Prep Talk
Innovation Meets Tradition: Launch of the Entrepreneur in Residence Program and First Veritas Speaker of the Year
Posted October 1st, 2024
St. Augustine Prep has always strived to embrace the balance between innovation and tradition, reflecting the teachings of St. Augustine himself, who calls us to seek truth and to foster a sense of community. The ongoing development of our Innovation and Experiential Learning Initiative reflects this commitment to education that is both deeply rooted in Augustinian values and forward-thinking in approach.
This school year has highlighted two key programs under this initiative: the first Veritas Speaker Series of the year, Justin Trout, co-founder of Health-Ade, and the announcement of our Entrepreneur in Residence (EIR) program led by 1968 Prep alumnus, Nelson Carvalho. Each program demonstrates our dedication to preparing students for a future grounded in the Augustinian ideals of Veritas, Unitas, and Caritas – truth, unity, and love – while fostering the innovative spirit needed to succeed in an ever-evolving world.
Veritas Speaker Series Kicks Off with Entrepreneur Justin Trout
As part of the Veritas Speaker Series, Justin Trout engaged with students from our Accounting, Business Management, Chemistry, and Entrepreneurial Thinking classes. The co-founder of Health-Ade Kombucha, a brand that grew from humble beginnings at a local farmers market to a household name, shared his journey of perseverance, innovation, and staying true to one’s passion. All values that echo the Augustinian call to follow one’s restless heart in the pursuit of truth.
Mr. Trout spoke about the challenges of entrepreneurship, the importance of trusting your instincts, and the role of community in building a successful business. All of these elements underscore how Unitas, or unity, will be essential for our students in their personal and professional lives. His visit marked the first Veritas Speaker event of the school year, part of an ongoing series of talks planned through the Innovation and Experiential Learning Initiative. These opportunities to hear from, personally meet, and interact with successful and experienced individuals like Mr. Trout, further inspire our students to think creatively, apply real-world skills, and build connections through the vast network of St. Augustine Prep.
Launch of the Entrepreneur in Residence Program
In addition to Justin Trout’s inspiring talk, the opening weeks of the year included the launch of the school’s first-ever Entrepreneur in Residence (EIR) program, an initiative aimed at mentoring and guiding students as they explore a future in the business world. The program is led by Nelson Carvalho ’68, a Prep alumnus and co-founder of the Innovation and Experiential Learning Initiative. Mr. Carvalho, who also Co-Founded and serves as the President and CEO of N-Zyme Scientifics, embodies the essence of the term ‘Christian Gentleman,’ dedicating his career to truth-seeking innovation and mentorship. His storied career as a Financial Executive spans over 40 years of leading organizations ranging from Fortune 100 to entrepreneurial, privately-held, and also Non-Profit companies. He holds an MBA from the University of Delaware where he was also a full-time Member of the Faculty for 3 years in its College of Business and Economics.
Mr. Carvalho now comes to the Prep to spearhead the EIR program that will also support the Junior Job Shadow tradition, which provides students the chance to gain first-hand experience in the business world and beyond. He will also focus on collaborating with Innovation & Experiential Learning Director, Ms. Denise Donaghy and the Prep community to foster big picture thinking and to help students navigate the challenges of the modern world.
Fostering an Augustinian and Innovative Approach to Experiential Learning
At St. Augustine Prep, we have always believed that learning extends beyond the classroom and into the heart of our students’ futures. The Innovation and Experiential Learning Initiative integrates the Augustinian ideals of Veritas (truth), Unitas (unity), and Caritas (love) into every aspect of its programming. Whether through entrepreneurial talks, hands-on educational experiences, or mentorship programs, we are dedicated to fostering a spirit of innovation that is deeply grounded in servant leadership and community service.
As we look ahead to future Veritas Speakers and the continued growth of the EIR program, we are confident these initiatives will not only prepare our students to succeed but also inspire them to lead mission-driven lives – guided by their Augustinian roots and innovative minds.
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Stay tuned to hermits.com for more updates on the Veritas Speaker Series, the Entrepreneur in Residence program, and other exciting developments from the Innovation and Experiential Learning Initiative!
To learn more about the Innovation and Experiential Learning Initiative or to support the program, contact Ms. Denise Donaghy, Director of Innovation and Experiential Learning at ms.donaghy@hermits.com.
Hermits Connect
Connect with individuals in the vast Hermits Network like Mr. Trout, Mr. Carvalho, and so many more. Sign up for Hermits Connect, St. Augustine Prep’s official networking platform – Visit HermitsConnect.com today!
