatory School

We are pleased to announce that Nativity Prep alum, former volunteer faculty member and current Nativity Trustee, Hudson Evei, class of Loyola, has accepted admission to Dartmouth University's Tuck School of Business. We wanted to chat with Hudson before he leaves for Dartmouth about what Nativity has meant to him in his personal, educational and professional life.

Nativity: How did Nativity prepare you for college at Georgetown and beyond?

Hudson: The four years that I spent as a Nativity Prep student were some of the most enjoyable times of my life. The friendships that I developed with my classmates have been for life, as were the morals and values that were developed over those long days. I gained confidence in my abilities and a sense of ownership for the school that nurtured me into a respectable young man. Nativity convinced me that I could accomplish whatever I set my mind to, and prepared me to work hard in pursuit of my goals. I see my time at Nativity as when I started walking down the right path in life.

Nativity: Please discuss your decision to return to Nativity as a volunteer faculty member after graduating from Georgetown.

Hudson: Returning to Nativity as a volunteer teacher was very important to me because it was a part of what I learned as a student at Nativity. As a student at Nativity, you are very aware of the commitment and dedication of the faculty, and it serves as an example of the old Jesuit motto, "Men for Others." Nativity provided me the tools that have opened a lot of doors for me, and I wanted to encourage young men like myself to fulfill their potential and to become positive members of their communities. What I didn't anticipate upon returning was how my relationships with the students and other faculty would enrich my life. The flow of education went both directions in my experience. I will always cherish the time that I spent as a volunteer teacher at Nativity.

Nativity: Since leaving Nativity you have worked for the Pyramid Hotel Group. What has your role at Pyramid been?

Hudson: I have been employed by Pyramid Hotel Group (PHG) in several roles during the four years since leaving Nativity. I began my career as a staff accountant, and then moved into the business development team as a financial analyst. Currently, I am a centralized controller on the accounting/finance team where I oversee the general accounting of three hotels within the Pyramid portfolio. The opportunity to function in different capacities has enabled me to develop a thorough understanding of hospitality assets in a limited amount of time.

Nativity: How has your experience at Pyramid been intertwined with Nativity Prep?

Hudson: I have had the good fortune to be mentored by some very remarkable people at Pyramid, including CEO, Rick Kelleher. Many of the core values that make Nativity a special place are also alive and well at Pyramid. Rick's value of hard work and his compassion for each individual his business decisions affect have been especially educational to me. He runs an extremely successful company, yet is motivated by more than just the bottom line on a financial statement. Rick and his wife, Nancy (current Nativity Trustee), have made improving conditions for others a major part of their lives. They have been extremely generous to Nativity Prep, and their commitment to helping those less fortunate is an inspiration to all those who know them. The support from the Kellehers and many other benefactors make the mission of Nativity Prep possible. As a former student, I am extremely grateful for all they have done.

Nativity: How do you think Nativity differs from other schools with similar missions?

Hudson: In my opinion, it is the strength of the relationships that develop between the students and the entire Nativity community. The faces of the faculty and staff may change, but the commitment to furthering the development of the student body never does. People like Kathy Schultz, and now Ramon Gomez, in the Nativity Graduate Support office have always been a significant part of my life. I sought their support over my high school and college counselors because they knew me better; I wasn't just a part of their job description, but someone they truly cared for and wanted to help succeed. The high standards we set together encouraged me to work tirelessly in an effort not to let them down. My decision to return to Nativity was heavily influenced by a conversation that I had with Kathy during my senior year at Georgetown University. Even when I am not physically at Nativity, it feels as if they are always with me, watching and caring for me, and it is what makes Nativity feel like home for me.