Common Man's Alex Ray to speak at New Hampton School convocation on Sunday, September 12

NEW HAMPTON — Alex Ray, owner and co-founder of the Common Man family of restaurants, will be the keynote speaker at the New Hampson School's 189th Convocation beginning at 5 p.m. on Sunday, September 12.

With a yearlong theme of food as an inspiration, it seems only fitting that the school's official kick off of the 2010 — 2011 academic year will include one of the most respected businessmen, philanthropists, and restaurant visionaries in New Hampshire history.

"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. His mantra has always been “Do Good,” and he encourages all of his employees to get involved with their local communities through hosting fundraisers at each location and volunteering their own personal time. He even 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.

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.

The New Hampton School's 189th Convocation is open to the public.