Alumnus Kevin Hendrickson Transforms Industry in Jamaica
After graduating from Saint Leo University in 1979, Kevin Hendrickson returned to his hometown in Kingston, Jamaica, to become the general manager of a 76-bed hotel at the age of 21. The former Courtleigh Manor Hotel was an investment property purchased by his family’s business. After receiving a bachelor’s degree in management and psychology, Hendrickson was given the opportunity to lead its operations.
Little did he know, that years later his first job would lead to him becoming the owner and managing director of one of Jamaica’s largest and most reputable hospitality companies—The Courtleigh Hospitality Group—home to five hotel properties in Jamaica.
“I was bit by the hospitality bug having worked there for 15 years,” Hendrickson said in reflecting back on his first job and his decision to pursue a career in the industry. “That’s where my love for hospitality grew because I did not have exposure to much else.”
Hendrickson said it was easy for him to cultivate a passion for the hospitality industry because of the challenges and opportunities it presents.
“It’s the instant feedback you get,” Hendrickson said. “If you’re doing a good job, the customer will let you know, and it is very rewarding. If you’re not doing a good job, you also get instant feedback that you’re not. The industry constantly pushes you toward excellence.”
During his time as general manager of Courtleigh Manor, Hendrickson also pursued an interest in the food service industry, purchasing Yummy Bakery (now Baking Enterprise) in 1988. After closing the Courtleigh Manor, he went on to purchase The Courtleigh Hotel & Suites in 1997.
From that point, he acquired additional hotels: The Ruins at the Falls (Ocho Rios) in 2001, The Knutsford Court Hotel in 2002, The Holiday Inn Resort Montego Bay in 2008, and The Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in 2011. His most recent purchase was the former Wyndham Kinston, a 300-bed hotel, which is under re-development.
Today the Courtleigh Hospitality Group holds the largest block of hotel accommodations in Kingston, offering more than 800 rooms. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Hendrickson employed nearly 2,000 employees, who he credits for much of his success.
“My greatest achievement is the success of my team and all that they’ve been able to accomplish,” Hendrickson said. “It is really great to see so many team members who have been with the company for some time achieve great accomplishments and receive valuable awards for it.”
Lessons from Saint Leo
Hendrickson’s compassion and appreciation for others started early during his time as a student at University Campus. While most of his family members pursued degrees at larger institutions, Hendrickson opted for Saint Leo University, which he described as a smaller school where he would be able to focus more on his studies.
And that’s exactly what he was able to do. Hendrickson’s memories of Saint Leo include an appreciation for being able to engage in one-on-one conversations with his professors, like Associate Professor of economics and Saint Leo Athletics Hall of Fame Member Chuck Fisk. Hendrickson recalls how grateful he was for the opportunity to meet with Fisk over the years and ask questions when he wasn’t understanding what was taught in the classroom.
He also appreciated the close connections he made with classmates. Hendrickson has fond memories of spending evenings with up to eight of his peers, crammed into one room, engaging in conversations with one another.
“I loved just the simplicity of having a conversation,” Hendrickson said. “From these conversations, you learned a lot about how to listen and about others—how they think and what experiences they’ve had.”
Hendrickson came to Saint Leo University without knowing anyone at the university, but that changed over the years. He immediately connected with other students who had come to Saint Leo from Jamaica and from across the world.
“When I stood up and looked around at graduation, I realized that all the people who were once strangers had become friends,” Hendrickson said. “Saint Leo University taught me that you could live together as one.”
Leaving a Legacy
As Hendrickson’s business grew over the years, so did his list of accolades. His hotels and hotel food and beverage services have garnered significant recognition—from top AAA rankings to medals and trophies for competing in the Culinary Federation of Jamaica’s Taste of Jamaica competition.
The honor of serving noteworthy guests also tops Hendrickson’s list. The Jamaica Pegasus hotel and The Courtleigh Hotel & Suites has welcomed many dignitaries visiting Jamaica over the years, including former U.S. President Barack Obama, former British Prime Minister David Cameron, and Prince Edward, earl of Wessex, to name a few.
For all of his success, Hendrickson also has received personal recognition. In 2020, he was given the American Chamber of Commerce of Jamaica President’s Award for the impact he has had on Jamaica’s hospitality industry and also in 2015, the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Jamaica Hotel & Tourist Association. In 2017, he was honored with one of Jamaica’s highest civilian awards, The Order of Distinction in The Rank of Commander, as part of National Heroes Day celebrations held in Jamaica.
When asked what he thinks has led to his success, Hendrickson cites strong communication and teaching skills as foundational qualities for achieving success at anything. But ultimately, he believes that having a sense of pride in his work has been the driver behind his quest for excellence.
“Be proud of what you do,” Hendrickson said. “It will never let you fail.”
Dr. Douglas M. “Doug” Astolfi, professor emeritus of history, passed away on June 14, 2018, at his home. He was 75 and had been ill with kidney cancer. He joined Saint Leo in 1997 as vice president of academic affairs, following a progression of administrative and teaching positions at other institutions.
Marc Newberry, a University Campus rising junior who was majoring in management, passed away on April 28, following a boating accident near his home in Naples, FL. Marc was well known in his hometown for his talents as a high school football player. The Naples community remembers him as “the man with the hard hit and the big heart.” Regarding the accident, Marc’s father, John Newberry, explained, “He died doing what he loved to do, and that’s out and about having fun with his friends.”
Roberta Frazier Wright, a business administration student at the Savannah Education Center, passed away on March 23. She had been a Saint Leo student since summer 2015. Her daughter, Malaysha Hall, also is a Savannah Education Center student.
