At our convocation on October 25, we explored our Year of Hospitality and how the Residence Program plays a central role in this theme.

Director of Residence Life, Joe Harkins shared, "I’m not sure that everyone realizes how diverse a place the program is and how many different people live on campus. This year, we have 125 resident students with representation from 6 continents, 20 countries, and 20 states, plus Washington, DC. We have 32 Dorm Parents who work and live here, with 17 children of our own. Of the 32 Dorm Parents, 14 are women. 14 Dorm Parents are your teachers. 5 more are administrators. There are 6 alumni, 9 dogs, 4 cats, and one rabbit.

That diversity can’t help but enhance our sense of hospitality. Year in and year out, we are actively welcoming people from all walks of life and from all over the globe. Our dormitory is not just a building—it was intentionally designed to be a hub of community life and a space where everyone is welcome and can find friendship and support. The Campus Center is a place to gather, to connect, and to experience hospitality in action. Hospitality is not a passive gesture. It is an active and intentional way of living. It’s about listening to others, offering support, and creating a space where all feel welcome. 

We are committed to creating a culture where every student, no matter where they come from or where they lay their head at night, is fully included and welcomed. For boarders, the dorm should be a second home. For day students, it’s a place where the doors are always open—a sanctuary after a long day of classes, a space to study in peace, or just a place to enjoy the company of friends. It’s about creating a space where every student feels the warmth of hospitality and the sense of belonging that comes from being part of a welcoming community. 
Like any good home, it should radiate warmth, welcome, and a commitment to the dignity of each person who passes through its doors. Please know that you are all welcome into that home to join us as we continue living out our mission of hospitality."

The audience then enjoyed Kei Yasuda ’29 playing a piece by Bachon the piano. Kei was amazing. The Joseph Yung ’25 from Hong Kong spoke about St. Alphonsus Rodriguez of Spain. Joe told us how St. Alphonsus Rodriguez worked as a doorman for most of his life. His job was to simply hold open the door of a school and welcome students and faculty as they arrived each day. He was a great example demonstrating how to open doors and hearts to everyone.

Brian Fayer ’25, who is local student who wanted the resident experience, shared, "From the first second I stepped onto campus and into the dormitory I felt an immense sense of hospitality. The dorm parents have always supported me, helping me with whatever I needed and making me truly feel like a part of the Prep community. Although I don’t have any biological brothers, I feel like God has given me brothers through my tight-knit friendships in the dorm. My Prep brothers from around the world are always there to support me and some of the best memories and experiences of my life have been time spent with them on campus or during the weekend residential activities."