Rivera ’96 returns the support said. “My life is immensely better as a result. I want my sons to have the opportunity to one day attend this great school and to be ‘Men for Others’.” Rivera’s memories from more than 20 years ago “seem like yesterday.” Memories of wonderful times hanging out with classmates in the cafeteria, long hours of baseball practice and time together on road trips as a team, and the huge impact of the Jesuit faculty. “Good family, good friends, and good mentors are very important influences toward living a good life, and the friendships I developed during my time at Jesuit have become lifelong friendships,” Rivera said. “From those glory days in high school to my wedding, and through some of the roughest days of my life, my Jesuit friends have been there for me.” Rivera hopes his gift to Jesuit helps the school continue in its mission. “It is my heartfelt wish that Jesuit continues to thrive, continues to build ‘Men for Others’, and continues to provide young men an environment where rigorous academics prepare them for the challenges of life. “The Jesuit experience is like no other. No words are necessary for alumni to understand. The experience resonates in all of us.” JESUIT PERSPECTIVES • WINTER 2016-17 29 Generations who have walked the halls of Jesuit High School feel a special bond to the school. For some, the feelings took time to develop over a period of years. Not Hector Rivera ’96. “The first day I walked into Jesuit High School, freshman year, I knew Jesuit would be close to my heart forever,” Rivera said. Rivera loved Jesuit from Day 1, and strengthened that love during his four years on Himes Ave. However, it was something that happened long after graduation that confirmed his very first impression of Jesuit. “The impact that (Jesuit president Fr. Richard C. Hermes, S.J.), my classmates, and other alumni – some I knew, and some just met recently – have had on me since a major tragedy in my life will never be forgotten,” Rivera said. “I feel that Jesuit and its family took me into their arms, surrounded me with love, and guided me when most needed. My family and I are forever grateful.” As an expression of that gratitude, Rivera has joined the 1899 Bequest Society at Jesuit. Bequest Society members are those who have indicated in writing that they have made provisions for Jesuit High School in their will “I feel that Jesuit and its family took me into their arms, surrounded me with love, and guided me when most needed.” or estate plans. Rivera, who also is a member of the Jesuit High School Foundation, Inc., said part of his family’s estate will be left for Jesuit. “It makes us happy to express that gratitude by serving (on the Foundation) and by leaving part of our estate to the school,” Rivera said. Rivera lives in Tampa with his wife, Hadley, and their children Hector Geoffrey (age 9) and Hudson (6). He worked for several years as an attorney, but now is primarily focused on commercial real estate. He recognizes the major influence Jesuit High School has had on his life. “The mentorship I received from the faculty and staff at Jesuit widened my horizons, empowered my intellect and ethics, and inspired me to be a ‘Man for Others’,” Rivera JESUIT PERSPECTIVES • SPRING 2017 Hector Rivera ’96 at Jesuit’s Hyer Family Park baseball facility
20091JH
To see the actual publication please follow the link above