Griffin Clark, 21, a sophomore criminal justice major and member of the men’s golf team, passed away on July 4. He was involved in a car accident near his home in Chesterfield County, VA. Griffin helped lead the golf team to its recent NCAA Division II National Championship, in Denver, CO, playing in the final match-play pairing against Chico State (CA) and winning by three strokes.
Frederick “Fred” William Colby Sr. ’84, registrar emeritus, passed away on July 7. A decorated veteran of the U.S. Navy, he served from 1952 to 1979, including tours of duty in Singapore and Tokyo, as a Naval intelligence specialist. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Saint Leo College and was a member of the Saint Leo staff for 24 years, retiring as registrar.
Dr. Diane Johnson passed away on May 10. She was an assistant director of the Center for Online Learning from 2005 to 2014. After retiring from that administrative role, she continued to teach as an online adjunct professor. She is remembered for being supportive of Saint Leo’s students and guiding them through their educational development.
On May 20, Dr. Kurt Van Wilt passed away at his home. A humble and devoted English professor, he dedicated his life to the education of Saint Leo University’s students, to their spiritual and intellectual growth and development. A respected poet, he was the master of the sonnet, a form that appeals to the kind of artisan who enjoys the rigor of structure, the triumphs achieved through simplicity. An expert in comparative mysticism and Native American literature, he authored three critically praised books for Millichap Books. He was also a co-founder of The Sandhill Review literary arts magazine, The Lightning Key Review electronic journal, and The Green Rabbit chapbook series.
Katie Adamson
Hannah Beard
Sommer Pollard
Brandon Rivera
Maftuna Tuhtasinova
Zach Whitaker
Jim Cerbie ’79 got his 400th win as head baseball coach for The Providence Day School in Charlotte, NC, on April 5, 2016. During his 29-year baseball coaching career at Providence Day, he has seen 28 of his players sign to play college baseball at some of the most prestigious programs and schools in the country.
James Jacobsen ’70 is the golf coach at Bergen Catholic High School (NJ), where he won his 1,000th match on April 22, 2016. This gave him an overall 34-year coaching record of 1023-33-1. He was named Coach of the Year by the Star Ledger, The Record, and The Bergen County Coaches Association.
Dr. Teresa Harrell, instructor of speech and senior academic advisor at the Langley Education Office, passed away June 26.
Dr. Scott R. Homan, associate professor of management at the Savannah Education Center, passed away on June 23. He graduated from Purdue University in 1988 with his bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership and supervision; he earned his master’s degree in the same discipline the following year. After a stint at Anderson Consulting in Chicago, he decided to pursue his love of teaching and completed his doctorate degree from Texas A&M University. He joined Saint Leo in Spring 2013 and taught graduate and undergraduate courses in business management.
John “Jack” Reynolds, who served on the Saint Leo Board of Trustees from 1990 to 2012, passed away on April 17. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from St. John’s University at night and his Master of Business Administration at the Stern School of New York University (also at night) and attended the advanced management program at Dartmouth College. He was employed for 10 years by W. R. Grace and for many years by ITT, rising to the position of corporate vice president and division president. He was a trustee emeritus at the time of his death.
Walt Riddle, retired Saint Leo University and Sunshine State Conference (SSC) publicist, passed away on May 7 after a lengthy illness. Celebrated as a gifted writer and a transformational figure for both Saint Leo University athletics and the SSC, Riddle first came to Saint Leo’s University Campus in 1989 as the sports information director and special events coordinator. The following year, he assumed the duties of SSC assistant commissioner and sports information director, and helped the conference establish its first central office. Under Riddle’s guidance, the SSC developed one of the nation’s largest NCAA Division II television packages.
Dr. Burt Rosenbaum, for nine years an adjunct professor at Saint Leo College, passed away on March 30. After graduating from the College of the City of New York with a degree in mechanical engineering, he began his career at NACA (National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics), which became NASA, and published about 30 applied mathematics research papers with emphasis on statistics. Several of his papers contributed to NASA’s successful Apollo 11 moon landing on July 20, 1969, for which he received the Apollo Achievement Award.
Marcian Bullard, a University Campus sophomore who was pursuing a bachelor’s degree in computer information systems, was involved in a fatal automobile accident on December 27, 2015.
Jackie Dennis, a student majoring in human services at the Gwinnett Education Center, passed away on January 17, 2016. She is survived by numerous family members, including
Bill Foley, an associate professor of accounting and professor emeritus, passed away on September 23, 2015.
Gary Richard Osborne II, a Lakeland Education Center student, passed away September 22, 2015. He was studying for his associate degree in liberal arts and was awarded the degree from Saint Leo posthumously. A talented musician and songwriter, he had plans to attend Belmont University in Nashville to pursue his commercial music degree.
Fred A. Sams ’82, a graduate of Saint Leo College and adjunct professor in the Graduate Criminal Justice program, passed away on November 19, 2015. His career in law and criminal justice began when he was accepted as a member of the FBI in 1967. Over the years he served with multiple police and sheriff departments and as the director of forensics and crime labs for two agencies. He was a regionally prominent forensic investigator and consulted on many homicides and major death cases. Sams served in the U.S. Army in Special Forces, Army Criminal Investigation, and S-2 Intelligence. The American College of Forensic Examiners awarded him the distinction of Fellow, as well as Diplomate in Law Enforcement Expert and Diplomate in Homeland Security.
Ashley (Henderson) Zimmerman ’10 passed away on December 22, 2015. She had been an administrator in the MBA program from 2006 to 2011 and was instrumental in the buildup of the online MBA during Saint Leo’s transition from its partnership with Bisk in 2007.