Alumni & Friends
Alumni Profile

A few weeks ago, Lynn Kilchenstein, President of NHTI, was enjoying lunch with friends at Granite Restaurant and Bar, located in The Centennial Hotel in Concord. She was approached by a young man, Benjamin Roy, the restaurant manager. Ben introduced himself and explained that he was a 2008 graduate of NHTI, having earned his Associate’s Degree in Business Administration. He complimented the professors at the College, saying that they truly dedicated themselves to the students, both inside and outside the classroom, driving them to succeed.

"He was just so articulate and gracious," says President Kilchenstein. "I always enjoy meeting our graduates and learning about what they are doing now. It was especially gratifying to know how much Ben enjoyed his time at NHTI, and to hear about the opportunities it afforded him."

A lifelong resident of Concord, Ben graduated from Concord High School in 2004 and took a year off to travel before heading to college. Although many people warned him that by taking some time off, he might risk never going to college, Ben was confident about his path.

"Attending NHTI made so much sense to me," Ben explains. "I was working fulltime and putting myself through school. The flexibility in scheduling my classes helped me manage my time and it was a lot more affordable than some of the four-year schools my friends were attending."

His father, Richard, a 1970 graduate of the College, also encouraged him to attend.

While in school, Ben was working as a waiter at the Outback Steakhouse in Concord; later he became a manager in training. Gaining valuable experience working at C.R. Sparks in Bedford and the Hanover Street Chophouse, he landed a job at Granite Restaurant and Bar two years ago, just as he was graduating from NHTI. As the manager, he oversees almost every aspect of the restaurant including the dining room, bar area, private functions and banquets – basically, everywhere but the kitchen.

"I pretty much do laps around the building, making sure everything is running smoothly," he says, smiling. "It’s amazing through word-of-mouth how many people come in for the first time after 3 years to experience what we have to offer and become our regulars."

Reflecting on his time at NHTI, Ben again points to the professors. "They seemed to do so much more than teach. The professors, people like Joe Gula and Ed Doherty … they helped the students in as many ways as possible. Professor Gula was a mentor who helped me through a challenging situation. And Professor Doherty put so much of his own personality into his classes that micro- and macro-economics were actually enjoyable!"

An avid hiker and camper, Ben loves living in the Concord area; the proximity to the lakes, the mountains and even to Boston makes it the perfect location. In fact, he hopes to buy a home in the area very soon.

Recently, Ben was back on campus with his girlfriend, Sarah, who met with Academic Advisor Elibet Chase. Of the meeting, Ben says, "She really listened to Sarah and had lots of advice to help her get on the right track. It just reinforced how incredible everyone is at NHTI."