Prep Talk

Wawa CEO, Mr. Chris Gheysens (SA ’89) Returns To Richland

Posted March 21st, 2017

The clock hit 7:30 AM and it was the beginning of just another day at St. Augustine Prep – or was it?  Enter a Wawa truck filled with free coffee and breakfast for the entire school, all sent with love by 1989 Prep Graduate and Wawa President & CEO, Mr. Chris Gheysens.  As part of the Prep’s Veritas Lecture Series, Mr. Gheysens was set to return “home” in order to address the entire Prep Community during an assembly scheduled later that afternoon.

An academic and spiritual foundation based on critical thinking, emotional intelligence, and leadership are elements that every student nurtures throughout their time at St. Augustine Prep.  That exact foundation has played a significant role in the life and career of Chris Gheysens (SA ’89).  He was kind enough to share memories of his experience at the Prep, his journey as a Wawa employee, and also what the future holds for Wawa, Inc.

The Vineland, NJ native spoke of his education which traveled through St. Mary’s in East Vineland, St. Augustine Prep, Villanova University, and lastly St. Joseph’s University where he would later complete his graduate studies.  Through Mr. Gheysens’ riveting presentation, the student body was treated to a unique look at the inner workings of the Wawa empire – most specifically the detail, dedication, and the emphasis placed on values and culture within the company.

In addition to the aforementioned elements of a St. Augustine graduate, the Wawa Chief Executive also spoke fondly of the intangibles that the Prep had instilled in him.  His message revolved around the role that values and culture play in an individual’s personal and professional life.  “You guys are in a wonderful place – it’s the faculty, it’s the culture that has set the standard.  It is also you, you are part of a brotherhood that will grow and grow and one that you will nurture well beyond where you are at today in your career and beyond.”

Mr. Gheysens went on to share tidbits of his time as a student at St. Augustine – the existence of one building as opposed to the present day five, 33 students in his graduating class as opposed to the current senior class of 150.  Despite the differences, he proudly mentioned that the spirit of the Hermit Brotherhood has remained unchanged.  That spirit was evident in his closing message to the current student body, his newest crop of Hermit Brothers – Gheysens mentioned, “You will find success in life with friends, with an organization, with a company where you find alignment with your own values, with what’s inside of you, in that organization.  That is my hope for all of you, that one day you land at a job and you find a place where you jump out of bed in the morning because it’s not work, it’s a place where you know you can make a difference.”